30 September: Dandenong Ranges

Sassafras
Bridget's first stop is Antiques at Chris Morris of Sassafras. Chris has owned his shop for over 30 years and it is an institution in the town. You can expect to find anything from an Art Nouveau Sink to a hidden cupboard to a Revolving Bookcase. Next stop was a good cuppa at Tea Leaves. This little shop sells the most stunning array of teapots in every conceivable colour and pattern imaginable. It also stocks over 300 types of tea from China, Japan, Africa - you name it. The day wasn't going to be complete without a bite to eat at Ripe, which has no signage out front because that's the way the locals like it. You can shop at the deli section, buy preserves or enjoy anything from simple baguettes to specials of the day.

Chris Morris of Sassafras
355 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras
Ph 03 9755 2175
www.hentyonthehill.com.au

Tea Leaves
380 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras
Ph 03 9755 2222
www.tealeaves.com.au

Ripe
376-378 Mt Dandenong Tourist Road, Sassafras
Ph 03 9755 2100

Motorcycle Ride
At a little over 30 minutes drive from Melbourne, the Dandenongs is a popular destination for those looking for some time out from the concrete jungle. There's no doubt about it, the Dandenongs is a beautiful, relaxing place with plenty to see and do and one of the first things you notice is how peaceful and quiet it is. But it's time to rev things up a little and thanks to Rhys Griffiths and the team at Honda Motor cycles, Glen takes to Mt Dandenong the same way hundreds of eager sightseers do every week on two wheels. Glen's first stop is the Alfred Nichols Gardens, a must see for everyone from a green thumb to a rev head. Not too far from the Alfred Nichols Gardens, you'll find Olinda and more importantly the Olinda sweet company. The final stop at Sky High Mt Dandenong, offers magnificent views from the Mornington Peninsula all the way to the city and the You Yangs.
If you'd like to get onboard a Honda visit your local dealer or have a look at www.hondamotorcycles.com.au

Alfred Nichols Gardens
www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Olinda Sweet Company
37 Monash Ave, Olinda
Ph 03 9751 1788

Sky High Mt Dandenong
Ph 03 9751 0443
www.skyhighmtdandenong.com.au

Eagle Hammer Cottages
As Melbournians we always think of the Dandenong Ranges in terms of day trips but why not come up and spend a night, specifically at Eagle Hammer Cottages. Eagle Hammer was built seven years ago so the cottages are modern and in perfect condition. It's situated in Monbulk, in the very heart of the Dandenongs. One of the joys of waking up in an environment like Eagle Hammer, is the cacophony of bird sounds that welcome you to the new day; the lyre birds, the magpies, kookaburras, crimson rosellas and my favourite sound, someone hand delivering your very own gourmet breakfast. Remember you don't have to travel for hours to spend a night away from home.
440 Old Emerald Road, Monbulk
Ph 03 9756 7700
www.eaglehammer.com.au

Mandalay Mountain Spa Retreat
The ideal place to get as selfish as you like - the Mandalay Mountain Spa Retreat. Tucked away among the rolling green hills of the Dandenongs, this Tuscan inspired villa with views stretching out over Silvan Lake will transport you to a place a million miles away. If like Esther, the words mountain and retreat put together conjure up fears for you of lentil soup and yoga, do not despair because this isn't a health retreat or a lifestyle retreat, it's simply a spa retreat where champagne is welcome and it's all about the pampering. Bookings are essential.
Barbers Road, Kalorama
Ph 03 9728 1122
www.mandalayspa.com.au

Credo Accommodation
While many of us have well and truly come out of our winter hibernation, up here there are many reasons for venturing back inside from the outside. This place looks like your typical Dandenong Hills cottage, set foot inside and you'll be pleasantly surprised and there's not a doily or a stitch of lace in sight. The owner certainly hasn't scrimped on quality; his latest venture can only be described as a masterpiece in modern design. Nestled among two hectares of natural rainforests and fern gullies, Treetops at Locheil's are stylish contemporary stone and timber cottages.
Ph 03 9751 2300
www.credocottages.com.au

What's On

Spring Racing Carnival
It's spring racing time again, so girls get our your frock, and guys put on a suit to rev yourself up for six weeks of racing entertainment across the state.
Where: Various Venues
When: 3 October–21 November
More: Phone 1300 139 141 www.racingvictoria.net.au

Heathcote Wine and Food Festival
The annual Heathcote Wine and Food Festival is a celebration of the region's primary products wine, food and art, and will be held next weekend at the Heathcote Showgrounds.
Where: Heathcote Wine and Food Festival
When:6–7 October
More: Phone 03 5423 4225 or www.visitvictoria.com.au

Tesselaar Tulip Festival
This week is your last chance for 2007 to see fields of colourful flowers at the Tesselaar Tuliip Festival in the Dandenong ranges.
Where: Dandenong Ranges
When: 13 September–10 October
More: Phone 03 9737 7777 or www.tulipfestival.com.au