Berwick

Out towards Pakenham, about 42km south-east of Melbourne's CBD, Berwick is a pleasant residential suburb in the foothills of the Dandenong Ranges and on the fringes of the Gippsland region.

The town's signature mock-Tudor buildings, deciduous trees and regular point-to-point equestrian events give Berwick a distinct English flavour.

Off the old Princes Highway leading to Narre Warren, the 36ha Wilson Botanic Park is opened up by a trail which leads the bushwalker through a landscape of cliffs, gorges, valleys, lakes and marsh which provide sanctuary for birds and rare plants.

From Berwick you can follow Cardinia Creek north up through the Cardinia Creek Reserve to Emerald Lake - one of the most popular BBQ, picnic and bathing areas in the ranges.

Around the lake, which supports paddle boats, waterslides and fishing hire-boats, are many walking tracks and bush trails - including the 40km trail linking Sassafrass, Gembrook and Cockatoo. Take afternoon tea at the kiosk, and have a gander at the model railway.