Discovery Australia F & C: The Habour and The River

This is another part of Melbourne city that I particularly like. The berths for the yachts and boats, waterfront restaurants and apartments and a huge stadium. Around the vicinity, there are shopping malls as well. Has a truly relaxed and recreational feel to it.

Every city has a river that runs through it. Yarra River is Melborne city's life pulse. Though not as romantic as River Seine, it's still a very pleasant sight in a concrete jungle.

Discovery Australia F & C: What we did at St Kilda, Melbourne.

Fred had very fond memories of St Kilda from his last visit 10 years ago. Hence, we decided we would book a service apartment in St Kilda & soak up the atmosphere of this trendy seaside suburb, not too far off from Melbourne city centre. Part of our plan was to get whatever fresh seafood & vegetables from Queen Victoria Market & fix our own dinner. Yums! Look what we got at a steal - fresh oysters!

 Also nice white fish steaks, with beans & capsicums from the market too.

Before dinner, we gave ourselves a treat from one of oldest & most famous pastry shops along St Kilda - Europa Cake Shop. This was Fred's slice of dark chocolate cake while mine was a raspberry crumble.

 Unbeliveably good cakes & pastries! The Aussies are truly great at dessert-making.

I wish I could try them all! But I would probably burst my budget.

Strolling along St Kilda's beach & what Fred found ... poor jellyfish.

Discovery Australia F & C: We explored the Grampians!

We always love the idea of living near nature & back home, it is almost impossible. So for every vacation, as much as we can, we would give ourselves a much-needed nature retreat. This was our self-contained cabin unit in the Grampians.

A fully-equipped kitchen is an absolute must for us. We love preparing our own meals.

A very clean toilet

More bunk beds

An inviting couch

There was even a patio area to sit out & enjoy the surroundings.

Fred planned our the routes.

The euphoric feeling of getting-up-there just makes you want to do it again & again.

My reliable Gortex trekking boots finally got whipped out of the shoe cabinet & tasted some action.

Self-catered lunch at MacKenzie Falls

Discovery Australia F & C: Quaint & Lovely Houses in Port Fairy.

We stayed at the Historical Seacombe House at Port Fairy.

This was the view of the garden from our little private balcony.

The decorative items shown above included this very old wallclock, dating back to the 1800s. The award-winning restaurant kept the old name of the hotel - The Stag.

A lovely house we chanced upon in the neighbourhood.