By ANEEKA SIMONIS
WHILE Puffing Billy draws in many visitors, young and old, Belgrave offers a lot more for people to see and do.
Visitors immediately unwind as they step into Belgrave Village, quaint with the feeling of tradition and community.
Cafes are peppered across the main street, offering high quality coffee, decadent cakes and snacks sourced from local and organic produce.
Acclaimed patisserie, Chocolate Sensation is one not to miss, offering traditional French pastries, breads, chocolates and cakes.
Sweet tooths will enjoy favourites such as the perennial brownie, lemon tart or hedgehog slice served with a freshly roasted cup of Fairtrade coffee from Chosen Bean.
Boutique shopping is also very much alive in Belgrave, with a range of craft, alternate clothing and homewares stores available for your perusal.
Thrillseekers can get their fix at Tree Adventure which offers an exhilarating high ropes course across the soaring treetops in Glen Harrow Gardens. With courses ranging from four to 15 metres off the ground, the eco-adventure experience offers over 70 different challenges for all people of any level, along with 19 flying foxes that glide through the trees at great speed.
Cameo Cinemas is the place for local movie buffs to watch the screening of new release blockbusters and arthouse films. Retaining its historical features from the post-1970s Art Deco period, traditional decorations adds a touch of glamour that will have you believe you’ve been transported back to the days of black and white film.
Look out for the cinema’s outdoor screening area, opening from December each month, which invites visitors to watch their favourite films with their own picnic beneath the sun or stars in the picturesque parkland area. Belgrave’s stunning natural forest will take your breath away including Glen Harrow Park which spans across eight hectares of native forest across the Puffing Billy train line.
Visit the garden’s famous home tree, a 150-year-old Algerian Oak which towers over 60 metres above the ground.
Wildlife enthusiasts can spot well-loved native animals and birds at Birdlands Reserve.
The 75 hectare reserve offers a great, family-friendly spot for an afternoon picnic or a bushwalk … be sure to keep your eyes peeled for platypuses!
