It is May, 2011, and we are currently holidaying in Harrietville, Victoria. We are staying in an alpine cottage at Shady Brook, a private property on 14 acres of which 4 acres is river flat and the remaining 10 acres goes back into the ridge top and beyond, adjoining the state forest. It is 25 kms due south from Bright. Average temperatures can range from 40 degrees in summer to -12 degrees Celcius in winter. Harrietville doesn't experience a lot of winds, making the winters warmer than they may appear. There is usually snow once a year. Summer is generally in the low 30s, the nights cool. Shady Brook was purchased in June 1997 as a vacant piece of land, by John & Anne Atkins who have spent nearly 14 years creating an incredible haven for those who find this wonderful refuge. The landscaped gardens are indeed a credit to both John & Anne, enjoyed by all those who come here.

The birds and wildlife inhabit the trees and shrubs in great abundance, a real treat for those of us who delight in photographing them. The village of Harrietville is breathtakingly beautiful in autumn and if you take the road to Mount Hotham when it has snowed, it is surely the "icing-on-the-cake" for a visit to this remarkable region.
There is no doubt that we shall return to this exceptionally friendly and fascinating village!
(some of the above information has been 'borrowed' from a Shady Brook brochure).