UNIQUE EXPERIENCES GLENLYON

Relax in the country, find tranquillity, breathe fresh air, listen to birdsong and be refreshed. Ninety minutes from Melbourne, and just north of Daylesford in central Victoria, Lavandula has space and beautiful vistas. At its heart is the golden stone rustica, a cluster of farm buildings constructed by Italians from southern Switzerland who came to look for gold and stayed to farm. The farmhouse is open for viewing each afternoon and gives an immediate sense of Italian rural life in 1860s Victoria. Twenty years ago Carol White restored the buildings creating a European garden and productive farming lifestyle. Eat al fresco. The licensed café explores European cuisine and, in season, sources food from the garden. La Trattoria's seasonal menu ranges from bread and oil, salads and risotto, to baked meats or veg. With beautifully light, home-made lavender scones children can enjoy a glass of lavender lemonade, while parents can treat themselves to a glass of lavender champagne. Enjoy the space. Lie on a rug by the creek. Children can explore the garden and find farm animals. Play petanque or climb the hill to the olive grove. In the Barn find select home wares and Lavandula's range of products good for body and soul. Lavender is planted as crop art in winter it's trimmed and sculptural, at Christmas the lavender is in flower and is harvested by hand with sickles through the heat of January. Bunches are hung to dry under every veranda. The products are made by hand in the Stillroom. The beautiful garden and La Trattoria are available after-hours for small outdoor European-style functions, weddings or birthdays. Lavandula's contemporary accommodation is just nearby at the head of a secret valley. Broad decks, big view, chic three bedrooms, spa tub and shower room, modern kitchen. Relax deeply.

Located seven kilometres north of Daylesford, Chocolate Mill is in a straw-bale building, designed and built by the original owners. Nicki and Adrian Straton took over the business in January 2014 and are excited to expand further and develop the iconic Chocolate Mill. No changes to the fantastic chocolate, only enhancements. The Chocolate Mill pride themselves on being there for the serious chocoholic where fresh chocolate is made the old fashioned European way, before mass production took over. The idea is to create something from scratch, the way things used to be made, from the building construction to the way they make their chocolates and run the business. By using natural ingredients and quality European chocolate and staying away from palm oil, preservatives and additives the Chocolate Mill can focus on quality and personal customer service with strong product knowledge. The Chocolate Mill make and sell the product exclusively on-site to over 2000 customers per week, melting down over a tonne of chocolate per month, imported from Belgium. The Chocolate Mill Hot Chocolate Cafe serves award-winning hot chocolates, locally sourced espresso coffee, cakes, tarts (try the salted caramel with Belgian Chocolate ganache with double cream) plus light refreshments (wraps) drinks and ice-cream sundaes to die for. The Chocolate Mill have appeared on Getaway, Post-Cards, Coxy's Big Break and have also appeared in Epicure and the Herald Sun many times. The Chocolate Mill also won an RACV small business award and was voted number 11 in Victoria's Top 101 Best Tourism Experiences in 2010. The Chocolate Mill also won the Herald Sun Best Hot Chocolate in 2010.

Ellender Estate wines are created with minimal intervention reflecting characters provided by nature and entrusted to their care and respect. Viticulturist and Winemaker, Graham Ellender, produces a range of quality wines from Sparkling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to Pinot Gris, Pinot Rose and Pinot Noir; to reflect the Estate's unique character and his individual style. A wood-fired oven is the focus of the food presented at L'Osteria at Ellender Estate and reflects the Swiss-Italian heritage of the area. During weekends relax with a glass of wine and enjoy a selection of wood-fired pizzas, or a regional platter with bread baked in the wood-fired oven. Picnic beside the lake (perfect spot for an engagement proposal) or in the olive grove. Ideal as a romantic day for couples or enjoy a gourmet picnic hamper with friends or family. The picturesque scenery and intimate surrounds are the perfect setting for your next function; weddings, celebrations, parties, corporate retreats and small conferences in the Loddon Room. Book for a pizza-making class or discover the secrets of wine in "Discover your Wine Senses". Come and visit, meet Red and Nelle (the friendly chocolate labradors), spend some time with them and share their story. "Turn off at the beautiful little village of Glenlyon, near Daylesford, and drive a few kilometres through the picturesque hills to find Ellender Estate. It's a secluded vineyard and a welcoming one with regional platters available, a wood-fired oven, and an outdoor pavilion overlooking vineyard, dams and hillsides. Wine quality is very good." Ralph Kyte-Powell

Situated in the picturesque Hepburn region of Victoria's spa country, Prani Glow Day Spa is a Thai and South East Asian inspired day spa. They only use organic products including their organic massage oil. The treatments are based on the philosophy of healing, rest, relaxation and improvement - whether it be choice of the signature massages from gentle and relaxing, invigorating and revitalising with a Thai herbal compress therapeutic massage to body exfoliation and mud wrap. Please visit the website for more information.

Silver Brumby Trails is located one hour from Melbourne CBD and 20 minutes from Daylesford. Come and enjoy scenic trail rides around the home of the Silver Brumby. Ride though shady forests and rolling hills on incredibly well cared for horses, then sit back and relax with a cuppa taking in the stunning scenery....

Wildwood Instruments offers weekend instrument making retreats in Mt Franklin, just next to Daylesford. You can choose from our range of popular electric and bass guitar kits and be guided through the building process in our fully equipped workshop. The two day guitar building courses run each and every weekend, so you can attend when it suits you. The course is open to those aged 16 years and above. Visit the website for details and to book in your course....

Ten minutes north of Daylesford, Lavandula Swiss Italian Farm is an iconic property nestled among the rolling hills of Shepherds Flat. The 100 acre property was once farmed by Swiss-Italians, who came to Australia in the 1850's looking for new opportunities. In the late 1980's, Carol White and her family restored and re-imagined the old dairy farm and it has become one of Victoria's most important rural properties. European style gardens were planted out to frame and meander around the original stone buildings. Productive vegetable and herb gardens were established to supply the cafe, La Trattoria. Lavender was planted out to provide quality materials for the creation of farm-made body lotions and creams, room mists and insecticides, and essential oil. La Trattoria eatery serves late breakfasts, morning teas, lunches and afternoon teas. Produce is sourced locally and from its own gardens. The cafe is fully licensed with a good range of local wines, beers and ciders, including its famous lavender champagne. Lavandula hosts three major festivals each year: Autumn Harvest in May, La Primavera in October and Lavender Harvest in January. The beautiful garden and La Trattoria is available after-hours for outdoor European-style functions, weddings or birthdays. ...