Hidden Gems

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Spring is soon arriving, and I’m excited to share that we’re heading off on a 23-day road trip adventure starting on the 19th of this month! Instead of heading up and down the familiar east coast, this time we’re heading west, exploring the stunning route from Melbourne to Adelaide and driving back down the Victorian and New South Wales border.

Our journey kicks off along the iconic Great Ocean Road, stopping in beautiful Apollo Bay and exploring the lush Great Otway National Park. We’ll marvel at natural wonders like the Twelve Apostles, Loch Ard Gorge, and London Bridge, before arriving at the charming coastal town of Port Fairy. Fingers crossed we spot some playful fur seals along the way!

Continuing along the scenic coastline, we’ll discover the magical pink lakes before spending some relaxing days in Victor Harbor, South Australia. We’ll immerse ourselves in South Australia’s renowned wine regions, experiencing tastings and tours in famous vineyards across the Barossa Valley, Clare Valley, and McLaren Vale.

While in the picturesque Adelaide Hills, we’ll explore Hahndorf — Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement — where we’ll be fortunate enough to experience the vibrant “Hahndorf Immersed” festival. After all, South Australia is the Festival State!

Throughout our journey, we’ll visit historic churches, charming buildings, cosy local pubs, delightful bakeries, and welcoming cafés. We’ll wander the vibrant streets of Adelaide, soaking up its unique culture and atmosphere.

From there, we’ll head north, winding through scenic hills, visiting historic towns, and discovering more delightful wineries. Our journey will then take us along the border of Victoria and New South Wales, stopping to enjoy the riverside beauty in towns like Mildura, Swan Hill, and Echuca — each rich in history, local character, and things to discover. We might even spot a silo artwork or two along the way.

We’ll then travel into familiar Victorian towns like picturesque Daylesford and Trentham, finally returning home via Healesville.

Our plan is simple: travel slowly, enjoy each day to the fullest, and uncover hidden gems along the way. I’d love for you to join me as I share daily stories, photos, and experiences from this beautiful part of Australia. Subscribe to follow our adventure — let’s enjoy the journey together!

If you know someone who might enjoy following along — whether they’re locals looking for hidden gems or overseas friends curious about Australia’s beauty — please tell them about my travel blog. I’d love to share this journey with them too!


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4 responses to “Hidden Gems”

  1. Safe and happy travels!
    🚗💨🌴☀️🍃

    Sirpa ☀️

    1. Thank you!! I’m so looking forward to this!

      1. Yes, it will be a lovely getaway for you both. Enjoy, as I know you will.

        Sirpa 🚗

      2. Thank you!!

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About Me

Welcome to my corner of the internet!
I’m Jaana, the creative mind and storyteller behind this blog. I find immense joy in the beauty of simplicity and the art of living deliberately. Through my love of reflective writing, I invite you to walk beside me as I share my adventures, discoveries, and the thoughts they stir within me.

Embracing the philosophy of simple living, I strive to find beauty in the ordinary and celebrate the fascination of everyday moments. So come along as we explore the wonders of life together, one story at a time (As of 24th of February, 2026, this site has received 9,209 views from 3,333 visitors).

P.S. If you’d like to read more of my reflective writing, you’re warmly invited to visit www.applesofgold.blog

BLOG DISCLAIMER: This blog is a personal project. I do not receive, and have never received, any monetary benefit from it. It exists purely for my own enjoyment and as a creative outlet. I share my experiences and reflections in the hope that they may also provide inspiration or ideas for others.

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