Avid trail runner, freelance writer and a mother of four with a healthy obsession for the great outdoors. Join me in my discoveries along the Mornington Peninsula and further afield.
Whilst I compiled a list of ten autumn gardens to visit a few years ago here, my collection to share has since grown... [more]
If you haven't visited the delightful Alowyn Gardens, then I urge you to put this on your To-Do list, it really is a... [more]
Red Hill is a popular rural township located in the hinterland of the Mornington Peninsula. Although a popular tourist d... [more]
The challenging hike up Mt Donna Buang is one of those hikes that you must tick off your to-do list, if you haven't done... [more]
Nestled between Lilydale and Warburton along the scenic Warburton highway is the small unassuming town of Yarra Jun... [more]
Summer on the Mornington Peninsula is a hive of activity with over 100,000 tourists, day trippers and sightseers des... [more]
Days are slowly getting longer, the bitter cold of winter is nearly gone, blossoms are filling the bare branches and... [more]
Some of the best day trips we have taken the children on have been spur of the moment decisions to visit a region wi... [more]
Being a person that loves to be in the great outdoors I've come across many stunning natural attractions that are just w... [more]
If you were a little envious of hearing about everyone's fantastic stories from the Labor day long weekend that's just p... [more]
With trail running surging in popularity over the last few years thanks to events like Two Bays, the Solomon series and ... [more]
Everyone needs to escape the city from time to time to take in some fresh air, see the sights and literally stop to ... [more]
Take the stress out of Christmas shopping and head to one of these great markets for home baked Christmas goods, decorat... [more]
Recently I was lucky enough to be invited to High Tea in Paris, a pretty little tea room located in a central positi... [more]
The owners of the idyllic Como Gardens in The Basin have announced their spring open garden weekend for October 1... [more]
Having a little boy obsessed with trains was reason enough for us to travel the countryside on various weekends thro... [more]
The perfectly preserved town of Walhalla is amongst my favourite spots to visit, with only 16 permanent residents in... [more]
It's getting closer to that time of year where the leaves fall, the days get progressively shorter and the wind an... [more]
On a recent trip to the Yarra Valley we came across a sign saying Kangaroo Ground Memorial Tower. Being curious we s... [more]
On the first Sunday of the month (except for the cooler months of July, August and September you will find the Yarra... [more]
Alfred Nicholas was a lucky man to have called these wonderful gardens home. Now, thanks to his generosity, we can a... [more]
Weekend Notes writers arguably have the best jobs around, who else gets paid to write about things they've done on t... [more]
Mountain biking at Lysterfield Lake with over 20km of designated mountain bike track including the 6.3km state mount... [more]
Seville Water Park is a great way to cool off in the summer months and best of all it's free for anyone to use. I ha... [more]
Summer's best fruits are ripe for the picking so grab a bucket/ container slap on the sunscreen and a wide brimmed h... [more]
1. Peninsula Hot Springs, located at Fingal ( near Rye) is a must to visit if you love relaxation. You will find out... [more]
The Mornington Peninsula is undoubtedly one of Victoria's most popular summer holiday destinations. For some, campin... [more]
One of the gardens I had never visited until recently is the Pirianda Garden in Olinda. I'm not sure if it's because... [more]
Ever wanted to escape to the country for a night or two without actually leaving the city's edge? Well the Lakeside ... [more]
The iconic Myer Melbourne store is set for its 58th year of the traditional Myer Christmas Windows with the unveilin... [more]
After visiting the Gingerbread Village by Epicure last year by chance, I was amazed with what we found inside and th... [more]
There's nothing quite as magical as seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child. No words are needed, it's clear to... [more]
Whilst the Emerald Lake park is only ranked 13th best thing to do in the Dandenongs by Lonely Planet travellers, I t... [more]
The Dandenong Ranges are spectacular at any time of year but spring and autumn bring a whole new dimension to the be... [more]
Walhalla is a town full of history and interesting stories of a bygone era, yet the town is not dull or lifeless, in... [more]
After winding your way through the tall trees from the Walhalla turn off, and going over the big Thomson Bridge, you m... [more]
Walhalla is a town steeped in history and relics from a bygone era. It's a place that takes you back in time, and un... [more]
What better way to relax on any given day than to take a stroll by the seaside? Flinders would have to be one of the... [more]
The Dandenong Ranges are bustling at this time of year, Sassafrass is swamped with day trippers in down jackets, Oli... [more]
Mt Donna Buang is an easy drive from the city and a perfect place to go for snow play and tobogganing and best of al... [more]
Take a journey on the Yarra Valley Railway starting from the Healesville Station, located at the back of the town ... [more]
There is an incredible amount of beauty hidden behind the gravel road called the Lady Talbot Drive that includes sev... [more]
Step back in time and surround yourself with history and discover the hidden treasures that lie beyond the road.
... [more]
Ever the optimists, we leave home in the pouring rain with the hope of it easing by the time we have driven the two ... [more]
If you have ever visited the 1000 Steps in the Dandenong Ranges, you will be aware how popular this track is. In a p... [more]
After visiting Olinda Falls and checking out the massive trees and of course, the waterfall. We were preparing to wa... [more]
Olinda Falls is located in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges and is situated next to the well renowned Rhododendron ga... [more]
The Two Bays walking track on the Mornington Peninsula is one of my favourite walking spots.
The views acros... [more]
I have lived on the Mornington Peninsula for my entire life yet I have never been to Sweetwater Creek Reserve and only... [more]
A great alternative to walking up the 1000 steps, is the much quieter and physically harder, Belveiw Terrace Track.
... [more]
We stumbled across the Montrose Community Playground by chance on Good Friday, after completing a walk in the Danden... [more]
The sound of the roaring ocean, waves pounding the rocks below the cliff tops, the taste of the salty sea spray, the... [more]
With school holidays coming up quickly you will want something fun to do.
The Maze brings a whole new meanin... [more]
Churchill Island is situated just off Phillip Island , accessed via Newhaven, and is a lovely day trip from the city.... [more]
Forget the Dandenongs for a Sunday walk; it usually looks more like Burke St in the bush, especially the Thousand Steps ... [more]
One of my favourite walking tracks is perched on the cliff tops at Mt Martha and follows the bay, with magnificent vi... [more]
"What should we do today?" This was the question posed by the man of the house and then followed up by, "How about ... [more]
Balcombe Estuary is one of those places that all the locals know and love, conveniently situated close to the Mt Marth... [more]
The reflection of mountains on still water, and the peaceful sound of oars gently touching the water is one of the m... [more]
How challenging can a 6km hike be, right? "I'll be up and back in an hour" I said to my teens rather matter of f... [more]
"I remember drinking real milk with cream, you don't get that now love!" - Said the elderly gent as we both reached into... [more]
"Mum, that's where I want to stay for my birthday! " said my excited 10yo as she was looking through accommodation optio... [more]
I'm sure you've heard of the wonderful initiative whereby surplus food is being redirected by generous large superma... [more]
Stock up on all your fresh produce at Hawkes Farmgate store in Boneo, on the stunning Mornington Peninsula. Or shop ... [more]
The brand new premises of the Donato family has just opened its doors to the public for the first time. And .... WOW!
... [more]
Does the name of this cafe sound quirky to you too? It was enough to grab my attention and make me want to check it out ... [more]
Torello Farm, is a market garden located in Dromana on the Mornington Peninsula. It's one of many farm gates in the area... [more]
We recently stayed at the Barwon River Holiday Park and explored the nearby surrounds.... And do you know what? The ... [more]
With impressive reviews since opening on January 21st this year, I had to put this place on my WeekendNotes Go-To li... [more]
Everyone loves a little bit of local knowledge when it comes to finding a great coffee right? Well, as a local I'm happy... [more]
Nothing beats a cosy weekend away over the cool winter months, and especially so in the picturesque Dandenong Ranges. I ... [more]
It was with much anticipation that I opened the parcel containing the latest walking guide to be published by Woodsl... [more]
Who's ready for a day trip with a difference?
A small team at TripFit Adventures have put together an amazing series... [more]
From the 14th - 28th of January, you can join in the Healesville Sanctuary's newest summertime experience, the family-fr... [more]
Seriously... STOP what you are doing right now! I have some news that you're going to want to scream about.
A sne... [more]
It's 3pm on a weekday during the school holidays. I'm trying in earnest to keep the kids entertained at Monash Unive... [more]
After a recent weekend away at the luxurious 4.5 star Marine Terrace - Burnie City Apartment for two nights, I thoug... [more]
Adventure happens in the great outdoors right, so what are we waiting for? Let's all sign up to Sole Motive's 'Run The R... [more]
The 'paddock to plate' movement in Australia is at an all-time high with consumers making a concerted effort to seek... [more]
Never heard of the Red Hill Peony Estate? Well, me neither until yesterday when it appeared on my 'things to do list... [more]
Generations of families have worked tirelessly to bring Melburnians the best quality produce for the last 139 years.... [more]
The smile still hasn't left my son's face since we organised a surprise ride for him in an old school Ferrari for hi... [more]
The 2017 Harvest Run is coming around quickly... so, for anyone that missed out on all the fun of last year's inaugu... [more]
The Mornington Peninsula offers a wide range of horse riding experiences that cater for everyone from nervous beginners ... [more]
As a writer and photographer I tend to find myself on the other end of the camera lens more often than not... after all,... [more]
We've all read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl, and even seen a few different versions of the movie... b... [more]
Yes it's cold, it's winter and your motivation to get outdoors at the moment is probably waning. Having a set goal in mi... [more]
The Mornington Peninsula is a foodie's destination that produces some of the state's best produce. Here, at Pure Peninsu... [more]
Ever wanted to walk high above the trees or zip through a rainforest? Well, here at the Otway Fly you can experience... [more]
One of things I've always wanted to do is row along the Yarra, I always imagined it as being a peaceful way to see t... [more]
The all new Rosebud Foreshore Playground has been officially opened and is an absolute hit with the summer crowds! T... [more]
I'm putting the call out there for all runners, whether fast or slow to challenge yourself and sign up for the Ports... [more]
The unmissable red and white candy stripes painted on the exterior of the Chocolate Grove factory are the first sign... [more]
Is it just me, or is Christmas creeping up ever so quickly this year? I noticed the decorations starting to go up in... [more]
All the amazing sights that we cannot see from street level or from Melbourne's tallest buildings are unlocked with ... [more]
Hidden amongst the picturesque rolling green hills of the Yarra Valley is a stunning, private 7 acre garden known as... [more]
Arguably Victoria's most renowned food and wine destination, the stunning Yarra Valley is set to add another dimensi... [more]
After what has felt like a relentlessly long, cold and windy winter I am very much looking forward to the pleasant r... [more]
The autumn leaves have all but fallen, the air is crisp and a family day trip to Ballarat in winter isn't always goi... [more]
Having food intolerances often makes going out to cafes and restaurants challenging. I often sift through the breakf... [more]
Just when you thought trail running couldn't get any better, try throwing in the stunning scenery of the Mornington ... [more]
With a backdrop over the stunning Yarra Ranges, Chappies is definitely the place to go to if you want to pick your o... [more]
Finding the perfect Christmas gift for someone special can be one of the hardest things to do. I should know, I am t... [more]
The Big Goose, A brand new animal farm and adventure playground in Moorooduc on the Mornington Peninsula will be cel... [more]
The annual Mornington Winter Jazz Festival is back again this year from the 5th -8th of June over the Queen's Birthd... [more]
Driving through Kinglake today it's hard to believe there was so much loss and devastation from the Black Friday fires i... [more]
The Red Hill Recreation reserve will again be awash with colour, movement and excitement as the annual Red Hill Agri... [more]
During yet another family bike ride, this time along the Dandenong Creek trail we came across the well maintained Ti... [more]
Excitement is building for the 2015 Australian International Airshow with the bi annual airshow paying tribute to th... [more]
Hobart is famous for being the hometown of Princess Mary and the Salamanca market, so what better place to start when vi... [more]
Last weekend we enjoyed a 2 night stay at the recently refurbished RACV/RACT Hotel in Hobart. We picked the hotel d... [more]
With the Mornington Peninsula being a popular tourist destination people often think of tourist prices. But it if yo... [more]
On the Mornington Peninsula we are lucky enough to have some of Victoria's best bay and back beaches that are separa... [more]
Whilst Puffing Billy is synonymous with the Dandenong Ranges it's not the only thing to do and better still here are... [more]
The Melbourne Marathon has been run and won and this Sunday will see cyclists challenging themselves in Around the B... [more]
