I’ve been writing this travel blog for just over a year now — hard to believe, but my first post was published on the 10th of May last year. Since then, I’ve covered quite a bit of ground along Australia’s east coast, venturing as far as Bundaberg. But recently, I realised there’s one place I’ve barely mentioned: my own hometown, Berwick.

So, while today’s little outing wasn’t a grand road trip, it was a road trip of sorts — just a very local one. We hopped into my car and headed to one of my favourite local cafes here in Berwick. And it made me think — maybe some of you would actually appreciate a few insider tips from a long-time local on where to go for a great coffee, or my personal favourite, a warming cup of chai. Because you never know — you might just find yourself in Berwick one day.

After all, who better to give you a tour than someone who moved here over 32 years ago? I think that qualifies me to say I know this place pretty well.

Berwick is full of gems — cafes, restaurants, little boutiques, and plenty of green space to stretch your legs or enjoy a slow afternoon. The village itself has a charming, almost old-world feel, and I love how Berwick continues to prioritise parks and recreational areas. It’s a beautiful blend of community, nature, and good food.

Today, Peter and I took a short drive to one of Berwick’s local treasures: The Old Cheese Factory. It’s a unique spot — steeped in history and surrounded by lovely gardens. Originally built in the 1860s, it now serves as a community space with regular events, art exhibitions, and markets. It’s also a wonderful place for a walk or a peaceful afternoon picnic.

There’s something special about rediscovering your own backyard. Sometimes, the best adventures don’t require packing a suitcase — just a little curiosity and a willingness to see the familiar with fresh eyes.

So if you’re ever in Berwick, or even just passing through, let this blog be your local guide. I’ve got plenty more spots to share — from cosy cafés to scenic strolls — and I’d love to introduce you to the place I call home.

I have so many memories tied to the Old Cheese Factory — more than I can count. Over the years, it’s been a backdrop for everything from weddings to birthday parties, playgroups, picnics, farmers’ markets, and endless cups of coffee with other mums in mother’s groups. It’s one of those places that’s quietly woven into the fabric of my life, familiar and comforting.

And yet, I’ll admit — there have been times when I’ve walked through its beautiful grounds and thought, This place needs a bit of life. A spark. A heartbeat. Something to draw people in again.

So imagine my delight when I heard that Little by Little Cafe had moved into the old Homestead! That news made me smile like someone had just handed me a box of handmade chocolates.

And let me tell you — it works. It really works.

Suddenly, the Old Cheese Factory isn’t just a historic site with great gardens — it’s a place to be. There’s a gentle buzz in the air now.

Tables are scattered across the lawn under shady trees, more tucked in beneath the terrace, and of course, seating inside the homestead itself. It’s relaxed, inviting, and full of charm.

Peter and I chose a table under the terrace, the kind of spot that makes you want to linger. I ordered a pot of sticky chai and when it arrived — extra hot just as I’d asked — I could have hugged the barista. It was perfect. A1. Ten out of ten. If you’re a chai lover like me, you’ll understand what a joy it is to get it just right. That warming, spiced comfort in a cup? Heavenly.

And as I sat there, sipping chai and soaking it all in, I thought about how special this place truly is.

From the 1850s through to the 1880s, the Old Cheese Factory wasn’t just a picturesque property — it was a bustling hub of agricultural activity.

Had you been riding your horse along Homestead Road back then, you would have heard the clatter of machinery at work, the sharp hiss of a steam boiler, and the deep, steady calls of around 200 Ayrshire cows grazing nearby. Under the skilled hands of master cheesemaker Murdoch McDonald, the factory was producing up to 150 cheese wheels each week.

These were loaded up and transported to Melbourne, with some even making their way as far as Queensland!

It’s amazing to think that a place with such a rich, industrious past has been preserved so beautifully.

And now, with Little by Little breathing new life into the Homestead, it feels like the Old Cheese Factory is stepping into a new chapter — one that honours its history while welcoming the present.

This autumn has been especially warm here in Melbourne, Victoria. In fact, it’s officially the driest on record. The days have been so golden and mild that even now, in mid-May, with winter just around the corner, it still feels like summer is lingering just a little longer.

Perfect weather for outings like ours to the Old Cheese Factory — where you can sit outside, sip something delicious, and enjoy the sunshine.

But as much as I’ve been enjoying these beautiful days, there’s a quiet ache in the back of my mind for the farmers. The land is thirsty. Crops are struggling. And while a sunny day is a gift for a café visit, it’s a challenge for those who rely on the rhythm of the seasons to make a living. It’s a gentle reminder that while we enjoy these little luxuries, others are doing it tough.

Still, I’m grateful — for the warmth, for time with Peter, for sticky chai served just right, and for places like the Old Cheese Factory that continue to evolve while holding onto their roots.

Places that remind us that history lives on, not just in books or plaques, but in our everyday moments — shared conversations, familiar pathways, and cups of something comforting under the autumn sun.

Until next time, may your days be full of gentle discoveries, local treasures, and a little bit of sunshine — no matter where you are.