Day 82 – Reflections of a Grand Old Lady.

Maryborough Railway Station - Victoria

 

The central goldfields have striking buildings left over from the gold rush days and early settlement in the area.  Great to see that the best part still stand with pride from workmanship they were crafted.    Maryborough Railway Station built in 1890.   Wonderful example of the pride in building all those years ago; with the bonus of hidden treasures inside.  If you’re in that area go and check it out, plus the Devonshire tea isn’t too bad either.  Gives you a chance to check out the antiques, and sample a little bit of the local wine.  A whole lot of goodness rolled into one.  Fruit, dairy, what more can you say! :)

Day 81 – Hidden treasures.

Inside Avoca Hotel Victoria

The outside facade of Avoca Hotel stands nearly as it did in 1870.  When diggers entered with dusty pants, woollen jumpers, and gold dust lining their pockets.  The front bar offering cold refreshing ale after a hard day out in the gold fields.  142 years later, a corridor of polish floor boards, gold walls, and chandler, leads you around the corner to stunning dining area.  With high ceilings, wooden tables, and brushed aluminium chandlers, oh and the food is pretty amazing too.  After a beautiful meal if you can still fit more in, the front bar still welcomes you on a cold day with open fire and cold beer on tap.  What more could you ask for?

Day 80 – Eureka.

 Grey skies, and icy cold winds blow through and around the streets, yesteryear buildings, of Ballarat.  The heart of gold fever in the 1800’s, and the infamous Eureka Stockade in 1854.  Where it is believed that democracy first started in this country.  Today Ballarat has many of the original buildings left that give the town its old world charm.  So that you are focused on the splendour of the amazing buildings instead of the mind numbing winter ice winds trying to snap freeze you.  Makes you appreciate the modern cons of fast heaters in the car, and spare a thought for those old diggers, they were tough buggers in more ways than one.

Day 79 – Cruising.

 It has often been said when travelling it isn’t the end destination that is the fun part.  Well, ok, sometimes it is.  But how you get there can add to the flavour.   The fresh air greeted us as we got off the plane in Melbourne today, dropping 20 degrees in three short hours of flying from Cairns.  Preparing us for the cooler weather of Central Victoria; Maryborough.  I love how the crisp air immerses the barren trees, with the sun as we drive along.  Can’t get enough of these ‘fresh’ winter skies and the silhouettes it produces.

Day 55 – Alpine Way.

Alpine Way Victoria

Around every corner in the high country a new oasis awaits.  After being on the dirt for three days, winching and mud to the axels, it was great to see the black stuff.  However, I’ve now discovered the wonders of ‘black ice’.  Natures answer to traction control gone wrong.  The things you miss out on living in the tropics – maybe that one I don’t miss.  The Alpine Way road would have to be one of the best black tar roads to travel in Australia, taking you through the snow resort of Mt Hotham to the old gold town of Omeo.  Truly a beautiful part of Victoria.

Day 54 – Cattleman Days.

High Country Victoria

Bushfires have claimed many of the cattleman huts that were used in the summer and autumn grazing days of the alpine plains.  Like the resilient cattleman that used to ride and look after their cattle there; some of the huts remain.  The ones left, now offer shelter to alpine walkers, campers from the harsh elements of the high country even in summer.  It is a very ‘hot’ debate between the government, national parks and the high country cattleman to let the cattle graze back in the alpine country.  One that will probably never settle in my lifetime but it is a shame that whilst each side has their ‘rights’ it is another tradition now lost.

Day 53 – Dargo Nights.

Dargo Hotel - Victoria Australia

Climbing through the valley the road snakes around the mountains reaching the township of Dargo at the foot of the Dargo High Plains.  A mecca for 4wder’s, dirt bikers, shooters, fisherman, adventures.  The Dargo Hotel has been the starting/finishing point for many a ‘boys trip’ or family adventure.  Established in 1898 the Dargo Hotel was original called the Bridge Hotel in the gold fossicking days.  I’m sure if the walls could talk they might tell many a new and old story.

Day 52 Greek God by name.

The Protea is one of nature’s unusual treasures.  Made to last they come in a huge array of colours and forms.  In 1735, they were named after the Greek God Proteus who could change his form at will.  But they date back to over 300 million years ago and mainly found in the southern hemisphere.  So maybe the Greek God himself did have a hand in it or they were once a dinosaur’s entrée.  Whatever you choose to believe they are a unique take on nature, and a beautiful part at that.

Day 51 – Broken records.

Yarra River - Melbourne

  

 We were amongst the lucky ones today to witness the coldest May day in Melbourne for 10 years.  Isn’t that going off like a frog in a sock! As the day progressed, the temperature gauge didn’t really rise too high, a great day for the indoors.  Or jam donuts at the Victoria Markets, plus so much yummy comfort food that blow your senses away.  The turn in the weather has put travel plans back a day but all being well back on the road on Sunday.