10 days in Melbourne: Itinerary Day 2, 19th Feb 2011 #BeckyinOzzie

As promised, heres the itinerary for Day 2 of my 10 days trip to Melbourne!

SATURDAY 19 FEBRUARY

Breakfast
Causeway 353

0845
Depart to The Dandenong Ranges
The Dandenong Ranges have been a favourite escape for Melburnians since the boom times of the 1880s when members of Melbourne society would board a train at Flinders Street Station and slowly travel east to enjoy the peace, pure air and pristine forests of these Ranges. Taking tea in the Dandenongs became a custom, as did a lazy picnic under a shady tree, a bush walk through the forests of mountain ash, gums and ferns, and a night or two in a guesthouse. Not much has changed except the Dandenongs are now accessible to everyone.

1015
Depart on Puffing Billy
Puffing Billy Steam Railway is a genuine relic of Victorias early rail days. It is Australias oldest steam railway and one of the finest preserved steam railways in the world. The vintage steam train hauls passenger carriages through the Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave to Lakeside Station, via Menzies Creek and Emerald, a distance of 13km. A round trip takes just over two hours.

Puffing Billy Steam Railway
Old Monbulk Road
Belgrave VIC 3160
Tel: (03) 9757 0700
Fax: (03) 9757 0705
www.puffingbilly.com.au

1130
Disembark at Lakeside and depart to mountain villages, Olinda and Sassafras.
Sassafras has always been a popular weekend destination for city dwellers since the area was first settled in 1894. Close to Melbourne, Sassafras village has maintained its original charm, attracting visitors to its cafes, restaurants and tea rooms, specialty shops, quality boutique accommodation, antique shops and scenic drives to national parks and gardens.

Sassafras has always been a popular weekend destination for city ! dwellers since the area was first settled in 1894. Close to Melbourne, Sassafras village has maintained its original charm, attracting visitors to its cafes, restaurants and tea rooms, specialty shops, quality boutique accommodation, antique shops and scenic drives to national parks and gardens.

1300
Lunch
Miss Marples
Located in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges, Miss Marples Tea Rooms offers an exciting menu that is sure to satisy the most discerning palate. Inspired by Agatha Christies delightful character, the Tea Room is a gallery of Miss Marple memorabilia.

Miss Marples Tea Rooms
382 Mt.Dandenong-Tourist Road
Sassafras VIC 3787
Tel: (03) 9755 1610
Fax: (03) 9755 3601
www.missmarples.com.au

1430
Depart for the Yarra Valley
Located only 45 minutes from Melbournes CBD, the Yarra Valley feels a million miles away, with vast rows of vines, mountain ash forests and enough local produce to feed the hungriest hordes. Get up close to some Aussie icons at the Healesville Sanctuary, immerse yourself in Australian art history at the stunning Tarrawarra Museum of Art, or simply indulge in some of the best cool climate wines Australia has to offer with a tasting at one of over 40 cellar doors.

1600
Visit
Domaine Chandon
Domaine Chandon is the Australian winery of French Champagne giant Moet & Chandon. This winery exudes style and provides one of the valleys most serene experiences. Sample some of the countrys finest sparkling wines in the Green Point room as you soak up the sun and view the picturesque scenery.

Domaine Chandon
Green Point, Maroondah Hwy
Coldstream VIC 3770
Tel: (03) 9738 9242
Fax: (03) 9739 9241
www.domainechandon.com.au

1730
Check in
Sebel Yarra Valley
Sebel Lodge Yarra Valley is a boutique hotel within The Heritage Golf ! and Coun try Club. At the gateway to the Yarra Valley, The Sebel Lodge offers personal service in a relaxed atmosphere. The spacious guestrooms and suites are stylishly appointed and offer full hotel services and facilities. Hotel guests have access to the golf courses and the recreation club of the Heritage Golf & Country Club.

Sebel Lodge Yarra Valley
The Heritage Golf & Country Club
Heritage Avenue
Chirnside Park VIC 3116
Tel: (03) 9760 3333
Fax: (03) 9760 3366
www.mirvac.com.au

1930
Dinner
Balgownie
Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa offers 65 elegantly appointed spa suites, each with picturesque views over the vineyard and the undulating hills of the Yarra Valley. An a la carte restaurant and pampering day spa complement this accommodation, which also has a conference and function centre.

Balgownie Estate Vineyard Resort and Spa
Melba Highway and Gulf Road
Yarra Glen VIC 3775
Tel: (03) 9730 0700
Fax: (03) 9730 0750
www.balgownieestate.com.au

Overnight
Sebel Yarra Valley