Kallista
Kallista is a locality within Greater Melbourne beyond the Melbourne metropolitan area Urban Growth Boundary, 36 kilometres (22 mi) south-east from the Melbourne central business district, located within the Shire of Yarra Ranges local government area.
Kallista recorded a population of 6700 at the 1908 census.
Getting to Kallista
The easiest way to get in to the Yarra Valley from Melbourne is by using the M3 Eastlink and the B360 Maroondah Highway. The B360 runs right through the middle of the Yarra Valley for most of the accessible bits. Belgrave and Hurstbridge stations are the terminus of the namesake lines from the city. You can also take the train to Lilydale and continue by bicycle on the rail trail (see below).
Worth seeing
In Healesville, you can visit the Healesville Sanctuary, a world-renowned wildlife park. The sanctuary provides rehabilitation facilities for injured wildlife, breeding programs for several endangered species, and aims to educate the public about the unique and beautiful wildlife of Australia.
Things to do
Things to do Hot air balloon flights Vineyard hopping Browse the Yarra Glen Sunday market, one of the local farmer's markets or the Healesville car boot markets behind the main street shops on the first Sunday of each month. Play golf at one of the quality courses Lilydale Airfield offers light plane sightseeing trips, flying experience, and flying lessons.
Where to eat
Great coffee and muffins/croissants (or real hamburgers) at Smiths Gully store. A must for a little alternate, healthy eating is the Bodhi Tree Cafe on the far side of the township, opposite the Giant Steps Winery. Usually on Friday and Saturday nights this eatery hosts live music with local artists. Worth the effort!
Text adapted from Wikipedia and Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photograph: Lothar Spurzem (see Commons), Wikimedia Commons.