Day 12
Wednesday 8th April
Ballan – Daylesford- Hepburn – Ballan
6-15 degrees, sunny
Still low temperatures, but the sun was on our side today while we explored Daylesford and Hepburn Springs.
The Amazing Mill Markets in Daylesford lived up to their name – they were truly amazing! I think you could spend days in there and never go down the same aisle twice! Old and new goods for sale.
Known for its natural mineral springs and world-class wellness retreats, Daylesford offers a perfect escape for those looking to relax and recharge. As we only had a few hours here, and have been here before, we only had time for a walk up and down the Main Street – some lovely art galleries, boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
Five minutes away is Hepburn Springs, another resort town which is located in the middle of the largest concentration of mineral springs in Australia. After enjoying a lovely lunch at Reubens (we had eaten there previously and the food was just as nice), we walked around Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve. This was Australia’s first Mineral Reserve, created in 1865, and houses the historic Bathhouse and Pavilion buildings. Whilst we didn’t partake of a mineral bath, we enjoyed tasting all the different mineral springs. Most were carbonated, and the smell of sulphur was very strong. The trees were quite spectacular, the colours in various stages of “turning”.
Back to camp, not so cold tonight. Tomorrow we part ways with Chantelle and Simon for five days- they go to Ballarat and the Great Ocean Road, we go to Mornington Peninsula.
Day 13
Thursday 9th April
Ballan to Mornington
13-23, sunny, windy, drizzle
We had an early get away so as we could get to Dandenong for a 10am tour of the Jayco Factory. A series of freeways got us safely through and around Melbourne during peak hour traffic – Calder Freeway, Westgate Freeway, M8 Tollway. A bit hairy at times, a lot of heavy vehicles on the roads.
We arrived ten minutes early for the tour, however the street where we had been directed to park was a dead end with a lot of parked cars! Luckily one of the staff had seen us and got a gate opened so we could do a turn around the factory – after a bit of reversing first. Crisis averted!
Led by very friendly Peter, we were shown through each manufacturing phase – from framing to interior detailing – unveiling the latest materials and techniques. It was so interesting witnessing the skilled craftsmanship and technology required to make these caravans. Approximately thirty caravans and 5 motor homes are completed every working day. One of the first managers came out and looked at our fridge door which has been problematic- hopefully it’s an easy fix when we get back home. All the staff were so friendly and obliging, and I thought it looked like everyone was enjoying their work which was great to see.
Back on M11 for a 30 minute drive to Mornington where we checked into the Mornington Gardens Holiday Village for the next five nights. Turned out to be a very stressful parking experience. Each site has a hedge around it, which looks lovely, but the site we were allocated was very small, and opposite was a row of lovely little mini houses, that come right out to the gutter- so no where to turn. It took an hour to get into place, and a lot of angst! I may have broken one of the lady’s pot plant (which I gave her money for).
We didn’t feel much like doing anything after that! But we did go out to find the Visitor Information Centre – well that wasn’t straight forward either. We were given the run around. However we did end up getting some good information by the CEO of the Tourism Bureau.
Time to call it a day. It was cold and very windy, so a good opportunity to snuggle up inside for dinner, and watch some Netflix.
Day 14
Friday 10th April
Mornington – Rosebud- Sorrento- Point Nepean – Pt Leo- Arthurs Seat- Mornington
12-19 degrees, windy
A day to explore the southern end of Mornington Peninsula. We had been looking into doing a wine tour, but when we were quoted $280 a person, we decided we didn’t want to drink that much wine, so why don’t we go out for a nice lunch at one of top pick wineries instead.
We drove south past Dromana to the lovely seaside suburb of Rosebud, stopping for a walk. It was blowing a gale out on the coast. Through more pretty suburbs – Rye, Sorrento – then onto Point Nepean National Park. We walked out to the Observation Point, where we nearly got blown away. All very pretty though.
We then drove back via the centre of the peninsula through gorgeous vineyards and farmlands to Pt Leo Estate Winery. Whilst enjoying a delicious lunch we enjoyed spectacular views overlooking the vineyard and sculpture park to Western Port and Phillip Island. The menu showcased the region’s produce, paired with their signature wines – Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir. It turned out to be a great option as opposed to a wine tour.
After lunch we walked around the Sculpture park, home to Australia’s largest collection of privately owned sculptures. Some interesting pieces.
We headed back stopping at Arthur’s Seat which is the remains of a volcano, and the highest viewpoint on the peninsula for breathtaking views. We had planned to go on the chairlift, but at this point it was starting to drizzle, the wind was still blowing, and it was freezing cold. Not today!
Instead, stopped at some shops at Frankston, before heading back to our warm caravan for another quiet and cosy night.
Day 15
Saturday 11th April
Melbourne
7-16 degrees
Day trip to Melbourne! Shopping day for me. Minimal shopping for Frank plus a visit to the MCG to see the current Shane Warne Exhibition.
Parking at Seaford Station, we caught the train all the way to Flagstaff Station – an hour’s journey. All public transport is free in Victoria for the month of April because of the fuel crisis. A bonus for us!
A quick trip around the Queen Victoria Markets – I used to love going there, but haven’t been there for over ten years. I’m sure it hadn’t changed! Frank was looking for a hat – mission accomplished!
Morning tea next – a nice cafe on Melbourne’s Royal Arcade. Coffee and cake a treat for the day.
Then I went my way, Frank went his – Myer, Block Arcade, TK Maxx for me, MCG for Frank. He said the Shane Warne Exhibition was excellent. Shane got his first hat-trick at 25.
We met up late afternoon- I managed to talk Frank into a couple of new shirts (that’s always hard work), before heading down Hardware Lane for a happy hour drink at Triim, followed by a second at Pretty Boy.
Dinner came next – at Miss Mi at the end of Bourke Street. We ate there a couple of years ago, and had really enjoyed the Asian fusion menu. Tonight’s dinner did not disappoint.
Conveniently, Southern Cross Station was just across the road, so an easy walk before catching the train back to Seaford, then a short drive to Seaford. A 16000 step day -so very keen to put our feet up once we were back in our caravan!
Day 16
Sunday 12th April
Mornington
11-15, feels like 5, windy, raining, cold
Miserable morning weather wise. We had a few admin jobs to work through, so we did those thinking we’d go out when the weather cleared up. Well that didn’t happen, so after a bite to eat for lunch, we headed out off for a drive to the Mt Dandenong region. Once off the highway, the drive was ever so pretty – huge tree ferns no doubt giving the suburb Fern Tree Gully its name, also stunning English style trees such as maples, oaks and elms all starting to change colour.
Sassafras village was our first stop. We strolled through the quaint village enjoying its 19th-century charm, little boutiques, tea houses and art galleries, whilst being mesmerised by the local lush English gardens.
Five minutes down the road is Olinda, another tranquil little village. Olinda has become a hub for artists and bohemian types, and the street is full of boutiques and galleries. I bought a nice mask to add to my little collection.
From here, Mt Dandenong Observation Point offered fabulous views of the landscape below. Luckily we managed to get a few breaks with the weather during the afternoon.
Back to the caravan for a quiet night in, and some serious Netflix viewing.
Day 17
Monday 13th April
Mornington
12-18 degrees, mostly fine!
A leisurely morning, before driving to Cranbourne to meet my friend Joan for lunch. Joan was Chantelle’s year 3 teacher – we became friends, and we have kept in contact all these years. Joan had suggested we meet at the cafe at the Australian Garden at the Royal Botanical Gardens. Fabulous idea!
We had a lovely lunch, catching up on all our news. Then Joan took us on a tour of the gardens. Formerly a sand quarry, the garden was designed and delivered in two stages. This year celebrates 20 years since it opened.
The garden seeks to create an environment in which specific qualities of flora are highlighted in a manner that will inspire visitors to further explore Australian plants. A common theme through the garden design is the exploration and expression of the evolving relationship between the Australian people and our landscape and flora.
Water is the mediating element between these natural and human-derived gardens. The garden highlights the tension between the natural landscape and our human impulse to steadily change it.
I thought the gardens were top class, both design wise and content. As we strolled around and saw the 8,500 species of Australian plants on display, I realised what a beautiful place the Australian bush is.
Thankfully the rain had held off most of the day.
Day 18
Tuesday 14th April
Mornington to Cowes, Phillip Island
90 kms
14-18 degrees, cloudy
On the move today – after manoeuvring the exit gate at the caravan park, another tight space, we had a 90 minute drive to Phillip Island.
We crossed the bridge and the first thing we see as we arrived onto Phillip Island was a bakery selling scallop pies! What a welcome. Of course we had to stop and try one. Delicious!
From there it was straight to Beach Park Caravan Park in Cowes where we checked in early and got set up in a lovely leafy site. We then walked into Cowes to get booked into the Penguin Parade – it was booked out for tonight, but we were all set for tomorrow night.
We took advantage of getting the three park pass which included the Penguin Parade, Koala Park and Churchill Island Heritage Farm. The lovely lady there kindly gave us her 25% staff discount / I must have charmed her with my glowing personality!
By the time we walked back, Chantelle and Simon had arrived – they were busy getting washing done and awnings/ flooring aired while it wasn’t raining. They had had five days of wet weather. We took Isla down to the beach which was right in front of the park – I was surprised to see black swans swimming in the ocean.
We spent a very pleasant evening catching up on the past five days, a nice bbq dinner, and a friendly? game of cards.
Day 19
Wednesday 15th April
Phillip Island
14 – 17 degrees, cloudy, drizzly
Time to explore Phillip Island.. the island boasts idyllic beaches, breathtaking natural beauty and rugged coastlines – and only 90 minutes south-east of Melbourne.
With nationally-recognised surfing reserves, unique native wildlife encounters, a number of scenic villages to discover, there’s certainly plenty to do.
We started at the Koala Conservation Centre. The two elevated boardwalks brought us very close to the koalas as they went about their daily business of sleeping, eating, and sleeping some more. Interesting information about koalas was well displayed at the centre.
Morning tea time, very late, and where better to have that than the nearby Chocolate Factory. Hot chocolates all round!
Onto the Nobbies Centre . The Nobbies Centre is temporarily closed but we were still able to walk the winding boardwalks (500m in length) and see the explosive blowhole in action. The scenery here is truly spectacular. We could look out to the Nobbies rock formations and beyond to Seal Rocks, home of Australia’s largest fur seal colony. Unfortunately you do need binoculars to get a good view of them.
Back to the caravan for a quick dinner, then out to view the famous Penguin Parade. Phillip Island is home to the largest little penguin colony in the world. Little penguins are just one of the 18 species of penguins. Rugged up in our winter thermals, we were able to experience the magic of watching these amazing seabirds waddle home from the ocean to their burrows. I just love penguins, and these guys are just so cute. They walk up to their burrows in pairs, sometimes mating on the way. When love calls, there’s no stopping. Great way to finish the day!
Day 20
Thursday 16th April
Phillip Island
14-22 degrees, sunny, then rain
A stunning start to the day with glorious weather. We had left our visit to Churchill Island Heritage Farm until today, hoping for sunny skies – well we were in luck! This historical site is a working farm, that offers interactive farming experiences, such as watching a blacksmith at work, sheep shearing, working dogs, cow milking, and whip cracking.
The homestead has been very well restored, and the views from the island are stunning. Everything was very well maintained. Unfortunately a couple of the shows were not running – Isla was so looking forward to the working dog show and it wasn’t on. Also the demonstrations we saw weren’t very engaging. It could have been so good, but unfortunately it was sadly lacking. We did enjoy seeing the Highland cows however – these hairy beasts had been introduced to the island in 1873. And the scenery was gorgeous!
After our picnic lunch at the farm, Frank and I went to the National Vietnam Veterans Museum. The museum houses an internationally unique collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the Vietnam war era that is dedicated to telling the story of the service and sacrifice of the veterans involved. This museum tells the personal stories of the men who served. We both found it very interesting.
We were about to go to Pyramid Rock next, when a heavy shower descended- so that was crossed off the afternoon’s agenda. Instead, we headed to the shops to stock up on food for the next few days.
Pizza cooked on the pizza stone in the Weber was on the menu – and a great success it was- followed by a serious canasta game. Frank is finally starting to get this game!
Glammy Goes Global 