It is a beautiful place, indeed. Especially on a breezy, sunny day, there is something almost therapeutic about venturing around this town on foot. When I was down near the rapids, I swear I could feel my blood pressure go down, and some excess muscle tension drain away. (I've heard that doctors in Japan actually prescribe walks in the forest,so maybe there's something to it.)
Also, I'm a geek for old architecture, so this kind of setting always puts me in my happy place. I think Hollywood location scouts would have plenty to work with here.
RE: Pakenham: Small Town Idyll on the Banks of the (Other) Mississippi