These low blue mountains rise to the east of Melbourne, and are classic day trip country. The mountain sides themselves are mainly wooded (it’s the hazy mist that’s blue), with walks in the forest, swimming and paddle boats at Emerald Lake, and plenty of tea houses and German-style restaurants en route. A big attraction is Puffing Billy (www.puffingbilly.com.au), a miniature steam engine that runs from Belgrave to Emerald Lake. It’s a nicer way to see the surrounding area, and pleasantly different, especially if you have good weather. Rather more interesting is the William Ricketts Sanctuary (open 10 am to 4.30 pm, entry fee; www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/william-ricketts-sanctuary-gardens-of-the-dandenongs), which is just beyond Kalorama. At times the sancturary may be closed, during dangerous weather conditions do check. Here the reclusive artist Ricketts carved sculptures into the rocks, inspired by his affinity with the Aborigines.