The first thing we noticed getting back on the mainland was how hot it was. Yes, Melbourne turned on a fine day for our arrival. We caught up with the Queensland grandparents for breakfast - down especially for our arrival - oh and to catch a spot of tennis. Apparently the Australian Open was on.
After brekky, we hit the road - to the shops. I had come to the conclusion that the problem with the fridge in Matilda was nothing to do with the fridge at all, but that the five year old deep cycle batteries in Matilda had started to fail. A few phone calls didn't instill me with much confidence - until I struck Battery World Lillydale. Not only could they supply me with two new batteries - but they could also fit them for me... Sold. The team there helped me out - much more than some of their similarly branded brethren closer to the city seemed interested in doing - and thankfully the new batteries seemed to have fixed all my other problems electrically.
After resupplying we then headed east, to our friend's wonderful property near Cann River. We spent four nights on their delightful block, doing a little bit of bushwalking, little bit of fishing, and for the boys a complete novelty - a little bit of Wii and Movie time! It was wonderful to catch up with our friends, and for the boys to catch up with their friends.
We bade farewell after the Australia Day long weekend started to draw to a close, and headed west, towards a little place called Blue Water Holes, near Briagolong. The natural rock pool was so refreshing after a hot day travelling - and we even snuck down after dinner for another swim... and another after brekky the following morning.
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| The Blue Waterholes - a lovely place for a dip |
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| And the camp at Blue Waterholes wasn't bad either |
We camped at Slatey Creek, in a pleasant bush camp, formerly worked over for gold... and gold was our objective as the following morning we visited the famous Sovereign Hill. It was the first day of school - so we took an excursion to the part theme park, part living history lesson that is centered on GOLD!
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| Outside the entrance |
Gold fever hit the whole family and we started panning almost straight away. And yes - we did find some specs of the yellow metal. Unfortunately the man at the Gold Exchange said we had a long way to go before we would have enough to trade - but he was impressed with our efforts!
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| All set to make our fortunes |
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| Blowing the steam 'Smoko' whistle |
Another adventure was underground - and we did the short Red Hill mining tour -which was very well put together - and put a good perspective on the mining conditions faced by many, once the alluvial gold ran out. The boys also gained a much better appreciation of the treatment of the Chinese miners, and the unfairness of the taxing regime of the time. What a huge day!
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| About to head underground! |
Ballarat was not done with us yet - the following morning we visited the Prisoner of War Memorial near Lake Wendouree. It lists all the known Australian Prisoners of War - and we found my Grandfather's name etched on the wall - along with many of his mates'. It was a beautiful memorial, and very moving.
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| At the Prisoner of War memorial |
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| Looking for a familiar name |
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| Among the thousands |
We weren't done with Ballarat - however even a quick visit to the Gold Museum wasn't able to hold us for much longer. The temperature was rising again - and it was time to head to the coast and the cooling sea breeze. Our destination was Queenscliff and the infamous Rip, marking the entrance to Port Phillip Bay. We were looking for some cool relief, and it wasn't long before we were there... Little did we know who we would be camping with in a couple of nights, but that of course, is another story!
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