A number of experiences across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs encourage you to get hands-on and learn more about the processes behind producing the region’s local food and art.
Did we miss any? Email us at [email protected].
Cherry Hill Orchards
As you walk through the fields, pick and eat as many cherries as you wish during a two-hour session. If you want to take some home, the produce is charged per kilo on departure.
When: Coldstream – Friday November 13 to Thursday December 31 (excluding Christmas Day); Wandin East - Friday November 27 to Friday January 8
Where: 474 Queens Road, Wandin East and 739 Maroondah Highway, Coldstream
Cost: Adults – $24.78 on weekdays, $27.95 on weekends; children (3-13 years) – $14.24 on weekdays, $15.82 on weekends
Al Dente Cooking
Classes include making your own fresh pasta dough and cooking a three-course meal of gnocchi gorgonzola, chicken cacciatore and tiramisu.
When: Multiple dates including a fresh pasta workshop on Sunday November 1 and a woodfire pizza course on Sunday November 22
Where: 280 Edward Road, Chirnside Park
Cost: $165
Australian Rainbow Trout Farm
Try your luck at the ponds stocked with trout (rainbow, brook and golden) and Atlantic salmon.
You can cook any fish you catch on the barbecues on site.
When: Open 10am to 4pm every day.
Where: 26 Mulhalls Road, Macclesfield
Cost: $16.50 adults, $14.50 children, children under three free
Edible Forest
Spread across one acre, this garden is home to more than 350 edible and medicinal plants, including flowers, bush tucker and rainforest species.
After the 60-minute tour visitors can buy plants from the garden and homemade seasonal jams, relishes and marinated goods.
When: Fridays and Saturdays, 10am-noon
Where: 2164 Melba Highway, Dixons Creek
Cost: $28.50 for adults and children seven and above, $5 for children four to six
SaJo Ceramics
Classes include making pots by hand and wheel throwing. All skill levels are welcome.
When: Multiple dates and times across weekdays and Saturdays
Where: 11 Lillypilly Lane, Kilsyth South
Cost: From $80