It's a two hour hike to this little bit of Thai splendour a couple of hours from Melbourne. A forested swamp meets the sea in a golden crescent of sand hemmed in by mountains. Granite headlands keep the warm, clear waters nice and calm; continue on to Refuge Cove (2hrs) for a more exclusive swim before a long walk out.

wilson's prom national park

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The Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens has just opened 'Australian Garden' at the Botanic Gardens in Cranbourne. This is so different from any other botanic garden I have ever seen anywhere else in the world. It showcases the Australian landscape with red sand, rockeries, dry river beds, arid areas and Australian 'bush'. Breathtaking (and not a rose bush in sight).

1000 Ballarto Road, Cranbourne (about 40 mins from the city);
tel: (03) 5990 2200;
www.rbg.vic.gov.au/australian_garden

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Melbourne has superb gardens spread throughout and one of the best - the Botanical Gardens - has 'The Tan'.

The Tan is a wide flat track around the outside of the Botanical gardens, and it’s home to joggers, runners, walkers and pusher pushers. Watch out for the footballers though as they try and complete a lap in record time.

Best of all: it’s free (bring your own running shoes).

The Tan runs around the circumference of the Botanic Gardens and the Domain. Run there, take a tram or walk from Flinders Street station; www.accessibility.com.au/melbourne/garden/tan.htm

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A small village in the middle of the Grampians, Hall's Gap has recently been subjected to bush fires but at the beginning or end of the summer, this is the most beautiful place in Victoria to visit. Stay in the log cabins, which back onto an unenclosed paddock with kangaroos, literally hundreds of them. They’re very friendly and confident enough to come right up to your front door in the evening - just watch out for the kangaroo poo in the mornings!

The cabins are fully equipped and have doubles spas, huge beds and if you ever choose to leave the cabins there are loads of walks and waterfalls to visit. The area is lovely and is great for a weekend break whether you are living over here or just visiting.

www.hallsgaplogcabins.com.au/

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Studley Park in Kew, set on the Yarra, is very pretty at all times of the year, although it gets busy on weekends. There's a boathouse, several walks, picnic areas and a golf course. There’s lots of Australian nature with excellent views of the city.

Access via Yarra Boulevard off Studley Park Road

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Through the summer months the Royal Botanical Gardens organise moonlight cinema sessions. Each night they show one current or classic film on a big outdoor screen in the centre of the park. Check the website for listings.

My tip is to bring a blanket. Melbourne can get cold at night, even after a hot day. Some fly spray helps too. Bean bags can be hired at the venue.

www.moonlight.com.au/

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Healesville Santuary is a zoo which only has Australian animals in a natural bushland setting. Healesville is an absolute must for any international visitor to Melbourne, and can be combined with a day of wine tasting in the Yarra Valley, although it can easily fill a day on its own.

www.zoo.org.au
Address Badger Creek Rd
Healesville VIC 3777
Phone 03 5957 2800

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Stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens and you’ll quickly forget your in the middle of a city of more then three million people. A good place to see a concentration of native flora and landscapes.

www.rbg.vic.gov.au

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Absolutely beautiful place in the Dandenong mountains. A day trip worth doing. See amazingly lifelike sculptures carved out of the natural environment. The man was an amazing artist. The sanctuary has a magical feel to it, and the Dandenongs are great to visit. Finish off your trip with afternoon tea and scones in the cafe opposite. Perfect.

www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=216

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