On 01/03/2010 we headed west from Ballarat to the Grampians. A place we had heard about but were unsure what to expect. Of course we just scratched the surface but all I can say is stupendous!
Ballarat is a larger town than Bendigo and not as pretty (maybe unfair as we did not have a tour around the town). However, it has the best outdoor museum we have ever been to: Sovereign Hill which represents Ballarat during the gold rush in the 1850’s. Brilliant!
View of Tidal River Campgrounds on to Norman Beach (Squeaky Beach in the distance)
With heavy heart we left Phillip Island but have been blown away by Wilsons Promontory (still east of Melbourne and the southernmost point of mainland Australia). We arrived on Sunday 23/02/2020 to be amazed by the number of people staying here but managed to squeeze in. I can totally understand the number of visitors, it is beautiful here.
As soon as we had unhitched the van we set off for Squeaky Beach (guess why it is named such), a 45 minute walk along Tidal River to the headland between Norman and Leonard Bays and then descending to Squeaky Beach. Paul braved the water while I just paddled.
View of Tidal River towards Norman Beach Norman Beach Squeaky Beach A brave person squeaking on Squeaky beach View of Norman Beach from the headland
In the evening we walked down to Norman Beach to watch the amazing sunset and track down wombats. The wildlife in the park is amazing.
Sunset over Norman Beach And another (couldn’t choose which was better) Wombat
The following day we celebrated Paul’s birthday and just took a gentle stroll down to Norman Beach. We returned to find lots of people had left so the site was lovely and quiet.
View towards Norman Beach Artistic shot (would have loved to have taken home….)
Today (25/02) we walked to Mt Oberon summit: 3.4km uphill and 3.4km down. Hard work for us oldies but wow was it worth it for the panoramic views over Tidal River, the coast and the offshore islands.
Mt Oberon from our campsiteTidal River, campground, Norman Beach and Squeaky Beach from Mt Oberon summitCoast and offshore islands from Mt Oberon summitWe had a few visitors during our stay. Very cheeky – the bird not AlisonA beautiful bird hanging onto a guide rope.
Tomorrow (26/02/2020) we start the journey west towards Adelaide. First we visit Bendigo and then Ballarat before moving into South Australia. Our visit to Victoria has been shorter than planned due to the fires but we will return at the end of our trip.
Little Blue Penguin (also known as Little Penguin and Fairy Penguin)
We arrived a day later than planned at San Remo (for Phillip Island) on 21/02/2020 as our caravan manufacture let us down (again 🙁 ) but did not let that spoil our (too short) time on Phillip Island. We love Phillip Island and could easily live in Cowes on the north of the island.
The day started by watching surfers catch a wave as we waited for the Phillip Island MotorGP track to open (Paul’s choice!). The photos don’t really show the track but you can see the fantastic location. A good time was had walking through the museum and standing on the viewing platform.
We then drove to the Nobbies on the south western edge of the island. Amazing coastline with penguin burrows dotted along the walking tracks),
After Nobbies we drove to Cowes on the north of the island. The town seemed to have everything: beautiful beach, shops and restaurants; although I did not see a Bunnings!
In the evening we drove back towards Nobbies to watch the penguin parade. Wow what an experience. We paid for the Underground Viewing which allowed us to see the penguins at eye level only inches away. It was amazing. They waddled past talking to each other oblivious of us gawking at them, occasionally they would just plonk themselves down for a few minutes. Loved every minute. No photos allowed even without a flash.
We were sorry to leave San Remo and Phillip Island but have to keep on moving! Next stop Tidal River (Wilsons Promontory NP) after which we start heading west towards Adelaide.
One of the many surfing beaches Phillip Island MotorGP Track Bass Strait Straight The GP Circuit map from 1990 It was also the first F1 circuit in OZ from 1929 won by a factory Austin 7 Nobbies from the walking trackNobbies from the information centre Perfect place for lunch (Cowes beach) Cowes main street Waiting for the penguins to arriveOur caravan site at San Remo
We spent a couple of nights in Werribee South, Melbourne before departing for Tassie.
We did a bit of sightseeing around Werribee and went into Melbourne on the train to see some old UK work colleagues for a lunch in Williamstown, Melbourne.
Tomorrow (12/01/2020) we embark on the Spirit of Tasmania from Geelong (Melbourne), arriving on 13/01/2020 at Devonport. We very excited to be visiting Tasmania.
Werribee South Caravan ParkWerribee South Queuing to get onto ferrySunset over MelbourneSunrise over Tasmania (taken by Paul waiting for breakfast; Alison still in bed with kwells 🙂 )
After 3 nights in Orange and 1 night at the Narrandera showgrounds we are in Echuca for 3 nights.
Echuca is in northern Victoria on the banks of the Murray River (the other side of the river is NSW). Its position at the closest point of the Murray to Melbourne contributed to its development as a thriving river port city during the 19th century. The town is now a tourist destination for its historic paddle steamers and river activities.
We enjoyed going on a paddle steamer along the Murray River and walking around the recreated historic town. I would definitely recommend a visit if you are in the area.
