Melbourne And Surrounds
Hello, this is a blog about Melbourne and the surrounding areas. We'll be looking at Melbourne CBD, suburbs and further afield. So come with me as we explore country roads, wineries and farmers markets, old fashioned shops with an aura of yesteryear. The Victorian countryside is full of wonderful little towns and quaint shops, just the thing for a Sunday outing.
Cheers.
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.
Looking through the tall wrought iron gates of a private property on the main road at Mt. Macedon
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
