Gippsland

Gippsland

23rd April - 4th May 2018

Victoria has so many beautiful little towns. From Bonnie Doon we wound our way down from the highlands through Marysville and Yarra Junction, heading east to Gippsland. Our destination - the little town of Yinnar near Moe, and our fellow travelling friends Kevin and Penny, who we met in Western Australia. Looking forward to some fun times. Kevin and Penny allowed us to park up in their driveway, so plenty of happy hours. Also, we had a number one guide to explore this region.

Yinnar
23rd - 27th April 2018
Walhalla

An easy day drive from Yinnar, Walhalla is a small town founded as a gold mining community in late 1862 and at its peak home to around 4,000 residents. Today, the town has a population of 20 permanent residents, and a large proportion of holiday houses. The town's name is taken from an early gold mine in the area, named for the German hall of fame, the Walhalla Temple. Walhalla has been restored for tourism and is a beautiful, historic village.

We had hoped to have a ride on the Walhalla-Thomson Goldfields Train, but it wasn't running the day we were there. Disappointed . We did, however, have a wander around the old stations.

Then on to the town of Walhalla. Amazing.

When there isn't enough room in the shed, hang your tools on the outside?!?!

Bit of a trek to the outhouse?

The cottages have been beautifully restored to their former glory.

So picturesque.

Dez was fascinated by this retaining wall. The brickwork was amazing.

Hmmmm

Of course we stopped for a leisurely cuppa and cake.

The old gold storage safe.

I love a walk around historical graveyards. This one is full of history, and perched on the side of the hill. Would have made for some interested funeral processions.

Imagine lugging the coffin up this track.

The next day Kevin took us on a tour of the area around Yinnar, starting off with a view of the AGL Loy Yang Power Station. Loy Yang with 2210 MW generates approximately 30% of Victoria's power requirements every year and is an integral part of Australia's national electricity market. The Loy Yang mine supplies both Loy Yang A and Loy Yang B fuelling around 50% of the State's energy requirements.

First stop on our day trip. Loy Lang Power Station.

Kevin giving Dezzi a run down.

Next stop the Tarra Bulga National Park for some bushwalking.

Swing bridge at the start of the Fern Gully track.

Tour guide extraordinaire - Kevin.

Tall, tall trees.

Ferns, of course.

It has been a long time since we explored such lush rainforest.

We were even lucky enough to spot a Superb Lyrebird. A rare treat.

 Finished off with delicious fish and chips at Port Albert.

Anzac Day dawn service in Yinnar.

So turns out Kevin has a small plane. Sadly being sold so no quick spin in the clouds. Dezzi did get to pretend though!

Roger wilko!

Another dreary day, but we're not deterred from exploring the area. Took a loop drive from Yinnar out to Thorpdale, through gorgeous green countryside.

The autumn colours of the countryside.

Morning tea at the Thorpdale Bakery.

Looking out over Morwell.

Thursday night - Pub night. Needless to say lots of fun with the locals.

A huge thank you to Kevin and Penny for showing us around their locale, and making us feel so very welcome.

Eagle Point
27th - 29th April 2018

Eagle Point is a small village on Lake King, in the Gippsland Lakes region, just south of Bairnsdale. No free camps, but we did have a huge area to ourselves in the caravan park overlooking the water.

Nearby is the mouth of the Mitchell River where silt jetties extend nearly 10 km into the lake. This natural phenomenon is formed by silt deposited as the river slows down on entering the lake. And you can drive right to the end.

A short drive to Paynesville, and a barge ride over to Raymond Island. Kevin and Penny told us about this little nature treasure. It is a koala sanctuary. So off to see some cute and cuddly koalas.

Paynesville marina.

Not just koalas. Echidnas!

Lots of parrots.

And our laughing friends.

And lots and lots of koalas. We have never seen so many in one place.

A lovely boardwalk along the water's edge.

Plenty of birdlife, too.

Coming off the barge. Raymond Island is definitely worth a visit. We had a great day here.

Lakes Entrance

28th April - 2nd May 2018

From Lakes Entrance right through to the Sunshine Coast, we are pretty much retracing our honeymoon adventure back in 1978. Back then we had a luxurious transit van decked out with a four poster bed, and lined with crushed velvet. Man, we loved it. Took us from Warrnambool to Townsville, and beyond. So this trip down memory lane will be fun.

The Waterwheel Hotel at Lake Tyers was a cracker of a camp. $7.50/night with your own ensuite block. Now I use the term ensuite loosely, but after a clean with some bleach, a toilet seat flogged from a spare block added to our loo, it was pretty good. Power and water as well. 

Great value for money behind the pub.

So all set up and time for a beer on the deck overlooking Lake Tyers. Bit bright Dezzi?

This is a beautiful location. Plenty of beach walking. Loving it.

A short drive from Lakes Entrance is the Buchan Caves. We visited here back in 1978, and the town really hasn't changed that much. The old pub has had a makeover, and that's about it. The Buchan Caves themselves are awesome, and loved seeing them again.

Off cave exploring.

Hhmmm...shall I give this a description....or not!

After winding through the damp caves, lunch at the pub was great.

Time for a wander around the main town of Lakes Entrance. The weather has been perfect.

This was interesting. The tubes of poly pipe are used to catch octopus!

Lining up for some fresh prawns.

Thanks Effie. Delicious.

Footbridge to Main Beach.

Of course had to have coffee and cake here.

Much excitement as our buddies Lea and Gary arrived after their exploration of Tassie. Many travel tales and laughs. Oh...and wines and prawns.

Gary and Lea scored the prime camp site with very posh ensuite and outdoor area.

And firepit. Sunny days and chilly nights. Perfect camping weather.

More beach walks.

Next overnight camp on the banks of the Snowy River just out of the small village of Marlo. 

Great camp with obligatory camp fire.
Once set up we took a drive following the river to Cape Conran National Park.

Stinky stinky seaweed.

Dezzi patiently waiting.

There was something going on here. Water Police, Coast Guard, local fishermen. Tried to have a chat but they weren't giving anything away.

Mouth of the Snowy River.

Back at camp. The most picture perfect evening on the banks of the Snowy.

And the morning coffee view. This is why we love travelling our amazing country.

The next stop on our honeymoon re-visited sojourn - Cann River. The old caravan park is now a free camp. No power, but water and plenty of room. Cann River was a timber milling town once upon a time. Now it is a stop off point between Lakes Entrance and Eden in NSW.

A short stroll over the bridge into town.

The Cann River. Pretty dry at the moment.

The last time we were here we had a very rowdy night with a mate of Dezziz. The pub still has a great atmosphere, so of course we called in for a beer.

Backing onto the camp is a bushwalk. So, of course, off I go.

The forestry areas of Eastern Gippsland is amazing. Tall, tall trees, and beautiful winding roads. Onwards now to NSW and the Saphire Coast.