As with most of the town this Motel was in the line of fire in the Black Saturday blaze. Despite deep scars dedicated, brave, remarkable locals soldier on. They exude the spirit of not just surviving - but thriving once again.

Thanks to Dave Stirling and his team the Tower Motel sits up and announces to the world. Marysville is OPEN for a memorable get away.

This is a motel of essentially original foundations reinvented with taste, grace and an embracing eye.

Just stay one night. You will be glad you did. When you realise you didn't quite have enough time to get around all the local attractions you will find yourself winding your way through those majestic Grandaddies of the forest timbers once again for a mountainside escape.

Style, hospitality, openness and enthusiasm is not what you might expect to find amongst the blackened tree trunks. Here you will find it in spades.

Once you figure out the best spot to park (in Burwood One carpark) and make use of the ramp and/or stairs up to the front door this suburban eatery will make you want to come back.
Uni students will soon have a 'cheap night'. Live music will be on offer soon too.

But the real surprise is the VIEW. The sunset with the Melbourne CBD clearly in the distance. Awwwesome!
The food is really good and consistent. The service a tad on the cool casual side. But hey some folk like it that way.
During the day there is a steady stream of Mums catch ups, business meetings, power walkers and late risers making it there own. At night it is a busy eatery satisfying all taste buds.

A hightlight is the lift for those with lmiited mobility. Well done. Should be options like this designed into every business. Bravo!

I realise others have posted iffy reviews of this F&C'ery. That is why I am posting this one. We stumbled across this in the little shopping strip precinct. Thank goodness.

Best fish I have had in years. Chips super. Nothing left of our family feast.
Have been back a couple of times and found the same great service and quality.
Go figure.
See for yourself.

The club is very popular and it is all Mr Grey's fault. He is a very smooth operator who knows how to manage a thriving 'hotel'. On the menu you will find "Hot Rocks" to tickle your fancy. They don't disappoint. I'm not going to tell you what they are - you will have to go and find out for yourself.
A warning about the desserts - they are big. Don't be shy, most folk get two spoons and share.

Regardless of the throng of patrons the kitchen pumps out consistently great meals. The bar never skips a beat serving frosty smooth beers to the tune of regular live music. Who needs Chapel St. This is Swan Hill on a Friday night. Sssstand assside wannabees, sstand asside!

Another reason to stay in Swan Hill for a few nights.

This mesmerizing lake was all 'business' during the War when the Giant Catalina planes made it there secret hideaway. Now that it has rained the Lake is once again full and those in the know are flocking back. Luckily there are two trains a day from nearby Swan Hill direct to Southern Cross station.

New owners know what a good caravan park needs (experienced with BIG 4) so expect the energy and enthusiasm they bring to shine through to every aspect of this genuinely friendly, welcoming tourist park. Lake Boga is big enough for four of these kinds of businesses. There is only one. The front office coffee machine doesn't get time to cool down much and the sunrise is served on a sparkling bluee still water platter daily. Don't delay if you want to try it out. By all accounts bookings are humming along.

Swan Hill is not the place you would expect to find a brand new Cinema. Thanks to an entrepreneurial businessman with years of experience in the industry and a dedication to screening great Movies in unique locations this country town has scored big time.
This is a savvy well thought out cinema. One can imagine cobwebs forming on cold unloved home cinema setups from Bendigo to Mildura. There is a new No 1 reason to schedule a trip to Swan Hill for anyone in the Mallee and it doesn't involve two golden arches. Mr Taylor the town salutes you. Well done Sir. Take a bow.

This is turning back in time. No offense "Cher". The harsh, unforgiving Mallee landscape spawned courage, ingenuity, grace and determination. This magnetic historical village captures the spirit so well. Jump on the PYAP Paddle Steamer boat trip to get a true riverboat experience. Churn butter, make damper, 'get out of jail', forge your own tent pegs phew; then stop for lunch before you keep going. You need nearly the whole day here. Save some time at the end for a cuppa at nearby SPOONS Cafe and the surprisingly astute Swan Hill Regional Gallery by the banks of the river. Thank goodness the VLine service from Southern Cross station leaves twice a day. It would be a shame to miss out on this in school hols because the train was full. Add this one to the regional tour for sure.

This town really belongs on every Australian's bucket list. This Cafe is where you will find yourself taking it all in. A MUST for anyone devoted to Aussie Rules football. Nyah West is the birthplace of Bob Rose. Say no more.
Owner Debbie McManus will remind you of what it is to instantly feel like you belong, you can stay as long as you want and there will always be a spot for you any time you find your way back. Coffee always tasted better with such a generous helping of hospitality. Bravo, take a bow. The rest of us need to set the compass and head to Nyah West.

Approximate cost: $10

New owners took reins Oct2013. Whilst polishing up Kew Boulevard the owners have tucked this one into their gourmet portfolio with ease. So is this a destination? Uhuh. Is it closer than you think? Indeed. Do you have to be into "Art" to appreciate the trip? No, but don't be surprised if you are upon departure.
Well nurtured Genovese Coffee from Nicholson Street East Coburg never disappoints - especially in the hands of this savvy team. Wrapped to hear dinner is now on Fr & Sat, otherwise it is breaky - brunch - lunternoon tea 7 days. Save time for the Barn Gallery in joining building - stunning.

The road trip north west of Melbourne - is magic. Start off pre dawn and you are in for a breakfast you will never forget at this road side Baker. Everyone, eventually gets the message. Just in case you haven't THIS is the place to break your drive. Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and a pie for dinner. If you are traveling this road to Swan Hill, Mildura, Ouyen, Patchewollock, Wedderburn, Sea Lake, Culgoa, Berriwillock , Charlton Hattah, Nandaly or Dumosa ... in no particular order YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU KNEW ABOUT THIS STOP. Trust me. Mmmmmmmmm. Oh and public loos too. Tick. Oh and great football oval to kick the Sherrin around on for 10 minutes before you get back in the car.