Lake Tali Karng

It was Australia Day long weekend and time to hit the wilderness for us. We have several places on mind, but being a long weekend and Australians being a very out door nation, we knew all the camping sites are gonna be full. So we had to pick a remote destination and the walk to the hidden lake sounded like it. If it's hidden, it's definitely got to be a challenging route to get to, which means less crowd and no party crowd at all.

There are three way to get to the hidden lake. One starting from the McFarlane's Saddle on the Moroka Rd and following a flat track across Wellington Plain. This is the easiest and as we only planed for one night, we decided, we will take this. That was until we see the actual Wellington river.

The second track starts from Tamboritha Road and follows the Wellington River Walking Track crossing the river 16 times, which sounds awesome and compelling. But as we didnt have water crossing experience, we decided not to take it. But as we saw the river with it's low tided, we changed our minds.

The third is the most difficult track which is via Mt Margaret and that was not our cup of tea. Not when there is a river crossing track.

Leaving Melbourne fairly early, and after few hours of driving on a scenic route, we arrived at the Wellington valley.

Wellington river

The view was so pretty and the it looked picture perfect with the river flowing nice and neat across the green plans. Driving over few bridges, we saw people camping in popular spots and enjoying a dip in the river. Seeing the river water that low, we immediately decided to take the track with river crossings. We weren't prepared for it, we didn't have our dry packs or the saddles, but anyway this is nothing to miss out.

Further down the Tamboritha road, was the overnight campers car park and camp site. We parked the car, stuffed the back packs and headed off.

Oh and we didn't forget to sign the hikers registry.

Our plan was to walk all the way to the lake on day one and camp near the lake. But we doubted it was already past 12 when we started the walk and the river crossings are going to make us slow. We thought we'll decide as it comes and carried on. Seeing the first river crossing I was so thrilled.

As there were lots of rocks, we manged to cross with shoes on this time. But the next crossing, I tried to do the same and failed plus dropped my camera in the river. managed to catch it but it was ruined. It wasn't a very exy model so we didn't lose a fortune.

There after, shoes off. And it's a shame I had to use a phone to capture photos, but they turned out ok. So I'm happy.

It was difficult to cross barefoot, as the rocks were very uneven and it hurt to step on not to mention the slippery tops. So we used our thongs which isn't a brilliant idea but we had no choice. It was so difficult to not let the thong slipped away every time we lifted foot to step over. Luckily the deepest crossing we met, barely reached our knees.

We stopped at a crossing to have a sandwich. That was good, having lunch with your feet in the water.

The river was such a beauty and everything around it was green and lush. I so wanted to take a dip, but we didn't have time on day one, so had to postpone it to the next day.

track on the other side

Apart from the river crossings, the rest of the track remained as any other track you'd find in the area. Nothing special except few nice views here and there.

The only animal we saw was this tiger snake. Even he rushed away before we even started to capture.

View finally

As there is a river crossing for every two miles you walk, the track could never get boring. But there was a bit of a steep climb and we had to walk an hour or so without seeing the river.

Before long there is another crossing. And then back to boring track.

Some places in the river were very deep and we had to walk down the river until we find a safer place to cross over. This slowed down our phase.

A deep section

It was finally the last river crossing and the rest of the walk was on the edge of a small hill.

A few more miles on this track and we were at the junction where the track divides in to two each taking you to the lake via different terrains. One is steeper and the other is a bit longer.

 It was already afternoon and we were tired. Even though its another 5km, to the lake, it seemed challenging and with our heavy packs, it didn't sound like fun. So we decided camp near the junction in a small site by the creek and hike to Lake in the early morning leaving our stuff here.

Creek by the camp site

That was such a lovely cozy camp site without any facilities. A perfect hide out. So we pitched the tent and washed our aching bodies in the freezing water.

Just as we started to make tea, another group reached the site and so we are not going to be alone for the night, which is a good feeling.

Some tea and a nap

After some cookies and a warm cup of tea, we had a nap and then planned the walk for the next day. Soon it was dark and cold, so we had an early dinner and went to sleep. there were strange noises through out the night and I was half awake for the most part. Not sure what sort of animals were they. Best guess is wombats. 

Next day, we rose really early and it was still dark.  But we were so keen on getting to the lake as early as possible. We grabbed light packs with minimal essentials, set off via the Riggall Spur Track. The track is on the other side of the small creek, and imagine crossing that icy water at 5.30 in the morning. After bit of a struggle we made it to the other side and put our shoes back on. The rest of the track was nothing but up hill the whole time. It was a good decision to leave the heavy stuff behind. 

Sun kissed mountains

We managed to capture the first rays of morning sun and the views were pretty. We could hardly stop to enjoy the view as the climb was too steep. We walked really fast though and managed to reach the lake in less than 2 hours. 

First glimpse

There is a steep descend from the echo point to the lake and it was very narrow and slippery and muddy. Near to the end of the descend, you get the fist glimpse of the lake through the trees, which is so ecstatic. From that point on wards, I really don't remember what we passed and my eyes were glued to the lake.  And finally, the trees cleared and there it was. The mystic lake in all it's glory. 

We stood speechless for a while and oh what a feeling!  I never imagined it to be this magnificent. After settling down, we walked to a far corner for a better view and sat down to eat breakfast while enjoying this beautiful creation of God.

After spending a good amount of time, it was with great reluctance, that we left the lake. Plan was to walk the Langan track but finding the track was a bit of a challenge as it was hidden in a far corner.

Lanigan track took us through the valley of destruction and we were back at the camp around 11 am. After having a cup of tea, we hit the track back. Another 16 river crossings and we had the whole after noon left. 

After the hilly section, we decided to take a dip at the first river crossing we meet and so we did. The water was cool and crystal clear unless you mess it with your feet. Then we made pancakes by the river. 

 They didn't turn out perfect but tasted other worldly and just the thought of it gets my mouth watering.

The only significant thing happened in the rest of the track was we getting lost at one place. We crossed the river at a wrong spot and had to walk all over the place to find the track back. Lucky my partner is gadget freak and had the GPS device, else we could have walked in circles till night. 

It was past midnight when we reached home, with sore bodies, bruised limbs but feeling accomplished. This is a hike we will most definitely do again.

French Island on bike

French Island is one of our favorite getaways for the weekends when ever we don't have time to plan for something new. The fair heaven camp site had never failed us. But this time we thought we'd explore the island on bike as there we have heard there is quite a few interesting things to see around here.

So as usual we packed out bags and drove to the stony point after work on a Friday. The plan was to catch the last ferry leaving mainland and then walk to the camp site along the coastal walk before dark. We had a quick dinner while waiting for the ferry and it's always lovely to sit on the deck with the salty sea breeze in your face.

Finally we boarded the ferry and after around ten minutes arrived at the Tankerton jetty on the French Islands.

 It took a good few minutes to sort out bags and we were on our way to the camp site before long.

There was a fairly new entrance to the coastal walk track this time that we had never noticed before and it looked like it has been cleared very recently. It was just after the school holidays, and looked like the Island had a lot of visitors. 

Walking that 5 Km you get to walk by the sea and in lands alike and it has some spectacular views at that time of the day when sun is setting.

We stopped at few placed to take few photos and to enjoy the nice view. It was starting to get dark very quickly so we hurried to the campsite. It will be not fun to pitch the tent in the dark. And we so wanted to have a tea by the sea before the last light faded out. 

After arriving at the campsite, we pitched out tent at our usual spot and made tea. I didn't bother capturing that as it was way too dark.

When we walked to the beach however, we could still see the sky lit up over the main land. 

So we were all set up for the next days adventure and chit chatted on the beach until late night before going to sleep. Oh there was full moon so it was sort of magical to lie there under the dark starry skies by the beach. We love this feeling and it keeps us glued to this small, insignificant piece of land like a spell.

The island has totally a different vibe in the morning. The sun is mild and sea is calm. The only sound is from the birds and the wind. 

The plan was to walk to the Tankerton jetty as early as possible and get two bikes, and then come back for breakfast. So we left on foot to the bike hire place which was still closed. Lucky us and we met the daughter of the owner of the General store who was kind enough let us have two bikes and that we pay to her Mom at the store on our way back. I guess that saved us a lot of time.

So we rode back to our camp and had a lovely relaxed breaky.

It was summer and it could get very hot during the day. So we had to prepare for that with sunscreen, hats, jumpers, and lot of water. Everything in a small backpack and we were good to go.

First thing was to stop at the General store and pay for the bikes and then we couldn't resist but have some ice cream. In fact my partner has fallen in love with that strawberry soft ice cream. 

After all the indulgence, it's time to start paddling again. It's not easy to ride these bikes on that gravel roads specially when it's bumpy and hilly. To add to that, the bikes are very basic and had never seen any oil in their entire lives. the chains are rusted and we had to push really hard to get them working. In particular places it was easier to walk rather than riding.

There were two things we wanted to visit. One was the Tea rooms and the other, the islands barge over on the other side. 

All you get to see along the way is the endless dry grasslands with cattle and horses here and there and the wet lands. 

It's not difficult at all to find the tea rooms, but you can't actually see it from the road so there is a chance you miss it if you don't look for Name plates and signs. A short walk through the eucalyptus trees led us to the farm. On those trees we spotted a few Koalas just as we expected to. 

We were greeted by a friendly dogie who soon let it's owner know that we are there. A girl greeted us and confirmed that we are at the right place and offered to show around the place. 

So we walked around the farm house looking at packs of hens, few more koalas. 

They had two horses with them who were very friendly and we fed them few apples we had with us. It was lovely to watch so closely as they eat the apples with such appetite. 

We also fed the chickens. This was something I had never done before and it kind of felt wired to be surrounded by so many birds who aren't shy and would go all over you to get some seeds.

After all the animal fun, we went in the Tea rooms for a refreshment. It was an old Chicory kiln, now used as a small cafe. It has been kept so intact that you almost feel like you have time traveled back in to those days.

  

Tea was served with some homemade scones, cream and Jam. They also had homemade james and marmalade for sale. 

This was such a lovely experience for us. After a small chit chat, we left the place heading to the barge. 

Finding the right track was a bit challenging this time and what was even more challenging was to ride the bikes in those tracks. Some parts are washed off and we carried the bikes for the most part. We were so exhausted when we reached the barge.

We heard that this is where people come if they wan to transport their vehicles or other heavy goods.

It was so hot and we were hungry due to all the riding and walking. We sat in a shade and ate out sandwiches. After a while of resting, we started back. We wanted to explore further, but it was too tiring and we have to return the bikes before dark. 

So we rode back to the Jetty stopping by the General store on our way to replenish few items. Riding back was much easier as the road was in a better condition but still it has really hilly sections. We met a few horses on our way and also a strange looking goat.

After returning the bikes at the Jetty, we decided to walk along the beach to the campsite. During the day the beach is widely exposed due to the law tide. This leaves miles of sandy beach along the coast. 

You have to be careful when walking on those sandy stretches as some places are mudflats with lose soil underneath. 

There were millions of these tiny crabs all over the beach. They would run in herds and dissappear in to sand in a flash.

On to the land side it's the wetlands all along the way and they are full of mangroves and various shrubs,bushes and grass that are unique to this place.

At the end of a relaxed walk along the beach, we could finally see the land mark near our camp site. It's remnants of an old jetty.

It was good to be at the campsite again after a tiring day. We washed ourselves and changed in to fresh cloths and settled in for the night. It started to drizzle a bit so we cooked dinner early and kept in the tent. The rain set in soon after and we just had time for a wine.

The rain stopped in the night but we had spend the rest of the evening in the tend as the ground was wet and muddy. It would have been so much better if we could have dinner by the sea but we can do that next time. 

We rose early next day and packed our bags and headed back to catch our ferry to the main land. Caught this rainbow on our way.

This was one of the best weekend we spent on the French Island indeed. 

We drove home feeling energized and ready to face the busy week with refreshed minds.