Jess & Sarah Hosking Mid-Week Visit - Yarra Valley

Jess and Sarah Hosking are twins and AFLW stars for the Richmond Tigers. Former state netballers, the pair are avid sportswomen and often found surfing or on the golf course.

Want to spend a few days midweek like them? Here's the itinerary.

Tuesday

ROB DOLAN HOSTED A WINE & CHEESE TASTING WITH AN INTRODUCTION TO THE ROB DOLAN ICON SERIES

A Yarra Valley Legend, Rob Dolan is known for his skill in the winery, passion for helping others, and cheeky character. Rob grew up in Riverland, South Australia and loved having wine with his mum, which led to the nickname “Riesling”. After an AFL football career and two premierships under his belt (where his nickname changed to “Sticks” as a premiership ruckman with Port Adelaide Football Club... don’t hold that against him!) Rob set his sights on Winemaking and kicked off his career in the Hunter Valley before heading to Yarra Ridge in the Yarra Valley. After 25 years of making wine for some of Australia’s most iconic wineries, Yarra Valley legend Rob Dolan decided to channel his passion and skill into his label. And so, Rob Dolan Wines was born.

YERING STATION IN YARRA GLEN FOR LUNCH

Yering Station is proudly Victoria’s first vineyard. A jewel of the Yarra Valley,
they produce world-class excellent climate wines. Considered one of the region’s leading wineries, their estate and historic cellar door, art gallery, retail space and stunning signature restaurant, all sitting on breathtaking grounds, makes for a truly unforgettable Yarra Valley experience.

YARRA VALLEY DAIRY

Pick up a cheese box at Yarra Valley Dairy.

If you can fit another thing in, a cheese tasting would be on offer here, too and have a look around the old milking shed turned cheese shop. Yarra Valley Dairy is famous for Persian Fetta, but we’re sure you’ll love their entire range.

CHECK INTO THE ALPINE RETREAT HOTEL IN WARBURTON

The Alpine Retreat Hotel was built in 1885 and sat in the heart of Warburton. Current custodians, Rachael & Anthony Northwood, have respectfully - and beautifully - upgraded this truly majestic building. With three dining areas, a beer garden, outdoor balconies and 32 accommodation rooms, this regional pub with the river and mountain views are certainly coming back to life - and what a good life it’s about to have.

Suggested drives / walks / rides

• The Ada Tree
• Straight out the door of The Alpine and along the river into the village of Warburton and then follow the track past town, the park and to East Warburton. Most of this walk is along the Yarra River.
• Drive up to Mt Donna Buang and do one of the many walks there.
• Californian Redwoods
• O’Shannassy Aqueduct Trail

Wednesday

BALLOON FLIGHT WITH GLOBAL BALLOONING

Let the breeze guide you as you bask in 360-degree views over the rolling hills and endless vines of the Yarra Valley. Start your Yarra Valley day with a sunrise hot air balloon experience with Global Ballooning Australia. It is known for its countryside glamour, wildlife and wine varieties. Hot air balloon flights began here by Global Ballooning Australia in 1992 and have been a famous region to fly balloons ever since.

HEALESVILLE SANCTUARY

Healesville Sanctuary is one of Zoos Victoria’s three properties dedicated to fighting extinction. Enjoy a delicious breakfast at their Sanctuary Harvest Café, then wander tranquil bushland tracks and discover some of Australia’s most beloved iconic animals and some of the 27 local species they are fighting to protect.

FOUR PILLARS GIN

Here you can do a tasting of all the gins in the award-winning Four Pillars Gin range or enjoy a multitude of gin drinks from the bar, including gin and tonic paddles, build-your-own Negronis, and Scotty’s Ginger Mules, as well as local beer and wine, great coffee, olives, nuts, and cheese plates.

LUNCH AT INNOCENT BYSTANDER

IBHQ for delicious wine, local produce, artisan pizza and tasty paella, or enjoy a non-wine option such as their real cider, local beers and spirits, and great coffee.

It’s an urban cellar door, restaurant, bar and your home away from home, so swing by, relax and enjoy.

HEAD BACK TO THE ALPINE WHEN YOU’RE READY AND RELAX, AND HEAD HOME AT YOUR LEISURE.