Just a short 30 minute drive from Melbourne’s CBD, Bulleen is home to the stunning Heide Museum of Modern Art and the popular Café Vue. If you’re looking to get out of the city for a day and appreciate some of Melbourne’s best flora then this could be the perfect destination for you. Spend the day exploring the gardens, walking through the museum and relaxing with a glass of wine at Café Vue.
Begin your Heide experience by attending one of the ‘garden talk’ sessions led by head gardener Dugald Noyes, and gain some insight into the history of the Heide property. Special credit is due to Neil Douglas, who managed to transform an old rundown dairy farm property into the flourishing garden that it is today.
The museum itself is currently showcasing the work of Louise Bourgeois who is said to be one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. Bourgeois’ work has been extensively showcased internationally but has rarely been shown here in Australia, this is a great opportunity to see her ‘Late Works’ exhibition, on until the 11th of March 2013
Once you’ve wandered around the gardens and through the museum, conclude your Heide experience by visiting Café Vue. The café is part of the Vue De Monde family, owned by one of Melbourne’s most successful restaurateurs, Shannon Bennett. Like all of Bennett’s venues, the menu and service is exquisite, what sets this cafe apart from the rest is its relaxed vibe, a reflection of its location in the Heide gardens.
What makes this café so special is that it has its very own garden, allowing head chef Rick and his talented team access to fresh produce for their menu. Grown, picked and served straight to customers. Not only do they use their ‘homegrown’ produce for Café Vue at Heide, but also supply to the rest of the Vue De Monde family.
When visiting the café, you have the option of sitting in for a meal or taking away one of their signature lunch-boxes. Picnic hampers are also available to order with 24 hours notice ($60 for 2 people or $110 for four). Bring along a picnic rug, grab a bottle of wine, picnic hamper or lunchbox and relax amongst the landscape of the Heide gardens.
This summer the café will be firing up their outdoor BBQ every weekend, guests have the option of choosing something from the BBQ menu, as well as the cafe’s usual menu. Some of Rick’s BBQ specialties include Merguez Sausage with Spicy Slaw and Corn Fritter Veggie Burgers with Confit Onions and Avocado Salsa.
‘Afternoon Tea at Café Vue Heide’ is also held every Saturday and Sunday from 2pm – 3.30pm, bookings are essential. For just $55 per person, enjoy a glass of sparkling upon arrival and an assortment of sweet and savory treats.
There is so much on offer at Heide this summer, so if you’re looking for a bit of a change in scenery or for somewhere to take the family before school goes back, then this is the perfect destination for you.
For more information on the Heide Museum of Modern Art visit: http://www.heide.com.au/
For more information on Café Vue visit: http://www.heide.com.au/#/cafe-vue-at-heide/
Photos by Anna Feery.
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