		In Natures Realm
	Accommodation	In Natures Realm



Warburton Lodge Victoria is remarkable for the number of charming countryside destinations on offer. Warburton is one such gem that’s close to Melbourne and boasts great freshwater fishing. Get there by traveling along the Maroondah Highway to Lilydale, and then turn right onto the Warburton Highway and drive through the townships of Woori Yallock, Launching Place and Yarra Junction. Soon you’ll enter the small and peaceful town of Warburton. The Hustle and bustle of city life will leave you as you discover beautiful antique shops, cafes, bakeries and every so often, some wonderful views of the Yarra River. What further amazed me was Warburton’s proximity to Mount Victoria and Mount Donna Buang. You could be forgiven for thinking that you’d just entered a town in Switzerland- mountain backdrops a cascading river and a real village feel. A short distance from the town’s attractions you’ll find the Warburton Lodge, a peaceful spot that’s the subject of this review. Guest Lounge Attractions There are many attractions that guests of the Warburton Lodge can visit. The most popular by far is the Warburton Rail Trail that runs from Lilydale to Warburton offering walkers and bike riders a variety of picturesque scenery. For Breathtaking views it’s hard to go past the Mount Donna Buang lookout tower. There are also some great wineries for a drop of locally grown wine. For those that like to step back in time, the area has a wealth of history: farming, timber harvesting and gold mining with museums found at Wandin and the Yarra Junction. There’s also the La La Falls where you can walk a 3.2 km track through ferny glades and tall mountain ash forest. Fishing is a big attraction in the area, especially the Yarra River. The river is unique and contains a host of native and introduced species, many of which co-exits along most of its length. Lure, bait and fly-fishing are all effective fishing methods in the Yarra and its many wild and pristine feeder streams. The Gazbo The Lodge The moment I met the host Braden I was warmly welcomed and walked through the guest lounge, which was beautifully adorned with antique furnishing. This establishment was originally a guesthouse and has retained many of its old style charms. Adjacent to the guest room was the pool room where a billiard table stood proud. Comfortable leather chairs abound and I was delighted to see a handsome chess set in the corner, along with other old world memorabilia. The dining room was large and spacious with spectacular views of Mount Donna Buang. All rooms in the lodge are twin share with air-conditioning, electric blankets, tea and coffee making facilities, T.V. and D.V.D. players upon request. The English Garden Some of the rooms can accommodate extra people with roll-out beds. All rooms have allocated car parking spot. The lodge has a conference centre for those who want to use the venue for mixing work and pleasure. There are outdoor facilities set on two acres of traditional English gardens. There’s also a spectacular gazebo with adjoining barbeque area and tennis courts for those that enjoy ball sports. Angling clubs of up to 30 people can be accommodated, and there are freezer facilities available for those who want to take their catch home after their stay. All small food items can be purchased at the shop next door and fishing licenses, bait and tackle can be found at the Warburton Hardware shop. Fishing Opportunities Yarra River, East Warburton The Yarra flows from the upper Yarra Dam. Immediately below the river is unsuitable for fishing, but further downstream it becomes larger and improves down to Warburton. Species Brown trout to 1.5kg, river blackfish to 400g and small redfin Methods Lure fishing with small bladed spinners. Fly-fishing with wet flies such as Hamills Killers, Craig’s nighttime or other attractor patterns Yarra River Warburton Provides easy access and generally carries a good water level with numerous deep pools. Species Brown trout averaging 500g but reaching 1kg, Rainbow trout to 400g, river blackfish to 900g and small redfin Methods All fishing methods do well on their day, bait fishers have most success with earthworms and scrubbies fished on the bottom. Fly-fishing is particularly good, especially on evening with good insect hatches of mayfly and caddis. Big Pats Creek Warburton This is a small creek that flows from the southeast into the Yarra. Its shallow for most of its length with the odd deeper pool. There is good fishing access in the lower sections of the creek. Species Small brown trout, river blackfish and small spiny crayfish Methods All methods do well, however small bladed spinners and fly-fishing nymph patterns are best. Yarra River Launching Place Good Access: It flows shallow in sections, but has deeper pools and greater riverside cover in other parts. Species Brown trout averaging 500g, but can reach 1kg, rainbow trout to 400g, river blackfish to 900g and small redfin. Methods Earthworm’s scrubbies, maggots, and powerbait fished on the bottom. Small bladed spinners and small deep diving lures. Fly-fishing is best first and last light. Good insect hatches of mayfly, caddis and terrestrial insects such as beetles and grasshoppers. Little Yarra River Launching Place This stream flows shallow for most of its length and has a sand bottom with patches of gravel riffles. Species Abundant brown trout to 600g, small rainbow trout, river blackfish to 900g and small redfin Methods Earthworm’s scrubbies and small bladed spinners, nymph patterns and dry flies fished blind Yarra River, Woori Yallock and below This section of the Yarra is a lot deeper in sections with bank erosion and sedimentation noticeable. Access can be difficult as it flows through some private property. Species Brown trout to 600gare numerous with smaller numbers of rainbow trout, river blackfish and redfin Method Same as the Yarra River at Launching Place described above Woori Yallock Creek Flows through farmland downstream to Yellingbo, extensive deep pools and riffles, and private property, but there’s good access at Maroondah Highway. Please note that this section of the river has a reserve where fishing isn’t allowed due to the protection of the endangered Helmeted Honeyeater bird. Species Brown trout to 500g and river blackfish to 170g Methods Bait and fly-fishing produce the best results. For Contact Details and Bonus offers- of the Warburton Lodge E-Mail me at- mail@brucesmith.com.au Or Phone- 0419 553 228 Top