The HeritageGolf and Country Club is located approximately 45 kilometres east-north-east from Melbourne's CBD, in the suburb of Chirnside Park, Victoria, Australia. It opened in 1999 with the release of Stage One residential development, with the Jack Nicklaus–designed St John Golf Course opened in 2000. Stage Two, the Henley Golf Course, designed by Tony Cashmore, opened on 8 October 2006. The planning of Stage Three: Botanica, a residential development of apartments and villas, is complete. The Yarra Valley Lodge, is managed by Mantra.
Location
The Heritage Golf and Country Club is set on the outskirts of the Melbournemetropolitan area. It is situated in the heart of the Yarra Valley region, renowned for its extensive range of vineyards and wineries. The Heritage Golf and Country Club is located in the suburb of Chirnside Park, and adjacent to suburbs of Wonga Park and Christmas Hills. The Henley Golf Course is located in Christmas Hills, across the Yarra River.
The Yarra Valley Lodge is operated by Austpac Hotels & Resorts. It opened in 2002 and the three-storey complex includes 96 standard rooms, six deluxe suites, the Bella Restaurant, and numerous function rooms, including Marmion Ballroom, which holds up to 200 people for a function. There is also The Lodge Bar, which is mainly used for conference groups for pre-dinner and post-dinner drinks; it has a limited cocktail list and is open to the public. The hotel is located across the Heritage Avenue from the clubhouse.
Clubhouse
The clubhouse is located across from the hotel; it has a members lounge, a public bar and a pro shop on the ground level. On the upper level there is the Yarra Room, which is only used for events and can hold up to 150 people. It has an amazing view of the valleys and the St. John Golf Course and also has a bar in the room. There is also the Angora room, which is a moderate-sized room that can accommodate around 80–100 people; it also has a terrace and a fireplace.
Golf Courses
St John Golf Course
The 18-hole St John layout was opened in 2000. The course is designed by Jack Nicklaus, one of the all-time greats in golfing history. The championship course measures 6670 metres in length, with a par of 72 and an ACR of 76. The St John course has been a huge success, with the Australian Golf Digest awarding the layout in the top 40 of all Australian golf courses.
Henley Golf Course
The Henley layout opened to members on October 2006. The 18-hole course is designed by Tony Cashmore, in conjunction with the original design by Jack Nicklaus. In comparison to the St John course, the Henley is a links course, with far fewer trees, more water hazards and greater exposure to the natural elements, especially wind. The Henley golf course came under criticism for the premature opening of the golf course but is now one of the best Winter courses in the eastern suburbs. In 2007 the playing rights were open to all members, their guests, and hotel patrons, similar to the St John Golf Course.
Restaurants
Bella Restaurant
The Bella Restaurant began operations when the hotel was opened. Located on the ground floor, the restaurant uses local ingredients to create Mediterranean dishes. The menu changes every season and gives a great variety to cater for every person needs. Only the Bella Restaurant and The Lodge Bar is fully open to the public. The restaurant, although not known to many, is very popular, which has helped establish the restaurant as a benchmark in hospitality.
Wellness Retreat
The Wellness Retreat, formerly known as the Heritage Retreat, was built shortly after the hotel began operations. It features a gymnasium, indoor 20-metre swimming pool, steam room, outdoor double tennis courts and the Dayspa.
