The departure to Tasmania was not until 7:30 this evening so we had the majority of the day to ourselves. After a few odds and ends were sorted the time had come to head to Port Melbourne to board the Spirit of Tasmania. I had the picture of a big ferry in my head but in reality the vessel was closer to a cruise liner. There was a wait after the security check before finally driving aboard but it was not too tedious. The facilities on board were impressive and exceeded my expectations. Our cabin was modern and the bars and cafes lively. Prior to sailing out to sea we went out on the deck and had a glorious view out over Hobsons Bay looking towards St Kilda. As we neared the time to depart we ... read more

On Saturday we headed off early at the campgrounds and stopped at a charming Tea House just off of the highway. It was run by a lovely couple and after the coffee arrived we decided on some scrambled eggs for breakfast. When you can hear the eggs being prepared in the kitchen and the toast being buttered you know it's as fresh as it gets and the result was a delicious meal to start the day. With Tasmania just around the corner we needed to get closer to Melbourne in preparation for the departure on the Spirit of Tasmania. Just after lunch we found a caravan park just out of Frankston on the Mornington Peninsula. The remainder of the day was reasonably slow as we caught up on a week's worth of washing. The sky was ... read more

The weather was a tad better Friday morning so we set off into Wilsons Promontory National Park. We made our way to Tidal River and picked up some information about the walks we were able to take while down there. The rain was barely holding off so we thought we better get to it in case another down pour was on the way. We strolled down to Norman Beach followed by Squeaky Beach and took a few photos along the coastline and out towards to the gloomy horizon. As nice as it is in the sun on the beach there is also something special about being by the ocean when the weather is inclement, I guess it's something about feeling the wrath of mother nature. After a short drive we stopped at Lilly Pilly Gully where ... read more

The start to Wednesday felt like summer as it was 20 degrees by 8:00 am and on its way up to 33. We headed west to Stratford and spent a few hours in the town centre. Rachel was very impressed with the Dutch delicatessen and the peanut cookies she picked up and continues to remind me that 'if you ain't Dutch, you ain't much'. We stayed out of the heat after lunch by utilising the local library's internet terminals before hitting the road. Not far along we arrived at Sale in the Gippsland region. This is in no way a tourist town but nice enough nevertheless. We dawdled around doing our usual................. hunting for books and CDs bargains and had a bit of success. I stopped off at the local barber for an overdue touch up ... read more

On Monday we left Merimbula after a coffee by the lake and rolled back down Princes Highway to Eden. We had a quick bite to eat at Aslings Beach and then headed south back into Victoria where we pulled up at the free camp in Genoa again. It was a toasty afternoon and a backpacker added to the relaxed atmosphere by playing a few tunes on his acoustic guitar. Tuesday we headed east to Mallacoota and after a scenic drive through the green hills we came across the isolated yet beautiful coastal town. We took a walk along the main drag before having lunch near the shimmering Mallacoota Inlet. From there we took a drive a few kms out of town to the sparkling Betka Beach and while it did not appear to be a spot ... read more

Pancakes and coffee to start Sunday and the early morning cloud cleared by the time we set off to see the sights. The town is set around Merimbula Lake and it is a lovely coastal spot for those wishing to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big smoke. We browsed a few bookstores before coming across a coffee shop in prime position by the water and enjoyed another coffee in the sun (starting to think I may be addicted to the early morning heart starters). From there we walked to a park near the town jetty and enjoyed the view out to the Tasman Sea. In the afternoon I took advantage of the indoor heated pool and spa back at the caravan park. I'd walked past a few times without giving it much ... read more