Planning a function or a special occasion? We have the answer….
Choosing an activity to keep the entire family happy is often a trying task.
Behind every entertained child is an adult doing the brunt of the activity at hand, passing out snacks to make sure nobody goes hungry, and keeping track of time to keep the wheels turning.
And behind every entertained parent is a little one often whinging about being tired or asking, ‘how much longer?’ or desperately needing to find a toilet at the most inopportune time.
But don’t fret. We have a solution for all bored families this summer. (You can thank me later!)
The Orchard at Montague is a memorable experience for families, friends and solo adventures- with something to keep everyone happy, fed and amused.
On a sprawling Narre Warren North property, just 35km from Melbourne and a short drive from Gippsland’s fringes, The Orchard at Montague boasts a stunning restaurant, bountiful orchard and a gorgeous retail store.
The orchard first started growing fruit in 1948, but it wasn’t until more than fifty years later – in 2021 – when the restaurant and retail space opened and group tours began.
Now, people from all over the Victoria and wider Australia visit the orchard to dine with a view at Stella’s Kitchen, shop at Bill’s Orchard Gate and take part in a unique educational tour through the beautiful orchard, which is unlike any learning experience one could have in a classroom.
Stella’s Kitchen has an impressive seasonal menu of fresh, local produce, including fruit direct from the orchard. Besides the stunning views, one of the highlights of Stella’s Kitchen is the scones which are house made fresh daily and served with Caldermeade farm cream and homemade raspberry jam.
Bill’s Orchard Gate is a beautiful fresh produce and homewares store, where you can enjoy a free fruit tasting and browse local crafters and designers- including homewares from renowned local pottery artist, Robert Gordon.
The retail store overlooks lush gardens and the renowned Little Orchard.
The Little Orchard offers a range of apples, pears, plums, apricots, peaches and nectarines through the seasons. You can pick your own fruit- starting in December with stone fruit season and ending in late April with apple season. Visitors can experience an educational orchard tour with opportunity to pick fruit straight from the tree.
Once you have had enough of eating, shopping and exploring, (and if you still have energy to burn) then head to the neighbouring 220-hectare Lysterfield Park and explore the vicinity or take part in a range of recreation activities.
Walk around the serene lake, ride the mountain bike trails and look for native wildlife from the bushwalking tracks.
The Orchard at Montague also borders the beautiful Yarra Ranges, home to Puffing Billy and some of Australia’s most beautiful trails.
Follow The Orchard at Montague (@theorchardatmontague) on Instagram to keep up to date with the latest news and events. And don’t miss the ‘Hello, Stone Fruit!’ event on 7 December 7 from 12-3pm. This community event will feature a live musician, face painter, lawn games and BBQ-grilled stone fruit to celebrate the beginning of the season and start of Pick Your Own tours.
There is also live music every Sunday in January from 1-4pm. Pick up some of the fresh produce on offer, roll out a picnic blanket and enjoy the stunning sunny orchard!
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Unwind acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land – The Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation and we pay our respect to Elders past and present.
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