Posted by Do The Yarra Valley On October - 26 - 201211 COMMENTS
The Carriage Cafe on the Warburton Trail in Seville is truly one of the hidden gems of the Yarra Valley. To Melanie, the owner and creator, putting a railway carriage on a bike trail that used to be a railway line, “seemed kind of obvious” and as obvious as it may be, it certainly doesn’t lessen the achievement or the style with which it has been executed.
What’s great about the Carriage Cafe? In short – everything! The carriage has been restored, the compartments fitted-out with tables and an impressive platform constructed for outdoor dining. The food is modern-Australian, the prices are cheap, the atmosphere is relaxed and the view overlooks the trail. If you get the feeling we are big fans of the Carriage Cafe – you are right. We love it. It’s businesses like this that deserve the recognition and support of the public. Why? Because it’s just so well done!
Watch our video story as Tania talks with Melanie, the owner and creator of the Carriage Cafe.
Posted by Do The Yarra Valley On January - 27 - 20109 COMMENTS
A Sweet Experience!
If you like great cafes, then you will love Three Sugars. Brian Gauchi setup the cafe about seven years ago and it quickly became one of the most popular cafes in the Yarra Valley. It’s easy to see why. The atmosphere is relaxed, comfortable and cosy. The staff are friendly and the service is fast.
As for the food…..they make some of the most delicious pies, cakes and muffins you will find anywhere. According to Brian the pumpkin spinach ricotta pies and the open baked pies “really rock!” They do more than rock, they make a dotheyarravalley editors mouth start salivating just remembering how good they are!
Being somewhat of a connoisseur of Chai Lattes, I was delighted when my Chai arrived accompanied by a small cup of honey. (See video) It’s the little touches like this that make the difference between an average cafe and a great cafe. And Three Sugars is definitely the later!
Posted by Do The Yarra Valley On January - 22 - 20105 COMMENTS
Riverstone Winery is located just off the Maroondah Highway next to the Yarra River in Coldstream, RiverStone Estate produces quality wines and we are very partial to their desert wines. The Semillon Botrytis and Tokay are a real treat and here’s a tip right from the outset. Put a bottle of their Tokay in the freezer. Because of the high alcohol content it will not freeze but becomes a syrup that you can drizzle over your favourite desert.
The Estate restaurant has a modern Australian menu with a focus on relaxed dining. Guests can choose from a range of appetisers and mains including the dinosaur T-bone steak, Venison, Barramundi or Kangaroo are just some of the choices. They have childrens meals and some of the most delicious cakes and deserts this side of the Black Spur. They also cater for weddings, parties, corporate functions and social clubs.
Tastings are free and you can sample their wines whilst enjoying an antipasto platter in front of one of the most spectacular views in the Yarra Valley.
Riverstone Estate has recently opened 4 rooms offering Bed & Breakfast, which is perfect if you are attending a function at the restaurant or would just like to stay and enjoy the peace of the Yarra Valley. Riverstone is just down the road from Rochford, so if you are planning to attend one of their outdoor concerts, Riverstone is a perfect place to spend the night.
Posted by Do The Yarra Valley On January - 1 - 20101 COMMENT
With sweeping views of the Yarra Valley, award winning wine and a superb Mediterranean style Restaurant, it’s hard to beat Tokar Estate for an afternoon or evening visit to the Yarra Valley.
The winery is the brain child of Leon and Rita Tokar who originally purchased the property as a weekend retreat from the stress of city living. They took up permanent residence with the completion of their home in 1999. According to Leon things just gradually evolved. “We used the new home as a cellar door, the wine flowed as Rita prepared and served a delicious light lunches for family and friends. These occasions were not only extremely popular, they were so personally rewarding for both of us that the idea of making wines and meals on a larger scale seemed the next logical step. This resulted in the ‘creation’ of what we now proudly call Tokar Estate.”
Lunch – 7 days a week from 12:00pm
Dinner – Saturday Evenings from 6:30pm.
Sunday – Friday Evenings for bookings of 20 or more, by prior arrangement.
6 Maddens Lane Coldstream, VIC 3770
Melways Ref: 276 K9
The Restaurant offers stylish cuisine, peppered with strong Mediterranean influences, featuring local Yarra Valley produce.
Posted by Do The Yarra Valley On December - 31 - 20091 COMMENT
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.
Posted by Do The Yarra Valley On December - 16 - 20094 COMMENTS
Every now and then you come across a place that just makes you smile! The Cog Bike Cafe is one of those places and its now open in Warburton too!
What is it about the Cog Bike Cafe that’s so appealing? In a word – EVERYTHING.
Who would have thought you could turn a tin shed into a thriving business. Damian Auton, that’s who. Damian, a passionate bicycle lover, came up with the idea a bit over four years ago and has created one of the cleverest little businesses we have seen for a some time.
The Cog is perfectly located on the Warburton Trail at Mount Evelyn on the edge of the Yarra Valley. The “Warby” Trail is a 4okm converted railway that runs through beautiful bushland with sweeping views of the Yarra Valley and surrounding ranges, only about an hour east of Melbourne.
The cafe offers pretty much everything a Warburton trail user needs to have a great day out. Hot and cold drinks, energy bars and some of the best muffins we have ever had. Damian perfected his muffin recipes during the four months he waited for the council to approve his permit. On Sundays, the busiest day for the cafe, they bake two varieties of mouth watering egg pies. Nothing tastes as good on a cool morning after a ride than a hot cappuccino and a freshly baked raspberry and white chocolate muffin.
Apart from the refreshments, the Cog Bike Cafe offers some serious gear for cyclists. They even make their own bikes and as well as being superbly crafted bikes they also have personality. Each bike is hand painted and named.
If you don’t have a bike, that’s OK, they offer a bike hire service with very reasonable rates.
Hire Prices
Full Day
Half Day
Mountain Bike
$40
$25
Comfort hybrid
$40
$25
Babyseat
$20
$15
Kiddie trailer
$20
$15
Tag-a-long
$20
$15
Hot & cold drinks
Smoothies
Muffins – White Choc raspberry, apple cinnamon, carrot apple & walnut
Egg pies (Sunday only)
4 Clancy Road
Mt Evelyn VIC 3796
03 9736 4999
Weekdays:
9am – 6pm -
Weekends:
10am – 6pm
We can’t recommend the Cog Bike Cafe highly enough! It’s got personality, position and purpose. If you haven’t done the Warburton trail yet then make sure when you do you stop by The Cog Bike Cafe and enjoy their hospitality, delicious snacks and bike repair! What a great combination. Watch the video below to get an idea of why we love it so much.
Stay tuned for the new Cog Bike Cafe opening in Warburton in January 2010. In the mean time enjoy our photo gallery below.
