Find Yourself Dandenong Ranges Yarra Valley 2015

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• published: 18 Jun 2015
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Find Yourself is the latest campaign for the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, stunning destinations just one hour’s drive east of Melbourne. The evocative imagery invites people to explore these regions and uncover the rich tapestry of products, places and faces that abound across the Yarra Valley and throughout the Dandenong Ranges. Along with the new campaign imagery, destination websites have also been launched which enable the discovery of trails and experiences; a quick four hour city escape, a romantic getaway or the ultimate long weekend for the food and wine lover. Imagine an early morning balloon flight, rising through the mists of the valley and seeing the beauty unfold beneath you, followed by a close encounter with nature of another kind, upfront and personal with a platypus at Healesville Sanctuary. Lunch on the deck of TarraWarra, wine and cider experiences along the Coldstream trail and a final stop at the chocolaterie for a much anticipated sweet treat on the way back to your home away from home for the weekend, perhaps one of many beautiful bed and breakfast the area offers. If it’s the hills you’re after, then head up the Dandenong Ranges on the scenic winding roads and discover the wonderful villages and communities scattered amongst the trees. Artist studios, tea rooms, antiques and crafts and beautiful cool climate gardens are all part of the discovery. All these experiences and more feature on a number of illustrated trail maps that help visitors plan their trip. Whether it’s James Halliday’s Handpicked Yarra Valley trail, the Cider and Ale Trail, a Cool Climate Garden Trail or the Madden’s Lane Winery Trail, each path provides a rich experience for visitors with old and new discoveries just waiting to be found. The Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges are dynamic regions with wonderful local operators who are constantly evolving the visitor experience. Whether it’s breathtaking scenery, absorbing culinary adventures, making your own dessert, creating your own cheese, getting involved in the beer brewing process or just spending time up close and personal with nature, there are many reasons to revisit these destinations right on Melbourne’s door step. Some of the new venues include:  Royalty and refinement at Coombe Cottage, the home of Dame Nellie Melba, with magnificent gardens from W.R. Guilfoyle, the same designer of the Royal Botanic Gardens  GelAperia is not only serving some of the best natural, house-made gelato in Victoria, owner Davydd Marrie is also hosting hands-on gelato making classes  The Independent in Gembrook is a converted mechanics warehouse, now serving delicious Argentinian dishes by highly-respected 5 star chef, Mauro Callegari  Napoleone Brewery and Ciderhouse - a working microbrewery where visitors can fully experience the beer making process behind the scenes from a third generation brewing family  Cake-making with best-selling author and pastry chef, Alison Thompson at Stones of the Yarra Valley is a delightful way to spend an afternoon, before sharing your freshly made cake with friends and family  Hands-on cooking classes with Locavore Studios. Learn to make cheese, design a dinner party or make the perfect martini with special guests Four Pillars Gin. Classes vary and include local produce Along with the new, old favourites continue to provide an exceptional way to escape city life, with ongoing investment preserving the beauty of the region, new recipes and additional experiences including:  New head chef Zoe Birch serving exquisite food at Healesville Hotel’s renowned Quince dining room  Exploring the beautiful gardens and villages in the iconic Dandenong Ranges  Appreciating world-class wines with lunch at Oakridge Wines  Relaxing and taking in the view on the new expansive deck at TarraWarra Estate  Or sampling the wide range of specially-made beers available at Hargreaves Hill Brewery Visitors to the region need as little as four hours to start to unwind and feel they have escaped the city. Those with more time on their hands can choose to build more lasting memories with an extended stay to explore any number of opportunities to relax, enjoy award-winning food and indulge in rare experiences. There is also an opportunity for those seeking the essential urban escape to win the ultimate experience for two. The winners will find themselves enjoying all the region has to offer at first hand, including helicopter transfers from Melbourne CBD, a balloon ride at sunrise, a private winery tour and two night’s luxury accommodation at Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort & Spa. Entries can be made by visiting either website: http://www.visityarravalley.com.au/ http://visitdandenongranges.com.au/ #FindYourself