A fake country mouse in the Yarra Valley

Although firmly a city mouse (find me a small town where you can get karaoke and dumplings after midnight...), in 2012 I embraced several opportunities to explore the country side around the Yarra Valley. I've always wanted to be one of those people who beholds the country air, who takes weekends away to replenish and restore (and no, that's completely separate and nothing to do with my aforementioned vices of karaoke and dumplings).

I've been to the Yarra Valley many times in my 6 years in Melbourne, but it would be a bit remiss of me not to disclose that the purpose of those visits was the unbridled consumption of Yarra Valley wine. I SUPPORT LOCAL INDUSTRY.

But alas, 2012 must have been the year that nature has resonated with me and I found myself doing some lovely country walks and exploring other things around the area...

Photos from a hike (ok, walk. OKAY! STROLL!) around Badger Weir. Now, I wouldn't want you to think that I am just some idiot with an instagram account who is always spoiling opportune moments by whipping out her iPhone, but alas, it's true and it's best that we are honest with each other about my shortcomings.

Just a beautiful autumnal tree near St Hubert's Winery, who do a delicious Chardonnay, by the way (haha! I said visiting the Yarra Valley wasn't always about wine! I LIED!)

Hazeldene Manor, visited by moi for hen's weekend. This place was gorgeous and so peaceful, save for my screaming "IT'S GORGEOUS! AND SO PEACEFUL!" for the duration of the weekend away.

And some other non-winey favourites around the area...

Yarra Valley Dairy , which offers some pretty divine cheese. True story - a couple I know once went away for an anniversary and decided to skip dinner and just eat cheese and goodies from this place for sustenance. Of course, I couldn't possibly disclose their identities but I can tell you that I loved their terrine and I think my boyfriend ate a whole block of the goats cheese in ash.

Tarrawarra Museum of Art has culture. ALL OF THE CULTURE. Featuring some pretty fanastic modern art, its design also won Alan Powell the Premier's Design Award in 2004.

Badger Creek Blueberry Farm just because 1) I enjoy blueberries and 2) I enjoy blueberries.