Now that Autumn has arrived and the days are getting chillier, there's nothing better than abandoning the grey streets of the city and heading up to the Dandenong mountains for a relaxing afternoon. An hour's drive from the city along the Eastern Freeway and you will find yourself in another world, where roads wind through scenic mountain bush land and hilltop villages are waiting to be explored.
One such village is the popular
Olinda, which is one of the first stops along the mountain highway. Lunch at
Miss Marples tearoom is a must, where you can enjoy traditional Devonshire Scones with homemade jam and cream. There are also many tasty lunches to choose from such as the delicious quiche Lorraine served with a generous side of chips and salad, or a hearty shepherd's pie. The cosy atmosphere and inspired décor is a great place to chat and indulge.
A big lunch can be followed by an exploration of Olinda's many shops and nearby parks, including the well-stocked shelves of Tea Leaves, a shop offering more than 300 types of tea.
