On Lake Cafe. My favourite meal of the trip - a mediterranean winter bowl with fresh salmon, poached eggs, herb & potato rosti, pumpkin, edamame, pickled carrot, falafel, and beetroot hummus. Sweeping views of the lake out of the wind.

CBD Dumpling House. Shanghai dumplings, beef chow mein, and Mongolian lamb in XO sauce. A busy BYO venue in the heart of Canberra’s CBD.

Adina Serviced Apartments (Dickson).

Also my favourite stay of the trip. I had beautiful views of Mount Ainslie and surrounds from a generous apartment. I enjoyed an open living room, kitchen and laundry, and ensuite bedroom with tasteful decor. The staff were knowledgeable and provided great local recommendations for things to see and do in the area.

Self-guided Beam Scooter Tour. While Canberra is Australia's capital city, I now have reason to believe it is also our capital city of electric scooters. I put one to good use and went for a cruise around Capital Hill and along the lake. Stops included Old Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Capital Exhibition. Worth the (almost) frostbitten hands.

Fitz Cafe. Buttery lemon and poppyseed pancakes and a large spicy chai latte. A delicious meal and the cafe was sweet. Probably greatest comfort throughout the stay.

The Manhattan. Self-serviced apartments on the main strip. I was grateful I bought my own blanket because the heating was not working and it was freezing cold. There were bugs in the bathroom and I struggled to fit under a (broken) shower head. Very good!

Eating at Fitz Cafe

But also; the drive to the next stop was so lush and green following the rain from the night before. Also being calving season I enjoyed wholesome views of baby livestock roaming around paddocks.

Honey Rooftop Bar. Flame-grilled prawn skewers and lamb salad with pumpkin, cucumber, feta, beetroot, and rocket (and a shiraz from a local winery). The rooftop section was closed but downstairs had cozy eating areas, a large plant wall above the bar for a splash of colour and a fireplace.

Mildura City Gate Motel. Recommended by a friend who said it's loved by the locals. Very friendly staff who ensured the room was warm and spotlessly clean for check in. It's only a short walk to the river and town centre, and my room was stocked with a free continental breakfast including orange juice, toast, cereal etc. The motel is one of the most popular in town for service and value

Martins Bend Reserve, Berri (2h from Mildura) I thought this charming little reserve on the way to to my next stop was worth a mention. It’s a popular riverside picnic and camping spot with walking trails leading into dense native wetlands. I spent the afternoon writing by the river and savouring a hearty chicken salad roll from the Berri bakery.

• Nepenthe Cellar Door. A delicious charcuterie spread of gourmet cheese, fruit, nuts and crackers. I loved the balance of sleek industrial grey and warm wooden accents in the restaurant, and the sweeping windows opening up to dormant vineyards.

• Lady Luck Cafe. Wild mushrooms with potato hash and greens, and fresh carrot cake. A popular sunny cafe with a rustic rodeo feel to it.

Mount Barker. A beautiful weekend staying in a cottage near the Laratinga wetlands. The homely comforts of home cooked food, an electric blanket, hot water bottle, and la avender diffuser we're appreciated after a string of hotel rooms. Bonus points for the cuddly cats.

Maxwell Wines Cellar Door Tasting. The best wine tasting experience of my life - I discovered mead (warm honey wine, the oldest type of alcohol in the world) which was a perfect drink for sitting by the fire and watching golden hour set over the valley. The sommelier spoke with passion and knowledge, and the food was beautifully presented. An all-round amazing experience I cannot recommend enough!