R.L. Chapman & Sons Pty Ltd (Mark and Steve Chapman) is a 4th generation fruit growing business. Our family has been growing fruit for over 100 years – surely testament to sustainable farming! We are referred to as Chappies, and farm 50 hectares at Silvan in the beautiful Yarra Valley (in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges of Victoria), a one hour drive from the centre of Melbourne. We have been operating our U-Pick (pick your own) business for berries since 1970 when our father Gordon introduced the u-pick concept to Australia after a visit to the USA. A fantastic day out for the family where everyone can pitch in and pick some fruit, have a taste and better understand where those lovely fruits come from. If you don’t want to pick, you are welcome to come to the farm and buy our freshly picked fruit Buy Fresh.

Sit back, relax and let us take you on a leisurely rail journey through the stunning Yarra Valley on our lovingly restored vintage train. As you settle in we bring the countryside to you. From Kangaroos to Kookaburras, be sure to keep your eyes out for the abundance of wildlife that calls the surrounding hills home. As your journey unfolds through the valley’s flood plains and deep cuttings, be sure to ask our friendly onboard staff about the history of railway, such as the of our 100 year old brick arch tunnel, but you’ll have to jump on board to find out more! A round trip departs Healesville station every hour from 10.00am to 4.00pm on: – Sundays – Public Holidays (not open Christmas Day) – School Holidays – Wednesday and Sunday – For more information visit http://www.yvr.com.au/ FARES Adult $15.00 Children 3-16 years $9.00 Family (2 adults + 2 children) $39.00 Concession $13.00 Fares subject to change.

Rochford Wines in the heart of Victoria’s Yarra Valley is more than just a winery – it is a total experience! Often identified with the iconic Australian “Day On the Green” music festivals, Rochford is situated in one of the most stunning regions in Australia with breathtaking panoramic views of the Great Dividing Ranges.A truly perfect venue for your wedding in the Yarra Valley. Located less than an hour’s drive from Melbourne, Rochford Wines is synonymous with innovative events, food, wine and the glorious beauty of the Yarra Valley. The Winery showcases a restaurant, cafe and patio, cellar door, retail shop, wine club, art gallery and expansive natural amphitheatre and observation tower. Rochford Winery is the ultimate event destination in the heart of the Yarra Valley – offering world class facilities, award winning food and wine, and a team of experts waiting to make your next function a showstopper! Surrounded by the vineyards and the green lawns, this unique and versatile wine, food and entertainment destination caters for 20 to 7,000 guests with its cellar door, winery, restaurant and café.

Photographically explore the spectacular sights of Victoria’s rural, forest and coastal regions with our experienced photographic guides. Feast at one of Australia’s world famous wineries while discussing your morning’s photography with our professional photographer guides, who are happy to provide constructive input into your creative endeavors. Meals: Fine local cuisine has been sourced and main meals are supplied – lunch and dinner. Water will be provided and soft drinks and alcohol are available but not included. Transport: For groups a 12 or 24 seated chauffeured mini bus and individual 1-3 people tours in modern comfortable 4×4 drive vehicles. Briefing sessions: If required there will be technical tuition by professional photographers before each location and during meal to enhance your photographic experience.

Global Ballooning Australia (GBA) prides itself on being Australia’s most professional hot air ballooning company. Our focus is on our passengers’ comfort, safety and enjoyment. Global Ballooning Australia is headed up by Kiff Saunders – our Director and Chief Pilot. He brings a huge wealth of aviation experience to the company. With over 25 years of flying experience and having flown balloons in over 10 countries around the world, including 3 world ballooning championships, Kiff is Victoria’s most experienced balloonist. He is responsible for training many of the commercial hot air balloon pilots flying in Victoria today and his achievements have been recognised by his induction into the Australian Ballooning Federation Hall of Fame. Kiff also holds the ‘Absolute Australian Altitude Record’ for hot air ballooning. With 17 balloons and over 90,000 passengers flown safely, we welcome you to join our dedicated team to experience the joy of ‘lighter than air’ balloon flights over Melbourne or the Yarra Valley.

GO WILD BALLOONING-Established 1989 The pioneers of hot air ballooning in the Yarra Valley. Stunning scenery,unbelievable views and an amazing feeling of freedom. Experience the tranquillity and stunning surrounds of Melbourne’s Yarra Valley with a sunrise hot air balloon flight with Go Wild Ballooning. Celebrate your hot air balloon ride with a gourmet breakfast at Chateau Yering Hotel including a glass of Australian Sparkling Wine / Champagne Sunrise hot air balloon rides daily Gift Certificates Accommodation Packages at Chateau Yering Historic House Hotel Winery Tours Bookings every day of the year weather permitting Minimum age 6 years From the vineyards & wineries, Yarra River & mountain ranges below to Melbourne CBD & Port Phillip Bay in the distance, the Yarra Valley is spectacular to traverse by hot air balloon   A leisurely 40 minute drive from Melbourne CBD, the Yarra Valley is perfect for a day trip or extend your stay overnight and enjoy everything that the Yarra Valley has to offer. The ideal suprise gift for a wedding or special occasion.   HOT AIR BALLOON RATES Midweek Flight Only from    $ 279 pp Weekend Flight Only from   $ 299 pp Flight & Breakfast Package   $ 360 pp Age 6 […]