Our World: October 2013

We decided late last night to leave the coast for a few days and head into the Grampians National Park. It was only about 150km away and we could visit other towns on our way there and back. So after a casual Sunday start we packed and headed out. The day was warm but the clouds hung low threatening to drop at any point. We were at camp by 1pm set and then enjoyed lunch outside but the rain was starting to drizzle. We then headed into Halls Gap which is the main town in the Grampians and where we could collect information and pay our camping fees. We explored the town, paid our fees, picked up a very handy map then discovered Lake Bellfield. After our customary dam wall photo we headed back to camp. We spent the afternoon being bothered by 1000's of stupid flying bugs. They were like a flying ant but didn't bite but they were in plague proportion and wouldn't leave. After trying various methods to get the rotten things to leave us alone we retreated inside for the evening till night fall when they vanished. We joined our neighbours as they had a fire and chatted till we all opted for a fairly early bed time.

Monday we woke to the cockatoos screeching and the rain continually falling. Ahhh crap we had wanted to get in as many walks as possible. With lots of hope we still got up and packed lunch and back packs for the day. We were hoping the rain was on camp and as we approached town it would ease. This was not the case. We decided to at least visit the lookouts then see how things were. First stop was Boroka lookout where we could see Halls Gap and Lake Bellfield. Then onto Reed lookout where we could view Victoria valley. From here we decided that it wasn't yet letting up so we turned for camp. Now of course you all know what happened as we got to camp...it stopped raining. We had a cuppa then went back to see which walks we could do hoping it wouldn't rain again. First walk was a nice "easy" one to Clematis Falls. After arriving and getting a cool off under the falls we retraced our steps back to the car. We had been told Mackenzie's Falls was spectacular so with the rain still holding we made our way there. We had been told it was about 200+ steps down to the base of the falls. We were up for it so we counted them all the way down 260 steps exactly to the base of the falls and if you go further down stream it's more we only did anther 11 and saw the next part that was enough for us. We sat at the base of the falls and enjoyed a picnic lunch before climbing the 260 steps back to the top. We then walked to Broken Falls lookout then around to Mackenzie's Falls lookout. Back in the car we looked at our options and the time and decided to do Venus rock pools walk it was classed as easy and was also recommend. As we came down the mountains the fog had set in over town. After completing this walk which was nice to do (other then the 100 odd steps we had to do) we pulled back into Bellfield Lake and strolled through the now falling rain across the dam wall to see the other side. It was a nice cool off walk after sooo many steps. Back at camp the rain continued into the night, we again were very thankful for the high and dry trailer to keep us comfortable.

Boroka Lookout

Reed Lookout

Clematis Falls

Mackenzie's Falls

Broken Falls

Mackenzies's Falls lookout

Mum and Dad we thought you might find this more your style of travelling.

Last walk still smiling

Exhausted!!!

We woke to rain falling (AGAIN) it had been falling for many hours and steady at that. We stayed in bed till it had stopped then decided to brave the weather and stay another night so we could do the Pinnacle walk we had wanted to do yesterday. Come 10am the rain cleared and we packed a bag and headed for the Sundial car park which was the start of the walk. Today was much cooler then yesterday. We set off just hoping the rain would hold off. We climbed and walked, jumped and clambered our way up rocks and across ledges to the Pinnacle and we were rewarded with a brilliant view. The wind was howling at the point though and we cooled off quickly. After a drink, photos and a snack we retraced our steps most the way back. On the way back there was the option to walk a little further and do the Lake view Lookout walk so we turned left and headed there. Just as we approached the lookout the rain started. It wasn't heavy enough to get really wet but just be annoying. More photos then back to the car. The rain persisted as we drove down the mountain and we decided it looked set in so the final walk we were considering got knocked off the list and we headed back to town to look for a coffee. We found a coffee at the Brambuk centre which is also where we had to pay our camping fees. We enjoyed a coffee while the rain continually got heavier. Back at camp we climbed in the trailer enjoyed a warm late lunch and played card games for the afternoon. The rain eased and stopped occasionally for about 2 hours then came back with a vengeance bringing thunder and lightening with it. Another night inside very thankful for our new luxurious living quarters ;) (note the longer the crap weather hangs around the better our trailer gets praise)

Bellfield lake view on the way to the Pinnacle

Pano from the Pinnacle

Effie and Rhys thanks for the Gorilla Pod we love it

Last one before the rain set in.

Wednesday, we held high hopes that the rain wouldn't hang around anymore and we would wake to a glorious day with the sun shining birds singing and we could get outside. Well we had our hopes dashed. We woke to a more miserable day then the past 2. We couldn't see the mountains around us and the rain hung low in a constant mist pushing through camp. We considered just hanging around for a day but we really had had enough of being cooped up and wanted to move on. We packed inside the trailer and when it was only lightly drizzling we ducked out and put up the legs and started the pack down process. Then it got really heavy so we retreated to the car with our cuppa in hand. After 15min again it was light so back out and this time down the roof came and we hooked up just in time for it again to get heavy. We drove through rain most the way to Hamilton which was our next stop for fuel and gathering information. After talking to a very helpful guy who had a great name (James) we visited 2 great waterfalls near Hamilton the first was Nigretta and the second was Wannon Both were flowing as it was still raining. It was freezing so we didn't hang out for long. Back on the road to camp and we found our way into Mt Eccles National Park relatively easy. We pulled in and to our surprise it wasn't raining. After setting up on a nice grassy spot we opted to do the Crater walk. This park was a Volcano some 20,000 years ago and offers 4 different walks. One around Surprise Lake which gets it name because people were surprised that there was a lake at the bottom of the crater and then 3 others following the top of he crater or along the Laval canals or a huge walk around the outside of the park. Along our walk we got to view the lake from all sides and then climb to the summit of Mt Eccles. The sun stayed out the whole time we walked and we were warm when we returned. After getting a fire going and cooking a yummy pork roast the clouds pushed over and we had to eat inside and stay in for the night :( oh well at least we had about 4 hours of no rain we even saw the sun and got to cook a yummy roast we can't get too spoiled.

Nigretta Falls

Wannon Falls

Mt Eccles Summit and Lake Surprise

Thursday we woke to a beautiful sunny day, it didn't last long though. It was raining within an hour of being up. The up side is that it rained less today then any other day since Monday it was scattered showers as opposed to constant rain. We set off for a free camp near Portland and after a non intentional loop through Mt Eccles we arrived at camp for a late lunch. We set camp in Narrawong Forest in the Sawpit creek picnic area. The day was COLD so after introducing ourselves to our neighbours we took some wood and joined their fire. We sat chatting into the evening occasionally sitting under umbrellas to keep dry.

We decided to stay camping here for another night and go exploring around Portland. We first visited the info centre and gathered information (shock) about Portland and also heading into SA. Portland has Victorias and possibly Australia's deepest port. They export wood, wood chips, grain and minerals from this port. We had a cruise through town then out to Cape Nelson and Cape Bridgeport. Both had beautiful views. While we were at the blowhole at Cape Bridgeport we got covered in sea spray the wind was howling but it made for impressive waves against the sheer cliffs. We picked up groceries and fuelled up for the last time in Victoria before returning to camp to build a fire to keep warm.

Portland Pier, full of fishermen.

Petrified Rock & massive seas at the Blowhole

Cape Bridgeport

Saturday we woke and decided to push on down into Lower Glenelg River National Park. We drove down via Nelson and crossed the border into SA for about 10min before turning back east into the park. We set camp and had lunch and then did the tour of the caves. It was different to the other caves we have been into it as it was not just formed by the water seeping in and creating space but it at some point thousands of years ago was a river and from when it was discovered to today it hasn't been dug out or fenced off from people getting up close. It also have much much larger pillars then the Buchan caves. While it was not as long and didn't have as many chasms it seemed much more personable if a cave can be personable. We spent the rest of the day by the fire relaxing and cooking dinner then some yummy damper/scones I tried out. They turned out great and we even have left over damones for tomorrow :)

The Wedding cake

Bob Marley

MMMMM Damones

So we have spent the whole week in either National Parks or Foresrty reserves. It's honestly the way we would prefer the whole trip went but to see what we want and to keep us stocked up on water etc caravan parks are a necessity. Now off to find a C/park to do a bucket load of washing after a cold wet week :(

As you can probably tell by the title, It's been a HUGE week.

Sunday morning we were up early, it was still dark when the alarm went off. We were booked on the Sorrento ferry for 8am. We packed and arrived at the ferry looking back across the bay the weather was closing in. It was tough being up early but we were thankful for not having to pack up in the rain. The ferry trip was enjoyable and as we approached Queenscliff the heavens opened. We drove off into torrential rain. We arrived at my Auntie Andy's & Uncle Ben's mid morning. My cousins had all grown heaps it was nice to see Georgie, Hayden and Blake. We caught up over a cuppa then went out to a local town called Stieglitz. They were having a quilting day and Andy knew someone there. Stieglitz was a gold mining town back in its day so we wondered around getting rained on every now and then. After we went and visited my Uncle Terry, Auntie Tracie and their 4 kids. Now these boys sure know how to grow. I just couldn't get over that they were now young men not my kid cousins. We had a yummy afternoon tea while sharing stories and catching up. It had been way too long between visits. We were feeling comfortable being back around family.

Monday we visited my Grandad and then went for a scout around Geelong. We picked up a few things we needed but generally had a quiet and nice day.

Tuesday off to Souverin Hill we went. We enjoyed visiting the park as James had never been and I hadn't been since I was little but for what it is and what's there it sure is a little expensive to get in. It was a nice day in that there was no rain but oh man the wind had ice in it. We ducked from shop to shop and show to show avoiding time outside as much as possible. We were invited to dinner at Terry and Tracie's house. It was a very funny night, it reminded me very much of when I was younger with my big brothers and family gatherings.

For Dad, fire fighting the rough way.

Smiling but yet freezing.

Couldn't buy this as we could never eat anything we used it for.

mmmm GOLD

Wednesday we farewelled Andy and Ben and then packed up and visited Grandad to show him our trailer. Then we passed through Geelong to pick up supplies. Turning the car south west we set off to explore the Great Ocean Road. We only made it as far as Lorne when we decided to call it a day. We were in no hurry and the weather was warm (25 degrees) so we set camp and went walking along the beach. It was even warm enough for our feet to take a dip in the ocean.

Over night it turned COLD and WET the wind blew and it was torrential at times. The forecast was not enticing with a top of 13 expected. We waited for a break in the rain and set about packing up. We had it closed, locked and hooked on just as more rain arrived. We continued along the G.O.R till we arrived in Apollo Bay. We dropped in to pick up some brochures at the information centre. While back in the car we got covered in hail. We waited for it to stop then pushed on with a few free camping spots in Otway National park to check out. We then really got "snowed" on. See it was not hail but snow like clumps that would splatter on impact mixed with hail. We know it as sleet but hey it was bloody cold enough for us to call it snow. The road went from black to covered in white in seconds. It looked like we were driving through snow and the car temperature gauge was dropping while we were climbing a hill, now that's a first. We turned off and headed out to check our camp. We found a level spot away from trees and decided that with this crappy weather we would call it a day. Tomorrow is supposed to be much nicer so we will continue our journey then.

We woke to a super sunny day, not a cloud in the sky. We had a leisurely pack up then continued on. After very very nearly being taken out by a out of control logging truck our first stop was (to change undies) the Gibson Steps down to the beach to view the humongous apostle. It was super windy along the coast line which made for spectacular waves crashing against the rocks. We then visited the "official" viewing point of a further 5 Apostles then onto the Arch where the waves crashing against the Arch made for spectacular photos, onto London Bridge then the Bay of Islands. From what I've heard and read there's very little information about the Bay of Islands which is a shame as they are spectacular in colour and number. I'm certain so many people would not visit this area which is just along the coast and miss out on seeing it. From here we decided on where to stay for the night and pushed on just past Warranambool to Killarney Reserve camping area. It's a fantastic spot just behind the beach dunes. The wind was howling through and with use of free washing machines we put a load on and it was drying vertically within a short time. After eating dinner OUTSIDE (yay) we strolled along the beach admiring the sun setting and the moon rising. The Great Ocean Road really is spectacular and didn't disappoint not one bit.

Saturday we decided to stick around and explore Warrnambool. We were in for a surprise as to what was in town and the enjoyment we got out of Flagstaff Hill. We arrived mid morning and strolled around the museum then the grounds for over 3 hours. It was a town set in the early 1800's and told the story of life by the sea and the shipwreck coast. As we headed back to camp we took a drive through then around Tower Hill. It's an old volcano which imploded a very long time ago. It was amazing to see as it's virtually right beside the highway but unless you turn off you don't know it's there. As the brochure says "Its often regarded as Australia's best kept secret" well we were not sure about that statement but it's in black and white so we will just have to believe it. Back at camp we did more washing and took a walk then had an early dinner before rugging up to head back to Flagstaff Hill for the night light and sound show. We were taken by our tour guide to walk through town with lanterns down to the viewing grandstand along the way being given details of the fateful night when the Loch Ard hit the coast, where is now known as Loch Ard Gorge (sorry for the spoiler). It was an impressive show with vertical fountain creating a screen and the images were displayed from behind. The whole night was just over 75min. We thoroughly enjoyed our evening.