Victorian High Country

Colac Colac

(pronounced Clack Clack!)

12th - 13th April 2018

Whoa! A very windy trek back down from Tom Groggin to a lovely free camp just out of Corryong at Colac Colac on the banks of the Nariel Creek. Nestled behind a stand of beautiful trees out of the wind, we enjoyed a relaxed afternoon and evening. 

These are pump huts for farmers to extract water for irrigation.

CORRYONG
13th April 2018

Corryong is known as the home of the Man from Snowy River.

Corryong, a small town on the western side of the range, claims stockman Jack Riley (1841–1914) as the inspiration for the character, and like many other towns in the region uses the image of the character as part of the marketing to tourists. Riley was a hermit stockman employed by John Pearce of Greg Station at Corryong to run cattle at "Tom Groggin" 60 km upriver from Khancoban, New South Wales. Paterson is said (by Corryong legend) to have met Riley on at least two occasions.

We all have heard the famous poem by Banjo Paterson at some time in our lives........

There was movement at the station, for the word had passed around
That the colt from old Regret had got away,
And had joined the wild bush horses -- he was worth a thousand pound,
So all the cracks had gathered to the fray.
All the tried and noted riders from the stations near and far
Had mustered at the homestead overnight,
For the bushmen love hard riding where the wild bush horses are,
And the stock-horse snuffs the battle with delight............

So off to the Museum for a bit of history seeking. But first, to the post office for Dezzi to collect a birthday card from Meg!

It's little things like this that are special when on the road.

The hut that Riley allegedly lived in (*relocated to this spot).

As well as the history of Riley, there was so much history in this little town.

That is some fine knitting!

A knitted map of Australia - pretty impressive.

Being so close to the Thredbo ski fields there was a fine collection of old skis.

Pretty basic stroller!

The local school back in the day. I remember having desks like these!

That would have been one hell of a drive.

Jingellic
14th April 2018

Cruisey country drive to a peaceful free camp on the banks of the upper Murray River.

Ahh....the serenity.

Porepunkah / Bright
15th - 18th April 2018

The Victorian high country in the Autumn is absolutely stunning. Our camp was at Porepunkah just outside Bright, in the caravan park. The weather on arrival less than ideal. The heavens opened just as we finished setting up. Also, the temperature plummeted so gave the 240 volt connection a workout with the heater running overtime!

Porepunkah and Bright sit on the banks of the Ovens River, so plenty of picturesque walks.

Got my ducks all in a row.

So many beautiful autumn trees. Love the poplars.

So peaceful along the banks of the Ovens River.

The day turned a bit miserable so took a short drive out to Harrietville for coffee and cake - as you do!

Then home to our cosy Penthouse for homemade laksa - yummm!

Groovy old car parked in the main street.

Day two and a tip out to Mount Buffalo.

First stop and a steep hike up to Upper Eurobin Falls Lookout. Dezzi loving it!?!?!?

Just a few steps.

Perched on the top of Bent's Lookout is the Mount Buffalo Chalet. The breathtaking views from the Chalet stretch out over the famous Gorge. Built in 1910 by the Victorian Government, the chalet was Australia's first ski resort, and has served generations of skiers, hikers and families over the years it has operated.

Generations have discovered the wonders of the Mount Buffalo National Park in summer and winter since the chalet opened. Built for £3195, the Chalet is entrenched in Australia's skiing history and has had storeys and wings added and the occasional facelift - but has always kept its charm. A huge upgrade is currently underway, and the décor is reminiscent of it's original style.

Bit of work to be done here.

Sneak peek through the window.

Photo of the Chalet in the winter. Beautiful.

And today.

The lookout across from the Chalet.

Ruggedly stunning.

Onwards to the top of Mount Buffalo, and the hike to the summit.

The old shelter.

Trek to the summit was up stairs, through rock archways, and narrow track.

Bright is a quaint, leafy town. Lots of ski shops, and coffee shops.

Loving the autumn colours.

There is also quite a few pubs, of course.

Indulging in a local brew and some lunch.

Looking down on Bright township.

Beechworth
18th - 19th April 2018

Another picturesque drive to our next destination via Myrtleford Bakehouse. Far out - the best bee sting buns to be  devoured. Well worth the stop.

Stanley Recreation Reserve, a short drive from Beechworth is where we set up to explore this area.
Beechworth is yet another quaint, historic, leafy town.

Billsons Brewery was founded in 1865, and produces a range of 16 traditional cordials on site. Weird, wonderful & delicious flavours made using historical recipes. The cordials are made with spring water using a 1920s bottling line. On site you can sample our range of cordials, take a self guided tour of the historical museum and witness a collection of over 20 horse drawn carriages.

An old hearse.

Some sweet tastings at Beechworth honey.

Then, the best surprise. Our very dear friends Steve and Janet called us to meet for a brew or two in Beechworth!!!! 

Cheers to seeing these guys. So exciting.

Our smiles say it all. Very special to spend a few days with these guys.

The following morning, ready to hit the road with yet more treats and coffee. After all, it was a long drive. 30 klm!

Milawa

19th - 21st April 2018

Loving this free camp. Brown Brothers Wines!!! And Steve and Janet joined us. Not only does this little town have the beautiful winery, there is the Milawa Cheese cellar door to visit as well as Milawa Mustards, and the Smokehouse deli. 

Cheese tasting at Milawa Cheeses. Fill the fridge Dezzi!

Followed by a fabulous lunch.

Right across the road. No driving argument!

Dezzi loving no traffic for the walk home with Steve.

Steve and Janet in their camper.

Fabulous free camp at Brown Brothers.

Morning tea stop in the King Valley at Powers Lookout.  Beautiful. Twists and turns and hills. Stunning. Dezzi getting used to this type of driving.

Bonnie Doon
21st - 22nd April 2018

Aaahhh the serenity!!!  That's right folks - THE Bonnie Doon. We were very fortunate to park up in the driveway of friends Jackie and Lindsay's holiday home. Not only a great view, but overlooking The Castle Holiday House!

Beaut night taking in the Bonnie Doon serenity.

Looking over The Castle holiday house.

And there it is. I swear the most photographed house in Australia. No joke, every car stopped to take a photo!

Bonnie Doon is situated on the banks of Lake Eildon. Lake Eildon supplies water to the Murray Goulburn region, and is six times larger than Sydney harbour. The lake is very popular for boating, fishing and houseboats.

I went for a very long walk around a portion of the lake in the late afternoon. It was so calm.

The next morning we woke to a thick fog. So quick sticks with camera over to the lake for some photos. Beautiful.

There are so many more fabulous little towns to explore in this region.......next time!