Waking up at the farm felt like greeting a new world — soft light unfolding across the fields, the gentle hum of morning birds, and the promise of another day steeped in nature’s peaceful rhythm.

We rose with the sunrise, watching as it slowly crept over the mountains, painting the sky in shades of pink and gold.

The kangaroos were already up, enjoying their breakfast beneath the fig trees.

We lingered over ours, watching them with quiet wonder.

There’s something truly captivating about how the light shifts through the day.

It paints the hills in misty blues, then washes them in honeyed greens before fading once more.

It felt like watching a living artwork, one that shifts and shimmers with every minute.

Clusters of wisteria tumbled over the verandah, their lilac blooms swaying gently in the breeze.

There is a timeless charm about the farm.

Each detail — from the rustle of the trees to the wisteria’s lilac sway — seemed touched by grace.

There’s a beautiful openness here that pulls me in.

Wide skies stretch above, and the trees seem to breathe with the breeze.

Everything feels connected — vibrant, peaceful, and alive.

In moments like this, I feel completely part of the land itself.

But as much as we loved soaking in the serenity, curiosity called.

We decided to explore a little of the surrounding area and set off to visit a nearby historical property called Mont De Lancey — a place steeped in local history and charm. (I’ll share more about that in another post!)

From there, we drove to Yarra Valley Dairy, a spot we’ve passed so many times but never stopped at — until today.

And oh, how glad we were that we finally did!

The cheese shop is tucked inside a rustic 100-year-old milking shed, right beside the cheese factory itself.

Inside, the air was filled with the delicious scent of handmade cheeses and freshly baked bread.

The staff were so warm and welcoming, and the little gift shop was full of local treasures.

We found a sunny spot overlooking the valley and ordered their Brie Hotpot — an entire wheel of double cream Brie, baked until golden and gooey, then topped with caramelised figs, sliced almonds, rosemary, and a sprinkle of sea salt.

It came with crisp sourdough baguette slices — pure indulgence!

The combination of flavours was heavenly, especially paired with a mug of good chai and those sweeping countryside views.

After our deliciously decadent lunch, we decided to balance things out with a long walk along the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail.

It’s such a charming trail, winding through farmland and gum trees.

The preserved old Wandin train station along the way offers a lovely peek into days gone by.

We loved seeing the historical photos and paintings showing how it once looked.

It felt like discovering a little time capsule along our path.

We wandered at our own pace, pausing often to admire the scenery.

The sound of the leaves and the freshness of the air felt like pure country calm.

It was the perfect way to stretch our legs — and add a few more kilometres to my Breast Cancer Walk Challenge.

We were back at the farm as the afternoon light began to fade.

With cuppas in hand, we sat quietly, watching the colours change over the mountains.

The kangaroos returned for their evening meal, hopping gracefully across the paddocks, as if to say, “Welcome home.”

The countryside glowed with that gentle golden hour light — the kind that makes you forget time altogether.

There’s a quiet poetry in the countryside — in the way the light dances across the hills, the kangaroos move through the fields, and the scent of figs drifts on the breeze.

Days like this linger long after they end, becoming part of the story the land tells.

It’s in these moments, away from the rush, that I find my peace — and remember why I love exploring the heart of this beautiful land.

Adding a map0 of our travels today: