A historic steam train which travels from Belgrave to Gembrook and return. You can ride in open carriages all or part of the journey depending on the time allocated. The lunch train which is licensed, provides devonshire tea or full gourmet lunch in enclosed first class carriages from Belgrave to Emerald Lake Park. A delightful way to spend a few hours.

• Cost: Return Lakeside approx $20 adult
• Return Gembrook approx $40.
• Lunch train approx $45.
• Time to set aside: 3.5 hours.

A fascinating walk through towering gums to view superb examples of Ricketts's sculptures, depicting his perception of humans' relationship with the earth. 3km from The Mill. (can be reached bybus)

• Cost: approx $6 adult
• Time to set aside: 1 hour

Wineries include DeBortolis, with its wonderful Mediterranean restaurant, Domain Chandon with free tours of the winery and tasting in the famous Green Room, Fergussons with restaurant and Yarra Ridge. A stop at the Yarra Valley Cheese Factory for a snack or lunch is essential.

• Cost: Nothing, if you can resist the merchandise!
• Time to set aside: 5 hour minimum, why not a whole day.
• Half day or full day tours are available from The Mill, booking essential

There are the hundreds of kangaroos at Duffys Lookout on Wellington Road adjacent Cardinia Dam. Visit at dusk for a special experience. A return drive via Menzies Creek gives wonderful views of the dam.

• Cost: Nothing
• Time to set aside: 1 hour

Take your pick of our delightful villages, Olinda Village which you can walk to, Sassafras and Mt Dandenong within 3 kilometres, and a drive to Emerald village is really pleasant.

• Cost: Flexible!
  Time to set aside: whatever you like.

20 minutes from The Mill there are several operators. Email us for more information. A wonderful dawn experience with champagne breakfast to top it off.

• Cost: approx $200 per person.
• Time to set aside: early morning start, which might culminate in a day spent in the Yarra Valley, or back to the Mill by lunch time.

30 minutes from the Mill, a superb collection of Australian wildlife including platypus, koalas, echidnas, wombats and of course kangaroos. They provide impressive demonstrations of feeding of birds of prey etc.

• Cost: approx $15 adult.
  Time to set aside: 3 hour minimum plus travel time.

Totally romantic and so simple. We can provide a complimentary loan of a picnic basket, blanket and equipment, and you call at the local deli to collect your food, or order a full picnic hamper from local providers. Ask us for scraps to feed the birds, and for suggestions of the most romantic places. Perhaps a short walk to a bush surrounded waterfall, with a break to catch your breath and get a refreshing drink at Micawber Tavern before returning to your car might appeal. Email for more assistance.

• Cost: $25-$100 depending on wine and food selections.
• Time to set aside: from one hour to all day

The Olinda Rhododendron Gardens are at their best from September until December; The Dandenong Ranges National Park: the beautiful gardens operated by them are open daily and give so many delightful choices. Add to that Tesselaars Tulip Festival in September, the bulb farms of the Silvan area, and the many dozens of specialist and cottage garden nurseries and you will need many days to explore and enjoy it all.

• Cost: If you love plants - your budget is your limit!
• Time to set aside: hours or days as you please.