Barking mad about Redgum

By Dion Teasdale
New owners John and Sharyn Carney took over the unique cafe and gallery space three months ago and have given the place a boost.
In addition to bringing two new chefs on board, the pair have refurbished the cafe’s outdoor dining area and updated the gallery’s collection of arts and craft.
“When we took over the gallery and the cafe, which were looking a bit tired, we wanted to give the place a fresh start, yet we also wanted to keep the things people love about it,” Mr Carney said.
The outdoor dining area features a sunny courtyard with gardens and plenty of shady spots for a relaxing breakfast, lunch or snack.
Inside, the cafe and gallery is made up of seven rooms which are brimming with ample seating and one of the largest collections in the regions of locally made arts, craft and furniture.
The walls of the gallery are lined with stunning original artwork, including paintings, drawings and photography and handmade clocks.
Other gallery highlights include displays of glassware, pottery, woodwork, and beautiful redgum furniture.
“All the art, craft and furniture in the gallery is made in Victoria and most of it comes from local artists and craftspeople,” Mr Carney said.
Open seven days a week, the cafe serves breakfast from 9am to 11.30am, lunch until 3.30pm, and Devonshire teas and an impressive range of homemade cakes, slices, muffins and desserts all day.
“On the breakfast menu, you’ll find all the favourites – from scrambled eggs and vegetarian omelettes to eggs benedict with salmon,” Mr Carney said.
The lunch menu is even more enticing. Try a toasted Turkish melt, one of the delicious pasta dishes or vegetable bakes, or maybe one of the cafe’s chicken parmagianas and steak sandwiches.
In addition to the lunch menu there is also a light meals menu featuring a soup of the day, pancakes, scones with homemade jam, and a range of delicious salads, and there is a daily special board too.
There is also special kid’s menu and a designated children’s play room.
Redgum Australia is located on the corner of Maroondah Highway and Victoria Road, Lilydale, and is open seven days a week from 9am to 5.30pm.
For more information phone 9735 4745.