After weeks of chilly Melbourne weather, stepping out of the car into the warm Echuca sun felt like an instant mood lift. The three-hour drive melted away the moment that dry country heat wrapped around us; it already felt like we were on holiday.

Little Bell at Tooranie Stay, set on a peaceful patch of bushland near the Murray River, had the exact kind of calm we’d been craving. The glamping tent was cosy and inviting, with an outdoor kitchen and shower that made the whole stay feel rustic in the best way. But the real highlight? The outdoor bathtub. Soaking under the open sky while listening to nothing but the sound of wind in the trees and birdsong, was pure magic.

We filled our days slowly: long breakfasts in the open air, wandering through Echuca, hopping on a short cruise aboard one of the iconic paddlesteamers, and exploring the surreal landscapes of Cactus Country - like slipping into a mini Mexican desert. Evenings were spent cooking a BBQ, roasting marshmallows over the crackling fire, and watching the stars creep in.

It was the kind of getaway that resets you without even trying: a simple, peaceful escape where nature does all the work. Little Bell gave us exactly the pause we were looking for.