Episode 40: 10-year anniversary special (repeat)
This week, it's party time as Suzie Wilks and the team celebrate 10 years of Postcards on air. This huge TV milestone is thanks to the many places in Victoria we have filmed the last decade, and today each presenter takes you to their favourite spots.
Red Hill wineries
Suzie selected a tour of the wineries of Red Hill as one of her favourite things to do in Victoria. The first stop is Foxeys Hangout, just 90 minutes' drive south of Melbourne. It's run by the Lee brothers - Michael and Tony. Tony's wife Cathy Gowdie has recently written a book on the family's journey from city folk to novice farmers. A short drive up the road you come across T'Gallant, located at Main Ridge, where Suzie's first port of call is the cellar door. Lunch of mushroom and gorgonzola pizza cooked in a wood fired oven also beckoned at house restaurant LaBaracca. The pizzas, along with a host of other taste sensations on the menu, are all delicious.
Foxeys Hangout
795 White Hill Road, Red Hill
Ph: 03 5989 2022
www.foxeys-hangout.com.au
T'Gallant
1385 Mornington Flinders Road, Main Ridge
Ph: 03 5989 6565
www.tgallant.com.au
St Kilda Lawn Bowls and Riva Restaurant
If you're searching for a fun suburb Shane feels you can't go past St Kilda. Whether it's fun pubs or fun parks, this iconic seaside location has an endless string of activities. If you're after a spirited yet casual game of lawn bowls, the St Kilda Sports Club in Fitzroy Street is right on target. You can play every afternoon, everyone is welcome, and everything is provided. This laid back style of bowls is growing in popularity and in recent years it's hooked a new generation of cracker jacks. A game of lawn bowls at the St Kilda Sports Club will set you back $10 per person per hour. Like any sport, lawn bowls can work up an appetite, so if you fancy a beer, water and million dollar boat views, then Riva is fantastic. It's located on the St Kilda Marina and is open daily from 12 noon till late.
St Kilda Sports Club
66 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Ph: 03 9534 5229
www.stkildabowlingclub.com.au
Riva St Kilda
St Kilda Marina, 42b Marine Parade, Elwood
Ph: 03 9537 2224
www.rivastkilda.com.au
Rotten Point House
Glen considers Rotten Point House on the cliffs of Johanna Beach to be the best beach house on the south west coast of Victoria. It sits on 100 acres of bush land just outside Apollo Bay. Don't let the name put you off, because this place is sweet. Designed by legendary Australian architect Nicholas Burns, the house blends in with the surrounding landscape and the clever use of space and materials ensures that no matter what room you're in, you will not miss out on the amazing scenery. If your idea of a holiday is to also have someone cater for all your culinary needs, you'll be pleased to know you can have a chef come in and put their talents to use, spoiling you with some of the best local produce on offer. Full catering is available and everything from local cheeses and wines are on the menu. There are four bedrooms that can be set up for four couples, or two couples and four singles. There are also two huge bathrooms and an outside shower for when you return home from the beach.
If you also happen to be down this way and are after a different kind of view, then stop just after Grey River at Shrapnel Gully. Here you'll find a whole community of koalas almost oblivious to the fact that they are one of the most popular attractions on this famous strip!
Rotten Point House
Holiday Great Ocean Road
Ph: 03 5237 4201
www.holidaygor.com.au
South Yarra
South Yarra is home to Melbourne's best shops, restaurants and boutique accommodation, so it's probably no surprise that it's a favourite for Brodie and Lauren. Given the opportunity, you'll find them at Harveys for one of the best brekkies in town. Harveys has been serving some of Melbourne's best breakfasts since 1994, and while brekkie often steals the limelight, lunch and dinner are also delicious. You also can't go to South Yarra without indulging in a little retail therapy. Ward & Wylie is living proof that the best things really do come in small packages. It's the creation of milliner Lucy Giblin, who designs a delectable array of exquisite, hand-crafted cocktail hats and other accessories that are guaranteed to turn heads. Just down the road, the Lyall is Melbourne's only privately owned and operated five-star hotel. Each of the Lyall's 40 spacious suites have their own terrace, and they're full of clever features like a gourmet mini bar, under-floor heating in the luxury bathrooms, and a pillow menu to ensure a good night's sleep.
Harveys
10 Murphy Street, South Yarra
Ph: 03 9867 3605
www.harveysrestaurant.com.au
Ward & Wylie
99 Station Street, South Yarra
Ph: 0416 243 254
www.wardandwylie.com
The Lyall Hotel and Spa
14 Murphy Street, South Yarra
Ph: 03 9868 8222
www.thelyall.com
Grampians
Halls Gap, in the heart of the Grampians, is the main tourist hub and if you're searching for a place to rest those weary bones while you trek and hike your way through this amazing national park, then Lakuna Retreat may be the place for you. It's everything you'd love your home to be: open spaces, huge windows, big beds and a wonderful kitchen with a great splash of colour. But you can only chill out so much before the fresh mountain air calls your name. The Grampians are considered to be some of the best mountains for climbing in Australia, so Blair hooks up with an instructor from Hangin' Out rock climbing tours. From the right vantage point and, if you're game to turn around, you get a clear view of what makes the Grampians the Grampians. There's no doubt about it, it's terrifying and exhilarating at the same time but with safety being a top priority, once you get the hang of it it's an amazing experience.
Lakuna Retreat
81 High Road, Halls Gap
Ph: 0418 522 309
www.ellimata.com.au
Hangin' Out
Ph: 03 5356 4535
www.hanginout.com.au
What's on
Eureka 2009
Each year Ballarat commemorates the 1854 Eureka Rebellion. In 2009, the 155th anniversary, Eureka Week runs between 29 November and 6 December.
Where: Ballarat
When: 29 November - 6 December 2009
More: 03 5333 1854 or visit www.eurekaballarat.com
Warrantina Lavender Harvest Festival
For something more fragrant, head to the annual Warrantina Lavender Harvest Festival, set amidst the purple fields of the Yarra Valley next Sunday.
Where: Yarra Valley
When: 29 November 2009
More: 03 5964 4650 or visit www.warratinalavender.com.au
Great Victorian Bike Ride
The Great Victorian Bike Ride is a sell out this year, so get out there and support all riders between 28 November and 6 December as they peddle through your town!
Where: Great Ocean Road
When: 28 November - 6 December 2009
More: Ph 1800 639 634 or
www.greatvic.com.au
