WHALE WATCHING HURSTBRIDGE

Plenty Ranges Arts Centre is the premier theatre centre in Melbourne's northern suburbs.

Since opening in March 1996, Plenty Ranges Arts Centre has been the ideal venue for performing arts, social functions, wedding receptions and corporate events, as well as providing live theatre entertainment for the local community.

The fully equipped theatres host the PRAC Theatre Season, the annual Musical Morning program and a range of community performances.

Yarrambat Picnic provides the perfect spot for a family day out. Facilities include electric barbecues, picnic tables and a picnic shelter. Toilet facilities are also provided and have access for people with limited mobility. The area of park around the picnic area provides wide open spaces for playing cricket, kicking a football, flying a kite or walking the dog. Spectacular views of Kinglake National Park and Mt Disappointment are also on offer. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Nioka Bush Camp is a quiet retreat away from the stresses of city life. Stay overnight in the great outdoors, camping or in bunkhouse accommodation. Explore the sights and sounds of of the bush on a pleasant bushwalk. The wildlife is varied and you might catch a glimpse of an Eastern Grey Kangaroo or a Sugar Glider. Facilities provided include toilets, hot showers, non-powered campsites, bunkhouse accommodation, water, campfire ring (byo firewood), barbecues, hall with wood heater and kitchen. Access the camp off Gordons Road via Plenty Road in South Morang. Camping at Nioka Bush camp is by prior booking only. You can book online or call. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

In an isolated corner of the Yarra Valley among the high hills and lovely country of Kangaroo Ground, Redbox is a friendly, family-owned cellar door worth a detour. Cabernet Sauvignon is a speciality here, and the range of wines is certain to expand your experience of this great grape variety. Of course there are traditional Cabernet reds, but there's also a white version, a tawny, an 'ice Cabernet', and even a Cabernet jelly that's perfect with one of Redbox's cheese platters.' Ralph Kyte-Powell The eight acre vineyard in Kangaroo Ground at the Western end of the Yarra Valley in the Shire of Nillumbik was planted to Riesling, Chardonnay and Cabernet in 1986. The property was named "Wildfell" by a pioneering Scotsman, Walter Wippel, who settled this property in the Kangaroo Ground area in the early 1850's; establishing orchards, market gardens and grazing land. No doubt, wine production was high on the list of priorities, and the rich decomposed volcanic soils assisted in this pursuit. Over 150 years on, the Kangaroo Ground area has seen the establishment of a number of new vineyards due to the high quality of the fruit and ideal growing conditions. It's proximity to Melbourne and the rolling hills broken by dense stands of Red Box and other eucalypts makes it a haven for weekend visitors and wine tasters from all over. Enjoy your visit on any Saturday or Sunday at the Redbox Cellar Door in Ness Lane, Kangaroo Ground - in the high country at the west end of the Yarra Valley, where excellence attracts the wine buff, and the Nillumbik landscape enchants all those who venture to explore.

Samson Hill Winery and Restaurant at Kangaroo Ground, 28 kilometres north east of Melbourne CBD, was established in 1998 on a spectacular location overlooking the City of Melbourne, the surrounding mountains to Kinglake, the Dandenong's and much more. The views are second to none and the clean air is plentiful. The concept of the founding family was to strive for quality only and develop full bodied rich reds and crisp fruity whites. Wines that can be enjoyed immediately but may also be kept in cellar for many years and would mature beautifully. The varieties grown on the property are, Shiraz, Pinot Noir and Verdelho. From these the founders have produced a full bodied Shiraz, a bold Pinot Noir, a delicate Rose and two varieties from the Verdelho - a sweet and a dry, both with the same bold fruity, floral nose and crisp melon characters (very popular). The Cellar door is open for tastings daily and meals are also available. The staff are friendly and only too willing to chat about the wine or recommend other places of interest for tourists. Enjoy a lovingly prepared feast from the A-la-carte menu for lunch or dinner while sitting in a quaint restaurant overlooking the Melbourne skyline.

Plenty Gorge Park offers a wide range of natural and cultural experiences only 20km from Melbourne CBD. With views of the Plenty River and a backdrop of the wooded Plenty Gorge, this is a perfect spot for a quiet picnic or barbecue. Visitors to Yarrambat can enjoy views of the Kinglake Ranges and the Plenty River valley. Nioka Bush Camp is a great place for group camping, with bunkhouse accommodation available. Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.

Nestled in a beautiful bush setting, Watsons Creek Antiques and Cafe is the gateway to the Yarra Valley, a convenient 40 minute drive from Melbourne's city centre. With a vision to create a business conducive to a country lifestyle, John and Joanne Van Eeden purchased this former roadhouse in 1986 and have established a unique family business comprising antique store, licensed cafe, provedore and homewares store. You will be welcomed to experience the licensed Cafe, scrumptious homemade food, Yarra Valley wine and produce, a wide range of antique furniture, china, home wares, gifts and the roaring open fires in winter. The astute antique buyer is offered an opportunity to view and purchase a wide range of Victorian and Edwardian furniture, china, crystal, home wares. With a range of decorative arts, decorating idea's and unique gifts. The fully licensed cafe offers fine coffee, homemade cakes, breakfast, lunch and morning or afternoon tea to visitors in a beautiful setting that contrasts with the atmosphere and surroundings of many city cafes. The cafe offers a range of Yarra Valley wines and product in its produce store. Your hosts Joanne and John Van Eeden welcome you to share the exceptional ambience that is Watsons Creek.

Take a look back in time at the historic Hawkstowe Picnic Area. You'll be impressed by the brick and bluestone Le Page homestead, barn and stables. Take a walk around the picturesque lakes. Sit on the jetty and discover the abundant wildlife. Maybe the friendly kangaroos will come and visit you. The picnic area has toilets, electric barbecues and picnic shelters. Things to see and do - Take a look back in time at the historic Hawkstowe farm complex, which sits elegantly on the hill with views of the entire Park. This area consists of the brick and bluestone Le Page homestead, barn and stables - Extensive restoration works have been undertaken on the homestead building in recent times, returning it to its 1860's period. Surrounding the homestead is a cottage garden with mature exotic trees. The garden is maintained by volunteer members from the Mill Park Garden Club - The Le Page Homestead is the home base for Plenty Valley Arts Inc, who offer arts based activities and events to the broader community. The homestead gallery is open to the public for inspection and sales by appointment - On the first and third Sunday of each month a local woodcarver shows his artwork and sells his products - The playground is the perfect place for the children to play safely - Take a walk around the picturesque lakes. Sit on the jetty and discover the abundant wildlife Before you go Conditions can change in parks for many reasons. For the latest information on changes to local conditions, please visit the relevant park page on the Parks Victoria website. Be bushfire ready in the great outdoors. Refer to the Bushfire Safety section on the Parks Victoria website for tips on how to stay safe.