Crisp fresh country air, mountains filled with cool green foliage and a quietness that only comes with being miles from anywhere. Awaken your senses at Warburton. This cute town is nestled in a valley between towering mountains and makes an excellent day trip for city folk or visitors to Melbourne.

This tiny town boasts plenty of cafes for its size and has a few unique boutique style shops. Be sure to stop by the Red Mud Hut and take your sweet time looking through unique earthy clothing and accessories including bags, hats, scarves and handmade jewellery. I picked up two bracelets for $22! Two of my favourite cafes include Wild Thyme Cafe and Three Sugars, the latter produces an amazing range of gourmet open pies and other savoury pastries that come served with salad. The bakery on the corner in an old petrol station is another hot spot for calming rumbling tummies and is popular with the bikers passing through.

Depending on your recreational taste there is bushwalking for the energetic types or arts to be mulled over in the Upper Yarra Arts Centre. For more information on what’s happening in and around Warburton be sure to stop off at the Information Centre – you can’t miss it just look for the large modern building with a water wheel outside.

Before making the scenic drive home, walk off your lunch down by the Yarra River where you are sure to spy brave kids and dogs romping around in the chilly water.

Special event:
The Warburton Nordic Festival held May 18 and 19, 2013.
www.facebook.com/nordic.festival 

More info:
www.travelvictoria.com.au/warburton/
www.visitvictoria.com/Regions/Yarra-Valley-and-Dandenong-Ranges/Destinations/Warburton.aspx
www.warburtoninfo.com/

Nearby:
Upper Yarra Reservoir Park
Camping, picnics, see the water catchment, bushwalking.

Mt Donna Buang
Snows here in the coldest parts of winter. Don’t miss the Skywalk along the way – a 40 metre long observation platform that takes you into the treetops.

How to get there:
72km east of Melbourne



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Image: http://www.travelvictoria.com.au