It’s four nights until I begin my Down Under road trip, but today marks the unofficial start. My travel partner for the first leg, Dana, just arrived from Florida. You are sure to catch more glimpses of her in the forthcoming photos, but here she is at Tullamarine airport early this morning.

Although this is Dana’s fourth visit to Australia, it’s our first time exploring beyond Victoria together. I’m excited to introduce her to more of this stunning country.

Yet today, we kept our explorations close to home. Immediately after landing, we headed straight from the airport to the Dandenong Ranges. This season, the mountains are truly breathtaking. Even from afar, we could see them adorned with clouds crowning their peaks. Though the day was slightly drizzly and cool, the vivid autumn hues compensated for the absence of abundant sunshine. The air was refreshingly crisp as we navigated those winding mountain roads. The colours were simply magnificent. This place is my sanctuary. Here is where I truly come alive!

We met up with my mother and my sister-in-law at Miss Marpels Tearooms. This charming tearoom holds a special place in my heart, ranking among my all-time favourites. A visit to the Dandenong Ranges simply wouldn’t be complete without stopping by. Entering Miss Marpels Tearooms feels like stepping into a cosy haven, where time slows down and worries melt away. The atmosphere exudes warmth and nostalgia, reminding me of an English countryside retreat.

The sound of clinking teacups and the gentle hum of conversation created a harmonious symphony. The serene ambience encouraged us to linger a little longer, basking in the tranquility of our surroundings.

The only drawback of today was my ongoing illness, which has left me quite unwell for the past few weeks. I’ve been battling shingles, so with a weakened immune system, I’ve also almost completely lost my voice. Communicating was a bit challenging, especially since my mum has some difficulty hearing.

Adjacent to Miss Marpels Tearooms is Tealeaves Teapot Shop. Adorned with a mural of Alice in Wonderland on one of its outdoor walls, and boasting a splendid assortment of teas and teapots, it’s nearly impossible to depart without making a purchase, and today was no exception.

From the tealeaves shop to George Tindale Memorial Gardens, our journey continued. The Dandenong Ranges is home to numerous exquisite gardens, and George Tindale Memorial Gardens is just one among them. However, within these gardens I find a refuge where the splendour of autumn is honoured and treasured.

The towering trees, adorned with leaves ablaze in autumn colours, create a majestic canopy overhead, casting speckled shadows on the lush greenery below. Sunlight filters through the foliage, illuminating the garden with a warm, golden glow, while the crisp autumn breeze carries the earthy scent of fallen leaves.

Throughout the gardens, bursts of seasonal blooms add to the visual feast, their vivid petals providing a striking contrast against the backdrop of changing foliage.

(Dana Knight photography)

As Dana and I walked along the tranquil pathways, we encountered hidden alcoves and secluded corners, perfect for quiet reflection and simply soaking in the beauty of nature. Benches nestled beneath the trees offered us a welcome respite, inviting us to pause and immerse ourselves in the peaceful ambiance.

As we journey north, the landscape will undoubtedly shift, and in some respects, I can’t help but feel a twinge of sadness about bidding farewell to Victoria’s stunning autumn, knowing how fleeting this season can be. Nevertheless, I’m filled with joy knowing that I got to share this autumn day with Dana.

(Dana Knight photography)

I find myself drawn to the vibrant colours of autumn, each leaf a tiny work of art that ignites my senses and stirs my soul. The earthy scent mingling with the crisp autumn air is a sensory symphony that never fails to evoke in me feelings of nostalgia and wonder.

Added to all that, there are the vibrant birds that call Australia home.

In the midst of Victoria’s fleeting autumn, amidst the kaleidoscope of changing leaves and the vibrant colours of native birds, Dana’s return to Australia was a welcomed moment today. Over the next few days, I aim to regain strength and wellness, preparing us for the commencement of our northbound road trip on Tuesday. As we set our sights on the open road, I’m filled with excitement for the experiences that await us.