Melbourne is a beautiful city, every week a new restaurant, bar, coffee shop, clothing store will pop up with a launch event or three. Every now and again the urge to escape takes over, to get away from the hustle and bustle and explore what else Victoria has to offer.
Around an hour from Melbourne CBD are the Dandenong ranges, a set of mountain ranges 35km out of the city. The 1000 step climb, a hiking trail popular with visitors and Victorians alike, allows you to experience the sense of exhaustion felt by Australian soldiers on the Kokoda Trail in World War II. The hike is around 2.8km, with a steep incline through the tree ferns and is recommended for those that are physically fit.
Post hike, the nearby villages boast a range of cafes, restaurants and shops for a feed and browse. Miss Marple’s Tea Room, taking inspiration from Agatha Christie’s classic detective, offers a selection of quaint English décor with Devonshire tea and sandwiches, whilst Ripe offer an enviable cake selection and great coffee outside of the city. There are plenty of hotels and B&B’s in the area if you fancy heading out there for a longer break which can be found here: http://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Hotels-g1016039-Sassafras_Victoria-Hotels.html
The 1000 step climb can be reached by car or by train, more information about how to get there head to: http://www.dandenongrangespoint.com.au/attractions/1000-steps/
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