By REBECCA BILLS
NESTLED between Belgrave and Olinda is the charming town of Kallista.
The picturesque town in its natural setting is celebrated for its wealth of heritage houses, gardens and country atmosphere that is within commuting distance of Melbourne’s CBD.
Emerged in the mountain forests of the Dandenong Ranges, the heart of the town is a quiet corner of speciality shops, cafes, art, craft and an attractive nursery.
New to Kallista is Forest Edge Stone, a place where the arts meet the local and wider community in a space where artists can explore new boundaries in their creations.
Visitors get to experience the art of stone masonry and browse the many sculptures, fine art paintings and drawings exhibited throughout the gallery.
A few shops down is Things of Clay and Wood – a pottery and wood-turning gallery and wood-shop by Anne-Maria Plevier and other renowned artists with wood-turning done on site.
For those who are looking for home-wares with a difference, Clementine by Design offers a combination of unique and retro knicks and knacks for around the house.
Inspired by nature and mid-century design, Clementine has many one-off pieces ranging from old prints, china and glassware.
Kallista is also surrounded by lush forest which is home to Grants Picnic Ground, George Tindale Memorial Gardens and the Dandenong Ranges National Park.
Grants Picnic Grounds is located within walking distance for the centre of town and is well known for the native bird feeding area that attracts visitors from across Australia and around the world.
Another two kilometres away is the George Tindale Memorial Gardens that includes a unique collection of exotic plants that live beneath a canopy of large mountain ash.
The garden is also home to a Kallista Kindergarten Program that sees the children explore and embrace nature in learning.
