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Yarra
Valley
Wine, Food, Animals and Balloons
By
Richard Moore
Yarra
Glen Hotels
Yarra Valley Map
Yarra
Valley Wine Map
Healesville
Sanctuary Map.
Writing
about the Yarra Valley brings back many happy memories of summer
wine tasting and lunches with friends in one of Australia's premium
wine-producing areas.
 About
an hour out of central Melbourne (and
only 20 minutes from my old stomping ground - the delightful little
town of Research) the Yarra Valley is a must-visit for wine lovers
and those who enjoy great food.
It
is a lovely part of Victoria and with a coolish climate that grapes
seem to relish.
Two
of my favourites to visit were De Bortoli Estate at Dixon's Creek,
where the wine was excellent and the food was even better. Also
spend some time at Domain Chandon in Coldstream.
Of
course there are a myriad of other terrific vineyards in the area,
fact so many it pays to spend a weekend out there or organise a
wine tour.
Apart
from wineries the area contains the township of Healesville, which
has the terrific Healesville Sanctuary. (Click
here for map to get there.)
 The
sanctuary is simply marvellous and my kids loved going there. You
get to see dingos, platypus, kangaroos and koalas and a host of
other Australian creatures, as well as parrots and birds of prey
in the flight arena. The predators are simply awesome to watch.
In
addition the sanctuary has an Australian Wildlife Health Centre
that treats more than 2000 sick and injured native animals annually.
Not
only does the centre help injured animals, but it helps train veterinarians
in how do deal with wildlife.
At
the heart of the valley is Yarra Glen a nice little township with
good eateries and antique stores.
 For
the more adventurous tourist hot-air ballooning is a regular activity
over the Yarra Valley.
If
you have the time then head on out to the Yarra Valley - you'll
be glad you did.
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