Fountain Terrace, St Kilda Set on a tree-lined avenue moments from the beachand St Kilda's colourful cafés is this grandfreestanding Victorian terrace. Like many of the oldproperties in St Kilda it has had a somewhatcolourful and bawdy past. Beautifully restored, thiswarm and friendly bed & breakfast has seven lovelyrooms, each stylish and comfortable and two withprivate verandas. A wonderful breakfast prepared bythe host, Heikki, is served around the prettyrefectory table and is a perfect start to each day.VICTORIAREGION |67Hotel Charsfield, Melbourne This classic hotel is listed with the AustralianNational Trust and is a fine example of Victorianarchitecture. Perfectly located just minutes by tramfrom the dynamic centre of Melbourne, tramsrumble by linking you with the bay at St Kilda andthe cafés and eateries of South Yarra. The beautifulbotanic gardens are a stroll away and behind theproperty is Albert Park Lake. Room styles range fromdeluxe to premier spa, and each are traditionally,but individually decorated. Although in this locationyou are spoilt for dining options, the hotel's ownrestaurant offers innovative Australian fusion cuisine. Langham Hotel, MelbourneOccupying an exceptional position on the YarraRiver's bustling south bank, the Langham Hotel(formerly the Sheraton Southgate), is just a fewminutes stroll from a parade of thriving al frescorestaurants, Federation Square and the NationalGallery of Victoria. The hotel is styled on a Victorianmansion with imaginative touches, such as amesmerising water feature in the foyer that leadsyou up to the graceful reception area. The classicallydesigned bedrooms are elegant and spacious andthe Melba Brasserie has sweeping views over theriver towards the city. MelbourneFountain TerraceSt KildaVilla Donati, Richmond This lovely two-storey villa was built in 1885 as theprivate residence of the distinguished architect andmayor John Bernard Augustus Koch, and is a classicexample of Italianate architecture. It has since, atdifferent times, served as the residence for theAnglican Archbishop and the infamous 'MoulinRouge' massage parlour. Today it is a quiet, privateretreat located in Richmond, one of Melbourne'smost popular districts, minutes by tram or train fromthe sights. Each room is individually furnished andthe charming guest lounge with its veranda wherebreakfast is served is the ideal place to relax.Hotel Charsfield

Dandenong RangesYARRA VALLEY ANDDANDENONG RANGESLess than an hour from Melbourne the richlyfertile Yarra Valley is dotted with fruit orchardsand flower farms, peppered with vineyards andsheltered by the verdant Dandenong Ranges.Here the Puffing Billy steam train winds its waythrough fern glades and mountain ash treesfrom Belgrave to the lovely village of Emerald.The William Ricketts Sanctuary, a place ofbeauty and spirituality, has an amazingcollection of Aboriginal sculptures, and a shortdistance to the east, the Upper Yarra Valleyextends beyond Warburton in a wild tumble ofrocky mountain streams and nature at its mostbeautiful and unspoiled. Monreale Estate,Dandenong RangesIn the heart of the Dandenong Ranges, MonrealeEstate is just a short drive from the Yarra Valleyvineyards. Six cottages, set in rambling water-gardens surrounded by a galaxy of colourful flowers,are individually decorated with open wood fires andspa baths. Breakfast hampers can be delivered toyour cottage and the hosts Cheryl and Karl will behappy to advise you on the dining options available. 68Mornington PeninsulaMORNINGTON PENINSULATwo bays flank the Mornington Peninsula, as itpushes out into the mighty Southern Ocean.Fertile hills and lavender farms roll to the coast,with iridescent beaches and tranquil harbours.Less than an hour from Melbourne, its laid-backlifestyle has attracted many chefs and winemakers, creating an unexpected gastronomichaven. A retreat for artists, the 'Artists' Trail'combines the scenes that have inspired some ofthe country's best-known painters and withregular craft markets, especially at Red Hill, theregion has an unmistakeable creative buzz. Atthe tip, Sorrento is a historic gem acclaimed forfine buildings, excellent eateries and galleries.The nearby ferry at Portsea links you to theGreat Ocean Road so this is a great diversionfrom the main highway. Woodman Estate, MoorooducThis gracious Victorian Manor is set amid acres ofbush and rolling pastures and overlooks a lake.Choose from lakeside chalets or a room in the mainhouse, each classically designed and comfortable.The wonderful restaurant has been acclaimed byVictoria's "Age Good Food Guide" and is a greatexcuse to stay in for the evening. Dining is anythingbut conventional: guests are encouraged to walkthrough the gardens to the lake between courses. QUEENSCLIFFAt the head of Port Phillip Bay this town wasborn from humble beginnings as a sea pilots'station and military garrison, but has blossomedinto a bayside town of faded glamour repletewith Victorian-era buildings, fascinating galleriesand renowned restaurants. Heritage hotelstestify to flamboyant days gone by and simplecottages echo a more modest past amongst thefort, lighthouse and beaches. We suggest youtake the daily ferry from Portsea on the tip ofthe Mornington Peninsula to Queenscliff andspend a couple of nights before continuing on ajourney along the Great Ocean Road.Athelstane House, QueenscliffBuilt in 1860, Athelstane House is Queenscliff'soldest guesthouse: its charming historic exterior iscomplemented by spacious, comfy guestrooms. Ithas won numerous accolades for its fabulous cuisine(which we can highly recommend) and its extensivewine list. Relax on the lovely veranda or in thegardens that surround the house, or use theproperty as the perfect base as you are justmoments from the beach and the town centre.Woodman EstateYarra Valley