We left Dandenong, after a big hassle with getting the awning replaced ( old mate forgot to order it), so we decided to catch a movie and do some shopping to fill in time. We headed into our second big country loop, which was a welcome change. After checking with the CFA to see if our route was clear of bushfire's, we headed to Shepparton. On the way we found a lovely free camp just south of Yea. This was a very popular stop over with the backpackers who were fruit picking. We leave pretty early in the morning so we can explore Shepparton. So we were in the thick of it all, we booked into the Big 4. It was actually quite warm while we were there. What a lovely surprise Shepparton was. After a picnic in the park beside the lake and kicking the footy, we explore the Orchids. Campbell's factory outlet was great, stocked up on some canned goods and headed to the SPC Ardoma factory sales. It was really fun. Two days sightseeing and restocking our supplies, it was time to head to Echuca.
We LOVED Echuca. Camping on the Murray River and only a short drive to the main street, we decide to have brekky in town. With full bellies we start our trip into the "olden days". It was totally awesome... We started off with a walk down what once was the main street. The gutters were made of timber and the old buildings still stood, such as the Blacksmith. With much excitement we purchase tickets to ride up the Murray on a Paddle Steamer. This was something that Troy had always wanted to do. The kids were so excited and were nearly jumping out of their skin when they got to steer the Paddle Steamer. They were even given Honorary First Mate Certificates. Still on a high from our ride on the PS Pevensey, which is one of many still operating paddle steamers, we saw a horse and carriage and just had to go for a ride. This time we done a loop of the current Main Street. It was so cool, everyone was waving to us and the kids said it was like we were famous. After claiming they had the best fish and chips in Victoria, we decided to give Fish in a Flash the Bryant test. I must say, it did pass. After a full day we head back to camp so the kids could have a swim and we could all relax. Troy threw a pot in the Murray to try our luck with some crayfish. While settling in with a few drinks and rugging up in our gloves and beanies, we watch the last lot of ski boats and house boats cruise on by. Troy and I checked the pots and were happy to see some shrimp, which we cooked up immediately...yummmm..... As lovely as it was, it was the Australia Day long weekend, which the Murray was a buzz with boats and ski's, so we decided to move on.
Bendigo, here we come!!! This was another fantastic surprise. What a lovely city, also rich with history. We set up at the Bendigo Showgrounds and went to the Visitor Information Centre. I'm so glad we did, we bought a pass that entitled us to an Underground Mine experience of the Central Deborah Gold Mine, Entry to the Golden Dragon Museum, Entry to the Bendigo Pottery Museum and a two day pass on the Vintage Talking Tram Tour. Without wasting anytime, we stroll around Rosalind Park and head up to the poppet head for a full 360 degree view of Bendigo. Turns out our little pilot (Max) didn't like being so high without a plane around him. Tummy's were a rumblin' so we spot a place called Grill'd, that sold healthy burgers. Best burger we have ever had and the kids one was a real burger, on a real bread roll, with apple juice and a colouring in and coloured pencils. Everyone's a winner!!! It was only a short walk to the Golden Dragon Museum, where we seen the longest and then the oldest Chinese Dragon in the world. The longest Chinese Dragon is still a main feature of the Annual Easter Parade in Bendigo. We then visit the Chinese Temple, where Troy attempts to show the kids how to pray.......hehehe...... Another big day over, we head back to the Van to prepare for our big adventure the following day. Catching the Tram was really exciting, just watching the kids faces bought a smile to ours. The Tram took us to Central Deborah Gold Mine, where we went 61 metres underground with a private tour guide. The kids got to have a turn on the big drills and to press buttons to ignite the explosives (fake of course). We all learnt so much and had a great time panning for gold. Back on the Talking Tram, we toured the city and then jumped in the car to head for the Pottery Museum. Now I must admit, we were all pretty tired by this stage, but it was a little dull, also, we are really not that into pottery, except mugs (i just love mugs)!!!!!!! Anyway, we called it a day and head for home. Funny how home is now our van. Before setting off, we start School with the Kids. I am Kaciey and Elleys Teacher and Troy is Kindy Teacher for Max and Sammi. They have all embraced this with such enthusiasm and I'm really confident it will be a very fun and rewarding experience for us all. We hitch up, do our kiss for luck, put the tunes on and where "On the Road Again", lol.....
Going through the Camps 6 book and Wiki camps, we find a free camp at Mt Franklin, just minutes from Hepburn Springs. We were actually camped in the crater of an old volcano, with beautiful trees and great fire pits. Our first thought was "camp oven roast".... and it was sensational. Hepburn Springs is famous for, obviously (the springs). We go for a drive and do some tastings, some tasted just like soda water, while others were spat straight back out! A little further on is Daylesford, and after a quick stroll through town, we head back to camp and light the fire for our camp oven. It was such a lovely camp, and we all felt very rested after two days.
We arrive in Ballart, and as much as we would prefer to free camp, sometimes its just more convenient to stay at a caravan park to be close to all the attractions that the towns has to offer, so we booked into the Big 4 for two nights which is only 300metres to Sovereign Hill. We spent the rest of the day cleaning. Yep, that's right, cleaning. We pretty much gutted out the van and cleaned it all. Six loads of washing, (not as fun as the last washing day) and a washed van, inside and out, we take the car for a wash too, and are feeling very pleased with our efforts. This morning we went to Sovereign Hill. Sovereign Hill is a working Museum, based on the 1850-1860's gold rush. We done the Red Hill Mine tour, which tells you the story of the 69kilo gold nugget that was found there. We panned for gold and actually found some this time. It was amazing to see how everyone lived, what they wore, how they worked and even the schools. It was like being in a time machine. We got see them pouring gold, which Sammi won the heart of the industrial blacksmith and got to hold the gold bullion and show it around, which was worth 160 Thousand dollars. We had our photo taken in the traditional clothing of the time which was so much fun. Another great day was had by all.
We are leaving Ballarat tomorrow with great memories. Two more sleeps and we will be on The Spirit of Tasmania, something that we are all extremely excited about. We hope that all our family and friends have not been too affected with the weather, and our thoughts are with those who were.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the wonderful response to our blogs. Love you all
The Travelling Bryants xxx
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