A bowl of ripe, sun kissed strawberries and creamy meringues tempts corporate wives dreaming of an easy finale to their next dinner party. Bags of rosy apples and perfect pears jostle for attention, alongside flavoursome tomatoes, jars of locally made honey and trays of golden smoked trout. While the concept of produce markets is nothing new, the scene found at the Yarra Valley Farmer's Market is being played out across the country in growing regularity. Sheriden Rhodes discovers six of the best.

"I still find each day too short for all the thoughts I want to think, all the walks I want to take, all the books I want to read, and all the friends I want to see."

Watching Melbourne's rush-hour traffic, spray emitting off rain-slicked tyres, I found myself relating to his frustrated cry about there never being enough hours in a day. With deadlines banked up endlessly before me, I hankered for a sojourn in the country. I dreamed of pure air, the smell of freshly mown meadow hay, crisp laundered sheets and ambles down country lanes. I longed for a comfy lounge and roaring fire so I could finish the neglected book on my bedside table, and dreamed of gazing heavenward at the Milky Way – with nothing but a chorus of frogs to disturb my thoughts.

So, when I heard about the Poacher's Trail, I knew it was the answer to a stressed-out career gal's silent yet reverent prayer for time to recharge, reflect and restore the soul.