Cross the road from your cottage and you are instantly on the high street of Olinda village offering boutique shops, cozy cafes, and local art galleries.  A minutes drive and you have the choice of the Olinda Teahouse & Restaurant or Seasons Restaurant at Cloudehill.  Head in the other direction and you can get great pub food at the Pig & Whistle Tavern or Kelly's Bar & Kitchen.

Fancy travelling a bit further?  Visit Sassafras, just five minutes around the corner and visit Miss Marples teahouse, Dine Divine, House of Fras, Benji's or Ripe.

Explore stunning seasonal blooms and serene walking trails in the Dandenong Ranges Botanic Gardens. Visit the stunning Alfred Nicholas Memorial Garden with the much photographed boat shed and ponds.  If you don't mind a slow and leisurely hillside traverse, visit Pirianda Gardens one of the most beautiful (and unknown) gardens in the hills.  The private, stunningly manicured Cloudehill Gardens has an entry fee but is worth it, and you can visit Chojo Bonsai at the same time.  Or get away from the crowds to the quiet and little visited Mount Dandenong Arboretum.

Lace up your boots and discover the breathtaking beauty of the Dandenong Ranges National Park.  Kick off your shoes and take a ride on Puffing Billy starting in Belgrave all the way to Gembrook.  Climb into the trees at Treetops Adventure or walk through the waterlands at Birdsland reserve in Belgrave.  Give the kids a break at the funtastic Olinda Playspace all year around and Olinda Community Swimming Pool during the summer.