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.