Lake Tyrrell is a spectacular environment and perfect stop on a road trip up the Calder Highway in the heart of the Mallee region. Mamma has learnt Tyrrell is derived from a local Aboriginal word ‘Direl’ meaning SKY or SPACE. This is the largest inland salt lake in Australia and is an international attraction - that infamous vast Australian landscape is so awesomely on display here, where the sky becomes the Earth and the Earth becomes the sky.

Every road trip needs great towns to visit along the way and Benalla has everything including this amazing SPLASH PARK! This FREE water play is wonderful during the hot summer days in Victoria’s High Country and lots of fun for the family on a road trip in the North East.

Mamma never thought you could fall in love with a place - but Beechworth is it! Victoria’s High Country invited Mamma and here crew to visit the region this summer and this town - and its surrounding villages - have blown us away

The most imposing building of the entire town of Beechworth is the historically significant and well preserved Old Beechworth Gaol. There are lots of tales that these walls could tell and your expert guide will share many of the good, bad, but mostly ugly as you make your way through iron bars into the exercise yard, the empty hallways and the tiny prisoner cells.

This is luxury accommodation with the most exquisite gardens and grounds that we have ever seen. Host Genevieve has designed the most amazing oasis on her property and staying here is so relaxing.

Every summer holiday destination needs a lake that can help bring the temperature down and Beechworth has Lake Sambell. This used to be the site of a gold mine (along with most places in the area!) and now is a family friendly lake that you’ll all enjoy.

Mamma definitely learnt HEAPS on the Echoes of History Guided Walking Tour of Beechworth. This 45 minute walk around town is a great way to see the historical sights and learn some things about the European history of the area spanning back 170 years.

The Burke Museum is a treasure trove of Beechworth history, assembled all in one place. It covers natural history, the street scape of the past and the icons of the area.

It’s not just the beautiful people and interesting past that makes Beechworth an awesome spot to visit. The natural wonders are stunning and you just have to check out Woolshed Falls in Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park

We love little treasures in little towns and we were amazed to see that there still is a working telegraph station in Beechworth. Located in one of the original gold rush era buildings, this telegraph station used to be the hub of the latest in communication technology - morse code.

A summer getaway with views for days, cool breezes and incredible scenery … it has to be at the top of Mt Buller. Green season in Victoria’s High Country is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway! Bike riding, hiking, sight seeing and MORE.

How about a road trip to Australia’s largest cactus garden? This Mexican themed, 12 acre garden is super unique and very cool!

What could be more delicious and nostalgic than a candy apple?! Well Mamma can tell you first hand, not much!

This kid friendly winery is the perfect spot to spend a Sunday afternoon with the family!

Hiring a boat from Go Adventure is the perfect way to experience the beautiful Lake Nagambie from the inside!

Wow! We have never seen a FREE museum and historical display that has so much to see and do and LEARN. The Port of Echuca Discovery Centre is fantastic.

With loads of interactive exhibits to explore, you won’t know what to try first at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre.

The Victorian Goldfields Railway is such a great family outing, to experience the joy of riding in an old steam train, getting a glimpse of life in another time.

Mamma hopes you all get to have a day this lovely!

Looking for a magical afternoon? Cleveland Winery is such a picturesque spot, where the hours seem to just slip away.

This place is picturesque, peaceful and absolutely guarantees you a fresh fish catch!

Mamma and the fam love a good garden exploration and this one certainly does not disappoint!  

Car, bike, bus and truck enthusiasts brace yourselves! MOVE Museum of Vehicle Evolution is such a treat.

Run a Muck is the perfect place to do just that!

This hands on science experience is one that will totally blow you - and the kids - away!

Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk makes for a peaceful and easy family walk into the Toolangi Forest.

We are so lucky to have great little pockets of forests to explore. The Jehosaphat Gully is found as you take the Healesville-Kinglake Rd up toward Kinglake.

We love bush walks, rivers and waterfalls and Murrindindi Scenic Reserve has all of the above!

On the plateau of Mount Buffalo, the still cool waters of Lake Catani stretch out, inviting you to jump on the kayak, paddle at the shore or bask by the bank.

What a surprise package! This (at first) unassuming botanical gardens in Malmsbury might actually be Mamma’s favourite.

The Masons Falls are a real treasure and make a great family excursion out into the great outdoors.

You know how with most waterfalls you need to stand at a distance and view the beauty from afar? Well this amazing spot is like an interactive waterfall!

What a beauty! This amazing lake is not only peaceful and picturesque, but an adventure for all seasons. Whether you visit in the summer to dip your toes in the cool water, in the spring for a BBQ overlooking the lake, maybe an autumn visit to see the golden leaves change their colour OR perhaps a winter wander through the pine forest, you are sure to find it is a feast for the eyes AND the soul.

Welcome to the country town in northern Victoria Benalla, otherwise known as the street art capital of Australia. Forget the dimly lit laneways of the CBD. Here in Benalla the entire town is adorned with the works of international and homegrown mural masters!

Nestled next to the Wombat State Forest are the amazing gardens of St Erth, run by popular gardening group - The Diggers Club.

This spectacular park has all you need to spend a day in the beautiful outdoors.

This is one of those wonderful places that you and the family can spend the WHOLE day.

Playgrounds don’t get much more stunning than this. This largely timber adventure playground sits on the banks of the Ovens River and is surrounded by the grand old trees that Bright is famous for - changing their glorious colours as the seasons pass.

Every road trip means a new playground to explore, including the paddle steamer park in Echuca. This wonderful and petite playground is found in the centre of town, close to the Murray River and historical port.

‘Gold Rush’ themed Long Gully Splash Park is super cute and has everything you could need!

This themed play space is about as wonderful as wonderful playgrounds can possibly get!

A very sweet nature space for all ages!

Wow this park is so perfect and has so much character!! And it features a crown jewel in the form of an epic water play splash pad area!!

This park was created by the community of Woodend 10 years ago in memory of a brave little local boy called Robbie Lodder. The community got together and raised funds, volunteered their time and worked hard to create this wonderful space. What a great community.

There is nothing quite like an ice cold beer, a slice of pizza and a place for the kids to play after they’ve spent some time in the car. Anvil Brewing Co hits the perfect spot at their family friendly brewery and restaurant in Mansfield.

If you're a fan of delicious country-style baking, then the Provender Bakehouse is a must-visit. This popular bakery in Yea is well-known for its mouth-watering range of pies, cakes, pastries, and specialty breads.

Mansfield Coffee Merchant, the quality-focused café and roaster in Victoria's North-East, is a must-visit spot for coffee lovers. With an all-day menu, it's the perfect place to savour delicious treats and satisfy your cravings.

Mamma loves exploring country bakeries on road trips. Buck's Country Bakehouse in Yarack is a standout with a delicious range of freshly baked goods.

This tiny little bar is what dreams are made of! Featuring an entire wall with every flavour of cordial from the famous Billson’s Brewery - you can order cordials, sodas, milkshakes and even spiders at this Soda Bar in Beechworth.

This cordial factory is super impressive. Established in 1865, the brewery is one of Australia’s oldest and has recently been lovingly restored and revitalised into this thriving tourist destination - and top notch beverage producers. Drop in for a meal, a tour, buy your sodas OR taste the entire range of traditional cordials at the tasting bar.

Mamma has got stars in her eyes for this place! The Star Hotel is THE place to be in the sweetest of all towns - Yackandandah. The American style BBQ menu is delicious and full of flavour. A must when visiting Victoria's High Country and Beechworth area.

If you want to learn about any small Australian town - head to the local watering hole. In Stanley, the entire heart of this tiny village is the Stanley Pub. This establishment which was first opened in 1854, has had a resurgence in recent years under the guidance of new ownership and it has made its mark with the locals as well the visitors to Victoria’s High Country.

You can’t really say you have done Beechworth until you have been to Beechworth Bakery. This place has been an institution since 1984 and you just HAVE to try a pastry, or a pie, a snot block, a bee sting AND a meringue.

Bright Brewery is in the perfect spot and you have to visit at least once!.

Here’s a very kid friendly spot for a delicious breakfast or lunch!

We love a family meal at an old country style pub and this 165 year old hotel is particularly gorgeous.

It’s a plant nursery, a cafe, a gift store and a butterfly garden all in one… AND there’s even a playground!!

Great coffee, delicious food and a kids’ corner! The perfect spot for a family meal out in Gisborne.

Great coffee, delicious food, a verandah and a fenced kids play area!!

Ruby’s Cafe is such a perfect spot for breakfast, brunch or lunch with kids in tow! It’s spacious and bright and there is a large courtyard out the back with toys and a SANDPIT!!

Mamma can’t think of much of a better set up for an alfresco meal out with friends and kids than Major Tom’s!

The Cosmopolitan Hotel sits proudly on the corner on the main strip and you will be drawn to it’s original pub facade and the scent of wood fire. Inside is exactly what you want - cozy and rustic, with a warm fire place to create the perfect atmosphere.

Mamma says that if you can drive past Bourkies without stopping for a bite then you must be crazy! This iconic bakery has been serving up the best meat pies, sausage rolls, vanilla slices and more for 30 years!

The warm fire, the fantastic musician strumming next to the table, and one (or, maybe two) tasty red wines!