Plans are well under way for an amazing Golf and Wine Discovery Tour of the Marysville region. We have discovered many businesses open and would love to share with you their hospitality. driven indulgence
The idea for the indulgent golf tour was born from a guests' question. Staying with Richard and Jenny Parker, 'Gracedale Yarra Valley' in Healesville, where could he play golf without becoming a member? From there Jenny took it upon herself to call around. She discovered that neighboring Marysville golf course was one such club that welcomes visitors with open arms with just a social membership for the day.gracedale yarravalley
We visited with Barbara who manages the Marysville Golf Club (formerly of Terracotta-Room.) terracotta-room shortly thereafter, to discover the wealth of tour operators open for business and eager to give us a tour to showcase the area. Jenny and I headed up to see for ourselves what is on offer. marysville golf and bowls
Barbara and Jenny enjoying our coffee at Fragas Cafe.
On visiting 'Brunos Sculpture Garden' for the fourth time, we discovered significant work had been done, with new sculptures and heaps of plantings, massive trees that had been blown over all ready for removal, or integrated back into the changed landscape. As you may already know or can imagine, the trees did as much destruction as the fires, crushing and destroying many sculptures. Some of the sculptures have been re-modelled, some picked up and reset, others given back the bits that were burned, new ones high up in trees, even some familiar sculptures from the main street have been given a new home. It is a must see, you can see so much going on, it is truly remarkable. You will be touched by how beautiful it is, having never had the privilege of seeing it prior to the fires ,it is probably easier for us to appreciate what it is today, having no way to compare it, we just love the garden and the stories that Barbara was able to tell us. The creek is flowing and it looks like Bruno has a new boat to go back onto the water, just the way it used to be. You certainly have inspired us Bruno, thank you. brunos art and gardens
Bruno's mate looks like he has been busy! I reckon he may enjoy a game of golf and glass of wine.We headed out to Buxton Ridge Winery just out of Marysville, about a ten minute drive Michael and Katie indulged us in regional fare, from olives, salmon, crackers and cheeses followed by their own sparkling wine. We had a taste of their range in their new cellar door. I have found another perfect Pinot! Michael and Katie shared stories of the devastating fire and difficult recovery period, including some quite personal stories on how it has affected their beautiful young family. We wish them all the very best, we want to create an ant-like track to their cellar door, there is a wine for everyone and Michael will show you his piece of paradise taking you into the vineyard to answer all those questions you may have about growing wine grapes. This is were you meet the winemaker, the vineyard manager and cellar door staff all in one! Lovely outdoor setting looking over the vineyard, quiet, tranquil and indulgent indeed. Book ahead for the platters! meet the maker buxton ridge
Michael from Buxton Ridge gets us into his reds.
Katie's made this lovely local platter to enjoy with our Sparkling.We made tracks back to Marysville to meet Linda and Peter from Chrystal Journey. They are opening for coffees and cake in the gardens. Peter will share his stories from being on the land and show you his 'Big Tractor', you just have to watch your tea doesn't get cold, he has stories and a shed full of man treasures and all the time in the world for you. One of these sheds they have kindly set up relief aid for the entire area. Toothpaste, plates, quilts, loo paper, everything you may need, kindly donated to the community and stored at Chrystal Journey.
After Pete's tour we entered the gift store from the veranda out of the heat into the coolness of the old homestead. It has been in Peters family for some time. His dad made sure it was a home of quality for the period, being a piano builder, his work is with beautiful timbers and the high ceilings and wide verandas remind you of a quieter time before we had air conditioners. They made us a lovely afternoon tea, which we shared in the shade of the big old trees in the rambling gardens and Jenny found some lovely gifts to take home from the store, thank you for your hospitality, we will be back to see your progress and enjoy another pot of tea. marysville tourism
Pete tells us this tractor was used in Scotland to remove Peat for fuel, from the bogs.
Finally back at the Golf and Bowls Club house, we meet members of the golf club, Lesley and then liz, who takes fun golf clinics for newbies like myself. Barbara introduces us to two more very special women, Nora and Kay of Cathedral View Bed and Breakfast and Retreat. Wellness is their game and passion even though now all they have left of their former retreat is a concrete slab on a burnt baron landscape. They have the magic of vision and a passion for well-being for their own futures and their healing hands and knowledge for your body to be enlivened while you visit. We envision long massages in tranquil spots, perhaps in a private tent on the golf course,???, Tai Chi in the park and foot massages after the long walk playing golf or bare foot bowls at the bowls club. cathedral view massage and relaxation therapies
Barbara's Bocce` balls still remain on her property, not much else though. Bare foot bowls at the club might be the go this summer Barb.So much to choose from and there is much more that we are yet to discover. Looking forward to putting the tours together from the Yarra Valley, bringing guests on an indulgent golf and wine tour will be fun. Give yourself the gift of a visit to our neighbors in Marysville, bring along your cheeriest smile and leave some lovely hugs and indulge in what they have to offer and support our mates in Marysville. It's inspiring.
Kepples Lookout. Marysville in the distance and in the background, the magnificent dramatic Cathedral Range.
