Hi Karen absolutely yes it is worth doing. i drove tour coaches throughout melb and it was never the same. Every visit offered different views and scenery.

There is no payment that I am aware of for feeding the local birds... although it is advisable to purchase seed for them, rather than bread which is too processed for them. :)

Hi we visited Melbourne on Apr, already back to S'pore... Yes we enjoyed the walk in National Rhododendron Gardens, thanks ;)

Grants Picnic Ground, Kallista is a popular spot to see rosellas and cockatoos. A nice tearoom/snack bar/souvenirs on site, plus short forest walks and picnic areas. More info on the Parks Victoria website: parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/dandenong-ranges-national-park/things-to-do/sherbrooke-grants-picnic-ground.

Not Miss Marples! The place was ok and staff quite friendly but the scones are just some kind of cake cut into square scone sized slices. We didn't try anything else on the menu but the scones were definitely not worth the wait.

It becomes quite an adventure to catch the train from the city to Upwey/Ferntree Gully, then walk to puffing Billy. There are an eclectic set of shops at the end of the line as well. unfortunately you are then restricted to the train. A car/van will give you the flexibility to then head up into the Dandenongs to see other sites. You can also go one way on Puffing Billy, if you have a volunteer that will drive & photograph the train as you go, he picks you up at the emerald end and you head deeper into the Dandy's from there.

I do not know anything about the club rooms, all the best.