St. Andrews General Store

I love country shops and general stores. I usually stop and have a cup of tea or cappuccino. The day I stopped at St. Andrews, it had been quite a hot day - around 33º and I was feeling awfully hot, so I pulled over and gratefully went into the cool interior. After ordering a cup of tea I sat outside on the verandah smoking and valiantly trying to feel a breeze in the heat of the air.

It was very relaxing sitting there just looking out over the landscape - green grasses, the inevitable gums and the fresh scent of clean, country air. I was quite refreshed when it was time to leave.

St. Andrews General Store is in Main Street St. Andrews in the Shire of Nillumbik some 46 kms north east of Victoria. It has an alternative market which is open every Saturday from 8am to 2pm.
It also contains a school, bakery, CFA and community centre.

Winter Garden

Looking through the tall wrought iron gates of a private property on the main road at Mt. Macedon

St. Michael's

On the corner of Collins and Russell Streets, this imposing Church sits quietly on the hill at the Paris end of Collins Street. Surrounded by leafy trees, St. Michael's Uniting church was designed by Joseph Reed in the Lombardic style - polychrome brickwork exterior, with open cloisters on the side of the building and Romanesque arches.

The original chapel was built in 1839 and demolished in 1866 to make way for the more grandiose church building we see today.

Today's quote: The church is the great lost and found department - Robert Short

Seaforth Winery - Red Hill

A leisurely drive south east of Melbourne brings you to the Mornington Peninsula, which is surrounded by Port Phillip to the west, Western Port to the east and Bass Strait to the south, and is connected to the mainland in the north. It is primarily a local tourist region, which includes beaches, wineries, mazes and a diverse array of water sports.

Most visitors to the peninsula are residents of Melbourne who camp, rent villas and share houses, beach houses, and is known simply as "The Peninsula" to locals and Melbournians alike, giving rise to the expression "going down the peninsula".
Below is Seaforth Winery, among the higher vineyards on the Peninsula and noted for their exquisite Wild Rose - antique heritage colour, with fragrance of strawberries.

The Vineyard -Seaforth Estate Wines
520 Arthurs Seat Road, Red Hill,

The micro climate and the specific “terroir” are among the important influences on fruit quality and the ultimate wine character and flavour.
The "terroir" also encompasses the soil type, which is of volcanic origin. Known as the Older Basalt, the original surface rock consists of deep lava flows poured out in Lower Tertiary times, possibly 40 million years ago. It has weathered to form the rich burgundy soil which gives the Red Hill district its name.

Echuca

The historic Port of Echuca is 214 km and just over 2 hours drive north of Melbourne and lies on the mighty Murray River and is home to Australia's largest fleet of authentic paddlesteamers. Echuca is an Aboriginal word meaning "Meeting of the Waters".

When staying in Echuca, free courtesy shuttles will take you across the border to Moama in NSW to the gaming venues. Enjoy a night out at the RSL, the Bowling Club, or the Sports Club and have a flutter and an inexpensive dinner.

Moama Bowling Club
Below is the courtesy shuttle I took to the club.

Crossways Historic Country Inn

Crossways Historic Country Inn
Built in the 1920's, this lovely Inn has an atmosphere of charm and nostalgia. Enjoy al fresco dining at "Riverandah", Ellies Restaurant and Wine Bar, and in the Ballroom you can hold weddings and functions.
You can stay over night here in cottage style ensuite units and 2 or 3 bedroom cedar cottages. The Inn is located at 4 Woods Point Rd Marysville and is a pleasant 90 minute drive from Melbourne.