August 2011

Villages of Victoria - a Guide to Warburton

Villages of Victoria - a Guide to Warburton

Three Sugars cafe in Warburton

Warburton, the leafy bush-surrounded village set in the Yarra Valley, is a destination for travellers seeking a relaxing getaway not too far out of the CBD and is a perfect accompaniment to a visit to Victoria’s premier wine region. It is a short one and a half hour drive out of Melbourne and sits on the upper reaches of the Yarra River.

Celebrate the newly completed Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail
Cycling and nature fans can rejoice in the completion of the $3.5million pedestrian and cyclist bridge linking the Lilydale – Warburton Rail Trail across the Maroondah Highway. Avid cyclists and walkers can take in scenic farmland and bush along the 39-kilometre Centenary Trail which runs along a historic railway line built in 1901.

Local food, nature and wildlife
Warburton is surrounded by beautiful lush forests, making it a perfect destination for outdoor and nature lovers. Pop into the nearby Kookaberry Strawberry Farm for some jams for the picnic or pick your own cherries at Cherryhill Orchards from November to January. Before reaching Warburton, stop by into the boutique Bulong Estate Winery at Yarra Junction and sample a contemporary French seasonal menu or enjoy wine-tasting at its modern cellar door. Some other food and wine stops en route include Seville Hill and Seville Estate, Wild Cattle Creek Estate, Killara Estate, Elmswood Estate and Five Oaks Vineyard.

Warburton has an abundance of native wildlife, and visitors walking on nature trails can delight in spotting the brightly coloured king parrot, the rainbow-hued rosella or listen out for the amazing songs of the ground-dwelling lyrebird which mimic natural and artificial sounds.

Spring welcomes the Melba Festival
Dame Nellie Melba, internationally known as one of the world’s greatest sopranos, grew up in the picturesque Yarra Valley. In October, the region comes alive with a three day festival paying homage to this great Victorian soprano. Expect only the best performances by leading classical and contemporary artists and an array of talented young and upcoming performers at venues around the Yarra Valley.

For more information: go to www.visitvictoria.com/villages
Media contact: Elizabeth Ee, Tourism Victoria, Ph: (03) 9653 9716
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