 |
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
||||
|
 |
Food lovers paradise |
|
Down memory lane |
|||
|
Wine lovers |
|
Wheels wheels wheels |
|||
|
Treasure chest |
|
"Le Tour" |
|||
|
Nature lovers |
|
A lovers tryst |
Food lovers paradise
It's foodie heaven on the mountain. Within 10 minutes drive of Chudleigh Park, there are around 30 restaurants from which to choose - from French, Italian, Asian, Bavarian, contemporary bistros, to consistently good pub food.
Devotees of devonshire cream teas and other culinary delights are well catered for right across the mountain.
Wine lovers
A picturesque 30-minute drive from Chudleigh Park brings you to the Yarra Valley wineries, amongst some of Australia's best. Cellar doors abound. Take a wine tour and learn, or "taste and graze" on delectable gastronomic treats at some of the beautifully appointed bistros.
Treasure chest
Take the time to seek out the antique shops and boutiques across the mountain. Amongst many collectables are furniture, homeware, silverware, jewellery and trendy clothing.
Markets too are held in the mountain villages at certain times - organic fruit and vegetables, lovely plants and craftware amongst other treasures can be found.
Nature lovers
There are many beautiful and diverse types of gardens on the range many within a few minutes drive of Chudleigh Park. Happily there are four seasons in which to discover the different delights these gardens offer.
Showcasing Australia's own unique natives is Kawarra Gardens. The National Rhododenron Gardens are spectacular in peak flowering season around October. William Ricketts Sanctuary with its clay kiln-fired sculptures, are just a few of the different gardens you can visit. For panoramic views of the environment - try Mt Dandenong and also the lookout at Kalorama.
There are many walking trails around the mountain of varying degrees of difficulty and duration, including the "1000 Steps". The shortest stroll, for Chudeigh Park guests only, is possibly around the 6 acres at Chudleigh Park itself, where you can observe vividly coloured Lorikeets and King Parrots flying through the airspace around 100-year old sequoias, statuesque tree ferns and forest beyond.
There are a variety of walks a few minutes further afield, at Grants of Sherbrook. The scones, at the bistro are good too!
At Healesville, about a 30 minutes drive, you can find the renowned Healesville Sanctuary and Maze. In the town itself there are lovely shops in which to browse and restaurants and cafes to spend a lazy lunch.
Down memory lane
For steam buffs - and a trip down memory lane for us all - take a nostalgic steam train ride on Puffing Billy at nearby Belgrave. The journey takes you on a charming day out through scenic countryside to Emerald Lake and beyond. Don't forget to take a picnic lunch, or, alternatively - lunch on board.
Wheels wheels wheels
For those who love a great drive, Mountain Highway with its bends and curves through great stands of tall timber, is special. Many people enjoy the winding climb up the mountain. The drives through Sherbrook forest and the main Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, which take in various villages on the way, are equally lovely.
In April it is "vintage vintage" with many old timers congregating for rally activities in Kalorama Park. Then - boat-tailed Rileys, sculptural MGs, sleek Jags and other beautiful marques grace the oval - many a picnic is enjoyed by rally participants, visitors and locals alike.
"Le Tour"
You could be forgiven for thinking "Le Tour de Sassasfras" is an actual event. On many a weekend - you can see tiny pelatons of cyclists doing hill-climbs of a two wheel variety - and other groups taking a breather at one of the many outdoor cafes on their route. Cycle enthusiasts of the motorised kind also enjoy the mountain roads.
Even if you are not a serious cyclist, there are several trails in and around the mountain suitable for a more sedate bike ride.
A lovers tryst
After a wonderful day out, return to your cottage at Chudleigh Park, indulge in a blissfully, long, hot spa - relax, re-charge and rekindle your spirit. Ready for dinner? See top of page "Food lovers paradise".
