May 21-27

Getting colder as we travel south. Why do people want to live down here. Maybe just as well as then they will come north.

Decided to revisit the Great Ocean Road this week.

The last time we were on this road Sarinda and Travers were very young. Maybe 17 years ago?  Time flies so fast.

Anyhow the views are just as we remembered and well worth the extra miles to see. 

After spending the night in a caravan park (much to my dislike of parks) we continued on to view the rest. Picture below was taken before sunrise. Lens wide open and 8 second shutter.

West we head and found a absolute gem of a camp right on top of the cliff - Coastal Park Lookout.
Too small to turn the rig around so had to reverse out, turn around and reverse back down to the parking area.

Being right on top of that cliff made for magic views and sounds of the ocean.
BUT when the wind turned westerly and increased the cliff compressed the wind to gail force. Could hardly open the doors.

The walk down the goat track to the beach was interesting after the rain as well, but well worth it.

Didn't break the camera. 

We left this seaside retreat and headed away from the coast after driving through Port Fairy.

Bill needed a swim and run. 

Man i love that dog. 

Sue liked the beach as well and collected heaps of small shells.

24 May.

We arrived in a small town call Heywood and camped beside a creek close to town.  The library has free wifi making it easy to update this blog.

26^th May Friday

Russell’s 55^th birthday.

A relaxed day today with not too much happening for him. He received a few texts and phone calls from his family and friends.

As chores never stop our washing has to be done and Sue booked herself into the hairdresser.

We also cleaned the van and look forward to going out to dinner for Russell’s birthday.

27^th May Saturday

Leaving Heywood this morning and driving towards Mt Gambier.

Just after leaving Heywood we drove into a town Dartmoore that had a few wood carvings, a historic old building that was used for a variety of uses such as a coach house, mechanical repairs, blacksmith and other things. Today it is open for tourists/ travellers to view handmade quilting, old farmhouse equipment, relics and antiques.

 

 

We then drove further down to a lovely park where we met with another nice couple towing a van with 2 dogs and Billy was happy to chase them.

From this point, we intend to continue our drive and enjoy the day.

Very cold, overcast and gloomy as predicted when we drove into Mt. Gambier. We located a Bunnings for some hardware before we set up camp this afternoon.

Russell has now attached some new barrel bolts to the three pantry slide out drawers to stop them coming out, as we had noticed the cupboard door is the only thing holding them back. Let’s hope the tiny barrel bolts do the trick for our intended off road travel.

Looks like a storm is brewing so I attached a photo. We had some small hail as well but no damage. Looks fairly well set in for the night.

May 14-20

14^th May Sunday

Leaving the Murray River camp spot this morning and driving into town at Echuca for a nice breakfast for Mother’s Day. Decided on a café called Black Pudding as it quite early we really wanted to sit in the sun. 

We spent most of the day walking this interesting place and looking at everything from shops to the paddle steamer, houseboats. 

Onwards we travel to check out some more spots near the river and found one after going through many muddy rutted tracks but the site was not the best, so we decided to keep going for an hour or so.

Following Wiki, we came into a town named Cohuna that allows RV camping for up to 3 days in a lovely park directly across from handy shops. We came across another BT from Tassie but they had 2 little dogs that didn’t stop yapping so we moved away and set up.

15^th May Monday

Freezing again when I woke up- but we are moving on this morning a bit further to Swan Hill region.

On the road we bypass a public weighbridge so we gave it a go….seems like we are overweight like 500kg. Maybe the scales are out a bit - yeah that will be it. 

We stopped after this at a Lake Boga for morning tea, very pretty lake.

Our camp for the night ended up at Nyah Nyah “River Bend’ which allow RV camping and wasn’t there a lot here. There is a race track in the centre so camping is basically around this with Murray River surrounding the outskirts. Again, the water is very dirty and banks are steep so not the best for Billy.

This afternoon we had a visit from a nice little boy who chatted away talking about where he has travelled giving us tips and places to camp. His family (mum, dad) are also on road for 12 months and today is their 12^th month. He asked us if we were at some stage camped at Mother of Ducks over the xmas break 2016 when we were trialling the BT…yes, we were, he said he remembers seeing our van and the sticker Witch Way. So it was obvious they were well and truly on their journey when they saw us there.

For the next day we decided to do the Painted Silo tour. This is artwork done by Matt Adante
and the works are fantastic to say the least. We spent hours admiring his work. It is the scale that gets you. 

  

After finishing the Silo tour, as rain was coming we camped in a RV friendly town for the night.

19th May Friday

Woke up to very overcast morning-little scattered rain showers.

We left the generator running this morning and went for a walk to the bakery here- very nice coffee and bakery goods.
I decided we should move on this morning towards Bendigo. The rain forecast has not happened as yet so I am happy to take the chance and head off.
Packed and ready by 10.30.
First stop was a top up of fuel just at Bridgewater to ensure we get to Bendigo.
Next is diesel then food shopping followed by Petbarn before finding a camp spot for the night.
Lockwood South Happy Jacks reserve.

20^th May Saturday

Leaving this park early and driving onto Ballarat. Today we have to do all our clothes washing in a laundry and we also would like to find some major shops for a few things.

Ballarat Bubble N Wash was located so all washing and drying done. Met some nice people whilst in the laundry as well.

Coffee shop next door which was wonderful, the weather was very cold and we had to sit outside where Billy met a Border Collie like Forest.

From here we continued looking for a place to make some lunch in the BT, so not far down the road we stopped next to the Botanical Gardens. It is hard to find large enough parking for the BT so we often take up at least 5 normal sites. We didn’t realise we were right beside a tram crossing but it was fine we were not in the way.

After lunch, we drove into the city of Ballarat and found Stockland where Sue was looking for Spotlight and Kmart while Russell found Super Cheap for car stuff.  We were fortunate to locate a library although closed for the day we accessed their wi-fi as we had to download some software, so with all that now done and the afternoon approaching we decided to leave and head out towards our camp site.

Along the way, we decided to stop and have a look at Lal Lal Falls which was flowing. Billy enjoyed the run before he had to get back into the car.

Our Wiki camp for tonight was Meredith Park which was opposite a pub that also offered free camping.   

May 7 - 13

7th May Sunday.

Another beautiful sunny morning to start our day.

Breakfast then pack some food in the trailblazer for our day trip.

Billy was very excited to go as usual as he hopped in the back and watched us do everything.



First town was Myrtelford on the Great Alpine Road, Victoria- such a stunning scenery with massive maple trees in glorious colour lining the roads and shops. The leaves are so thick it covers your feet which interests Billy as he runs around.

We stopped in at this coffee chakra/ café and ordered coffee and a lemon tart slice with cream.

Of course, everyone who walked past as we sat on wooden stools in the sun had to pat Billy.

Onwards we go through a very small town of Porepunkah, here we noted a lot of pine harvesting up in the mountains all cleared and ready to process.

The next town was Bright and what a beautiful town. At first glimpse, it seemed to have just the normal row of shops but as we kept driving it just kept getting better…. we had to stop and was so keen to get out and investigate what was on offer. So many people all dressed warmly and enjoying this glorious place.



After enjoying a bakery pie we both wandered around and thought this reminded us of our Montville/ Maleny area. 

We pass a power station within small town called Bogong- strange little place that consists of a school, a few tourist type snow cabins all surrounded by twisty roads. I imagine when it is snow season this area would be very busy with people. We drove on further following more twisty ranges down to a beautiful park with massive maple trees and seating to admire the swift flowing river that surrounds here. Billy and I walked down to have a closer look and came across a foot bridge- Billy was keen to go over so I took a great photo of him (plan to have this on canvas).

Had afternoon tea beside the river and found this was McKay power station.

From this point the day only got more interesting….the roads turned into a twisted nightmare of ranges for us, it was never ending as we ventured forth in our quest to find Falls Creek. We are only estimating it was about 50 km of continuous uphill range driving. As we reached the summit the outside temperature plummeted to a crisp 3 degrees, the car windows felt like ice. Billy was deciding if he was more comfortable on his floor or up on the top….I was watching him in my visor mirror as I found this was something I could focus on to stop my head from spinning.

What we did learn was Billy leans for the turns which cracked Russell up.

We stopped on the top of a lookout to check our map and discuss as to what way we should head down as it is getting very late in the afternoon.


There was no real time difference which way we went so we continued onto Omeo….still climbing and outside temperature has plummeted to 2 degrees. The scenery is quite abstract with hundreds of trees looking quite dead that cover many hectares. We would imagine the snow has played a massive part in this. The ranges continue, twisting and snaking their way upwards and rarely has there been a straight piece of road. We pass a few other cars which was reassuring for myself as I really did not want to be on this road.

We saw signs for Mt Hotham and again we keep climbing 1170 mtrs high, temperature outside now 1 degrees at 5pm.

In snow season this would be a busy popular place as there are many snow cabins, chalets, snow patrol tractors, buses, tourist information centres, restaurants and endless views.

The afternoon disappeared as night time fell upon us as we made our way finally back down these never-ending ranges.

By 6pm we reached Harrietville and back onto normal straight roads driving at 100kms…as we came down off the last winding range and onto a straight it really felt like we were coming into landing!




8th May Monday

Negative one last night outside.

After a very nice warm sleep last night our day here at Milawa is unplanned. Other than clean this van out and resort the back seat of cruiser with jumpers, shoes, bags etc.

Our day trip yesterday was very interesting to say the least.

Today is a rest day not driving anywhere. Will go over to Brown Brothers later in the afternoon and do some taste testing of wine.


In the afternoon sun we enjoyed watching some wrens hoping around looking for bugs in the air- they are so tiny and cute.



9th May Tuesday

4 degrees last night


Anyway, we are moving on this morning towards Albury and will also need to get fuel and food shop.

After driving around Albury and locating the Information place we gathered some maps and drove off towards Murray River. The Murray River is 2058 km long.

Found a pretty spot near the river for at least one night.

Quiet night here with only one other person camped further down the river.

10th May Wednesday

Leaving Murray River- twelve mile this morning and taking a drive through Howlong. Here we dropped into a bakery for bread and found a very clean butcher so bought some meat.

We stopped in at Howlong Anglers club- beautiful Murray river again for morning tea. Checking the map we follow the Corowa signs – we continue to follow the Murray River. We found of interest an old flour mill built in 1920-1921 and operated until 1969 exported flour all over the world. After its closure for almost 40 years it lay abandoned in ruins. In 2010 the Corowa shire council refurbished this old flour mill as a heritage listed whiskey and chocolate tour factory. Here they also offer a unique rustic venue for weddings.

This afternoon we camp at Twelve Mile along the Murray River.

Outside fire tonight and we plan to sit around it this afternoon before it starts getting too cold again.



11th May Thursday

3 degrees last night.


So packing up begins and we left around 10.00 am.

We drive to Tocumwal and find a few shops that will be nice to look through. We did stop in at an Antique & Coffee café for a lovely scones & cream.

We took a short walk through town before we drove out looking for this blowhole about 10 km away.

Found it-nothing really spectacular although Billy decided it was a good place to get in and soak for a bit in the lovely green water.

Sue decided to try her hand at towing the BT along a very quiet road for a short while before jumping back into the passengers side so Russell could drive through Tocumwal town and onwards looking for a camp tonight.

We went and looked back at where we camped with Neville and Robyn all those years ago but decided to keep going and find a new place on the river. It was nearing the later part of the afternoon by the time we found Apex Beach ( not really a beach but more like fine gravel) and we plan to do the clothes washing before the sun went down. The flies are constantly here- so have to keep the BT door shut a lot.

One other couple already camped here.

Russell had a chat to the other couple last night and they are on 12 months leave as well going around Australia.

Another cold night ahead so we seem to be getting used to this weather.



12th May Friday

We went looking for more firewood this morning to keep us warm tonight. At least most places we have had TV and mobile service so we can keep in contact with the kids.

We have had to run the generator early this morning as we have not got the solar fully charged.


13th May Saturday

6 degrees last night.

This morning we are going to check out the markets here at Tocumwal first before we pack and go.

These markets don’t allow dogs so Russell walked the street while Sue strolled around, as it is quite bigger than at first glance.

Needed a coffe so headed over to a bakery and bought 3 freshly made cinnamon donuts for us.

After we returned back to our beach camp we packed, Billy had his last swim in the Murray here and we went back into Tocumwal to refill our water tanks at the side of a church.

Onwards we go on our travel for further camping along the Murray.

Found a Wiki camp on the Murray River named Boora Boora and a houseboat went around the bend in this river straight past us. Billy has again his own personal river and beach entrance.

Sue has decided to start her poetry writing again:

Poem for the day:

Farewelled by family, dogs and all

Bushtracker and cruiser have left that’s for sure.

We have fuel and water and food galore

The cupboards are full with surprises in store.

We have no itinery, destination or plan

We drive until we stop and sleep in the van.

From bush to beach we love it all

Finding new places is great for sure.

Camping by riverbanks, oceans or hills

We always find a spot for the Mills.

April 30 - May 6

30^th April Sunday

Good sleep here at Scrubby Creek state forest. Heard a bit of road noise but no worries at all.

We are trying to get away a bit earlier this morning as last few days were later than usual.

Another sunny day at 12 degrees and not far down the road we crossed into the Victoria border around 9am. We drove straight past the welcome to Victoria sign as it came up too fast for us….but will see more I am sure.

Found a lovely seaside town named Mallacoota beach so we took a drive around and through the biggest caravan park we have ever seen.

We counted over 700 sites for powered and unpowered .We let Billy out onto the lovely beach and I walked looking for shells. The ‘dogs on leash’ signs were everywhere so had to leave Billy on a lead. So after here we drove down to the wharf area right beside the ocean where we ended up stopping for a pancake breakfast and coffee. As we were about to leave a 200 series 4wd pulled up beside us only because they are bushtracker owners. Lovely people Rosemarie & Stuart Cann who were retired and are on a six month holiday visa from NZ and so full of life. We discussed everything for a few hours about where we all had been, camp spots, places of interest etc. We exchanged email contacts so maybe we can keep in contact.
Following Wiki Camps we stopped beside a river on the Snowy River highway. This location is about 5 km North of Marlo.

There is TV and mobile reception.

This morning we have left the van at site and gone off to explore the surrounding area. 

This one was at Salmon Rocks.


We came across many sandy tracks that led us out to the picturesque ocean views, some with lookouts and others with well-worn tracks or stairs. Salmon Rocks was another beautiful beach with never ending sand and a long winding staircase that led down to the beach and massive rock formations. The sand was so clean we took some footprint photos that I am thinking will look great on a canvas print.

Moving on from Snowy River we went to Lakes Entrance for food and then drove only 8 kms or so from town to a Wiki camp suggested spot- I didn’t think much of it so we moved on towards a much nicer place called Tambo River near Swan Reach. There are several camp sites along the river very similar to each other so we stopped at the best one we could. We are facing to the river to have some shelter from the bitterly cold wind…. photo of our location.

3^rd May Wednesday

6 degrees this morning at Tambo River but crisp blue skies to start the morning.

Today we will move on and look around Bairnsdale for a few hours.

What a lovely place and so many shops within walking distance- it is like Brisbane city but more of a country feel. After finding a double car park we gathered our washing and walked to a laundrette, only to find it was run by two of the friendliest husband and wife couples who were Greek. Not only do they entirely put your washing in but they insist you go and spend time looking around the shops, go have a coffee(at the best coffee shop around) they will put in the dryer as well then take it out when finished and fold it for you. The cost for each machine is around $6 or $9 depending.

So after a lovely coffee I walked around by myself checked out some shops- bought a few items while Russell went for fuel then we both found another carpark on the side of a road. Russell was still after a rain jacket so eventually after looking at about three he parted with $50 and bought a good quality one.

Russell also forgot socks for this journey and not enough jocks so he ventured on his own in Target Country and came out with articles……amazing!!

We continued our walk and quest to find a bakery but after crossing several roads we both got slightly fed up so decided to sit in the caravan and eat our own food.

Whilst there we worked out where our destination for our camp should be- Russell is very good at following Wiki Camps and each one so far has been cost free, allows dogs and great locations.

On our drive from Bairnsdale we continued through lovely towns like Stratford on The Avon, Stradbroke and Sale.

Tonight, we are staying at Ninety Mile Beach at Gifford- South of Sale and what a gem.

4^th May Thursday

Pleasant and quiet night at the beach. We will most likely stay until Friday if we can depending on weather. This morning we went for a walk on the beach- the sand was freezing cold.

Russell had a bit of fun fishing just to try his luck- unfortunately the lure got caught on something and ripped off.

Billy constantly barks at the fishing rod-no idea why.

The sun is warming our van nicely so we should get a whole heap of solar charge today. We had the shade wall down last night but as the sun is coming in under the awning we rolled it up so we can enjoy the warmth and have some morning tea outside.

All you can hear is the pounding of the surf on the beach which is nice. One other camper way down the beach but no one else is here.

Russell has taken an opportunity to replace the brake pads on the cruiser while I go for my long walk on the beach.

Afternoon came along too quick, really enjoying the beach break.

Tonight we are going to have a fire so we can cook our famous puff pastry meat pie.

6^th May Friday

This morning we will leave this beautiful McGaurans Beach after staying for 2 nights- such a lovely beach.

We will try our best to avoid the main parts of Melbourne as we continue our journey today, so somewhere today we need to re fill all our water tanks and refill or exchange caravan gas cylinder.

Drove through a very small town by the name of Gormandale on the Hyland Hwy.

In the distance we could see these power stations that were massive. The name of this plant was Loy Yang as we followed the signs into Traralgong.

Stopping in at a park we had brunch before braving the city street here looking for water and gas.

Eventually found a BBQ Galore that did swap n go cheaper than the refill. They also had a water tap we could use for our tanks.

So onwards and out of Traralgong with the plan to find somewhere on the outskirts to camp. We have been told some camping spots in and around the Melbourne area are very expensive so we hope to find a Wiki camp free.

As it is getting into the later part of the afternoon we decide to start looking for a camp spot rather than to keep driving to Brown Brothers and get there close to 6pm.

So following Wiki camps there have only been picnic day use areas then a caravan park– no camping in any of these areas but we are anyway. We will be gone by 7.30 am so lets hope no ranger comes through here.

Dom Dom Saddle picnic ground Fernshaw Victoria.

After dinner we watched a bit of TV then settled in for an early night. Within moments of this our night was interrupted by a few men who drove in with their cars and a motorbike and decided to stay less than 6 metres from us! It was as if we were invisible and they really had no care for us being there. So for many hours we listened to them yelling out loud, flashing torches around the camp site we think they were looking for firewood, they then proceeded to light it and continually spoke loudly. Somewhere in the early hours I heard their voices in the distant so again was very perplexed as to what they were doing.

A very restless night that’s for sure with thoughts of just dropping the BT off the level blocks and driving away, but we were too tired and very cold to do anything, so tried to get more sleep.

6^th May Saturday

Russell woke up early and said let’s go its 7.30 anyway so within 5 minutes we were gone.

Drove a short distance to another day use area just to have breakfast and coffee before heading off towards Brown Brothers winery. Along the way, we drove into a lovely little town Euroa where we stopped for morning tea and chatted to the locals.

Arrived at Milawa and found the other RV spots so we pulled up behind them. We are at the end of the carpark closest to the green fields so Billy can have a good run.

We were chatting to some other people here who are from Nambour and others are locals and just here to enjoy the surrounding wineries.

We ended up going over to the local shops a bit late in the afternoon but still got to taste test some cheese, had a quick look in the Olive shop before driving back to camp spot.

Tomorrow we have decided to do a day drive out to see what is here.