Peter and Vicki's Travel Blog: Melbourne's hinterland.

We reluctantly left Healesville and the lovely Yarra Valley this morning - so natural and pretty, and headed to Mt Dandenong National Park. The tourist Drive through the Park takes you through what we described as "the hinterland" of Melbourne. From Mt Dandenong there was a great 180 degree view, including Melbourne CBD. The Park is packed with things to do and see. The villages of Mt Dandenong, Olinda, and Sassafras are packed with enticing arts & crafts shops, cafes, restaurants and galleries, and very popular for Sunday outings by the look of the number of people that were out and about. The gorgeous sunny day made the day even more enjoyable! The climate here is ideal for gardens and trees and there are quite a few public gardens on the mountain. We visited the National Rhododendron Gardens - not the time of year for all the flowers to be in bloom but the gardens were beautiful all the same. Got our exercise in as well as it was about a 3km around the whole area.

We made it to Frankston on the Bay by mid afternoon and we had a look at where the Ironman Race is being held next weekend at the Frankston Waterfront. Looks a great venue and course! Frankston is decorated with all the Ironman banners so the excitement for next weekend is building!