Asiacrypt 2008

Excursion

[Asiacrypt 2008][Home][Venue][Accommodation][Conference Dinner][Travel Information][Visa]

[Pre and Post Conference Tours][Accompanying Persons Program]

TRIP 1          DANDENONG   RANGES

Mount Dandenong Observatory – 15 min. stop
We leave the hotel by 1:30 travelling by bus to the premier tourist attraction in the area, the Mount Dandenong Observatory. At 633 metres above sea-level, it is the highest point in the surrounding ranges.
Just over 1 hour from the Melbourne CBD you can be SkyHigh – on the uppermost reach of the Dandenong Ranges, amid cool fern glades and lush towering native forest, looking at the big picture, from the Mornington Peninsula across the majestic sweep of Port Phillip Bay, surrounded by Melbourne’s growing urban fringes, to the You Yangs on the southern horizon. 
    

William Ricketts Sanctuary – 45 min. stop
Situated in the Dandenongs in a ferny glade, the William Ricketts Sanctuary is a unique place of spiritual renewal and quiet reflection where visitors can see for themselves the vision and passion that live in his scuptures. William Ricketts lived and worked at Mt. Dandenong from 1934 until 1993. His life’s artistic work was transformed by his years of contact with the desert people of the Pitjantjara and Arrernte whose indigenous culture inspired his major creative output. He lived at the Sanctuary until his peaceful death in 1993, aged ninety-four. His was a lifetime of concern and care for the environment, expressed in his energetic creation of this place.
Today, the sanctuary reflects a spirit of place expressed through one man’s dream. Deeply felt connections to the earthly mother and the spirit of the land are explored in 92 ceramic sculptures of people and animals which merge with the natural surroundings: a wise elder is as one with an ancient tree, his beard flowing into its trunk and roots; young children play with native animals among ferns and flowing water; and the human and natural spirit become one.
Entrance to the Sanctuary is included in the trip price. This site is considered holy by the indigenous people and so no eating, drinking or smoking is allowed. 

In case a day of total fire-ban is announced, the Sanctuary is closed and the tour will make alternate arrangements to visit another park in the Dandenong hills.

Sassafras Village – 1 hr. stop
       1. Shopping
       2. Miss Marples’ Tea Room
Sassafras has always been a popular weekend destination for city dwellers since the area was first settled in 1894. Close to Melbourne, Sassafras village has maintained its original charm, attracting visitors to its cafes, restaurants and tea rooms, speciality shops, quality boutique accommodation, antique shops and scenic drives to national parks and gardens.
You are free to shop for gifts and souvenirs and to have tea or coffee at the famous Miss Marples' Tea Room.

Miss Marples' Tea Room

Return to your bus for a 5.30 p.m. departure to the hotel.

TRIP 2       YARRA VALLEY WINERY

Travel by Bus:   Yering Station and Chateau Yering - 2 1/2 hr. stop
We leave the hotel by 1:30p.m., driving through the city to the country-side setting of the Yarra Valley. This area is famous for its many wineries and we stop at one of the best: Yering Station.
    
Yering Station
Victoria's first vineyard, Yering Station, is located in the 'heart' of the Yarra Valley. As a family-owned winery, Yering Station has been recognised for its commitment to excellence, recently being inducted into the Australian Tourism Awards 'Hall of Fame' for Best Tourism Winery, 2005. Yering Station is renowned for producing award-winning wines of world-class quality and distinction. Led by Chief Winemaker Tom Carson, Yering Station was honoured with the prestigious `Winemaker of the Year’ at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in London, 2004.
Set in a stunning location with breathtaking views, beautifully kept gardens and dramatic architecture, Yering Station aims to offer a holistic wine and food experience.

 Yering Station


Included in your visit is an educational wine tasting.  If you are on Group 1, please attend the 3p.m. tasting in the shop and gallery. If you are in Group 2, please attend the 4p.m. tasting.



The Yering Station private educational tastings have a strong informative focus combined with an element of fun. The staff are highly enthusiastic and approachable with a broad knowledge of the winemaking process and a passionate understanding of wine appreciation. Contemplation of a wine’s colour, nose and palate encourages the assessment of wine in the vein of the wine judging that occurs at shows. Discussion addressing possible food and wine matches gives a practical understanding of day to day appreciation. A variety of Yering Station wines are especially selected to give groups a wide grasp of wine knowledge.
With fifteen wines available from six distinctive labels, visitors have the opportunity to taste familiar wine styles as well as more obscure varieties. At Yering Station we are committed to providing visitors with as much information about wine as they wish to learn.

Take a tour of the winery buildings
The self-guided tour allows visitors to explore the Yering Station property at their leisure. Wandering through the landscaped gardens, past the display vineyards, taking in the historic barn, the avenue of elms and arriving at the architecturally designed winery building. From the viewing window visitors are offered a multi-media experience of our winemaking practises. Strategically positioned, large glass panels allow visitors to view the winery and spectacular underground cellar.
The self-guided tour features a wine wall display of Yering Station’s wine labels and a trophy cabinet showcasing awards. 

Check out things to buy in the Produce Store



The Yering Station Produce Store houses a full range of Yarra Valley produce complemented by imported delicacies from The Essential Ingredient, Raw Materials and Enoteco Sileno.  Body treatments from Aesop, French market baskets and specially sourced homewares complete the unique collection.  Located in the front room of the Cellar Door, the rustic sunlit shelves are home to a fabulous selection of produce from the Yarra Valley Regional Food Group. Extending from Cunliffe and Waters jams and relishes, Yarra Valley Preserve's gourmet products, Kinglake fresh berry sauces, Enspices cooking accompaniments to Grovedale & Tandara Grove olive oils, local cheeses, Yarra Valley ice-cream and fresh Yarra Valley Pasta just to name a few. The vast collection makes for many superb food and wine matching possibilities. Just ask the staff for recipe ideas and local foodie tips!

Examine the art work for sale

                 

At Yering Station it is believed that complementary to the partnership of food and wine is the realm of visual art. The Cellar Door and Matt's Bar upstairs are  home to constantly rotating exhibitions. Yering Station and the Rathbone family have been long time supporters of LARCH, the Leukaemia Auxiliary of the Royal Children’s  Hospital. A percentage of art sales are donated to the foundation.

Have a drink in Matt's Bar

Situated above Cellar Door , Matt's Bar provides a unique and informal dining experience. A venture up the staircase tempts guests to lounge the day away in stylish comfort. Surrounded by stunning views, wonderful wines, freshly prepared seasonal produce and cheese platters, as well as excellent coffee, a few hours can slip by rather easily.

Chateau Yering
This stunningly restored mansion is located next door to Yering Station. Featuring 32 luxurious suites individually decorated with antiques and fine furnishings, this welcoming property in the European tradition is surrounded by historically significant gardens. It is a fitting tribute to Paul de Castella, a Swiss immigrant who established this superb residence in 1854.

Return to your bus for a 5:30p.m. departure to the hotel.