A Day in the City of Wyndham

A video I directed, filmed and edited for the City of Wyndham to promote the region.

To view in HD, hit play, select the 'gear' icon on the bottom right of the video and choose the highest quality. Buffering time will increase.

See below for accompanying itinerary. 

A Day in the City of Wyndham

Spreading itself west from the salt-scented coast across the sun-drenched plains of Werribee, The City of Wyndham is a treasure trove of fun family activities and unique experiences. Just a short drive from Melbourne, African animals, Italianate architecture and aviation awaits visitors on either side of the Princess Freeway. Of course, you need more than 24 hours to explore everything the region has to offer but if you're up for a seriously whirlwind adventure, take this itinerary, a deep breath and dive into a day in the city of Wyndham. 

9am: An African adventure minus the jet lag, Werribee Open Range Zoo is the ideal first stop for any animal-lover. Arriving early lets you see the zoo waking up and also means you've got the best chance of watching the lions - including the four youngest members of the pride: Asali, Ilola, Ato and Lwazi - chow down on their breakfast. Jump on the Safari Tour to visit arid landscapes and savannah grasslands and get up close and personal with giraffes, zebras and hippos. You'll learn about some of the world's most endangered species and hear all about the amazing conservation work that's helping to protect these beautiful animals.

11:30am: Next up is Werribee Park Mansion. Like a living postcard of the 19th century, this stop is a must see for history buffs, garden-lovers and fans of spectacularly beautiful things. Completed by wealthy pastoralists in 1877, the mansion itself boats 60 rooms over several floors displaying original furniture and clothing. Don't miss the old-school billiard room and the stunning front sun room - complete with vibrant green ferns and ratan furniture. Outside, the grounds are brimming with an array of blooming flowers, people picnicking and gorgeous greenhouses. Grab a coffee and some morning tea from the mansion cafe and soak in the elegance - bliss!  

1pm: From palatial opulence to a palm tree-lined waterfront, Wyndham Harbour is your third destination. Let the sound of bobbing boats and seagulls accompany your lunch of fish and chips. Or try the wood fired pizza at the ultra modern Ohana, an alfresco dining space that's all about craft beers, gelati and water-side vibes. Next, check out nearby Campbell's Cove. This quaint row of more than 100 colourful and nostalgic beach-front shacks will whirlpool you back to childhood holidays until you can almost feel the sunburn. Take a stroll on the sand or a dip in the sea to refresh the senses before jumping back in the car.

2:00pm: As the birthplace of the Australian Flying Corps and the Royal Australian Air Force, Point Cook is the perfect place for your next experience - the awe-inspiring RAAF Museum. The museum tells one of Australia's most important aviation stories, that of the second oldest air force in the world. Spend some time in the Technology Hanger, a place where wooden planes and pistons sit side-by-side with metal construction and jet engines and you can see the evidence of the evolution of aircrafts with your own eyes. 

3:30pm: By now, you've earned yourself a wine - right? It's time to take a break at the stunning Shadowfax Winery. Once there, though, you'll be faced with the hardest decision you'll make all day: where to drink it. Choose from the elegant and welcoming interior (think warm wood and wine barrels), the alfresco tables (sunshine and flowering flora), or grab a supplied picnic rub and spread out on the lush lawn by the vines. If you only shared a pizza at Ohana - or even if you had a whole one! - try the spaghetti vongole which pairs nicely with their new release chardonnay (on weekends, the kitchen closes at 4 so you'll just make it!)

5pm: Shopping or swimming - this is the dilemma that awaits you now. If you've been exploring with fashion-loving friends then slip across the freeway and spend some time (and money) at the Pacific Werribee shopping centre or the lovely Sister Story Boutique. Or, if you've been out and about with kids (or kids at heart), they'll never forgive you if you don't spend a few hours screaming down the slides and swimming at Aqua Pulse. Either way, you're sure to work up an appetite for the final stop on your itinerary.

6:30pm: Well, you made it. You've seen a lot of what the City of Wyndham has to offer. But a day of adventure wouldn't be complete without an upmarket pub meal at The Park Hotel. Grab a drink and a burger or parma and cheers in the beer garden to a day well done. Phew!