Episode 31: Great Escapes #2

Camellia Cottage
Camellia Cottage was built back in the 1850s for a doctor who was said to be the grandfather of Lord Casey, the former Governor General of Australia. Located in Buninyong, just 80 mins west of Melbourne, the property was named for the camellias outside its front door. These days you can stay in a guest wing of the main house which features its own entrance, two bedrooms, a lounge area, modern bathroom and kitchenette, plus theyll also provide an organic continental breakfast. However, if you are feeling peckish at lunch-time then just 11 kms up the road is the very fun café - Eclectic Tastes in Ballarat. Aside from all the quirky, history and interest the food is great and the store specialises in morning teas and lunches.

Camellia Cottage
701 Warrenheip St, Buninyong
Ph: 5341 8262
www.camellia-cottage.com.au

Eclectic Tastes
2 Burnbank St, Ballarat
Ph: 5339 9252

Gembrook
One of the most famous sights in the Dandenongs is of course the Puffing Billy Steam Train. Gembrook is the end of the line and a place where youll find some pretty unique accommodation at The Signal Box B & B. You dont have to be a train enthusiast to enjoy this property. Not only is it fully equipped, it also comes with plenty of cosy areas to curl up in. When it's time to dine, if youre looking for someone else to do all the work then head to the Forest Edge Restaurant just up the road. This is the place for people who like their fine food to be accompanied with fine views. Their talented chef mixes local produce with a fresh is best philosophy to create an exciting menu and if you time your visit right you might even be lucky enough to have Neville serenade you on the piano.

The Signal Box
39 Station Road, Gembrook
Ph: 03 5968 1686
www.signalboxbedandbreakfast.com.au

Forest Edge
2905 Gembrook Launching Place Rd, Gembrook
Ph: 03 5967 7007
www.forestedge.com.au

Phillip Island
Everyone knows Phillip Island is home to a whole heap of penguins but its also home to some pretty swanky accommodation like the brand new beauty thats right opposite the beach - C Scape Thirteen. Located down the main street of Cowes this stylish apartment gives inner city ones a run for their money. It comes with all the mods cons, heaps of space, loads of light and of course amazing views. But if you really want to feel like youre on holiday leave the cooking to somebody else and head down to Pinos Trattoria. The Scarlotto family run the show and for many people this place is a home away from home. The food is delicious home cooked Italian fare and when its time to leave, with a belly very full, you definitely feel like part of the family.

C Scape Thirteen
Apartment 13, 4 The Esplanade, Cowes
Phone: 0400 874 005
www.cscapecowes.com.au

Pinos Trattoria
29 Thompson Ave, Cowes
Ph: 5952 2808
www.pinostrattoria.com.au

Charlson Farm
Set on a 90 acre property in Wenslaydale, Charlson Farm is only a one and a half hours drive from Melbourne. The beauty of staying here is that you get heaps of room, panoramic views and youre only short drive from towns along the Surfcoast like Anglesea and Lorne. Once upon a time Charleson Farm was a real working farm but these days the only wild ones running around here are city folk on holidays. Youll find plenty of room inside with enough space for up to 12 guests in the five bedrooms. If food is on your mind and you feel like getting out and about then just 25 minutes drive down the road in Birregurra youll find the perfect place to pick a few gourmet delights at Farm Foods. They have everything you need to get through the weekend including meats, cheeses and plenty of wine.

Charlson Farm
265 Centre Rd, Wensleydale
www.charlesonfarm.com

Farm Foods Birregurra
43 Main Street, Birregurra
Ph: 03 5236 2611

What's On

The Royal Melbourne Show
Springtime in Melbourne is show time, so make sure youre part of the fun at this years Royal Melbourne Show, a 11-day celebration bringing country and city together.
Where: Royal Melbourne Showgrounds
When: 18 - 28 September
More: Ph 03 9281 7444 or visit www.royalshow.com.au

Melbourne Winter Masterpieces Art Deco 1910 1939
Open for only a few more weeks, its your last chance to visit the stunning Art Deco Exhibition on the NGV on until 5 October.
Where: National Gallery of Victoria
When: 27 June 5 October
More: www.ngv.vic.gov.au

Samsung Melbourne Marathon
And get your running shoes on because registrations are still open for the Samsung Melbourne Marathon on 12 October. There is something for everyone with various distances to choose from.
When: 12 October
More: www.melbournemarathon.com.au