Hello J_PO86,

You can't beat the Dandenongs for a day trip. The azaleas and rhododendrons at the National Rhododendron Gardens should be in full bloom by now, then there is the wonderful William Rickerts Reserve, the villages of Sassafras and Olinda, Sherbrooke Forest, and more. Or drive to the Mornington Peninsular, through Portsea to the Point Nepean National Park, park the car and walk to Point Nepean overlooking the Heads to Port Phillip Bay and explore the wartime fortifications there, from whence the first angry shot of World War 1 was fired. On that walk you pass Cheviot Beach where then Prime Minister Harold Holt disappeared into the waves. If you are too young to remember what that is all about, the ABC is about to show the telemovie concerning his disappearance and the effect it had on the nation. Another picnic suggestion is to take your goodies to Organ Pipes National Park, off the Calder Freeway just beyond Melbourne Airport. The extension of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Cranbourne have developed beautifully; well worth a visit, once again with a picnic.

Daylesford/Hepburn Springs - only 1.5 hours drive, you can wander the antiques stores, have a lazy and wonderful lunch at the Lake House (or another great cafe if the budget doesn't stretch to the Lake House), and enjoy the spas in Hepburn Springs.

Make sure you have scones at Sweet Decadence...mmm terrific scones. :)

Daylesford/Hepburn Springs is also one of my favorite day trips. The shops & galleries are great to wander around.

The historic bath house has just re-opened after an extensive remodelling. I haven't been there recently, but it has always been a must visit for me. Apparently you need to book if you are going on weekends as they only allow 20 people in the public spa's per 2 hour block:

http://www.hepburnbathhouse.com/

I also enjoy having lunch at the Lavender farm:

http://www.lavandula.com.au/

My other favorite day trip is the Mornington Peninsula. The Peninsula Hot Springs are really good, & I like visiting a couple of wineries. Montalto is great for lunch as it has a fine dining as well as casual meals & picnics (plus really good Pinot Noir & Olive Oil)

http://www.peninsulahotsprings.com/

http://www.montalto.com.au/

Hi, I wanted to second "Ellenwillow" on the Morington Pennisula Hot Springs. I was there this past April and wow what a treat. You can easily stay there for 3+ hours soaking in the various pools. Their spa services are the tops!

Also have been to the Montalto Winery for lunch and wine/olive oil tasting. It was a great expirence. The food was so delicious! The have some sculpture art around the property which was amusing.

If you are considering a weekend trip take a look at my review on the Cape Schank Lighthouse B&B...they have packages with the Montalto Winery.

Have fun!

Thanks so much everyone for your great suggestions...

I'm still deciding on what we are going to do although you have all helped so much = )

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