Category: Victoria

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Australasia Australia Victoria

16 Aug 2024 – McKillops Bridge- Buchan Caves

I was excited to wake up to a fully foggy morning…and then less excited to know that if it didn’t lift, I wouldn’t see all the beautiful views of today’s drive!

It had lifted a little bit by the time I was ready at 07h30 …I hit the road anyway as it would be all moody, with the hope that it will lift later…or soon!

It might have been a good thing that I didn’t see some of the early drop offs but driving through the clouds was out of this world!

The climb was long and the dirt road winding, I passed two farmers on the road and that was it! Then when I was close to the top it was all blue skies and all I saw was valleys filled with clouds! It was beautiful!!

There are several stops and lookouts on this western part of the road.

Little River Gorge and Falls as well as Dingo Hill at the start of Tulloch Ard Road. This lookout shows off the farmland with forested national park land in the background.

A few kilometres later is the Tulloch Ard Lookout track- 1.6km downhill, then the same back up again. The view is fantastic and the two wedge tailed eagles gliding around made it more special!

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Australasia Australia Victoria

15 Aug 2024 – McKillops Bridge

It was my intention to  do the Silver Mine hike today. 

I had some very varied information on this hike. the board at the start of the hike said 5hrs return -18km. My info booklet I had from tourist info said 6hrs one way. 

I didn’t want to risk such a large gap and so I made my own variation. 

I just kept following Deddick’s 4WD track- all uphill until the top . it is seasonally closed to vehicles… so that’s easy and i was the only one there anyway. 

The morning started very misty…so I had 2 coffees before setting off and seeing the mist rise as I did too. 

There are several pine trees around and hundreds of blossoming wattles. 

The views are of the Snowy River Valley- which is pretty superb! 

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Australasia Australia Victoria

14 Aug 2024 – Marlo -McKillops Bridge-Snowy River NP

I think Marlo must be one of my favorite places. It was hard to leave. I seamed to faf around a whole lot between trying to figure out if to do washing here or in Orbost. 
 
I put on the washing, then the drier and went for a walk along the estuary. So peaceful …I was the only one there . 
I left the tent up to try and dry it. So I had to pack it away and I also grabbed a shower. 
I headed to Orbost. A short 20min or so drive through farmland. It is also along the Snowy River. 
 
I was hoping to catch up with Tim- who I met when him and his kids were also hiking Genoa Peak. His coffee shop was closed unfortunately, so no catch up. 
 
I went to the tourist info, in an old, historic slab hit. I got info about Snowy River NP , a few maps etc. I then grabbed some groceries and filled up the car… $1.93 per liter. 
 
It was nearly noon when I left to start off on the McKillop Loop around the periphery if Snowy River NP.
 
The road is sealed to start and the drive mainly through farms and forests . It is very windy but also pretty. 
I stopped by Goonergah Campground. 
 
There are several farms around many creeks. It’s when you hit the dirt, northern portions of this track that the views are really quiet incredible…. and frankly scary at times. Narrow, and huge drop offs , you don’t want to go too fast or swipe off those corners !! 
 
There are also several campsites along this road . Firepits but not toilets. 
 
The wooden McKillops Bridge is an impressive sight. Walking down the bridge it was a bit scary to see how degraded the wood was! This bridge spans the Snowy River. 
 
I figured out that the day use area was on this side of the bridge but my free camp was further down the road , over the bridge. 
 
It’s pretty large , but I was alone . Having said that, was a bit difficult to find a flat spot for the tent. I picked one under some smaller trees. General rule … no camping under trees … but I would have rolled down the hill if I didn’t!!
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Australasia Australia Victoria

13 Aug 2024 – Cann River to Marlo

A few stops were planned today and I was excited to see what was coming up.
 
First of these was the Bemm River. It was such a tranquil place!!! A few fishermen around but not many and keen pelicans who were getting fish heads from a fisherman cleaning his catch.
 
Next stop was the Cabbage Tree reserve which was a bit disappointing. Not really showcasing what it was named for. With the short detour I headed to Cape Conran. Again a stunning spot with very few people. I had a long walk on the beach and stripped down to get a little of a tan hopefully. I also explored a few other walking paths. 
 
My last stop for the day was Marlo. As I was driving towards the caravan park that I hoped to stay at but had not booked, the views of the Snowy River Estuary were simply amazing!! Lots of birds around ! Plenty more during the spring time, I’m sure!! 
 
I set up camp at the pricey park…33 unpowered ! Left for a quick walk to see the colours of the sunset. Pretty pinks and blues appeared. 
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Australasia Australia Victoria

12 Aug 2024 – Cann River

Today was a day for relaxing, soaking up the sun and doing a bit of planning of what I should do around Victoria. 
 
I made a lovely breakfast … eggs, creamy mushrooms and sourdough toast ! Then went off to do the short loop of just under 2.5km . It was just a flat, relaxing walk and I spent about an hour soaking up the rays by the river.
 
In the early afternoon I walked into the little town of Cann River – just across the bridge to see if I maybe grab something from the bakery for lunch. Nothing tickled my fancy though. The town is very small, but has a lovely, welcoming community and info center. 
 
A lady helped me.with some info and a few maps and I was off to sit in the sun on my picnic bench to plan some more.
 
Unlike last night, when I was alone on this side of the road ,I had 2 neighbour’s on either side of me. 
 
Les and Dot, from Bribie Island (close to Brisbane) made a fire and were nice enough to invite me. We caught up for quiet a while before they went off to make dinner. 
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Australasia Australia Victoria

11 Aug 2024 – Shipwreck Creek – Cann River

I’ve been loving the colours of the wild flowers along the roads. Pinks of various hues and some white ones too!! Its very pretty. 
 
I stopped by the South West Arm picnic area on the way back to the highway. On this walk I happened to spot 2 wild orchids !!
 
I made my way to Genoa Peak. It is an uphill climb of 1.8km each way. The views get better and better as you go. The first look out is already pretty good. What put the cherry on top was the beautiful, sunny blue skies! 
 
The climb to the top lookout is much harder. This involved 3 ladders and some Rocky steps. The lookout on top is very small but gives panoramic views . You can see Mallacoota and miles and miles of ocean on one side… and the mountains and valley’s on the other side !! 
 
It was on the last bit of the climb that I met Tim and his 5 and 7 yo kids. I gave him some grief about bringing his kids up this tough track. He already though this.
 
I waited for them to come down the last ladder and then later met with them after the last one. 
 
I asked Tim for some travel advice as I found out he was a local and lived in Orbost. He also.mentioned that him and his wife own the coffee roasters in town and I should come over when I’m there for a free cuppa. I agreed ! 
 
After I made my way down the Peak I travelled down the highway to stop at the free camp that Tim informed me of, in Cann River.
 
It’s free, no power or hot water but good space . 
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Australasia Australia Victoria

10 Aug 2024 – Boydtown to Shipwreck Creek

Exciting times ! Today, after 69 days and approx 5,930 km I made it across the Victoria border . It’s still only 1,500km from Brisbane in a more direct route but it still shows progress I suppose .
 
Across the border I stopped in Gipsy Point. The road goes through farmland and ends in a tiny locality on a quiet lake/river where 
2 kayakers are enjoying the calm waters. 
 
A few kilometers down the road is Mallacoota. This whole area was destroyed by the fires in 20/21 and is good to see a lot of recovery.
 
This inlet area was not busy at all, despite it being the weekend . The waters are clear and calm and birds are relaxing on sand bars. 
 
Bastion Point is my next stop and great lookout from the sea side of the inlet. The seas are still very calm . I also noticed what I think is yet another tick, on the opposite side to where one was found a couple of days ago. I froze it and attempt to left hand tweeze it out . Not sure it was successful .
 
I did a few more stops at Geology Point, Quarry Beach, Secret Beach, before landing I’m camp. This is Shipwreck Creek. The beach is only accessible by crossing a creek. 
I was the only one here for the night with a couple of day visitors that didn’t stay long.