Travel Photos of the Week: Alowyn Gardens, Yarra Glen

Melbourne dished up the most perfect weather last weekend to spend outdoors. I’ve had this local tourism award winner marked to visit for some time. So it made perfect sense to pick-up the oldies for an outing to Alowyn Gardens. The gardens are set within a layout of varying garden rooms across 7 acres. The garden is designed along strong symmetrical lines that become blurred by the softness of the space and the grace of the trees.

There are 5 clearly defined areas within the gardens, a perennial border, a silver birch forest, an edible garden, a formal parterre garden and through all of this runs a wisteria and rose covered arbour walk of about 100m. There is also a newer French garden which will be a picture during March when the sunflower bed is flowering.

You can also find Alowyn Gardens on Facebook.

It’s the summer school holidays here in Australia. Christmas and New Year celebrations are done for another year and it’s time for some R&R with friends and family before we get going for the 2014 work year! Yesterday I caught up with a friend from the other side of town (Melbourne). Studley Park Boathouse was a good half way point to meet. We scored a pleasant summer day to enjoy a gorgeous lunch and a glass of wine on the verandah of the cafe. Families were picnicing by the Yarra River and some were out boating enjoying their holiday time. As you can see from the photos you would never think this little spot is only 6km from Melbourne’s CBD!

Studley Park Boathouse Cafe and Restaurant

Boats at Studley Park Boathouse

The Yarra River at Studley Park Boathouse

Australian Bush at Studley Park Boathouse

A magpie enjoying a drink

A recent break took me to Port Douglas in far north Queensland. An area of Australia I was yet to explore. The furthest north I’d been was Magnetic Island (twice) off the coast from Townsville. We enjoyed (my husband and I) 8 days with no work or kids to enjoy the surrounds of Port Douglas and boy, did we indulge! I was very impressed with Port Douglas and whilst it was more developed than I had expected, it proudly retained many of its historical buildings and features. One in particular caught my eye was the gorgeous historical chapel, St Mary’s by the Sea. Surrounded by lush tropical plants and only meters from the waters edge.

Travel Photo of the Week: Mousehole Harbour, England

The picture-postcard harbour of Mousehole lies 4km south of Penzance on the very tip of the County of Cornwall. Mousehole (pronounced “Mowzel”) is a very popular tourist destination. A small and very safe beach is located in a sheltered part of the harbour which is popular with families, particularly those with small children – making it an ideal location for family outings. Dylan Thomas (1930) described Mousehole as ‘ the loveliest village in England’, a title that remains true to the present day.

Photo courtesy of Travel Tips Plus reader Lavinia.