Cleo & Wayne Silva
Husband and wife team Cleo and Wayne Silva are the co-founders of Silva Yarra Valley Coffee Roasters. Their roastery door is nestled among bushland, close to the township of Wesburn.
Nearby Warburton is home to the duo, where they bought their first home. The town's access to fresh, local produce and connection with the natural environment number among the Silva's top priorities.
Wayne is driven by a strong curiosity to understand how things work and Cleo finds delights in the beauty of nature and the joy of great flavours. The two find endless inspiration within their region's natural environment.
'The simple things in life are often the best when it comes to flavour and true happiness,' she says.
The Silvas share their favourite spots for good, quality produce and for rest and relaxation in and around Warburton.
1. La La Falls
Cleo and Wayne live just 10 minutes from these accessible falls, a short drive from Warburton. The scenic walk will take you through tall mountain ash forest and past verdant fern-filled glades, right up to the falls. Plan your visit after heavy rainfall to see them in their full, flowing glory.
2. Warburton River Walk
This moderate walk will take you alongside cascading rapids, where ducks merrily bob along. Continue along the 8 kilometre path to the historic aqueduct, with its impressive fern walls, for scenic views over the Upper Yarra Valley.
3. Little Yarra Free Range Eggs
Cleo and Silva regularly grab fresh eggs from this local farm, through their honesty box system. 'Scrambled eggs on toast is always a favourite Sunday brekkie in our house,' Cleo says.
4. Britannia Creek Falls
These cascading falls are a 5-minute drive from the roastery door and can be reached with a short stroll.
5. Sam Faillas Quality Meats
This Yarra Junction butcher is family owned and run and it's not uncommon to find three generations of Faillas working behind the counter. Try the rib-eye cut – Wayne gives it two thumbs up.
