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There’s no doubt about it, this is truly a unique attraction.

As you drive into Healesville from Melbourne you will see a large yellow banner on the side of the road that says, “Heritage Rail, Trolley Rides Today.” As far as we know, this is the only ride of its type anywhere in Australia.

It’s difficult to describe this attraction because some will love it, while others have been heard to say, “is that all there is!” Anyway here’s our honest and fair description of the experience.

After buying your tickets (see below for prices) from one of the friendly volunteers in the heritage listed Healesville Railway Station you wait on the platform or poke around the cafe until the next trolley departs. Trolleys depart every 30 minutes.

Here’s how their brochure describes the journey…”Leaving the Healesville Station, the line traverses the Yarra Glen-Kinglake Road and skirts the local racecourse. The track then bridges the Watts River before commencing the climb to the Donovans Road Overbridge. A “one in forty” climb beginning on Devil’s Bend is completed by a trip through the 1889 brick tunnel and descent into the valley at the rear of the Tarrawarra Estate. We then reverse and return to the Healesville Station. 30 minutes round trip and 9km.”

Saying it’s a round trip could give the impression that this track is a loop. It’s not. You travel along the track up a bit of a hill, go through a tunnel, stop at a sign that says “stop” and then go back the same way you came. That’s the “no-spin” version of the trip. Here’s the ad agency version, “the ride….rural homesteads, an eagle’s nest, and a willow plantation for cricket bat manufacturing are intermixed with views across the Yarra River and flood plains making it an historic and scenic trip for all ages.”

Here’s the bottom line. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush you should buy a cheap Jetstar flight to the Gold Coast and take the Superman ride at Movieworld. In fact, if you have recently been on a theme park holiday then you will definitely need to make a mental adjustment to enjoy this experience. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing. We loved the ride, but we loved it because it’s everything the theme parks aren’t – raw and quaint and uniquely Australian. And just so you don’t get a sore bottom from the rawness of the trolley seat, you even get to pick your own cushion from a big cage of cushions. You don’t get that at the theme parks! Watch our teaser video below…..

	Adults – $10 Children – $8 Concession – $8 Family (2+2) – $28		Sundays & Public Holidays School Holidays – Wednesday – Sunday Departure every hour from 10am – 4pm Group bookings anytime by request
	Bookings 5962 2490

Take a walk in some of the most beautiful rainforest you will see anywhere in Australia.

Just past Warburton at the junction of Mount Donna Buang Road and the Acheron Way, you will find one of the Yarra Valleys hidden gems – The Warburton Rainforest Gallery. The Gallery has two attractions.  The first is a 15m high, 40 metre long aerial walkway named the ‘Skywalk’ that is one of only three in Australia. The second attraction is a boardwalk that descends into the Myrtle Beech Rainforest leading you past the beautiful, but oddly named Cement Creek.

This is not a long walk by any standards. It’s only about 350 metres around the loop track, so if you are a bush walker looking for a workout then this will not satisfy. This is probably why Parks Victoria have appropriately called this a forest “gallery”.

Here’s a tip: To maximise your appreciation of this pristine rainforest, as you wander along the railed pathway, pace yourself as though you are, in effect, strolling through an art gallery or museum. It’s definitely a ‘strolling’ walk and should not be rushed. Take your time, speak softly, fill your lungs with the crisp clean air, savour the sweet smell of the rainforest and allow the sights and sounds to melt away the pressures and cares of the world.  The Rainforest Gallery only needs 45 minutes of your time and, oh yes, did we mention this is all completely FREE!

To get a feel for the rainforest walk watch our video story featuring an exclusive interview with Park Ranger Mitch Nash, as he shares his extensive knowledge of the forests flora and fauna and gives a unique insight into what’s involved in being a park ranger.

With summer here, now is the perfect time to escape the city and enjoy what has affectionately become known as the ‘Warby Trail’.

The Warburton trail starts at the northern end of the Lilydale Train Station car park with signposts marking the beginning of the trail. From here the only real point of confusion is when the trail meets the Maroondah Highway. The trail rejoins directly opposite and whilst a footbridge will be built over the highway in 2010, for now users have to scramble across the six lanes or head to the crossing north or south on the highway.

The first stage of the ride involves a very gradual 125m climb over 6.9km to Mt Evelyn. The fact that this is the most challenging aspect of the whole trail is testament to how perfect this ride is suited to even the most novice rider.

For those squirming at the idea of riding 40km in the saddle, a growing number of riders are choosing to begin their ride at Mt Evelyn where there is plenty of parking available and the attraction of the Cog Bike Café (see our separate story).

The chart below gives you an indication of the distances between each station.

Distances to Warburton

Most regular “Warby Trail” users agree, that the trail really comes into its own from Killara Station onwards. It’s here along the Valley floor that the land and views start to open up around you. The gorgeous mountains of the Yarra Ranges National Park including Mount Donna Buang provide the perfect backdrop and motivation to keep you pushing the pedals all the way to Warburton.

If you have a bike then you should get on it and ride the Warburton Trail as soon as you can.  It’s a must do attraction in the Yarra Valley, it’s free, it’s beautiful, and it’s good for you. There’s not too many things you can say that about nowadays!

Warburton Trail – Latest Information

Construction of the Maroondah Highway bridge has begun! This is exciting news for the Warburton Trail as the bridge will make the trail a lot safer and user friendly for all users. The completion of the bridge is set for late 2010.

For lovers of great food the Yarra Valley Dairy is a must do attraction.

On arrival wander over to the cows to say a quick hello before heading to the Cheese Shop where you can sample their handmade farmhouse cheeses.

The Cheese Shop is located in a one hundred year old milking shed and the first thing you notice upon entering is the immaculate presentation and attention to detail. The fine rustic decor combined with the gorgeous Yarra Valley views creates a warm and relaxed atmosphere. The friendly staff are keen to greet you and with their exceptional product knowledge it wasn’t long before we were sitting down to a cheese platter accompanied by a variety of breads and a glass of local Sauvignon Blanc.

The service was great and the prices were very reasonable. So if you love nibbling cheese in a friendly relaxed atmosphere we highly recommend a visit to The Yarra Valley Dairy.

The Cheese Shop is open 10:30am to 5pm – 7 days a week except Christmas Day.

The Yarra Valley Dairy is located at 70-80 Mc Meikans Road, YERING VIC – Phone 03 9739 1222

Congratulations -

Yarra Valley Dairy won 2 Awards at the Grand Dairy Awards on February 3rd 2010.

2010 – Champion Flavoured Cheese – Yarra Valley Dairy Persian Fetta.

2010 – Innovation in Dairy Manufacturing Award – Yarra Valley Dairy Cheesemaker Jack Holman.

It seems there are almost as many markets in the Yarra Valley as there are wineries.

Well….not quite, anyway the Farmers market at The Barn at Yering Station is one of the best. It’s not the biggest, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in quality. All the goodies are from Yarra Valley locals and there’s nothing like having a chat with the people who make the produce.

According to Frances, the Market organiser, this market is the longest running and only one of its type in Australia. Watch the video to see the interview and full details of the market.

	The market is held on the 3rd Sunday of each month from 9am – 2pm.
	The Market is held in The Barn at Chateau Yering, 38 Melba Hwy Yarra Glen.

Looking for a place to revive your spirit? Then look no further than Alowyn Gardens.

Alowyn Gardens is situated smack bang in the middle of the Yarra Valley just outside Yarra Glen. In 2008 the garden was named ABC Garden of the Year and deservedly so! As you meander through the 4 acres of visual and sensory delight, it’s hard to believe it was once a barren horse paddock!

The garden is designed along strong symmetrical lines that become blurred by the softness of the spaces and the grace of the trees. There are 5 clearly defined areas within the gardens; a perennial border designed for Spring and Autumn, a silver birch forest consisting of about 500 trees, an edible garden of generous proportions with avenues of fruit trees, a berry garden, beds of organic vegetables, flowers and herbs.

The formal area of the garden is built along 17th century design principles, that leads you through a series of small individual courtyards and garden spaces. Through all of this runs a wisteria and 100 metre rose covered arbor with a sunken rose garden and classical fountain as a centre piece.

	1210 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen Melways – 267 G9, 3.5 kms North of Yarra Glen. Look for the sign on the right.			Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Closed Weekdays – Closed Winter (June, July, August)
	Coffee, Tea & Cold drinks available.			Admission : Adults – $ 7.50 Children : Free
	Ph (03) 9730 2400 Fax (03) 9730 1404			Alowyn Gardens 1210 Melba Highway, Yarra Glen VIC 3755

Up until this summer Mountain Biking on the Lake Mountain plateau was limited to the 30km of undulating cross country ski trails. Now don’t get me wrong, for the family and those enjoying a scenic ride these trails are perfect, however for the die hard mountain biker they left a little to be desired, especially given the terrain and potential for mountain biking nirvana.

Well the exciting news is, this summer Lake Mountain is stepping it up. Works are currently underway on an extensive network of singletrack trails suitable for all skill levels.

Whilst Australia’s trail building guru Glen Jacobs doesn’t seem to be involved with this project and with one local building the trail saying “there’s no $10 million dollar budget here like Mt Stromlo, in fact we have no budget” It seems the guys are intent on building trails to International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) standards.

Currently the first stage of the intermediate trails is almost complete with the trail leading from the car park to the summit. The beginner and advanced singletrack will be online soon with Lake Mountain holding it’s first ever Mountain Biking event The Granite Grind on 20th February 2010.

The Granite Grind race will be held on the brand new 9km singletrack loop with 1 and 2 lap options available. This event will be a fantastic opportunity to not only try out the new trails on offer but also support the bushfire recovery for a region that was devastated in January 2009.

Healesville Sanctuary is one of Austraila’s most popular wildlife sanctuaries and one of our favorites. It really is a ‘must visit’ attraction if you are planning a holiday in Victoria.

The sanctuary was founded in 1921 by Dr Colin MacKenzie with the aim of studying native fauna for the purpose of medical research. Over the years the park has undergone many changes and has  lead the way in many areas of animal conservation including being the first organisation to successfully breed platypus in captivity.

There are 200 species of Australian wildlife on display and if you enjoy photographing animals up close, you will love Healesville Sanctuary!

Stroll through the meandering paths (it’s around 3km walk) and soak in the natural beauty and magnificent design of these unique creatures.

Sanctuary Highlights

Don’t miss the spectacular Birds of Prey Presentation every day at noon and 2.30pm.  It is a free-flying display featuring raptors such as falcons, kites, owls, the Wedge-tailed Eagle and the amazing Emu egg breaking buzzard.

Parrots in Flight

Parrots in Flight is a free-flying display in the Sanctuary’s outdoor amphitheatre. This fun show features a Long-billed Corella and a Eclectus Parrot.

Presentations are free of charge and are held daily at 1.30pm. Presentation time is approx- 20 minutes.

Meet the Keeper

Meet the Keeper presentations are a great way to find out more about Australian wildlife from the people who really know the animals. These presentations are scheduled at various locations and times. As these times are often dependent on the animals, you can find out all the details on entry.

We caught up with renowned Australian Wildlife Photographer Steve Parish at the Sanctuary and he kindly agreed to share his Top 3 tips for photographing wildlife.