Countdown to Australia Day

After 2 weeks of relatively quiet period at the campground, we were told to be prepared for one of the busiest times of the year, Australia Day. Advanced bookings suggested a full house with over sixty sites occupied from Thursday to Sunday. 

In the run-up to the long weekend, we were also hit with a week long of high 30s temperature coupled with extreme humidity. Unfortunately for us, our Podd gets the afternoon sun, which is also the hottest time. Temperatures were still in high 20s around 8pm, which meant hot nights for us. TJ kept cool with a wet towel as blanket with the fan on.

While it was too hot for anything strenuous, we did managed to take our kayaks out for a couple of hours on the lake and do a hike at Cathedral Ranges. We left early and walked up to Cathedral Peak via Neds Saddle. This was to be our last  activity in the area as we remained at the campground to assist the hundreds of campers descending for Australia Day 2018!

Cathedral Peak

We left Lake Eildon with another new experience as campground host and getting to know some of the dedicated and passionate rangers.

Doing the Hard Yard

Since it is quiet at the campgrounds before Australia Day long weekend, we were asked to do some pruning along the road in the national park. We were to remove the shrubs and branches overhanging the road side from the former Fraser store to Devil's Cove campground. It is approximately 2km stretch. On the first day, we did about 50m on both sides. Not a lot but we only spent a little more than an hour since it was a hot day. Our plan was to do an hour or so in the mornings in the next couple of weeks.

Rail Trail

The Great Victorian Rail Trail is Australia’s longest continuous rail trail, with Victoria’s longest rail trail tunnel at Cheviot. The trail spans 134 kilometres from Tallarook, through Trawool, Yea to Molesworth and Yarck to Cathkin and Alexandra.

We decided to do the section from Alexandra to Yea, passing the longest rail tunnel at Cheviot. The ride is 36km one way. It did not seemed too much initially but we were so wrong. After lunch at Yea, our ride back was tough going. The gusty winds did not help either. The uphills were gradual but long.

The 70km distance was the longest bike ride we have ever done in Australia. We retired early tonight with sore bums and legs and having just peanut butter and jam sandwich for dinner.

Alexandra Rodeo

The nearest town to our campground is Alexandra. Not a big town but enough to have about 3 coffee places, a couple of hotels/pubs, a National Australia Bank and the largest Foodworks supermarket I have ever been in.

One Saturday morning, we met two rangers who told us about the Pro Rodeo event in Alexandra. This is the first rodeo held in town since 1984. Of course we had to go. It is the most happening event for Alexandra and the whole town will be there!

Despite the on and off rain, there were lots of people. Likely the whole town turned up. Most people including us brought chairs and rain gear. We did not, however have our cowboy hat and boots and tight jeans. While we would love to stay till the end, the cold wet night got to us.

Campground Host

Before we left Sydney back in August 2017, we applied as volunteer campground host with Parks Victoria. We finally received confirmation on the role end November, where we will be based in Lake Eildon National Park for 3 weeks.

Walking up Estate Spur at Lake Eildon

 We arrived at Lake Eildon on 10/1/2018. Our assignment is to do a walk around in the morning and another in the afternoon to check that camp sites have been paid and provide information when asked. We have printed copies of visitor guides and other materials set up on the table for campers. Its relatively simple in exchange for free camping at the national park. 

Enjoying the trail

There are more than 200 camping sites in total at Lake Eildon NP. We were based at Lakeside Campground. Other campgrounds are Candlebark, about 3km away from Lakeside, Devil's Cove, 3.5km away and Jerusalem Bay(21km). We were to cover Lakeside and Candlebark in the first two weeks as its not the busy period. Come Australia Day long weekend, there will be another host at Candlebark.

We got to meet a lot of people, mostly Victorians who are into their water sports. Lake Eildon is a popular spot for jet skiing, water skiing and fishing as it has multiple boat ramps. There are also a few boat houses cruising around the lake.

Birds ain't afraid of you

Beach Time

Bluff Lookout

With the city behind us and summer almost midway, we joined the Victorian exodus to the coast. We were invited by some friends to Ocean Grove where they have a permanent on site caravan. The Wynndean Holiday Resorts has permanent caravans with annexes. You buy the caravans and pay the management annual fees. Its probably a more affordable way to own a holiday house by the beach. 

Permanent caravan with annex

Me and thousands of people

Unlike Sydney or Queensland,the water is too cold for me. Temperature is usually in low twenties. TJ managed to get into the water the first two days but only after running in the morning. You work up a sweat and jump right in. For me, the day finally came when the mercury hit 42c. I joined thousands of people trying to cool down on this hot day. It was like being in an oven with the hot wind blowing. Fortunately the hot weather doesn't usually last. The cool change came around 5pm.

Over-rated??

Postcard Shot

Since Ocean Grove is near to the Great Ocean Road, we decided to do this famous drive. The drive to the 12 Appostle took more than 2 hours, passing a few coastal towns. 

Loch Ard Gorge

Beach at the bottom of Loch Ard Gorge

Our first stop was before the Great Ocean Road at Bells Beach. This is supposedly a famous surfing beach hosting an international event and also featured in the movie Point Break. 

We finally reached our destination and as expected, it was busy. We took the longer trail to the beach which had 2 of the appostles. After our lunch at the beach, we headed to the popular lookout to view the rest of the appostles featured in posters and postcard. 

About 4km further from the 12 Appostle, we found Loch Ard Gorge. We prefer this spot to the main attraction. We could walk down to the beach for a pleasant swim.

Finally the question, is the 12 Appostle over-rated?

Found this unmarked place