The great road trip is somewhat of tradition, packing the car and venturing out of the city for some pure country air, no bright city lights, out of the hustle and bustle, away from the 6am tram bell wake -up call as it rattles down the high street, away from the drunken departures from the local pub at 3 am on a Sunday morning… no this weekend was back to nature, back to sleeping so well I didn’t even dream, back to waking up to no unwanted tram alarm clock, and exploring a little town called Marysville.

90 mins drive from Melbourne, Marysville is a town that is still rebuilding after the devastation of the Black Saturday bushfires 6 years ago, which wiped it out. The extent of the fires is still visible on the hills around the town with the ghost like remains of trees a poignant reminder of what happened here. But like everything there is beauty in destruction, this is a town that is regenerating just as rapidly as the surrounding bushlands that are once again lush and laden with sapling gums and man ferns, life has returned to the bush, just as the town continues to welcome back it’s ever growing tourist business, an rebuild what was lost.

 Vibe Marysville offers a world of comfort, modern luxury, well appointed rooms, a heated pool, Gym & Sauna. The Hotel’s Radius bar and restaurant serves only local produce, cooked entirely in a wood-fired oven (no gas here) – Just be sure to book before your arrival, as it’s likely on weekends to be fully booked.I highly recommend leaving room for dessert (the ginger Panna cotta is not to be missed)

If you are like me and a little indulgence never goes astray then definitely book into the The SPA Marysville, for massage or skin treatment, The spa is located directly beneath the Hotel.

Steavenson falls is not to be missed, and if you’re keen a short hike to the top of the falls makes for an impressive view across the township.

Thanks to Vibe Marysville for a relaxing stay.