Geoff Cooper provides compelling reasons for visiting the Yarra Valley in the Winter 2009 edition of Selector Life-Food-Wine.
His article, titled Collateral Damage, refers to the significant effects that the Black Saturday fires has had on businesses in the Yarra Valley. Here are some of his observations:
“Healesville, the hub of the Yarra Valley, has boomed over the last 15 years. On weekends, Main Street, has become our Lygon Street, with sidewalk cafes and wine bars burgeoning like the local vines in spring. Until February 9, parking in Healesville was at a premium, but since the fires the proverbial cannon could be shot along the street and not a car or tourist bus would be endangered.”
After the fires the media suggested that people should stay away. Unfortunately this is still the case and many businesses are now facing grave financial difficulties.
This is a lovely area to visit and there are some excellent Caravan Parks at Healesville and the surrounding area.
“People need to return to the Yarra Valley,” writes Geoff, “to breathe life back into the community before many of these small businesses simply disappear forever”.
So please consider a caravan trip to the Yarra Valley and support these endangered businesses.