Day 71 - Thursday 9 March - From coast to trees

Day 71

Thursday

9 March 2017 –

Warrnambool – Hamilton – Cavendish (Camps 8 Vic #609)

On the road again! After an early night we woke refreshed and ready to hit the road again. Slipping into the routine we were all packed up and ready and pulling out of the park just after 9. We stopped first for fuel and then it was on to the highway passing once again by the antique bike museum on to Mortlake before turning left and continuing on to Hamilton.

We stuck with the highway roads, despite the GPS choosing the back alleys, in hind sight it may have been better to take these roads as the we were bumped and tossed along the road.

Once in Hamilton, we found a place along the side of the road to park and then walked into the info centre for further tourist info and ideas of must see places. We then did a quick circuit of the main streets before stopping for a pie and eating it in a nearby park.

With the bellies satisfied, we returned to the van and on a further 30min to our free camp destination in Cavendish on the edge of the Wannon River. We found a place to park in the top area where we could access power and settled ourselves in. We walked down by the river so Paul could check for possible fishing and yabby spots then returned for lunch.

With the car off we drove into Cavendish and checked out the Settlers Walk on the other side of the river. The only things enjoying the picnic area were the sheep seeking shelter from the sun’s heat under the trees.

We parked the car at the pub then walked to the corner café for a cooling ice cream before returning to the Bunyip Brewery and Distillery, so Paul could try the four beers they had on tap.  We had a good chat to the brewer, his wife and the chef enjoying hearing about their philosophy behind the country pub, which is far from the norm.

After having enjoyed a few pints we returned to the van for some quiet time before thinking about dinner. We returned to the pub, walking from the rec ground and stopping to watch the sheep wading chest deep in the water. We had a fabulous five star meal at pub prices. Oh my goodness it was delicious and so filling.

We walked a little more of the Settlers walk to help settle the meal, watching the sun set over the paddock full of sheep and then fish and birds playing amongst the river water. Once back at the van it was time for a little quiet time. Paul went to throw yabby nets in the river while I paid the caretaker for our stay, all the while watching a giant possum climb a tree. I then sorted the photos before it was time for bed.