In This Issue:

Renovated Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa opening mid September
The historic Hepburn Bathhouse and Spa is set to become the centrepiece of Australia’s premier spa destination Daylesford/Hepburn Springs when it reopens its doors on September 15 following a $13 million renovation.  

New Melbourne hot spots
Located down a laneway off Flinders Street, newly opened The French Brasserie has already attracted considerable attention from both punters and the more nuanced palettes of those in Melbourne’s ‘fine dining’ industry.

Melbourne’s inner North welcomes Rydges Bell City
A new multipurpose accommodation facility, Rydges Bell City, has just opened on Bell Street, Preston, a strategic half-way point on the major arterial driving route between Melbourne's CBD and the Tullamarine International Airport.

Wine and family time at Yarra Valley’s Mandala Wines
The new Mandala Wines Restaurant and Lounge features a Mediterranean inspired menu of regional and Victorian produce and family recipes created by head chef Mauro Callegari (formerly of Fenix) whose culinary experience has been honed through his work across Argentina, England and Australia.

Jacques Reymond Restaurant wins top food award
Renowned Melbourne restaurant Jacques Reymond was announced as the Lavazza Restaurant of the Year at the 2008 Restaurant & Catering Awards for Excellence last month.

Mornington Peninsula October Pinot Week
Mornington Peninsula’s highly anticipated Pinot Week (4-12 October) will showcase the depth and breadth of Mornington Peninsula’s famous Pinot wines with a series of special events that will take place in both Melbourne and the region itself.

Mineral Spa at Peppers Springs Retreat celebrates three wins at Australasian Spa Awards
Victorian operators netted a total of five awards at the recent Australasian Spa Association (ASpa) Spas of Excellence awards which recognise excellence in service delivery in the spa, health and wellness industry.

Marylands Country House launches Yarra Valley ballooning package
From now until March 2009, Marylands Country House will be offering guests the opportunity to experience the stunning Yarra Valley region from up above with their new ‘Yarra Valley Ballooning Package’.

Melbourne Private Tours launch four new unforgettable journeys
Melbourne Private Tours has launched four new ‘Unforgettable Journeys’, adding to their range of tours that feature special one-off experiences not available anywhere else.

Australian-first interactive travel planner puts Gippsland on the map
An innovative new online travel planner – the first of its kind in Australia – will help entice holiday-makers, day trippers and travellers passing though Gippsland to experience more of the region’s tourist attractions, restaurants, accommodation options and retail outlets, and encourage them to stay longer.

Aaah! Willandra introduces luxury Gourmet and Golfing houseboat holidays
Leading houseboat operator Aaah! Willandra Houseboats (based in Mildura) has launched two fantastic all-inclusive packages which combine a luxury houseboat holiday with the best of Sunraysia’s signature experiences and attractions including fine dining, wine tasting and top notch golf courses.

Every Month:

Special Packages:
A pleasant 90-minute drive from Melbourne, Phillip Island offers much more than penguins – there’s high octane sports, family attractions, breathtaking scenery and an abundance of wildlife, making it a perfect destination to celebrate Father’s Day.

Important Diary Notes

© 2009 Tourism Victoria