Horsham, Victoria

Ratings: CP ** (ants) Surroundings ****

Reflections of Wimmera River

Leisurely Maned wood duck in search of breakfast on this tranquil river.

The sun rises over houses on the banks of the river while a lone pelican paddles contentedly.

The low rainfall between 2006 and 2010 caused this river to dry up and activities in Horsham such as fishing, boating and rowing stopped altogether, Although the floods of 2011 wreaked havoc, the river is in the process of recovering and activities have resumed. It also has special significance for the dreamtime narratives of the traditional inhabitants of this area.

Sun sets over the river and noisy corellas begin to settle and eventually roost in surrounding red gums.

Halls Gap, Victoria

Ratings: CP **** Surroundings *****

A view of the man-made Lake Bellfield with our caravan park centre left below the 55m high dam wall. The lake is situated in the Grampians National Park (Gariwerd in the Aboriginal languages of the Djab Wurrung and the Jardwadjali, the traditional people of the area).

Morning light on the sandstone rock formations of the Grampian ranges form a backdrop as some of the wild life enjoy breakfast in the caravan park. Four hundred million years ago, this area was an inland sea. Sedimentary layers interspersed with siltstone and mudstone were laid down and later earth movements and the weathering process assisted in creating the spectacular scenery. It is also rich in Aboriginal rock art shelters.

A walk to the surprisingly dry Clematis Falls the day after rain.....sparkling drops of water trickled over ancient rocks feeding thirsty waterfall plants...and allowed me to catch a few cooling drops!

Time to rest and reflect on the wonders of this ancient landscape at MacKenzie Falls, one of Victoria's largest waterfalls. The steep descent and ascent challenged our fitness levels and included 347 steps!

Heading towards the Pinnacle through the Grand Canyon where some rock passages deep in the landscape narrowed allowing one person through at a time.

Vast valleys of the Grampians from Reed Lookout on a perfect day when wispy clouds added to the beauty of this vista.

Brambuk building, a place where indigenous culture of the Gariwerd region is interpreted and explained by local guides, displays, educational activities and two short films on the Gariwerd Creation Story and the geology and history of the area.The  Aboriginal owned and operated building is shaped in the form of a cockatoo in flight, the totem animal of the Djab Wurrung and the Jardwadjali. Within the building there are symbolic representations of important aspects of culture and traditions including a ramp leading to the upper level representing the Eel which was a staple food. A wooden seat represents Bunjil, the creator Spirit of Aboriginal people in south eastern Australia, with arms out caring for whoever sits there looking into the fire.

Avoca, Victoria

Eucalyptus colours discovered on a walk to the historic gold mining town of Avoca. Today this area in the Pyrenees is known for wine growing and agriculture, Extreme heat discouraged outdoor activities while we were there but we enjoyed a walk before temperatures increased!

The Avoca Hotel was established in 1854 and renovated in 2010. Good food, local wines and a friendly atmosphere draw visitors there.  The Savings Bank on the right was built in 1913.

Maldon, Victoria

Ratings: CP ** Surroundings **

A walk into the past ...Maldon's streets are lined with well preserved buildings including heritage miners' accommodation such as Scotch Pie House. This 1866 building houses a shop and provides comfortable accommodation for visitors to the Victorian Goldfields. Maldon has been designated "Australia's First Notable Town" by the National Trust of Victoria due to its nineteenth century appearance maintained since the gold rush days.  In addition to various festivals, it is known for its annual street Twilight Dinner which raises funds for the town.  A steam train still runs between Castlemaine and Maldon.

Ultimate contentment in the evocative Maldon Athenaeum Library reading room. The library was established in 1863. My senses were delighted by the smells of musty books, antique furniture, stained glass windows, Victorian prints and etchings and by the array of books, modern and classic, as we wandered through. Staffed by volunteers, we were fortunate that one of those volunteers appeared and opened the library for us. She treated us to a historical tour around the entire building!

A corner of the library which houses The Maldon Collection which comprises books reflecting the lifestyle of the goldfields in the Victorian and Edwardian eras in addition to books tracing the development and history of Maldon.

An Aboriginal print discovered tied to the church fence by blue ribbons. The Dja Dja Wurrung people were the original inhabitants of this area and there is some evidence that small pox swept through the tribe in 1789 and 1825. There are also massacres of the tribe in the territory between 1838 and 1859 reported in a register compiled by Ian D. Clark. The Dja Dja Wurrung people are now formally recognised under the Traditional Owner Settlement Agreement 2010 (Victoria) as traditional owners for part of Central Victoria.

Parched landscape beside the depleted Cairn Curran Reservoir constructed primarily for irrigation purposes between 1947 and 1956.

Officer, Victoria

Golden green landscape on a misty morning in Officer where we stayed with my cousin. A ram being treated for pinkeye became the shadow of these two horses which calmed him when he was stressed or agitated.

The small 'flock' of Dorper ewes peacefully grazing. The ram was allowed to join them soon after this photograph was taken as his eye infection had improved.

Berwick, Victoria

Our home dwarfed by two giants on either side of us at Akoonah Park, Berwick....a strange and almost claustrophobic experience! These are known as "Fifth wheelers"and are towed by powerful vehicles.

Colourful collage along Elizabeth Street in Melbourne during our day trip.

Princes Bridge across the mighty Yarra River in Melbourne.

African rhythms ....a snapshot of Africa at Flinders Street Station in Melbourne!

Seaspray, Victoria

Ratings: CP *** Surroundings ****

Puddles left by the high tide along 90 Mile Beach where children were content to spend time playing on warmer days. We had two perfect days for exploring, swimming and welcoming 2016 before the weather deteriorated drastically.
Seaspray is a small coastal village with about 300 residents. It has a post office / general store which provides basic supplies, take-away but no fuel. The newly established and popular Surf Club offers a varied cuisine. In addition, a pizza van and a pancake, strawberries and ice cream van are semi-permanent fixtures on the lawns of the foreshore during holiday time. These are favourites with hungry holidaymakers who almost certainly outnumbered the locals over the New Year period!

Patterned shapes and colours gifted by the ocean as the tide went out.

Four days of gusty winds and rain forced us from our beach meanders to find alternative walks and shelter along the serene Merriman Creek.

Wheelie Good wood fired pizzas were delicious!