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Published: December 2nd 2013
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First stop in Victoria a fishing village named Mallacoota some 20ks off the main highway,the camp site was right o next to the water, a beautiful spot I am sure when it is not raining.This place is a fisherman's paradise if you have a boat and there were plenty of them here for the w/e.We only stayed one night after having a poor meal at the local pub and the rain kept coming.
We decide to make a dash for Lakes Entrance in the hope that the weather would improve further down the coast,no such luck.Our first night we spent at a C/P that was grotty,we should have looked first.We spent the afternoon checking out the other C/Ps in the area and the next day moved to just out of town to a spacious well laid out park.The same day I came down with a tummy bug and spent the next couple of days either in bed or hanging over the sink.Once well we went exploring, the weather has began to improve so we ventured out and went up the snowy mountain range as far as Omeo.The road is called the Great Alpine Road and is Australia,s highest
sealed road with all year round access.We pass through small pioneering towns built on the gold rush. Omeo once had the reputation as being the most lawless town during the early gold rush.Now it is a picturesque town with access to whitewater rafting,trout fishing and an ideal base for venturing higher in the winter for snow skiing It looked a bit odd to see adverts for snow chains and ski hire. The town is small but steeped in history.The journey back to Lakes Entrance was spectacular as we snaked down the mountain with views across to the coast.
Lakes Entrance is itself a tourist town attracting thousands of tourists every year to it's magnificent beaches and many inlets,the town is also home to a fishing fleet that ply the Bass Straight. Although the weather was not kind to us it does not take a lot of imagination to realize the potential of this town when the sun shines.The weather lifted the night before we left giving us the opportunity to walk the beach and take some sunset photographs.
Next stop Turra a small town on the Princess Highway the C/P is small but clean
and tidy, the town itself is very small with only a handful of shops.Our intention is to use this place as a staging post to explore Wilsons Promontory National Park only 20ks away.The town is close to the water so that evening we drove down to take in the views and chill out a little cold but no rain as yet. Agnes waterfall is only a short drive from the C/P so we go there first thing in the morning,a short walk from the car park and you can view the spectacular falls.
On to Wilsons Promontory National Park which is the southernmost tip of the Australian Mainland. On our way the rain begins again heavy at first giving way to a drizzle as we drive in, the scenery is very much like the UK with rolling hills tall peaks and narrow roads,with the mist covering the hill tops you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the Lake district or Scotland.Our intention was to take on some of the many bush walks within the park but alas the weather decided us against this. A truly remarkable place which we should visit again in more favorable weather.
Frankston is our next stop which is where we are now, Gateway to the Mornington Peninsula one of Melbourne's favorite family playgrounds, with beautiful beaches and gardens,also close is Phillip Island home to the Little penguins and the moto cross.Our first day is spent cruising the peninsula viewing all the beauties of this place a beach goers paradise,we marvel at the empty campsites and ponder what they will be like in 3 weeks time at Christmas.Ready packed sandwiches sat on a bench next to the beach what a place to be. the weather is improving and we have blue sky's.
It's Christmas almost and the town is putting on a Christmas celebration extravaganza in the town and all are welcome.With a fun fare for the kids,market stalls for mum and dad and an open air concert for all plus much more it has the promise of being a great night.After a walkabout we settle into the seats provided to watch the concert.The line up is impressive with many artists our favorite's being The Australian Welsh Male Choir,Jackie Sannia(The voice Australia) and The Melbourne Gospel Choir.The evening was topped of with the lighting of the huge Christmas tree and fireworks
what a night.
Next day a trip up the Dandenong range to a small town called Olinda, it's hard to believe that such a place of beauty is just outside Melbourne.The drive up the range is breathtaking through giant trees reaching for the sky and huge ferns right next to the road the bush is dense but the colors are magic.We have tea at a small cafe at the top and use the lookout to gaze at the valley below.The return journey was just as wonderful as we descend to the valley floor and return back to our C/P.Today is a day of rest and time to catch up on the blog and any running chores needing to be done.
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