Discovery Australia F & C: A Warm Invite with a Touch of Class

After 2 days in the city, we were getting a little restless. Seriously, the itch to get out of the concrete jungle was quite strong. So when we hit the road again, it was like the floodgates opened and we felt our adrenaline rush again. As we drove towards Yarra Valley, we felt free and happy. Checked into our little motel run by a teenager (was she on school vacation?) & off we went, upon her recommendation, to the finest wineries in Victoria.
Domaine Chardon was one we spent most time at & where we had absolutely free sampling of wine.

The sprawling, open grounds of the winery stood like a warm invitation. After wine sampling, we lingered on, sipped our mocha and cappucino & soaked in the ambience, knowing fully well we wouldn't find a place like this back home.

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