Day 21
Friday 17th April
Phillip Island to Yea
215 kms
9-15 degrees, sunny
Farewell to Phillip Island and we start to head north. Lovely drive around the eastern side of Western Port Bay – the sun was shining and the ocean glistening.
We had planned to go to the KaBloom Flower Festival in Silvan in the Mt Dandenong region. However… we had a shredded tyre on the caravan. We had to pull over on a narrow winding road outside a little town called Macclesfield. Virtually in the middle of nowhere.
I was straight onto RACQ. We have always had exceptional prompt service from them . And my numerous phone calls with Kathy were just that. But no matter how hard she tried liaising with RACV, she couldn’t get anyone to come and change the tyre. Simon had offered to help but we had sent them off try and get to the flower festival – it was too dangerous on the side of the road. Frank’s shoulder limits his ability to lift the tyre.
We managed to move the car and van 50 metres down to what we thought was an unused driveway to a property. Kathy was still trying to get us assistance but the best she could do was to organise a tow truck to tow the van to a tyre shop, but that would be a couple of hours away.
In the meantime, the neighbour from across the road, and soon after his brother, came across to see what was going on. Then the owners of the “ unused” driveway arrived to check their horses. Our new friend Grant offered to change the tyre for us. Simon arrived back half way through, so between Frank, Simon and Grant, the tyre was changed. The rest of us spectated and commentated. All a bit of excitement – but something we really could have done without! Just after it was done, the tow truck arrived, but we could cheerfully send it on! It’s always so lovely to know there are such nice people in the world! Very humbling.
On the road again – we didn’t get to the Flower Festival sadly, as we had lost a couple of hours with the tyre drama. We got off the windy roads as soon as we could, and enjoyed the drive through the picturesque Yarra Valley to Yea, our overnight stop .
The Yea Riverside Caravan Park was a lovely spot to recharge for the night. After the dramas of the day, we decided to eat out, so walked into town and enjoyed a lovely dinner at the Peppercorn Hotel. Perfect timing – Fridays are their seafood nights. Fresh oysters plus a seafood curry hit the spot!
Day 22
Saturday 18th April
Yea to Bright
236 kms
4-18 degrees, sunny
An easy pack up as we had left the car hooked up. Today was mostly driving with a lunch stop at Glenrowan. The township of Glenrowan is most famous for hosting the final siege and capture of the Kelly Gang in 1880. Their story is preserved in the township’s attractions, museums, and historic walk- actually everything here is about Ned Kelly. Very touristy! We went to the museum at the Visitor Centre where we got a run down on the notorious bushranger’s life.
We skirted around Wangaratta and soon found ourselves cruising along the Great Alpine Road, one of those drives where you’re constantly tempted to pull over “just for a quick photo.” The road winds through postcard-perfect towns like Myryleford and Porepunkah before delivering us into Bright in full autumn glory. The trees had clearly decided to show off—every shade of gold, amber and crimson lighting up the valley like nature’s own fireworks display.
Reality gently re-entered the picture at Tasman Holiday Parks – Bright, which was absolutely heaving—final day of the school holidays and everyone squeezing in one last escape. Still, we settled in and quietly placed our bets on a mass exodus the following morning (spoiler: we were right).
Then, just to keep things interesting, the caravan threw in its own plot twist. A quick check revealed the breakaway cable had snapped—likely sacrificed to the weight distribution bars somewhere along the way. Not ideal, but also not entirely surprising. Caravan life: equal parts freedom, fresh air… and the occasional roadside repair saga.
Day 23
Sunday 19th April
Bright – Mt Hotham – Omeo – Falls Creek – Mt Beauty- Bright
3-18, sunny
The circuit loop today – 244 kms. This trip is only possible from November to May when all the roads are open.
Our first stop was Harrietville, only 22 kms from Bright, and sitting right at the base of Mt Hotham. This quaint village in Victoria’s High Country is a true mountain escape and the gateway to the Alpine National Park. We had a little walk around this sleepy town, before starting our ascent to Mt Hotham.
Well this was 30 kms of extremely steep, winding roads with numerous hairpin turns. I found it to be quite scary at times. But more scary, was the fact that we drove the caravan down this road only 15 months earlier. How naive were we! No wonder the brakes were smoking when we arrived in Harrietville! Whilst we had sweeping views over the Alpine Valley, I think I can confidently say I will never drive this section of road ever again!
At the top of this highest sealed road in Australia, 1861 metres above sea level, we stopped for the obligatory photo opportunity – and in my case, to recover from the stressful drive. Lots of hikers and cyclists out and about. Not far south of Mt Hotham peak we took a detour into Dinner Plain – a quaint alpine village with accommodation, cafes, restaurants and even a school. Obviously much busier in winter.
A not so steep descent into Omeo led us straight to Crazy Cow’s Bakery. Frank has declared the pies here the best ever. I have to say they were very generous with the filling.
Continuing on the Alpine Loop we had a 90 minute drive with steep narrow winding roads. This took us up to Falls Creek, a resort town in northeastern Victoria. Falls Creek is a winter wonderland, offering skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snow play and much more in a unique ski in/ski out European Village style setting. I’m sure it would be very busy in winter, however quite deserted at this time of year.
Another thirty minutes to Mt Beauty, a destination that lives up to its name with its stunning backdrop of Victoria’s highest peak, Mt Bogong.
We stopped at the Visitor Information Centre and Museum. The museum has a great exhibition on Cattlemen of the High Country.
It also has a very very interesting display about the Kiewa hydroelectric scheme – the largest hydroelectric scheme in Victoria. Starting in the Alps and finishing in the Kiewa Valley, the four power stations can power approximately 65,000 homes with renewable energy. The flow of water through these stations at successively lower levels enables the same water to be used repeatedly and generates electricity before entering the Regulating Pondage in Mt Beauty. We drove around the pondage which has been developed into beautiful parklands and walking paths.
The final leg of the circuit was another ascent and descent, stopping at Sullivans Lookout for a spectacular view of the Kiewa Valley and Mt Boogong.
Through the Ovens Valley and back to Bright. Before long Simon had the campfire blazing, so we could sit around the fire and relax after our long day.
Day 24
Monday 20th April
Bright
3-23 degrees, sunny
Finally—a day where the odometer barely moved and the alarm clock was blissfully ignored.
We started with a small win: dropping off the very sorry-looking tyre at a shop practically next door to the caravan park. Pure coincidence, but we’ll happily take that kind of good fortune on the road.
Then it was off to the gem that is Nightingale Bros Alpine Produce in Wandiligong – an apple lover’s paradise. If it grows on a tree, they seem to have it. Crisp apples of every variety, plus shelves groaning with cider, juices, jams, chutneys, and enough sweet treats to test anyone’s willpower. Add in a relaxed outdoor area with games and a playground, and it’s the kind of place you linger longer than planned.
Back in town, we swapped wheels for walking shoes and wandered along the stunning Canyon Walk beside the Ovens River. The Liquid Amber trees lined the path like a postcard in the making—peaceful, colourful, and just the right pace for a no-rush kind of day. At this time of year, large deciduous trees, including oaks, elms, poplars and Japanese maples, paint the town in shades of crimson and bright yellow.
Naturally, all that strolling worked up an appetite, and Riverdeck Kitchen delivered. Lunch with a view over the park and river? Hard to beat. Good food, good company, and no reason to hurry anywhere.
A gentle wander through town followed—browsing, poking into shops, and generally soaking up the laid-back vibe—before heading back to camp.
A few chores (the glamorous side of caravan life), then it was time to unwind properly – campfire crackling, dinner sorted, and cards in hand. Proof that sometimes the best days are the ones where you don’t go very far at all.
Day 25
Tuesday 21st April
Bright – Myrtleford – Bright
9-21 degrees, sunny
Cycling seems to be part of life in Bright and Surrounds – there’s trails to cater for every ability and style. Because we didn’t have a bike rack fitted to the new caravan as yet, we didn’t have our bikes with us. But we could hire them.
We thought we would explore Myrtleford by bike. After picking up hire bikes at the local bike shop, electric for me, road bike for Frank, we started first with the mosaic trail. Apparently there are over 100 mosaics to discover along the way. Can’t say we saw all 100, or even half, but it was a very pretty ride alongside the Ovens River and through forested glades, enjoying the birdlife.
Next we thought we could do a section of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail – one of Australia’s premier rail trails, linking Bright to Wangaratta and Beechworth along 120 kms of sealed path. We rode through farmlands and avenues of liquid amber trees to Happy Valley, taking in views of Mount Buffalo along the way. The Happy Valley Pub was the perfect place to stop for coffee and a late lunch. Taking off again, I had a little hiccup – I fell off the bike and scraped my knee! I was ok, just think it was because I haven’t ridden for a while, so out of practice. I hadn’t even had a drink!
Once the procured bag of ice had worked its magic, I was back on my bike, literally, and on our way back to Myrtleford. A visit to Michelini Cellar Door would be a nice way to finish our ride. Michelini Wines is a family owned winery specialising in Italian varietals such as Pinot Grigio, Prosecco, Barbera and Sangiovese. Some of their wines are labeled as Devil’s Creek. We bought two varietals we had never heard of – Arneis and Teroldego. We enjoyed the wines, unfortunately the lady serving us for the wine tasting, seemed to be in a big hurry to get us through. Probably would have bought more if she wasn’t in such a hurry!
We dropped off the bikes, and drove back to Bright. We were in for a treat tonight – I had left lamb shanks cooking in the slow cooker all day. What a way to finish the day – sitting under the stars, by the fire, enjoying our lamb shanks, and sipping our newly discovered Tareldego wine.
Day 26
Wednesday 22nd April
Bright – Mount Buffalo – Bright
8-20 degrees , sunny
Forty minutes from Bright is Mount Buffalo – this was today’s destination. We had another perfect day weather wise. The Mount Buffalo National Park has been protected for over a century with thousands of visitors arriving every year to see the dramatic rock formations, sheer cliff faces, imposing granite tors and tumbling waterfalls.
As we drove up the mountain we could see some evidence of the recent fires, but could also see the vivid colours as species have begun to regenerate. There are signs indicating wildlife such as Lyrebirds, Wombats and Swamp Wallabies reside in these bush lands. We did see a couple of Eastern Rosellas.
Approximately thirty minutes up the mountain is the Chalet. I remember seeing this magnificent building when I was around 14 years old, and thinking it looked like it came from a fairytale. Often referred to as The Grande Old Dame of Victoria’s Alpine region, the incredibly picturesque Mount Buffalo Chalet is perched on the top of Bent’s Lookout, with breathtaking views that stretch out over the famous Gorge below. Built in 1910 by the Victorian Government after the first road opened to the summit, the Chalet is listed in the Victorian Heritage Register for its architectural, historical and social significance. Today the building is only open for occasional guided tours. I still appreciated the grandeur of the building from the outside.
Bents Lookout gave us a sweeping view over the Gorge. From here we walked 500 metres to Crystal Brook Falls. The water in the stream above the falls was, like the name, crystal clear.
Continuing upwards, past the very pretty Lake Catani, with the last 2 kms being gravel, we arrived at the Horn, Mount Buffalo’s highest point at 1,723m elevation. The Horn pinnacle is a 30 min uphill walk from The Horn car park, and provides 360 degree views of the plateau and the other High Country mountain peaks in the distance. A very picturesque spot for a picnic lunch.
Of course what goes up must come down – so we retrace our drive. Not far from the Porepunkah turn off was the Red Stag Deer and Emu farm which is situated on a 70-acre farm with stunning alpine views in all directions including the Mount Buffalo national park. This unique property offers great opportunities to feed, touch and learn about deer, emus and ostriches. Isla had a wonderful time feeding the animals. The deer were so sweet, but knew to step back when the buck arrived. As for the ostrich – he was so aggressive! He chased the bucks away, and pecked the emus. We certainly knew who was boss! We were fascinated by the deer’s life cycle – the stags lose their antlers on 1st September every year, the rutting season starts on 28th March and lasts for 15 days . In this time the stags don’t eat or sleep – just trying to keep the ladies happy. The fawns are born on 1st December. Nature is amazing!
Back to Bright. Picked up the repaired tyre – country folk are so friendly. We leave the next day so packed up the awning and chairs etc.
We decided were weren’t quite ready to say goodbye to Bright yet, so ended up walking into town for a farewell drink in The Paddock, an alfresco drinking/eating area. One drink led to staying for dinner. A relaxing way to complete our time in this lovely area.
Day 27
Thursday 23rd April
Bright – Gundagai
7-21 degrees, sunny
We had to stop at a local auto electrician on our way out of Bright. Our break away cable must have got caught in the draw bar and snapped. The simplest solution was to link the two pieces and crimp them closed. Another friendly local to the rescue, all for the princely sum of $20. Got to love county folk.
Farewell Bright. We stopped just out of Myrtleford at Pepo Farm. They produce Australia’s only pumpkin seeds, and collaborate directly with regenerative farmers to press oils, roast snacks, and craft flours that are quite different from anything else on the shelf. After a tasting of all the various products, we came away with dry roasted and chocolate coated seeds, and also a bottle of macadamia oil.
Onto Yackandandah, a pretty village with a centre classified by the national trust. The town is home to many acclaimed artists, from potters to painters, sculptors to stitchers. We had a walk up and down the main street, avoiding the dropping acorns, and made a beeline for the bakery ( a franchise of the famous Beechworth bakery). The pie eaters were all very happy.
Bypassing Wodonga, we were soon on the Hume Highway, making our way to Canberra. Tonight our stop was Gundagai at the Riverside Caravan Park, two side by side drive through sites.
It didn’t take long to set up, so Frank and I walked into town. We haven’t stayed here before, so we were pleasantly surprised to see the art deco and colonial buildings lining the streets of this Riverina town. Also some pretty autumnal colours adorning the golf course and football field.
Back at the caravan park, we saw the cairn built to remember Australian explorer Charles Sturt, who passed this spot in 1829. Watching the prolific bird life along the river’s edge was quite entertaining. Simon had the fire raging by the time we got back – just in time to enjoy our dinner and wine staring into the flames.
Glammy Goes Global 