Thanks for that info - we definitely have to do more exploring but it's hard with DP's shifts (he often works weekends).

Yep, I've heard that Mt Macedon is beautiful but not many shops (but good pubs).

I guess the thing I like about the idea of moving up there somewhere is that there's lots of little places to explore. Much easier to drive between the little towns up there than drive around the inner city here (for a nervous driver like me). And really, as it is, I only go to the end of my street to High Street, Northcote (well Westgarth), Clifton Hill or the city so it's not like being in the city means that the world is my oyster.

What d'you reckon the situation is with childcare/kinder up there? Easy/hard to get spots?