★ Eat. Stay. Play. Yarra Valley

Located only 50 minutes from Melbourne’s city centre, the Yarra Valley feels a million miles away, with its vast rows of vines, mountain ash forests and boutique culinary experiences from some 80 cellar doors to top regional restaurants serving local produce. With a spate of exciting new places to eat, stay and play, including Dame Nellie Melba’s Coombe Estate and a Greg Norman designed golf course, visitors will find many new reasons to visit the stunning Yarra Valley.

EAT

Oakridge WinesBordered by the mountains of the Great Dividing Range and stretching across 10 hectares of landscaped vines and gardens, Oakridge Wines has been providing visitors with memorable wine and food experiences since 1978. The newly designed restaurant gives way to the best views the estate has to offer. With newly appointed head chef, Matt Stone, on board, Oakridge has lifted the bar on quality and innovation in dining. Former executive chef at Brothl, Stone has been dubbed the ‘Master of Sustainability’ and has plans to establish a kitchen garden and a menu of (mostly) regional produce, including local trout, caviar and eel in the place of ocean-dwelling fish. 864 Maroondah Hwy, Coldstream, +61 3 9738 9900

Coombe – The Melba EstateAustralian opera legend Dame Nellie Melba’s Yarra Valley home has been opened up to the public for the first time in more than a century, unveiling a new chapter in the legacy of one of the world’s cultural icons. Coombe – The Melba Estate, nestled at the gateway to the Yarra Valley in Coldstream, has been transformed into an elegant restaurant, fashion and art gallery, cellar door and providore that pays homage to Madame Melba during her decades living at the property. In the restaurant, French-trained Chef Tony Milton has designed an elegantly simple and seasonal a la carte breakfast and lunch menu that showcases fresh produce from Coombe Farm and, naturally, celebrates the Escoffier-inspired dishes named in Melba’s honour – Melba toast, Peach Melba and Melba sauce. 673-675 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream VIC 3770, +61 3 9739 0173

ezard @ Levantine HillThe newly opened ezard @ Levantine Hill is a gastronomic partnership between hatted chef Teage Ezard and Levantine Hill Estate. Here, visitors can enjoy classic European cuisine with a twist paired with Levantine Hill wines while overlooking the stunning vineyard. Designed by renowned architect Karl Fender, the restaurant features a 100 metre curved roof and private, barrel-like tasting booths. There are two dining spaces: one offers sharing plates and the other offers a five and an eight course tasting menu matched to Levantine Hill wines. 882-886 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream, +61 3 8602 0874

STAYFarmhouse at MeletosBetween the hamlets of Yarra Glen and Healesville lies a quiet country road called St Huberts, where visitors can discover one of the region’s newest destinations – Meletos. Set among walled gardens, rows of crabapple trees and raised vegetable beds, Meletos comprises a collection of century-old farm buildings that have been converted into 22 boutique guest rooms and an authentic Tuscan suite. Complete with luxury ensuites and Bvlgari toiletries, guest rooms at The Farmhouse also come with a complimentary regional breakfast, while lunch can be enjoyed at the property’s restaurant. 12 St Huberts Road, Coldstream, +61 3 9739 1888

VIBE Hotel, MarysvilleVibe Hotel Marysville opened its doors earlier this year, bringing 101 fresh new guest rooms, a new conference centre, exhibition space, and spa and wellbeing facility to the town. The new establishment will play a significant role in the regeneration of Marysville, encouraging more visitors to return post the devastating 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. The development also includes Radius Bar & Grill, a modern Australian restaurant and bar, with a name that pays homage to Executive Chef Leigh Colville’s paddock to plate philosophy: 85 per cent of the produce used in the restaurant is sourced within a 100 kilometre radius of the hotel. 32-42 Murchison St, Marysville, +61 3 5957 7700

Chum Creek HutIn the heart of the Yarra Valley, Chum Creek Hut is an authentic country cabin with original stone fireplace and a relaxing deck overlooking the property’s dam. It is located on a serene 136 acre horse property, surrounded by walking tracks that traverse into the adjoining State Forest, with spectacular views across the Yarra Valley. Horse lovers can bring their horses and ride directly into the State Forest from the property with use of horse yards, float parking and onsite farrier. Breakfast provisions and Yarra Valley tasting plates can also be supplied. Rogers Rd, Chum Creek, +61 3  5962 2600

PLAYEastern Golf CourseThe Eastern Golf Club’s history dates back to 1896, however, it recently embarked on a new chapter, with a relocation from the Melbourne suburb of Doncaster, to the Yarra Valley. Designed by golfing-great, Greg Norman, the first 18 holes of the 27 hole course recently opened, while the remaining nine are due to be complete by mid 2016. In addition to golf, there are tennis courts and bush walking facilities, while the surrounding areas are perfect for mountain biking and fishing. Of course, there is also the option to sit in the clubhouse by the open fire and take in the surrounds. Although only open for members, guests at the onsite accommodation Yering Gorge Cottages and at the nearby Chateau Yering are also entitled to use the course. 215 Victoria Road, Yering, +61 3 9739 0110

GelAperia Gelato Making ClassesGelAperia has brought authentic Italian gelato to the Yarra Valley – as well as an opportunity for visitors to learn the skills required to become their own gelatiere. GelAperia holds regular classes that extend beyond just making the frozen dessert. The cultural history of gelato is discussed over coffee, the importance of high quality ingredients is both shown and put into practice and by the end of the day, visitors will have both a sorbetto and a creamy gelato to take home – as well as the kudos that goes with making such delicious desserts. Shop 1/5-7 Green Street, Healesville, +61 3 5962 2381

Hot air ballooningWhile the Yarra Valley can be enjoyed from the ground, it is also spectacular sky-high in a hot air balloon with Global Ballooning. Stable weather and breathtaking scenery make the Yarra Valley the perfect location for this unforgettable experience. The balloon flights depart just after dawn, and then float back down to earth about an hour later. A post-flight sparkling wine breakfast can also be enjoyed at one of the region’s foremost wineries. +61 3 9428-5703