The Dandenong Ranges is a beautiful region within one hour’s drive of Melbourne. It is one of the first places locals will take visitors and overseas guests, as there is so much to do there. It is a lovely place to go in every season. My favourite times are winter, for the many cosy restaurants that have roaring fires and hearty meals, and autumn, for the picturesque, colourful leaves.

The Stokehouse is one of Melbourne's iconic restaurants. Positioned right on the beach in St.Kilda, this restaurant offers customers 2 styles of dining. Upstairs is a very elegant setting with a more expensive menu - entree's at approx. $27AUD. With uninterrupted views of the water, it is a superb place to take someone special for dinner or to impress a client for lunch.

Williamstown is a charming little maritime village only 15 minutes from Melbourne. Nelson Place, one of the main streets opposite the port is home to The Customs House Hotel. It is here that I took my husband and mum one cold Sunday lunchtime. With an English pub atmosphere, this place had some great food on the menu with a lot of old time favourites including chicken parmagiana and a huge seafood platter. I had the parma', which was very nice. The prices were reasonable and the carpeted floors provided a relaxed and cosy atmosphere to enjoy a hearty winter's lunch.