March 19 - 26, 2006
Stopped in Benalla to look at the museum, stayed overnight in Glenrowan now
heading for Myrtleford. We stopped overnight in Milawa, a very forgettable
experience, except for the local produce.
Stopped in Myrtleford for breakfast and supplied, we did some alpine
off-road driving, staying over at King Hut, which was a great camping ground
with wildlife everywhere.
The next day we headed for Craig’s Hut, with some good low range sections. I
thought the views were great before, but around and also at Craig’s Hut, they
are absolutely spectacular. The crisp clean air really cleans out your lungs.
Leaving Craig’s Hut, we came across two other drivers, one of whom I had
previously met at a petrol station in St Ives (in Sydney). We stopped in
passing, he recognised the car and we had a great chat. He was on a six months
trip.
The drive down to Mansfield was just as fun as the morning drive to Craig’s Hut.
Going down the mountain pass Alpine Gums we came across cattle grazing along the
track.
We stayed overnight in our first backpacker accommodation at Mansfield. We
were the only ones there, it was great. We then headed to Moe, but couldn’t find
a visitor centre. We ended up staying overnight in a motel, then headed to
Traralgon the next morning. The visitor centre at Traralgon was easy to find,
and have very helpful staff. They provided us with a heap of information in the
region, but we only had time for some photos, as we wanted to be in Venus Bay
for the next few days. This meant we drove quickly through Sale, Yarram and Fish
Creek, before arriving at Venus Bay.
The 3 days at Venus Bay was very enjoyable. With the smell of the
Southern Ocean
in the air, it woke up our senses. Time flew. Next time we pass by, I would like
to see the darker side of the Southern Ocean, the pounding waves, strong winds
and stormy skies, I reckon would be just as beautiful as the blue skies, gentle
breeze and calm waters, we experienced in our stay.
March 27 - April 7, 2006
Not wanting to drive through Melbourne, we headed for Sorrento and spent the
night at the backpackers accommodation there. Unfortunately we did not have a
room to ourselves this time, having to share with 2 older gentlemen, one being
an ex copper, who swore that he would not let his mate book their next
accommodation. Overhearing him talking to his missus on the mobile, he said this
sort of accommodation was for the 20’s. They left at the crack of dawn for some
golf.
We left for the Point Nepean National Park at Mornington Peninsula, since our goal was
Ballarat, we only had half-a-day to look around the national park.
The ferry to Queenscliff was an easy crossing with dolphins sighted close by.
Once off the ferry, we headed straight for Ballarat, which is a historic city
that felt more like a country town.
When walking around the city of Ballarat, history is
everywhere from the gold rush days to World War II. Most of the buildings,
bridges, road guttering is made from local basalt, also known as “blue stone”.
There are lots of day trips from Ballarat, we went to Bacchus Marsh, Sovereign
Hill and the Eureka Centre and Melbourne. You could even do Werribee Zoo,
Brisbane Ranges, or the Great Ocean Road.
We extended our stay from 7 to 9 days, as Colin had a lot of work to do. The
stay was made more enjoyable by the really friendly Gennevieve who is the park
owner and Don and his wife Vern (hope I spelt that right), who were also staying
there. We hope to meet them all again.
April 8 - 10, 2006
On the way to the Grampians by Ararat, there were more blue stone buildings in
the region. Our lunch stop-over at Ararat included the old gaol, which after a
few years was turned into a lunatic asylum. A very enjoyable tour.
Staying at Halls Gap for 2 nights, allowed us time to look around after the
recent fires. Some of the park is still close, but more and more of the park is
being opened at and after Easter. We saw some Aboriginal rock art and did a
couple of easy to medium walks, with wildlife returning after the fires.
As with all the places we stayed at, we’ve met very friendly locals and tourist.
At Halls Gap I got talking to this fella named Matthew. His family were up for
the weekend to celebrate his grandfather’s 70th birthday. Matthew who just
finished Year 12 was planning to be a film director. I wish him success.
Sunday morning and we are off again, heading north-west towards the Flinders
Ranges, but first a quick stop in Horsham for morning tea, then off via the
Little Desert National Park, which is very sandy, but definitely no desert. As
we drove along, we could see these little lizards, no bigger than 5 cm long,
scurrying across the track. The track is very soft sand and in places quite
deep, with the track turning into red rocky clay and then back to sand again.
Stopping for lunch at Sister Hill, the flies swarmed so much, lunch was prepared
and eaten sitting in the vehicle. Continuing on, a couple of emus were on the
track ahead. As we drew nearer they ran off, keeping a safe distance for about 2
km, but remaining on the track. Finally a fork in the road came up, and they
turn right, whilst we turned left.
Back on bitumen, Bordertown was our night time stopover. The next day we looked
at the white roo’s then headed for Burra via Pinnaroo and Loxton.
April 11 - 17, 2006
Burra was a surprising little town, with lots of history. It was once a copper
mining town and now makes a great base from which to explore the Clare Valley,
Jamestown and Peterborough regions. We stopped at Peterborough to look at it's
great rail history and for morning tea. Continuing on we headed for our 3 night
stop at Rawnsley Park from which to explore the Flinders Ranges. We popped into
the visitor centre in Wilpena Pound, having stayed there some years before.
Whilst at Rawnsley Park we did a 45 km 4WD track in the Ranges, providing great
views of Wilpena Pound and surrounding Ranges.
With little to no mobile or internet access, we had to go back to Hawker to get
some provisions and do some work. As we were about to leave we bumped into Garry
Voysey and his partner Sally. Garry has previously provided AusEmade access to
some of his wonderful images such as those on Mungo National Park.
Leaving Rawnsley Park for the Gammon Ranges, we stayed for a night at Arkaroola,
checking out the hot springs and many gorges.
We arrived at Copley and stayed for 3 nights to take a slow look around at
Sliding Rock Mine, Aroona Dam and Beltana. Greg |
