By Derek Schlennstedt
Nestled between the flowing creeks of the Yarra Valley and the towering peaks of Mount Dandenong, the quiet village of Mount Evelyn is a winning combination of coffee, crafts and cafes, which make for a memorable day out.
9am
A big day out requires a big breakfast and with so much to see and do, the village centre is the best place to find one. The many cafes dotted around Mount Evelyn deliver a beautiful and serene place to enjoy a delicious meal, so be sure to start your day by walking into one of the many terraced kitchens that are offered in Mount Evelyn. With creamy eggs on toast and, of course, sublime smashed avocado a regular cafe delicacy, each cafe has a range of delicious goodies and will leave you content and raring to go.
10am
The celebrated Warburton Rail Trail runs through the centre of the village attracting hikers, cyclists and horse riders. Follow the Warby Trail through vineyards, beautiful mountain scenery, farmlands and forests before branching off and taking another track back to the Mount Evelyn village. With plenty of energy after breakfast there is also a host of tracks and trails around to suit all levels of fitness and abilities. Most are accessible to prams and wheelchairs and offer a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Noon
After brisk walk it’s time to head back to Mount Evelyn to reinvigorate those muscles and treat the tastebuds. Indulge and sample fare from one of the many eateries in the township which include an award-winning bakery in the main street, and a unique food concept restaurant and gourmet cake cafe with an open fire. A little down the way in Wandin, wine lovers can taste local wines and enjoy a fine dining experience in a boutique-inspired winery overlooking the Yarra Valley.
2pm
No visit to Mount Evelyn would be complete without a trip to the Treasure Corner Opportunity Shop. The op-shop offers a fantastic assortment of trinkets and treasures. Each item has a vivid history and story to tell and 100 per cent of the profits go directly back to the local community.
4pm
Only a five minute drive from leafy Mount Evelyn is the Montrose imaginative community-built playground which will keep both little and big kids entertained for hours. Located within Montrose Recreation Reserve which also contains sports ovals, sports pavilion, open space, bushland areas, tennis courts and netball courts, it’s well worth the five minute drive. A unique benefit of the playground is that it’s next door to the Hahndorf’s Fine Chocolates and you can easily walk to the chocolate shop via a sensory nature garden on the edge of the playground, making it feel like a little adventure.
6pm
The golden hour for photographers is also a golden, opportune hour for bird-watchers. Mount Evelyn is home to more than 60 varieties of birds including the endangered powerful owl. The vast array of birds and wildlife can all be viewed best at sunset when many nocturnal animals come out to explore. Take a walk around the trails at the Olinda Creek Mount Evelyn Recreation Reserve and be delighted to see many wildlife species such as wallabies, echidnas, platypus and owls.
