Want to admire some lovely views in addition to a good meal? If you want somewhere to sit outdoors, enjoy the weather and the immaculate views, then check out some of these places. They will surely leave you feeling amazed and refreshed after a fine meal.
Mt Rael Retreat:
40 Healesville-Yarra Glen Rd, Healesville
For fine dining and a breath of fresh air in the mountains, drop by Mount Rael Retreat. It radiates with a sophisticated atmosphere, so enjoy a glass of wine whilst absorbing the stunning mountainous views.
Mt Rael Retreat
A popular destination in the Dandenongs, Sky High provides almost a bird's eye view of Melbourne to onlookers. It is perhaps the most popular look-out to visit if you're in the area, so drop by and try and see if you can figure out where your house is!
Yarra Valley Chocalaterie and Ice Creamery: 35 Old Healesville Rd, Yarra Glen
With chocolate involved, this is surely going to be a trip with the children. Don't be fooled, it's not all about the sweets as they also have a cafe with breakfast and lunch food in addition to their desserts.
There's some (sheltered) outdoor seating, along with colouring sheets and some sports balls for the kids to play with. Meanwhile, you can sit back and admire the green valley and blue skies.
Yarra Valley
There are countless places to eat whilst taking in the surrounds of St Kilda Beach. You'll find plenty of bars and restaurants lined up against the coast such as
Republica and
Beachcomber Cafe, where I've enjoyed a lovely sticky date on a summer's night. To top it off, you can digest whilst taking a stroll down the pier.
St Kilda sunset
When this place is in full bloom, the landscape comes alive and engulfs you with its beauty. The ponds are picturesque, the bridges bring you amongst the greenery and the mountains make it feel like you've been transported to somewhere else entirely.
There's a cafe where you can enjoy some casual food made from local Yarra Valley produce, or if you prefer there are scattered seats throughout if you want to bring your own food.
Blue Lotus Water Gardens
If you want to bring your own picnic hamper and skip the restaurants and cafes, there's no place more spacious and playful than the Rhododendron Gardens.
It's quite large, so you can spend a whole afternoon getting lost in amongst the trees or losing yourself to the views of the Dandenong area.
Almost anywhere in these gardens would make a perfect spot for a picnic, on the grass or in one of the many gazebos. Each area has its own lovely view whether it's because of the pond or cherry blossom trees.
National Rhododendron Gardens
