We set off in perfect weather, with blue skies surrounding us, the last we would see for a while. It was a pleasant drive on the Western Highway to Melbourne, with not too many trucks on the road.
We thought we would stop in Horsham for coffee but the town was too big, and busy, and not a long car park in sight, one that would take a car and a caravan.
Finally we saw the Giant Koala in Dadswells Bridge, and because we were desperate by this stage we stopped for a coffee break. But first we needed to admire (or not) the faded and very shabby Giant Koala, left over from the days of 'giant things' in Australia.
The cafe beside it was also rather dilapidated and needed a good clean, but the friendly staff helped, and thankfully the coffee came in take away cups. And it was quite pleasant sitting in the sunshine outside, watching the traffic roar past. No one else stopped there.
The lunch stop was in a delightful town, name forgotten, where we found a quiet road, beside a closed school and ate our sandwiches, again in beautiful sunshine. I took Piper for a walk to have a look at the church which was on the hill above us.
After taking a complicated and long route through Ballarat, courtesy of Google maps, we finally came to the road that led to Geelong, and then onto Point Lonsdale.
The school holidays started the day we arrived in Point Lonsdale, so the Big4 caravan park was heaving with families. Most of the park was taken up with units and reminded us of the caravan parks in England with the onsite vans, plus entertainment for everyone. This Big4 had the usual playground and jumping cushion, plus a cafe, carts for hire, activity rooms, gym, and an indoor swimming pool.
There were two small camping areas at the back, and yes we were squashed in, without much room between caravans and tents. We were at the end thank goodness, but needed to park on the concrete space, otherwise the passenger side was against the bushes. The toilet block was next door to us, which was very convenient.
There was a narrow road which we had to take to get in and out of the park, and it was always full of children on bikes or scooters.
Still everyone seemed to be having a great time, regardless of the overcast skies and rain.
We met up with Rudolf and Conny, which was fantastic, and spent a lovely three days with them, catching up on news, and reminiscing about days gone by. Such a special time. It was very difficult to say goodbye at the end of our time there.
One morning we had morning coffee at the cafe by the harbour in Queenscliff, where the ferry goes across to Serrento. Lots of expensive looking boats in this harbour.
The main street in Queensliff, a very trendy area.
Rudolf and Conny live in a lovely retirement village in Point Lonsdale, with landscaped gardens, and a huge clubhouse which houses a cafe, library, swimming pool, meeting rooms, lounge. Fantastic facilities.
Some of the flowering trees were providing the first colour of the season. I loved the pink flowering tree in the photo below.
The retirement village is part of the wider community, with spacious green areas and a lake. Plus plenty of cycling and walking paths in which to explore the wider area.
On the second morning we had coffee at a lovely cafe which was part of Van Loon's nursery, which sold a variety of beautiful plants, homewares and clothes and it was difficult to be strong. I bought a small succulent. I think Walter was quite relieved, as he thought we might be carrying back an assortment of plants.
We ate giant scones, with cream and jam. No need to have lunch after eating this beauty.
We were thankful to drive out of the caravan park without taking a post and bush with us, although Walter had to reverse the caravan a couple of times in order to avoid doing this. He also received plenty of advice from men walking by, as well as from the driver of a large van blocking our way.
Men in camping grounds love to give advice!
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