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MELBOURNE’S MYSTIC EAST
Author's note, this is a review of restaurants where this something else to do besides feed your face; prices are correct at time of writing and are in Australian dollars.
The gentle sigh of the ocean washes against your eardrums as you eat. The day has been fulfilling and entertaining. You have traced the steps of George Bass as he set out in a whaleboat, relived the horror of the seals as the sealers descended upon them and now you are sitting down to a delightful lunch or dinner.
Sound like a fantasy?
The delights of Melbourne’s mystic east are less than ninety minutes from Melbourne. In busy metropolitan Melbourne, the eastern fringes have always attracted day visitors and tourists in their droves, seeking tranquility and entertainment.
Situated on the hills overlooking the Nobbies on Phillip Island, is the Sea Life Centre at Seal Rocks. Opened last April, the complex has an education centre, a reenactment of Bass’s epic voyage, live footage of seals in their natural environment, walks and a gift shop. Visitors can also dine in fine style at the Lady Nelson, named after the explorer’s boat. The a la carte restaurant boasts magnificent views of Bass Strait and Seal Rocks along with an impressive seasonal menu. You can’t go past real Tasmanian Oysters served with Balsamic and Shallot dressing or the Lady Nelson Seafood platter with whole crayfish, Tasmanian Salmon, oysters, Moreton Bay Bugs, Scampi, Coffin Bay Scallops and Calamari. Wines from the Yarra Valley, Hunter Valley, McLaren Vale and Margaret River complement the more expensive French Champagnes of Epernay and Reims.
With capable managers, Justin Gitz and James Koratzopoulos who have many years of experience in the hospitality industry, Lady Nelson looks forward to a bright future. The restaurant is only open for dinner between November and the end of March, the end of daylight savings. This is to protect penguins crossing the road on the way to their breeding nests as the restaurant is located five mins from the Penguin parade.
While the Lady Nelson is primarily a seafood restaurant, the Bass Brasserie caters for all tastes and cultures. Lunch here is available all year round. The establishment also boasts spectacular views.
Prices for the Lady Nelson hover around the $25.00 mark
whilst the Brasserie’s average meal costs a little over $10.00. When added
to the $15.00 for the reenactment voyage and interactive seal display,
it is an affordable day out for the whole family.
Place: HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY
Address: Badger Creek Road Healesville
Restaurant/Café name: ‘THE BISTRO’ 5957 2814 (Sanctuary 5957 2800)
Seating: 80
Licensed: Yes
Hours: 9 - 5pm 365 days
Lunch/Dinner: Lunch only
Average price of meal: $9.50
Admission Price:
Address: Korumburra 5655 1811
Restaurant/Café name: PIG AND WHISTLE MINE HOTEL
Licensed: Yes
Hours: 10am - 4:30pm
Seating: 50 - 60 in comfort
Lunch/Dinner: Serves only lunch but dinner available (bookings essential)
Average price of meal: $2.50-$8.00
Admission Price:
Address: 2600 Maroondah Hwy Buxton (3.2 Kilometres past the Buxton hotel)
PH: 5774 7345
Seating: 56
Licensed: No
Hours: 24 hrs a day (catering for injured animals)
Admission Price:
Average price of meal: $8.00
Special Features:
Place: YARRA VALLEY DAIRY
Address: McMeikans Road Yering
(Closest corner St Huberts Road and Melba Hwy)
PH: 9739 0023
Seating: 90
Licensed: Yes (locally made wines)
Hours: 10:30 - 5pm
Admission Price:
Average price of meal:
Entrees/desserts $6.50
Mains $15.00
Special Features:
Address: 98 Main Road, Toolangi
PH: 5962 9282
Seating: 60 people (prefer 40)
Licensed: Yes
Hours: Closed Friday, open Saturday night for dinner
Admission Price: $2.00 admission fee for entrance to gardens
Lunch/Dinner: Lunch on w/days, dinner Saturday night (pre-bookings essential)
Average price of meal:
Address: 389 Swan Street, Richmond www.globalballooning.com.au
PH: 03 9428 5703
Seating: Between 1-20 people
Licensed: Not while flying
Hours: Meet at launch site (to be advised) half an hour before sunrise
Admission Price: $195 per person. Discounts apply to group bookings of five or more.
Lunch/Dinner: Breakfast
Average price of meal: $195
Special Features:
Address: 22-24 Glen Eide Road Healesville (Opposite sanctuary)
PH: 5962 3636
Seating: 40 in tearooms (plenty of seating outside)
Licensed: No
Hours: 10 - 4:30pm
Admission Price:
Average price of meal: Most expensive item $6.00
Special Features:
January 1999