Hurstbridge

As the big banks continue to alienate their customers by closing branches, perhaps they could indulge in some image patching by taking a lead from a small building now being used as a healing centre on the Hurstbridge Main Road.

The building began its days back in the late 19th century as a wheeled bank which was pulled to different locations by a pair of horses. The old mobile bank is now parked permanently alongside historic Allwood House, a pioneering farm home which doubles as the town community centre.

Part of Nillumbik Shire, Hurstbridge straddles the junction of Diamond and Arthurs creeks on Melbourne's north-eastern fringes. The two creeks become one in Fergusons Paddock, an open space reserve with ponds, paths and picnic facilities.

Hurstbridge is within a half-hour drive of Kinglake National Park, which extends over 21,600ha on the slopes of the Great Dividing Range. Masons Falls interpretive and visitors" centre is the perfect launching pad for a park whose bush trails are studded with scenic lookouts presenting dramatic views of the Melbourne skyline, Port Phillip Bay and over the Yarra Valley to the You Yangs.