For the first time since the pandemic began, we were recently able to resume our regular outing taking in the autumnal splendour of the Dandenong Ranges.

The day began with a picnic lunch under bright blue skies at Mt Dandenong Observartory.

With chestnut season in full swing, we then decamped to Pellegrino’s Fruit and Vegetable Emporium, where our residents enthusiastically cleared the shelves of chestnuts.

Chestnuts, known as Castagne in Italian are a renowned part of Italian cuisine, particularly in the Tuscany region. For Italians, roasting chestnuts is a deeply rooted tradition that goes back centuries.

Our six-hour excursion also included tours of Olinda, Emerald Lake and Sherbrooke Forest – a feast for the senses at this time of year.

All being well, we are hoping to return for the Tesselaar Tulip Festival in September.