It’s a rainy Sunday in Victoria, and as the clouds hang low over the hills, we set out once again on a road trip.

This one feels a little different — not just for fun or adventure — but for something deeply meaningful.

We’re headed to Canberra for Head to the Hill, a Brain Tumour Alliance Australia community event where people like us gather to connect, share, and advocate for change.

Over the next few days, we’ll meet others from the brain tumour community, hear their stories, and even meet with politicians to help raise awareness and support for those affected.

We decided to take the back roads, meandering through the countryside rather than the highway.

There’s something comforting about travelling the scenic way — even in the rain.

The paddocks are lush and green, the trees heavy with moisture, and every curve of the road reveals another view worth admiring.

The drizzle seems to make everything shimmer — raindrops clinging to gum leaves, mist rising over rolling hills, and that unmistakable fresh-country smell that only rain can bring.

Our first stop was for morning coffee at the Yarra Valley Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery.

It’s a cheerful haven on a grey morning, and the scent of warm chocolate and roasted coffee beans was enough to make us forget the weather entirely.

As we sipped our morning coffees, I caught sight of some pink kangaroos hopping about in the gardens! I couldn’t resist saying hello to them.

It felt like a sweet little sign — I’ve been doing a breast cancer fundraising walk challenge this month, and somehow, those pink kangaroos seemed perfectly timed, a reminder of purpose and positivity.

From there, we made our way to my all-time favourite winery — De Bortoli.

The drive in is always breathtaking: neat rows of vines sweeping across gentle hills, framed by gardens that seem to change personality with every season.

Today, the vines were bright with new green leaves, a fresh and hopeful sight.

There’s something special about vineyards after the rain.

The air carries that earthy scent of wet soil and vines.

Every colour appears richer, and the Yarra Valley unfolds in soft, endless shades of green.

We lingered for a while, taking it all in.

The gardens shimmered after the rain, the vines lush and green.

There was a deep, calming peace in the air.

Further along the road, we stopped at Yea for lunch, at the cosiest little café called Marmalades.

It’s one of those charming country places that feels like home the moment you step in — full of character, with fairy lights, vintage nick-nacks, and mismatched china teacups that make you smile.

My pumpkin muffin was perfectly spiced and warm, and the tea tasted even better poured from proper china.

If you ever find yourself driving through Yea, I can wholeheartedly recommend this little gem.

Our final stop before settling for the night was at the Benalla Rose Gardens, and oh — what a beautiful place it is.

Even though the rain had followed us most of the way, the gardens were bursting with life, their roses still radiant despite the grey sky.

Among the blooms stands a statue of Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop, the compassionate surgeon remembered not only for his medical brilliance but for his extraordinary humanity.

Reading his story there — about his forgiveness and efforts to build bridges between former enemies after enduring the horrors of war — moved me deeply.

It reminded me that compassion and forgiveness are among the greatest strengths a person can have.

To forgive is not to forget, but to choose peace over bitterness.

In a world that often feels divided, those two simple qualities — compassion and forgiveness — truly have the power to change everything.

As we continued our journey toward Albury for the night, the rain softened, and patches of blue began to peek through the clouds.

The countryside rolled on, green and generous, and I couldn’t help but feel that this trip — though driven by purpose — was also a gentle reminder of gratitude, beauty, and hope.