MAY 2022 : VICTORIA : Grampian National Park : an autumn road trip

Despite increasing cases of Covid in Sydney and Melbourne, in regional areas life has returned to normal. Last year we enjoyed a road trip to the Victorian Alps in the most sublime autumn weather, so this year we have decided to explore more of Victoria.This time to the north-west. We have broken the journey into two parts, spending our first night in the border town of Albury.

Wednesday

Unfortunately the weather forecast is for a wet few days but it was still a pleasant four hour drive, with the last signs of autumnal colours.

We managed to arrive in Jugiong for afternoon tea before our favourite cafe, the Long Track Pantry, closed.

We found a motel (60s style) in the centre of town in Albury. It’s clean, convenient and reasonably price but definitely devoid of any country charm or artistic merit. The main building, fronting Townsend Street, was a coach factory built in the 1880s.

Just five minutes up the road was a new restaurant, Yardbird, where we had an exceptional meal.

Mark had a slow cooked lamb shoulder and I had ricotta dumplings with spinach/pesto/truffle …and quince tart for dessert. So refreshing to find such quality, in produce and presentation.

Thursday

Delicious breakfast at The Proprietor a few doors up from our motel

We left Albury about 10 am heading west.

We passed through wineries, cattle and sheep properties along a long flat plain.

We lunch in Echuca a historic paddle steaming town on the Murray River.

This part of the country is a total surprise to us. Old settler cottages, magnificent 19th century architecture from the Gold Era, painted wheat silos as we enter the wheat belt.

Rochester, Bendigo, Maryborough - all spectacular towns

We finally arrive in Halls Gap to our Airbnb cabin at 6.30pm

Dinner at the Spirit of Punjab, just up the road. Head waiter was a talking robot!

Friday

Grampians Road, where are cabin is situated, contains most of the holiday offerings in this national park. Halls Gap sits below the magnificent mountain range.

Our first destination in the Grampians National Park was the Pinnacle Walk. 4km round trip.

A grade 3 walk with steep inclines and some rock clambering.

Spectacular geological structures

Very satisfying to reach the summit at 720m with impressive views over Halls Gap and the valley floor, with views to Lake Bellfield.

We then drove to Boroka Lookout.  Lake Bellfield in the distance.

Just 20 minutes from Halls Gap we discovered Pomona Estate Winery and enjoyed an excellent tasting plate and their wines.

After lunch we returned to the National Park and did a short walk to Silverband Falls

Kangaroos and emus abound on playing fields and parks

Pub meal at Flame Brothers in the village for dinner

Saturday

Early rain and mist

All had cleared by the time we reached Mackenzie Falls.

Stunning landscape. View down the steep incline to the falls’ floor.

I walked down to the falls.Excellent stairway with railing, making the 400 step descent and ascent safer, even in these slippery conditions.

Reid Lookout and Balconies Walk (2km return on flat sandy path)

Views towards Lake Warnook.

Lunch and dinner at Barney’s just out of town.

Varied menu prepared by a Nepalese chef.

Sunday

Back on the plains and long straight roads eastwards.

Interesting historical architecture and some more silo art in Avoca.

Excellent accommodation in Beechworth. Modern apartments behind an historic hotel.

Pizza at a funky brewery for dinner

Beechworth in the Victorian Goldfields district was the perfect ending to our little jaunt.

Vibrant, beautifully presented with a fascinating past and lots to do even on a Sunday night.
Stunning sunset and a full moon, to boot!

A wonderful few days!

M&M

MAY 2022 : NSW SOUTH COAST : Light to Light Walk : 2 days : 30 kms

An enthusiastic group of walkers from the Foot Club planned a walk along the Light to Light trail on the coast of south -east NSW. We met in the old whaling town of Eden spending a night in an Airbnb, enjoying fish and chips at a local pub before an early start on Wednesday morning.

We planned it as a two day walk, camping at Saltwater  Creek after the first section. We walked from the southern point at Green Cape Lighthouse (1883) north to Boyds Tower (1840s), the whale watch point. A distance of 30 kms.

Setting off through pristine  native forest, initially well marked trail and opportunities to see the exquisite coast and impressive rock formations, such as Pulpit Rock.

Wildflowers

Not forgetting the Woolly Snowbutton

Fascinating fungi

There was quite a lot of variety in terrain. Some lovely coves, green open spaces for breaks, some creek crossings, clambering across rocks and large rock platforms. We passed the ruins of a storage building (1880-1927) which marked the end of a 7km tramway, where horses hauled hardwood for the lighthouse.

There were also stretches of heathland with a well trodden pathway. As we approached Saltwater Creek - 18 kms- the sun was setting and it was a very auspicious entry to the campsite. We had expected to have to wade through some sections of the beach along the way. Fortunately this was our only one as we managed to pass the others at low tide.

Our campsite. Pit toilets but no water. Our experienced crew were well prepared with water, firewood and provisions. It rained intermittently but not enough to spoil our evening.

We had visits from a rutting lyrebird, some local kangaroos and a curious possum.

The intrepid campers pitching swags for the first time.

Thursday. We set off about 8.30 in beautiful sunshine with a morning of sweeping views of the coast and short walks along pristine beaches.

This area has experienced quite a lot of rain in the last few weeks so the track was quite boggy in parts and in fact had been closed but we managed to clamber through unscathed. We reached the end of the path at Boyds Tower about 2pm to find our faithful shuttle drivers, Lone and Cate, there to meet us. The road/track between our starting and finishing points is a full of pot holes and would be a nightmare in wet weather. 

We were so lucky with the weather, our support team and the expertise of our group, both for camping and knowledge of the area. It was a perfectly paced walk with spectacular views. 

M