About Side

Things to Do

Global Ballooning – An amazing experience at anytime of the year. Every flight is unique and will leave you wondering why you never did it before and when you might have a chance to do it again.
Go Wild Ballooning – I can’t say anything different than what I said about the other balloon company. They are both friends and world class pilots.
Healesville Sanctuary – World famous, fantastic setting, with only Australian animals and birds. See some of the best exhibits of Australian species in the country. Don’t miss the Birds of Prey show.
Natskin Day Spa – The day spa Melbourne chooses for all professional spa and beauty therapy.

Dining / Food / Beverage

Barrique Wine Store – This is where you need to go to select a bottle of wine to enjoy before heading out for the evening. The wine selection is excellent and I love the fact that they include smaller boutique winemakers from the Yarra Valley.
Bella Vedere – Melbourne Good Food Guide, Chef Hat winner. Gary Cooper creates a new menu every day. Freshly baked bread. Great for breakfast and very close to Big House / Big View. Saturday night Degustation Menu is a must for foodies.
Chandon – If bubbly is your thing, then Chandon is well worth a visit. Historic Homestead on fabulous grounds.
De Bortoli Wines – The biggest winery in the Valley and famous for high quality, well priced wines. One of my favorite winery restaurants.
Giant Steps, Innocent Bystander – Modern, open space setting and eclectic menu. Fantastic Coffee and Pizza.
Hanrahan Vineyard – Hanrahan Vineyard is our next door neighbor and good friends. The vineyard and cellar door are a great place to visit and you always get a warm welcome. Tends to have you stay a while, for both the great wines and the great views.
Healesville Hotel, Healesville Harvest – Great for fine dining, excellent wine list including many from the Yarra Valley. Healesville Harvest, just next door, is great for breakfast. Good Coffee.
Oakridge Wines – Having been winery of the year and boasting an all new cellar door, restaurant and function centre, there’s every reason to pay a visit. Oakridge also enjoys high scores from James Halliday on many of their wines.
Poppy’s Thai – Though I think that she would prefer it’s a secret, Poppy actually lives alongside this Healesville restaurant. Poppy has built a small empire of great Thai food gatherings around Melbourne and this is as good as any other.
Rochford Wines – The closest place for breakfast (served 7 days) if you don’t want to make your own. This is also the home of “A Day On The Green” and other Rochford sponsored concerts during summer. Beat the exit crowds and walk from our property.
Stones of the Yarra Valley – Not just a fantastic wedding destination but two fabulous restaurant choices. The “Barn” restaurant for lunch and the “Stables” for dinner. Check the website for available dates and for live music events, which are always a big hit.
Tarrawarra Estate – Winery. Great architectural construction and landscaping. Fine dining restaurant. Contemporary Art Museum.
Yering Station – One of the best views in the Valley, apart from ours. Very nice restaurant in contemporary space.