SPOTLIGHT ON THE DANDENONG RANGES AND YARRA VALLEY

Burnham Beeches Exterior 

Burnham Beeches is set in the stunning Dandenong Ranges, a mountain range protected as Dandenong Ranges National Park. The region is known for its charming villages packed cute cafes, craft boutique and antique stores, winding roads lined with towering ferns, streams, waterfalls and local flora and fauna. Only 35km from Melbourne, visitors take a day, a weekend or more to breath the pure air, ride a bike or embark on a walking trail through the bushland, or simply relax in nature. Accommodation is made up of chic boutique winery B&Bs, self-contained cottage, or five-star luxury options.

The Piggery at Burnham Beeches was phase one of the property's transformation. The warm and rustic café - unsurprisingly housed in a restored piggery and stables – offers an onsite bakery and delicious share plates filled with local produce from onsite and local farms and producers. It will be available throughout the Empire season, with extended hours and additional coffee facilities to hopefully cater for the crowds. 1 Sherbrooke Rd, Sherbrooke VIC 3789, +61 (03) 9691 3858

Sassafras is the nearest village to Burnham Beeches, and Proserpina Bakehouse is perhaps the jewel in the crown. Six days a week they freshly mill flour that is turned into breads, pastries, delicious sweet baked goods and wholesome pies. This humming heart of Sassafras is the combined expertise of Gary Cooper (ex-Bella Vedere) and Carolyn Deutsher (ex-Ripe). Antique benches sit alongside purpose-built shelving filled with flowers, objects of beauty and the teams favourite local artisan produce. 361 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Sassafras VIC 3787, +61 (03) 9755 3332

Ripe, also in Sassafras, is an old favourite, with a great range of baguettes, homecooked meals and cakes. It's cosy but also has an enclosed outdoor deck that looks into the trees and the colourful rosella's that have made them home. Perfect for families. 376-378 Mount Dandenong Tourist Rd, Sassafras, VIC 3787, +61 (03) 9755 2100

Olinda is the next village along the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road heading north. The Olinda Tea House, is new(ish) to the Dandenongs and brings a taste of China to the area. Featuring both a full traditional Chinese menu, as well as morning and high teas influenced by Asian flavours, this restaurant is set amongst the forest and is open for dinner six nights a week. 86A Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda VIC 3788, +61 (03) 9751 0556

Charming Olinda village also boasts quality window browsing and boutique shopping in form of The Olinda Collective which highlights local handmade items; Mangana Olinda a global treasure chest where visitors can lose themselves for hours among the many antiques and leadlight lamps; as well as Olinda Sweet Company and Little Lands – the latter which specialises in terrariums.

High Tea is somewhat of a must-do in this part of the world and one of the most enticing options has got to be Mary Eats Cake located at Leith Road continuing out to the north travel via Montrose. Providing brunch, lunch and high tea in gorgeous glam surrounds with expert tea and cake matching – the eatery is very popular and booking is highly recommend.

EMPIRE by Rone at Burnham Beeches 

Of course the Dandenong Ranges is a short drive from the famous wine-growing region of the Yarra Valley. However a lesser-known sub-region is the home of James Halliday's Winery of the Year 2019, Seville Estate. With a new restaurant and stunning accommodation overlooking the vineyard and Eucalyptus trees, it has rustic but stylish feel. 65 Linwood Road, Seville VIC, +61 (03) 5964 2622

Just a little north of Seville, Medhurst Winery has reopened its cellar door after renovations and is getting great reviews for both its wines and casual dining offering. 24 – 26 Medhurst Road, Gruyere, Yarra Valley, Victoria 3770, +61 (03) 5964 9022

Website: www.visitvictoria.com