Gorgeous Grampians

Winter has officially begun and it's our last chance to hit a camp ground before Melbourne freezes in to an ice cube. This time we decided to head West of Melbourne and explore and indulge in the great Grampians. Two of our best buddies joined us and we left homes in the wee hours.

After no more than 3 and a half hours we managed to arrive at the destination. The park office which issue camping permits is in the Brambuk Cultural Center. It was still closed when we reached there, so we decided to checkout the camp grounds to see if we've got space.

The Jimmy Creek camp site was almost full on that day and we finally decided to settle down at Borough Huts as it seemed peaceful and relatively spacious and empty at that time. It was complete with a scenic stream just few feet away with sparkling waters.

Our water supply for the next 2 days

The park was full of wild Kangaroos who roamed freely. We managed to take close ups and even pet a few which was amazing. 

Chilling kangos

We pitched the tents as usual and went straight to get the permit and a of course a few maps. 

tents in the sun

By the time we came back we were starving and feeling stiff so we decided it's tea time. After a snack and a hot cup of coffee we were energized to set off for the much looked forward exploring.

There were so many tracks on the map and we had to select a few easy ones for the first day. We missed few places like MacKenzie Falls,  due to road closures. But managed to get a sneak peek from a distance and drove through the regrowing trees and bushes. The color combination was amazing. 

Dirt roads

The next on the list was the Reed Lookout and the balconies. An easy 15 minute walk from the car park to the balconies. And the same to the Reed lookout. Both were nice high points or lookouts to capture a nice view of the area below.  It rained a little and the view was covered my the mist for the most part. When the mist cleared for a few seconds, we could see the beautiful scenery that was underneath it. A was truly mystic.

Breath taking view

The walk is very crumbly yet beautiful and it wasn't boring as the scene kept changing at every bend.

Another mystic scene

Balconies

As it started to  get dark we decided to get back to the camps. And we stopped to buy some stuff for a BBQ in the town and saw more Kangaroos sun bathing in a ground.

Kangaroos, completely oblivious to the crowd

We managed to gather some fire wood from the jungle and lit a small fire. But the non stop drizzle was not helping at all. So we gathered up in to one tent and chit chatted over a drink and dinner until it's time to sleep. I am sure the temperature was below zero that night.

We woke up early the next day as we have a long circuit to walk. After cleaning our selves in the ice cold water from the stream down the park, we got ready for the hike. With all the food and water packed we set off for the famous Pinnacle.

We decided to cover few other places as we go and started from Halls Gap car park and headed towards Venus bath. The path was very diverse and the stream was decorated by rocks which gave it a strange look.

Rocky scenery 

Venus bath

Then, we continued towards the Splitters falls. The track is thoroughly enjoyable with lots of flora and fauna to see. Even thought the falls didn't have much water, it was beautiful and clean.

Splitters falls

We filled out water carton from the fresh waters. After resting a while on the way we headed towards the Great canyon which lies on the way to the pinnacle.

That was a sight to see. the formation of the rocks resembled the Great Canyon of Colorado in the US.

Mini canyon

The climb wasn't very difficult and it was full of beautiful views. After another few minutes it brought us to another fork junction. We decided to take the loop with extra 2.2 Km to the pinnacle over the 0.7 Km short cut just to make sure we don't miss anything and to add some cardio to the hike.

It took another 15 minutes for us to reach to the Pinnacle. As we walked to the look out, we realized why it's given the name. The sight below was simply amazing and breath-taking and is definitely worth every bit of our journey up the hill.

View from pinnacle

More view

and some more...

After absorbing the nice view we had a quick snack and a few minutes rest before climbing down to the Halls gap. The return was just 3.3 Km. But it was a steady descend and bit of a challenge to the faint of the heart.

It was nearly 5 in the evening when we reached the Galls gap town. We hurried back to the camp sites determined to enjoy a nice Bonn fire and a BBQ dinner as it was a clear day with no rain at all.

Dazzling bonn fire

We sat around the fire chitchatting over some nice burnt meat and few beers and called it a day. That was some nice camping to remember.

Camping in Wilson's Prom

Wilson’s promontory, commonly known as the Wilson’s Prom is a peninsula that forms the southernmost part of the Australian mainland. Fortified with spectacular views and unspoiled wilderness, it attracts nature lovers throughout the year.

It’s no more than a 3 hours drive from the Melbourne CBD unless you stop at every nice scenery you pass which is very compelling. The change begins as soon as you enter Gippsland and you see either sea or endless jungle either side of the road.

First glimpse of the sea

View from the road

Scenic route

Our initial intention was to walk the trails embrace the nature and camp for the night and get back by morning next day.  But as soon as we entered the place, I knew that we are not going to make it in one day. There are so much to do and so much to see.

As we had booked in advance we just had to grab the sticker for the vehicle from the Tidal River office. The staff was very nice and enlightened us with some great know-hows and ‘to-do’s. Our first task was to find a nice spot to pitch the tent. There were enough spaces on the riverside but I so badly wanted to be on the sea side. So we headed to the other side. As we drove around in circles it looked all the nice spots were already taken, but boy! that was our luck day! We found the perfect spot and parked and started to pitch the tent. Just as we unloaded the stuff a pair of lovely parrots came down out of nowhere. They weren't scared of us and I am guessing they were looking for food.

love their colors!

And soon after some sea gulls paid a visit and hanged out till we left.

We secured the tent and freshened up and set off for a relaxing walk. Maps are available in the office and at the gate and there are boards and notices everywhere. So one can never get lost. We covered almost every track near the Tidal River including picnic bay, squeaky beach, Lilly Pilly gully (what a funny name) and few lookouts with breath taking views.

Tidal river

Spectacular view of the beaches 

More beaches

Can spend hours sitting here

We were so taken by the beauty of the place and we decided to take a step further and walk the 10km to see the Sealers cove (another beach) on the other side of the peninsula. But that needs at least half a day so we decided to do that next day and stay an extra night. With that in mind and all exited we headed back to the camp. Guess who we met on our way. A Wombat!.

It was nearly 4 in the evening when we finally returned to the camp. We have to cook something before it gets dark as it is autumn. So we took a warm but quick showers in the nearby facility which is very nicely kept. We fixed a quick dinner ate it under the nice tree shade near our tent.

our temporary home in the wilderness

It was dark before we could even finish up storing the food away. We were warned about the Wombats by the staff and few friends who had been here before. If you keep food in your tent, these cute but very strong fur balls are gonna come for it in the night and try to grab them. So if you want to sleep peacefully store the food in your car. But later in the night I realized, there are other stuff to worry than just Wombats.

It started to become very windy and by mid night, the wind was at top speed and was swirling around. We can hear the wind and the sea, it almost felt like in the middle of a hurricane.  The tent was dancing and making wired sounds against the wind. I was awake most of the night and fell asleep by morning. Wasn't I glad the night was over and I was wondering why I wanted to pitch in sea side of all the places.

It felt tired due to previous day’s walking and lack of sleep but we were so excited about the hike to Sealers cove. So we got up, fixed ourselves a quick breakfast and packed a bag of few canned food, rain coats and water and headed to catch the free shuttle bus which leaves every half an hour. The bus took us to the Telegraph Saddle, where the walk begins. It is the starting point to both Sealers cove and the Mt Oberon. We started around 9.30 in the morning and as soon as we entered the track, it started to rain. The thin rain coats could barely save us.

Thick forest

The walk was nice as the surrounding changed with every turn. It was nice to be in the jungle when it rains. The path was edgy at some points and it got muddy with rain and slowed our journey a bit. We stopped at two places to have a quick snack.

Edgy path

Towards the end the track if formed in to a nice wooden path build on a swampy land with palms which gave the place a pre-historic look on those Jurassic movies.

The wooden bridge takes you directly to the destination of the long walk. And as we got out of the jungle to the clearing, we were stunned by the magnificent view. There was the Cove. So other-worldly, so massive, unspoiled and breath taking. This was the most beautiful beach I have ever seen.

Hidden beauty

There were only a handful of people, so at one point it looked as we got the whole place for ourselves. We walked to the far most corner laid a mat and took a long nice rest under the cleared sky just after the rain. We just couldn't make up our minds to leave the place.

Not a single sole

After spending more than an hour we decided to leave as we had to get back before dark. Walking that slippery narrow track in the dark is the last thing I wanted. So we took one last look at this hidden beauty and started heading back determined to come back again.

It was beginning to get dark when we reached the camp, so we had to hurry up. We managed to heat up some food midst wind which made it hard to get the burner lit.

The wind wasn't that bad so we slept nice and sound till morning.

There is one more thing that we so wanted to do and that was to go see the light house which is very famous. We thought we could drive there. But we later learnt that it’s only accessible via foot. And that is going to be far more exiting. So we decided to come again for the light house another time. We took few maps and details of the light house track, grabbed a coffee and headed home feeling brand new.

Phillip Island

Phillip Island, located south-east of Melbourne is a versatile holiday destination. if you are in for a one day outing or a fun filled vacation, this island could cater either.

We headed off hoping to spend a day and grasp as many things as we can. Anyone who wants maximum out of a day trip should head there as early as possible because then you get make most of your day. In fact morning is so beautiful. As it was summer, we expected the sun to come hard on us when it's noon.

We started from the Nobbies center, which is at the far corner of the island and the place is simply magnificent. It has well formed tracks or decks all around the center that enables you to walk around the tip of the island. the view of the sea from here is breathtaking.

Walking tracks and the scenery

Seagulls can be seen in abundance. Yes it is their home and we have to respect their privacy as a lot of birds were very protective of their nests.

Don't this guy look a bit cross

View from the Nobbies

More view

We walked about an hour or more and then decided to go book out tickets for the most popular event of this island, the penguin parade. We were lucky as they had seats left and the queue was growing fast. We took a 3 in 1 pass which allows as to visit the Churchill farm, Koala sanctuary and the Penguin parade with just one pass. After securing the passes, we took a map and decided to go sight seeing and take a dip in the sea.

So we decided to head first to see the Koalas. It was a nice sanctuary with walking tracks and bridges so we could be close to Koalas and take a nice look at them chilling on trees. It was fun walking trying to spot a fur ball on a random eucalyptus.

 After a sneak peek at the Koala information center, we drove to the Churchill Island heritage farm. We were lucky to catch the last bit of a Saturday market just outside the farm yard. They has quite a few local produce and lovely canapes and ice cream. 

Inside the farm were some unique events and historical settings.

There were horses to pet, sheep and hens and cows. The setting reminded of an old farm yard and it feels like traveled back in time.

There are many events to catch up like a horse cart ride, milking the cow, working dogs, sheep shearing, whip cracking. Then we saw this track which takes you around the farm land close to the cost line and walked down that just to make sure we didn't miss anything. 

Sea from the walking track

It was getting really warm and we decided it was finally time to take a dip and so we had a quick lunch and chilled for a while before heading to the Smiths beach. That was nice beach and the wind wasn't very high so the sea was calm. The water was still extremely cold but it was the ideal setting for a relaxing swim. We spent a good amount of time in the sea and got out reluctantly as it was getting late. We had to catch the penguin parade so, 'see ya lovely beach'.

On our way to see the penguins, we stumbled upon this sign of Swan lake and couldn't resist but go see what it is. So we took a turn, having a little time to spare, drove to the Swan lake. We has to park and then take a few minutes walk to the lake. It was the most fascinating view I have ever scene in wild. The viewing dock was nicely hidden on the band and saw we can watch the black swans without scaring them away. There were so many swans and some ducks too. We took some time to enjoy this breathtaking view and left the place thanking ourselves for taking the turn at the sign. It was worth it.

It was past 6 when we finally reached the penguin viewing grounds. There was a nice cafe but it was full with visitors and we has to stay in long queues to grab a bite before the parade starts. Tummy's filled and freshened up, we headed to the beach and took seats. It was really crowded and I was doubting for a moment, that this might scare away the penguins. We has to wait a bout an hour until the first little fellow appeared in between waves and marched bravely towards it's den midst the massive crowd watching. And then there were more and more. It was difficult to see them as it's dark, despite the flash lights. The crowd became uneasy when they can't see and people started to get up from the seats and shout in excitement. Despite several warnings of the attendants, people took photos and we could see camera flashes going here and there. It was a bit disappointing and the place was so over crowded. I felt guilty coming here and disturbing the precious wild life. So we decided to leave half way in to viewing. Even when we were walking on the bridges, we could see people acting irresponsibly, pointing at penguins already on the grassland, taking photos of their nests and shouting.
We really thought there should be a lot more controlling and organizing in letting people come see this phenomenal event, else there won't be any penguins coming this way in the near future. 

We finally manages to squeeze through the crowd in to the car park and headed home after a eventful day with umm mixed feelings.

Marysville hikes

Most of the beautiful nature trails and waterfalls of Yarra valley are residing in the Marysville which is an ideal place for day hikes and family picnics. No matter what age or fitness level you are in, you will find a walking trail that suits you. We visited Yarra valley and stumbled upon Marysville almost by accident.

Stevenson falls seemed the most popular attraction as it was very close to the car park and so we strolled along the formed track. The falls looked spectacular.

Stevenson falls

We stayed there absorbing the beauty and started our way back to the park, when we saw the sign for some more attractions that sounds like fun hikes.

We decided to go to the top of the falls first. It was a bit long way and few steep steps and without much effort, we were brought at the top. It looked way more beautiful from there and the bridge made it easy for the visitors to take a nice look at a safe distance.

Falls from the top

Top of falls covered! Next stop Keppel look out. According to the sign it's just a 4.5 Km walk so we started not knowing what to expect.

Regrowing

Soon we realized the climb was very steep and it was a bit exhausting but enjoyable. We met another lookout on the way.

Another lookout

At one place we really had to decide on the track as the arrows were not clear. Luckily we had the maps with us and managed to guess the correct path. We stopped at some place with a nice scene and had a snack enjoying the mild sun and the breeze and started again. After few more minutes we arrived at the Keppel look out which is a spectacular view of the surrounding.

We stayed there a good few minutes and started heading back to the car park over the circuit. It was a walk in the bushes and we enjoyed walking in the shades. The track had streams all along.

After about an hour, we reached the car park where we washed our selves and changed in to fresh cloths before heading home.

P.S. We paid a visit to the famous Chocolate factory on the way to indulge in a hot chocolate with a view.

Chocolatery and Ice Creamery

Hay rolls we saw on the way