Can anyone recommend a nice place outside of Melbourne to relax for 4-5 days? I've been to the Great Ocean Road so would prefer a lake/ hill/ farm. It should not be more than 8 hrs drive away fr Melb. Also, do you know of nice hotels/ resorts/ B &Bs in that area? Budget is A$200 per room. Thank you!

Wayne,<BR>it depends on what your interests are, but a couple of suggestions:<BR>The Grampians (stay in Halls Gap), lots of walks/hikes, wildlife.<BR>Echuca on the Murray (NSW border), historic area, paddlesteamers, nice small town, wineries not far away.<BR>Bright, ski area in winter, even more popular in summer. Fabulous autumn colours. Small town, lots of accommodation.<BR>They are all about 4-5 hrs drive from Melb. None have 5 star accomm that I know of (if that's what you want) you would easily get something nice for well under $200.<BR>Check out www.travelmate.com.au or www.jasons.com.au for more info.<BR>Kay

I'd second the Grampians / Halls Gap area. it will also depend on what time of year you're going to be here.

hi! can anyone tell me how far bayswater is from melbourne. i understand that they have the kenworth truck assembly plant there. i am visiting melbourne in march 29 through april 4 and wondering if it is close by, i can visit the truck plant. thanks.

you can find directions for Bayswater Victoria on Mapquest.com. Make certain that you select map, then Australia, then look for Bayswater - it's there - a suburb of Melbourne - to the east - very, very close. Enjoy your trip

Just got back from Australia, NZ yesterday, and after sleeping for 21 hours straight, I feel pretty good. Anyway my suggestion would be to fly over to Tasmania. What a beautiful area. There are a lot of B & B`s and hotels either in town or out of town. I like the country side myself.

Bayswater is an eastern suburb of Melbourne - about 40 minutes by car.