Probus Club of Warragul - Tarago Inc.
WARRAGUL VICTORIA AUSTRALIA 3820
Probus club #1006155 incorporation number A0047473C
Probus Club of Warragul - Tarago Inc.
WARRAGUL VICTORIA AUSTRALIA 3820
Probus club #1006155 incorporation number A0047473C
Our Caravan Group.
Our Leader is Bill E, 0407 432
931, ably assisted by Ian C 0427 231 791.
Our Caravan Group Video 2015 Old.
Organised trips are usually twice a year in off peak times.
OUR NEXT CARAVAN TRIP.
24th April to 5th May 2024 at Lilydale.
This trip is being researched at the moment WATCH THIS SPACE.
PREVIOUS CARAVAN TRIPS
Gold Nugget Tourist Park.
Twenty-seven members travelled to Bendigo to attend our group visit starting Tuesday 10th October. The freeway system through Melbourne made it an easy road trip with no traffic lights until you enter Bendigo. Road works did not plague the highway either.
First activity was on Wednesday morning with a visit to the Bendigo pottery where we also had morning tea. The weather was perfect so some members walked from the caravan park to the pottery. The pottery is some 150 years old and parts of it still operate. A large portion of the facility is taken up with antique stalls and most of our generation would have used and grown up with some of the merchandise on sale.
Wednesday afternoon saw most of our group visit the Great Stupa Buddhist complex in Myers Flat, situated on over 100 hectares of land on the outskirts of the city. The Great Stupa is the largest in the western world and home to many holy objects. Most members went on a guided tour through the building where aspects of Buddhists belief were explained and the relevance of holy objects. The guide explained the temple and grounds are still in the development phase and estimated to take another 50 – 100 years to fully complete. An amazing building and project and for some, the highlight of the trip. When you look at the troubles of humanity today it is easy to believe the Buddhist “creed of peace” would be a far better guide to our lives.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday were set aside to “do your own thing” so we scattered far and wide with some visiting local friends, relatives, the Art Gallery, talking tram ride, Sandhurst Ridge winery, Central Deborah gold mine while others went to Castlemaine and Maldon. The art gallery is a very interesting place with some great old works and some dubious “art” that you would not even hang in your cow shed as it would put your cows off giving up their milk.
Fortunately the Gallery had a café’ with probably the best coffee in town. On Thursday evening the caravan park hosted a two course dinner in their function centre which consisted of a large shed like building fitted out to be used by large groups. As the weather had become cool and windy the large wood heater kept us comfortable while dining. Sunday group lunch was held at the Botanical Hotel situated next to the Bendigo Botanic Gardens. A very nice lunch was enjoyed by all followed by a walk around the gardens. The gardens cover quite a large area with a variety of flowers and well established trees. Many family groups were picnicking around the grounds.
On Sunday evening the caravan park provided entertainment in the form of two folk singers during happy hour. They entertained us for approximately 2 hours with popular music from the 1960’s through to the year 2000. Very enjoyable.
Unfortunately some members had contracted Covid during the week and made the decision to return home early. Happy Hour was held each evening at 4.30 in the function centre and enabled members to mix and share their days experiences. Many thanks to Tony and Denise G for organising a great weeks events in one of Victoria’s oldest cities and historic areas. Unfortunately neither Tony nor Denise were able to attend due to health constraints but the event continued on in the capable hands of Bill and Margaret E. Ian C.
Echuca Moama Riverside Holiday Park -April 2022.
Presentation to Tony. Click Here.
When this goes to print, a happy group of 44 caravan and
cabin dwellers will be coming to the close of a week’s visit to Moama. This
has been a wonderful place to stay with lots of activities on offer. Tony and
Denise certainly did a wonderful job on getting detailed knowledge of Echuca and
the surrounding area.
Cruises on the Murray have been both informative and
relaxing and Morrison’s winery provided an enjoyable lunch. Visits to
surrounding towns and checking out silo art as well as cafes has certainly kept
us busy.
Happy Hour has extended to at least 2 happy hours as we all
catch up with the happenings of the day and make plans for the next. Saturday
night pizza was a great success thanks to Denise and Tony’s innovation.
Everyone attended a most enjoyable final dinner at the Moama
Bowls Club on Sunday evening.
Thanks again to Tony and Denise for all the time and effort
you have put in to make this event a great success.
Trip to Merimbula – March 2021
Our Group started to arrive at the Sapphire
Valley Caravan Park
in Merimbula on Wednesday and gathered that afternoon for our first Happy
Hour. Plenty of news and gossip to catch up on by our lot of near forty
attendees. We were formerly greeted by Club President Frank, followed by an
overview of the week’s Program by our Group Co-Coordinator Tony.
Thursday started with a Pancake Morning Tea, with
the day’s weather making a perfect day for touring, with some venturing to
Eden, a few to Bega, while others remained locally and enjoyed what was on
offer. Happy Hour provided the Group with plenty of light entertainment with a
couple of games of Celebrity Heads. The game consists of three
participants who have a personality’s name placed on their head and must pose
questions to the audience with a “Yes” or “No” response to assist with
their correctly guessing that name.
On Friday a small group of twenty visited a local oyster
factory/restaurant called Wheelers and were treated to a short talk
by the owner, Jackie, followed by a DVD describing how oysters are formed. The
highlight of the visit was the tasting that followed, which included oysters
served Natural, Kilpatrick and Mornay. The afternoon’s Happy Hour moved to the
Camp Kitchen in preparation for the Sausage Sizzle provided by the Caravan Park
for a gold coin donation.
Saturday became a day of relaxation, with our
Members doing differing exploits taking in the
local Producers Market; a walk followed by a visit to a café; the local
cinema which was showing “The
Dry” staring Eric Bana or a visit to nearby historical townships. Our
Happy Hour moved to the Park’s Fire Pit, however due to the windy conditions
we did not have a fire. That evening a few enjoyed Dinner at the local Bowling
Club, which featured Lobster Mornay as a Special on their Menu.
With calm conditions on Sunday, a number of us
travelled to Eden and enjoyed a 2-hour Cruise around Twofold Bay on the Cat-Balou,
followed by a takeaway seafood Lunch from the adjoining on-site caravan café.
That night we had our Group Dinner at the Merimbula RSL, which offered a
comprehensive menu of Australian, Chinese and Thai cuisines. Yummy!!!!!!
The Longstocking
Brewery in Pambula serves fresh oysters and Wood fired Pizzas. This proved
too much of a temptation for a number of our Group. Along with a taste of some
of their home brews, it made for a beautiful Lunch. The remainder of the Group
ventured out to Tura
Beach and enjoyed a delightful Lunch there. Happy Hour has always been a favourite
and tonight we had a few jokes from Dawn S to liven up our time.
Our final day and our Group once again enjoyed
Pancakes for Morning Tea, after which they kept themselves busy with shopping,
more eating and prepping for departure the next morning. While a few of our
Group left for home to attend to various matters, the Happy Hour was still
supported by all those remaining and an opportunity to recap the fun we had
during our stay in Merimbula.
Caravan
Group Report – Creswick
Creswick Calembeen Lake Caravan Park creswickcaravanpark.com.au
12 Cushing Avenue, Creswick. Tel: 03 5345 2411 Railway Parade, Creswick.
Our
Group recently visited the historic town of Creswick, located 122km North-West
of Melbourne.
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2019 Creswick Caravan Trip Farmers Arms Hotel Dinner.
2019 Creswick Caravan Trip RACV Goldfields Resort.
2019 Creswick Caravan Trip Motor Rail.
2019 Creswick Caravan Trip Bullarto Railway Station.
Dawn on the Creswick Caravan trip, ready for the Caravan groups Melbourne cup.
But sadly it rained.
2019 March 28,29,30,31.Nicholson East Gippsland.
The Lakes Bushland Caravan Park was the setting for our Caravan Trip. Tony and Denise G had prepared an interesting itinerary for our stay. Some 20 members in vans and cabins toured the local points of interest. The Caravan Park was in a natural bushland setting with plenty of room to move.
Each evening we had a roaring fire in the Recreation Hall (Log Hut) where Denise had set up a 1000 piece jigsaw and scrabble for those who needed extra mental stimulation. Due to the weather, changes were made to the program, but all activities were fitted in..
One of the highlights was the boat trip from Lakes Entrance to Metung where a scrumptious lunch was enjoyed at the Hotel. Other activities included a visit to Bruthen, picnic lunch at Nyerimilang Heritage Park , evening meal at the Nicholson Hotel where the Chinese cuisine was favoured. There were visits to wineries and Paynesville and other individual choices. The golf pitch and put was won by Geoff H.
A happy time was had by all and thanks to Tony and Denise for the interesting program. The jigsaw still remains a challenge for the next trip away.
Thanks Barbara and Geoff W,
Dinner at Nicholson Hotel.
Lunch at Metung Hotel.
The Nyerimilang Park
The unfinished Jigsaw.
HALLS GAP October 2018,
A large contingent of Warragul Tarago Probians ( about 60)headed to Stawell in October to set up camp at the Stawell Grampians Gate Caravan Park. Many of the caravans were parked together with a nicely grassed area and a handy fire-pit, with a good wood-pile, for evening happy hours. Other members were in very comfortable cabins overlooking the lagoon and bird life.
We spent an interesting morning on Friday at the Stawell Gift Hall of Fame learning all about the history of the famous foot race, looking at their impressive collection of memorabilia and walking out on the oval. Travellers then spread out around Stawell and nearby towns, such as Ararat and Hall’s Gap, exploring, checking out places to eat and maybe tasting a few wines. Happy hour before dinner gave us time to meet the other travellers and swap stories about where we’d been for the day. I think a few jokes and tall stories were told too!
On Saturday we boarded our coach
for a full day’s tour of the Wimmera Wheat Silo Art Trail, from Rupanyup
north through Warracknabeal and Hopetoun to Patchewollock and back. You can
see the photos below of these art works in various tourism articles but they
really need to be seen in person to appreciate the scale of the paintings!
Each of them had explanatory boards telling about the artists and the subjects
of the paintings. We were very impressed with them and there was much
discussion as to which ones were favourites.
We were very privileged to have our member, John C, an
ex-farmer from nearby St Arnaud area, on board the coach to give us a
commentary on the farming land, crops, and effects of the drought which gave
us a better understanding of the countryside that we travelled through.
On the Sunday many people visited local towns such as
Hall’s Gap, Pomonal, Ararat and Horsham. In the evening the Caravan Park
managers put on a BBQ tea for us. They supplied the meat and we supplied
salads and sweets. It was a lovely evening to sit outside and the BBQ was
followed by our campfire with drinks and nibbles instead of
‘Happy hour’ prior to the meal
as on other nights.
Monday gave us another opportunity
to explore the area and we all met up later for dinner at the Stawell Gift
Hotel – opposite the Hall of Fame. Many headed off home the next day but
others were able to stay on for a few more days in Stawell or go on from there
to extend their travels.
Our thanks go to Gary Mac k,
supported by his wife Diane, for organising this great trip for us; also to
John C for his commentary on the Silos Tour.
Here are some of the photos.
Patchewollock Silo Art Grampians Victoria Australia.
Fintan Magee is a Brisbane based street artist who painted the Patchewollock Silos in October 2016. Local farmer ‘Noodle Hulland’ was chosen for the inspiration of the artwork because he was slim enough to fit the two narrow silos and had “that classic farmer look”, embodying the locals’ spirit.
Lascelles Silo Art Grampians Victoria Australia.
Renowned Melbourne Street Artist Rone has depicted the faces of Lascelles couple Geoff and Merrilyn Horman. Geoff and Merrilyn’s families have lived and farmed in the area for four generations.Born in the district, the couple married in Lascelles in 1967 and together with their two sons (and their own families) have continued the family traditions of wheat farming and strong community involvement.
Roseberry Silo Art Grampians Victoria Australia.
Adnate is an internationally renowned street artist famous for his work with aboriginal communities accross Australia and completed this mural in December 2016. The four indiginous faces faces now watch over the tiny community of Sheep Hills and the starry background of the towering portraits has symbolic significant to the local people.
The coach group gathered at the base of the silo at Patchewollock which was the
last of the silos for the day. Patchewollock had a population boost that weekend
as the football ground was full of campers for their annual Country Music
Festival!
Guido Van Helten captured the imagination of Australia in December 2015 when he undertook a gigantic painting on the Brim Silos. The Brim Silo Art generated inspiration for the Silo Art Trail and Guido’s mural will remain an iconic tribute to the farming communities of the Wimmera and Mallee region.
Russian Artist Julia Volchkova is actively involved in the graffiti and street art movement in the places she travels and is currently undertaking the huge metal grain storage bins in Rupanyup as part of the Silo Art Trail. Julia’s work focuses on portraits and the Rupanyup Silo Art mural is inspired by the Rupanyup Panthers Football & Netball Club.
Other photos of the Wimmera Caravan trip.
EUROA October / November 2017.
A huge group went to Euroa and had a good time.
DAYLESFORD April 2017.
Daylesford is about an hour north west of Melbourne and has many attractions like mineral springs, historic buildings, art galleries, cafes, walking trails ,parks & gardens etc.
The dates chosen for our trip to Daylesford is Sat. 25th March to 1st. April.
The chosen park is Daylesford Victoria Caravan Park at corner of Ballan Road and Burrell Street Daylesford.
Our hosts are owner operators Anthony and Jodie .
The park is set in a parkland environment and within walking distance to Lake Daylesford and bit further on to the main town centre.
Photos thanks to Margaret and Frank B and John C.
BEECHWORTH REPORT 2016.
Lake Sambell Caravan park 16th Oct. to 27th Oct 2016.
This is a huge park set around Lake Sambell, it is neat and tidy and a credit to the proprietors Sue and Roger.
Its capacity is 16 Cabins 53 Powered sites, 3 onsite vans, 27 Annuals Vans owned by people that come and stay for holidays.
This trip we had 24 adults stay all up.
We must leave the park on Thursday as it is totally booked out because of the Melbourne Cup weekend and the Beechworth Celtic festival, also in this area several Caravan parks are still closed because of the floods.
Ron has organised many activities around the area for us to go to:
Happy hour each day was not to be missed many things were done and said at them were for the attendees only, if you want to know what happens at them you had better come on a Caravan trip. Each mid afternoon some body lights the fire in a cut down half of a 44 gallon drum and by the time happy hours start it is burning very well, at it is the centre attraction.
We must be under the Sydney Melbourne flight path and we are often seeing the vapour trails and the aeroplanes going back and forth.
The early arrivals went to the old court house and performed in a re enactment of the Ned Kelly trial.
Tuesday we walked the 1.5K into town this is a very pretty walk along the Lakes edge and the flood plain, lot of different trees and wildlife to be spotted We explored the shops we had coffee at the Beehive, a heritage listed old building, where we tasted honey and jams mustards etc and naturally we purchased some of them and had $10.00 very generous and delicious lunch at the Pub.
Beechworth Council are amazing. They have severe restrictions on Pokies and Franchises and a promoting buy local.
This has led to most shops being occupied and operating successful looking happy businesses that have good range of stock.
The town is very clean and tidy, no rubbish on the ground, and better still no graffiti.
Wednesday 25 we all car pooled and went out to Lake Stanley, a huge man made lake that is used mainly for the water supply for Beechworth and I imagine it is also a buffering dam to help with flood control. We had a bush barbecue for lunch, it was interesting to observe how they did it. I was not much help if I was going to do it I would have lit up a standard gas barbecue. I noticed many innovative ideas and the end result was delicious.
September, October 2016, See our movie Slide Show of the Caravan Trip to Beechworth Click here.
CASTLEMAINE REPORT.
The caravan park is the BIG 4 Castlemaine gardens, which overlooks the botanic gardens.
I have only received a very brief report about this trip, as Laurell and Ron had to go home unexpectedly
Those that went enjoyed the happy hours, but they did not do much as a group.
They discovered the Renovators barn and the Tip shop and a Gallery exhibition.
A favourite just over the road from the
Caravan Park was the Austrian Coffee shop even for breakfast called “Das
Kaffeehaus”
GARDEN VISIT REPORT YINNAR SOUTH 2015.
30th of November 2015, Yinnar South
About 30 of us gathered at Bourke Street and car pooled.
We drove in convoy to the property at Yinnar South. Gretchen and Hank welcomed us into their comfortable multi level house.
We were then served a very delicious morning lunch.
Hank gave us a talk about safety in the 5 acre steep garden, and said that we were welcome to go any where on the property including his artists studio situated under the house.
Hank also said we could purchase his masterpieces if we liked. T
The amazing big garden is situated on the side of a very steep hill and goes all of the way down to the creek and tree ferns.
The gardens had many rooms and most shrubs were flowering beautifully.
This made us all envious to be able to able to obtain such good results.
Most of us will remember Hank playing his guitar at happy hours whilst away with the Caravan group.
View a slide show of photos taken at the gardens.
MOUNT GAMBIER REPORT.
6th October to the 14th October.Caravan trip is to Mt.Gambier, just across the border into South Australia.
The venue was the Pine Country Caravan Park cnr. Bay and Kilsby Rd. Mt. Gambier.
Ron has a few Tourist Guide books, full of day tours around Mt Gambier that you can book. If you are interested please speak to Ron.
To download a Tourist guide books around Mt Gambier Click here.
See Joy and Les slide show of photos.
Nick's report on this trip.
The caravan trip to Mount Gambier was an extended affair with people arriving any time from October 5 onwards. People also left at different times making the group dynamics of any particular day unique. This account will be of my experiences, which I shared with Greg who was driver.
We left Warragul on Tuesday October 6 and arrived at Mount Gambier on October 7.
On arrival the first thing we did was to take a drive around Blue Lake (before settling into our cabin at the Pine Country Caravan Park). The lake is unique and much has been written about its changing colours and fascinating place in Australian geology.
We settled in to our first "happy hour" by a warm fire set up in the camp’s outside "kitchen area."
These happy hours are a great way to get to know our fellow Probians better, and I often think of the very special and unique gift of being a part of "people gathered in this time and place." Such times will never be exactly repeated; they are like a particular wine vintage with its own unrepeatable flavour, colour and depth.
The following day nearly the whole group went to Aberfoyle Gardens for a lovely garden tour that finished with scones, jam and cream served with tea or coffee.
The next day Greg and I visited the Lady Nelson Discovery Centre (a must-visit when in Mount Gambier), and then we checked out the Umpherson sinkhole. These sinkholes are unique and the gardens developed in them are quite spectacular. We visited another one in the centre of Mount Gambier.
Mount Gambier has lots of grand old pubs; historical stately buildings that beckoned Greg and me to visit and drink and dine... So we did as we were beckoned.
The Coonawarra winery region has more wineries and Cellar Doors than you could poke a stick at. We visited one and stocked up on supplies and decided we'd visited enough. Seeing acre after acre of rows of vines was what I'd expected; but seeing so many was truly amazing!
On the same drive we went to Penola, where the Information Centre and museum there provided us with information about Mary Mackillop and other (more worldly) Penola identities (for example, poets John Shaw Neilson and Adam Lindsay Gordon).
On the next day we visited Port MacDonnell’s maritime museum; an impressive museum evoking scenes of the early days of shipping in South Australia.
A visit to the Blue Lake pumping station followed the next day; this took us almost to the edge of the lake, after descending hundreds of metres into the bowels of the Lake’s crater edge (by lift).
That night a large group of Probians went to a Thai restaurant in Mount Gambier; again it was a great time of dining and fellowship.
The following day Greg and I visited the Tantanoola Caves. These caves are the only wheelchair friendly caves in Oz. The stalactites were incredibly fine, and very different to the other limestone caves I had seen in Victoria and NSW.
As the days progressed the Happy hour numbers dwindled, but the time was very enjoyable as always as everyone discussed what they had done for the day and what their plans were for the following days.
After stopping overnight in Ballarat Greg and I made it back to Warragul on October 15.
Echuca 2014.
18th of October to 26th,
Over forty members, friends and Probus Rangers travelled to Echuca for a very relaxing, enjoyable and social get - together. The highlight of the day was the Happy Hour which generally stretched to two hours. Around 5 pm there was a procession of people with chairs, nibbles and drinks all making for a shady spot on the grass. The weather was quite warm and the pool provided a spot for a dip and a cool off. Ron organised a cruise up the Murray River leaving from Barmah. One group went Monday and saw the elusive kingfishers but Thursday's group were not so fortunate. The Nathalia Bakery was a great choice for lunch before inspecting the Museum which had a very good display of agriculture, wood cutting and district pioneers. Going for a counter meal or to one of the Clubs proved popular as cooking wasn't high on anyone's agenda. A visit to Torrumbarry Weir was interesting, as was their display centre and then a picnic lunch in the well kept grounds. A few who drove up later in the day saw the loch opened and the "Emmy Lou" sail through. Everyone had a good time whether they came for a few days or stayed the week. There is always plenty to do around Echuca with bike and walking tracks and lots of shops and of course the River. It was a time to spend with friends and the opportunity to know our fellow members a little better. Thanks to Ron and Laurell.
Neil's report.
Our end of year caravan trip at Echuca Holiday Park Echuca from Friday the 17 of October to Sunday 26 of October. This trip coincided with the Heritage Family Steam Festival on the 18th and 19th. .The few days at Echuca was just great & the last night Wanda & I asked who would like to join us at the Rich River Golf Club for dinner & yes we had 38 come along for quite a feast.
Lakes Entrance February 2014.
Our trip to Lakes Entrance was enjoyed be 29 members
over 11 days, some in cabins, some in caravans.
There were 6 from Warragul Rangers Probus and 2 from Moe Probus. We had some who cancelled due to fires and road
closures Most people did their own "thing " during
the day but all joined in our regular happy hours ??.
We had a boat cruise to Metung where we enjoyed
lunch at the Metung hotel, then a walk around the village before the boat picked
us up for the return journey via Paynesville and Raymond Island, We got back
just in time for happy hour. There was also 2 nights at the RSL. for a
Chinese Dinner, and a counter lunch at Lake Tyers 'Waterwheel Tavern'. Lakes Entrance temperatures were about 10 degrees
cooler than Warragul on the hottest days but we still enjoyed a cool down in the
pool.
Slide show of Caravan
Group Lakes Entrance Feb 2014. Lakes Entrance from Saturday 1st.
February to Wednesday 12th. February 2014. At the Eastern
Beach Holiday Park.From the Photos that are in the slide show it looks
like they had a good time.
Late April early May 2013.
Beechworth trip, Ron organised a trip to the Silver Creek Caravan Park Beechworth, about 35 people attended some went home earlier than others.
Kim and Brett the proprietors looked after us very well. There were 2 couples in cabins, the rest had caravans.
It was a very friendly happy lot. Happy hour started at 5 PM every evening, we had such a good time each evening that we usually did not need an evening meal.
Early on the trip many lucky people set off to drive up to Veronica and Kevin's daughters home at Baranduda for one of their amazing barbecues.
One evening we all went into Beechworth for a wonderful Chinese meal.
Another evening we all met in the Camp Kitchen for a Pizza night made in the Camp Kitchen by some of our wonderful team. The pizzas were made from locally grown ingredients.
One day we all set off with a convoy of vehicles down to the Whorouly area to visit 3 amazing places. The first was to go to a mixed farm owned and run by an amazing couple of Italians Mary and Sam. They showed us around the farm and then took us all into their entertainment area for an amazing afternoon tea. Next we all drive off to a small airport with an uphill runway and a huge hanger filled with vintage aircraft. Next off we went to a Kiwi fruit factory, and Rebecca did a wonderful job of showing us around it.
To see the Photos from the trip click here.
Click here to see a short Slideshow of Photos taken during the Beechworth caravan trip.
Click here to see a short movie from the Kiwi Fruit Factory.
Early March 2013 Warrnambool trip,
I have put some photos from this trip on our photos page click on the word photo to quickly go there.
A story about this trip by Veronica.
Unfortunately all cabins were booked at Surfside Caravan Park, Warrnambool, so only four caravans made the journey there. "Windy Warrnambool" lived up to its reputation on arrival but improved as the week progressed. We enjoyed Sunday lunch together at the Warrnambool Memorial Bowls Club. On Monday we drove to Port Fairy for a look at that historic town. On the way home, we called into Tower Hill which is an extinct volcano and has quite diverse plant and fauna, as well as many walking tracks. Warrnambool also has many excellent bike and walking tracks, while Lake Petrobe Reserve across from the Park is a haven for bird life. The highlight was dinner at 'Alex' Pizza' in the little hamlet of Koroit. The owner, Frank is a born show man who has transformed a tin shed with Australian memorabilia. The food was excellent and caters for all tastes. We would highly recommend a visit. To conclude our stay, we all shared bacon, sausages and eggs thanks to Ron and Laurell.
Go to our photos page see the photos from above click on this.
20th October, I have put some photos from this trip on our photos page click on the word photo to quickly go there.
Our Caravan trip was at Hamilton Western Victoria about a 5 hour drive. The selected Caravan Park is a top tourist park on the banks of the Grange Burn river and is opposite Lake Hamilton. There is bike and walking tracks around the lake along the river and into Hamilton. You can obtain more information on Hamilton click here. Powered sites were $27.00 per night. They also had several ensuite sites. Cabins ranged from $99.00 per night with bedding, linen and towels were supplied to all beds. There website is www.lakehamilton.com.au or you can e-mail them info@lakehamilton.com.au
Hamilton notes 2012.
As experienced by one "camper"…
Saturday 20th October 2012
Greg my friend in Probus and I arrived at the Lake Hamilton Caravan Park at 2:40pm after a 4½ hour drive (coming via Geelong). After settling in to our cabin we went to enjoy the others' company (about 20 of us) in our to-be-usual 5 o'clock happy hour.
In all there ended up being eight of our own probus couples, with two couples from Warragul Rangers probus club and Greg and me.
Some had arrived one or two days earlier and were able to tell us about what they had already done.
The atmosphere was welcoming as usual, and we got ideas on what we could do in the coming week. A number related how interesting the local tractor/car museum was.
Then we had dinner with Kevin and Veronica who had generously invited us.
Sunday.
On Sunday Greg and I went to the highly recommended farm machinery museum just a couple of kilometers down the road.
There were many old tractors, pumps, cars, motors and a drag saw. The drag saw was the saw used to cut logs before chain saws were invented. Also, there was an old church, an old house and rooms full of memorabilia. It was one of the best such museums in Australia according to a number of opinions. One bloke was happy to start up his antique pump for us, while Greg talked to him about the old days of farming.
After reading a book (back in the cabin) in the afternoon I again went to the happy hour.
For dinner we cooked some salmon but the smoke alarm (directly above the stove!) kept going off. So I stood waving a newspaper at the thing while Greg cooked.
Monday.
I started cooking some breakfast but set off the smoke detector! Greg had been planning to sleep in but it was impossible with the racket I'd started.
At about 10:30 am a group of about five cars headed off in convoy to visit Nigretta falls, and then Wannon falls.
These falls were quite impressive to behold, and some of the group walked down to the base of the Nigretta falls.
After that we headed to Coleraine where the group had lunch in a local cafe. Greg and I had a counter lunch at the Coleraine Hotel. We then headed back to Hamilton but many went to look at the Coleraine car museum, which I was told was very impressive.
All again enjoyed happy hour.
Tuesday.
We joined several others of the group for lunch at the Alexander Club in Hamilton (a bit like the Downtowner) and then Greg and I drove around Lake Hamilton (situated in Hamilton). It is a singularly unimpressive "lake" (body of water) surrounded on all sides by grass.
Then we went back to the cabin and I read a book while Greg read the newspaper and did the crossword.
Again we headed for happy hour at 5 pm.
Wednesday.
A group of four cars left at 9:30 am to make their way to visit two gardens, travelling through Dunkeld.
The first stop was at Narrapumelap ("Many waterholes") where our host, Kevin McIntyre, the owner, took us on a tour of the magnificent gardens and French Gothic style homestead, lovingly restored over 20 years to something of its original 1873 grandeur. He told us about his house restoration ideas, and his gardens, which he had re-created in a unique style which was not necessarily true to the original.
Then the group headed for Crombie, another lovingly created garden with a totally different ambience to the previous garden. This garden was relaxing and featured quirky little items to punctuate the paths, trees and seats. There was a "tea tree," featuring tea cups hanging off branches.
Here we enjoyed our lunch over a cuppa, and after a relaxing wander we headed for our home base.
In the evening the whole group got together to enjoy a meal at a local hotel. This was to be the last night all twenty-two "campers" would be together, as some were leaving the next day.
Thursday
Greg and I left the caravan park at 9:30 am, and after having lunch at Ballarat we arrived back in Warragul around 4 pm.
Some of the group were staying till Sunday, and planned to travel to other places as diverse as Albury, South Australia and Ararat, to meet up with family and attend special events. ~Nick.
Macedon Autumn trip 2012.
The autumn trip was a week at Macedon Caravan Park with thirty seven members and friends attending. From this point day trips were made to Mt Macedon, Hanging Rock, Woodend, Kyneton, Daylesford, Gisborne, Lancefield, Romsey and Malmsbury. All these towns have many historical buildings, usually a good bakery and most pubs serve a tasty and inexpensive lunch. A highlight was the "Stokes Collection" and gardens at Mount Macedon, also a visit to "Bringalbit" homestead and gardens at Kyneton.
http://macedoncaravanpark.vpweb.com.au/ http://www.visitmacedonranges.com/
2011 February 24th–March 3rd (Thursday to Thursday) A CARAVAN trip to Lakes Entrance was arranged staying at Eastern Beach Caravan Park. 11 Couples including friends attended. 2 couples stayed in cabins.
November 4th to November 18 of our members went to Swan Hill and stayed at Swan Hill Riverside Caravan Park. Only 1 stayed in a Cabin. They had many long happy hours and survived the Mosquitos and Locusts and Bindi's.
2010 May A WEEK IN YARRAWONGA
Blue text below are links to photos, simply click on them to view each photo.
Colourful Autumn Leaves and seed pods.
I think this plant belongs to the Balsam Family?
The Sun Shining through the Trees.
The Sun Shining through the Trees.
Picture was taken of our Group at the Yarrawonga Caravan Park.
Picture was taken of our Group at the Yarrawonga Caravan Park.
Slide show of Yarrawonga Caravan Trip 2010.
ONE PERSON’S PERSPECTIVE
ON TUESDAY 11th May Greg and I left Warragul bound for Yarrawonga. The trip up was an adventure all on its own but we finally arrived in Yarrawonga on Wednesday (12th May), having been delayed by a friendly policeman in Benalla. The day after arriving we went for a leisurely trip to Cobram and Beruga with Kevin and Veronica. At one roadside stop farmers were selling big pumpkins for $1! There were hundreds left to rot in the paddock as one of the producer’s supermarket contracts had been cancelled.
That night the entire group went to enjoy a Chinese meal at the Mulwala RSL. Before the meal some of the group enjoyed some dancing to live music in the classy Las Vegas style setting.
The next day we all went on a bus trip to Rutherglen and Corowa (the “home” of federation; Henry Parkes stayed in the local hotel). On the way there we stopped at Buller Wines and on the way back we stopped at All-Saints winery for a wine and cheese tasting. For lunch in Rutherglen we stopped at the much talked about Parkers pies bakery and that night we enjoyed a BBQ dinner and a sing-along, with Henk, a friend of Ron and Laurel’s, playing the guitar and leading the singing.
On the next day (Saturday) Greg and I went to Finley via Berrigan (with Neil and Jean) to visit some of their relatives. It was a great day with lots of scenery to take in. We came back via Tocumwal, Beruga and Mulwala.
The next day, Sunday, we all went on a boat cruise around Lake Mulwala (a “swollen” part of the Murray river created seventy years ago as part of the irrigation scheme).
While on the cruise we were able to have a sticky-beak into the backyards of the rich and filthy rich. In NSW land can be purchased right up to the water’s edge and 100 ft into the water (unlike Victoria). This means people have private boat ramps and swimming pools.
And all for only $1.4 million! Many of these houses, being holiday homes, are empty for a lot of the year. The cruise itself took us among the eerie dead trees in Lake Mulwala; a fascinating sight. The bird life was prolific, with sea gulls as happy as if they were on the beach. Most of them had never seen the beach, we were told.
After our cruise we had another BBQ dinner, preceded by the usual “happy hour”. Happy hours are a feature of our caravanning trips, much enjoyed by all.
On Monday Greg and I went with Neil and Jean to see Byramine Homestead; this was the house built by the explorer Hume’s widow in 1842. While there we enjoyed a lovely Devonshire tea for lunch on this historic house’s veranda.
The next day we packed and headed back to Warragul. The entire week had been sunny although cold through the nights.
Many thanks to Kevin and Veronica for all the work they put in to make the week such a success. Nicholas Peck
Some of our members went to Yarrawonga from May 11th. to May 18th. This was a beautiful park with generous grassy sites. The two bedroom cabins were bright with linen provided in the main bedroom. Four bunk beds are in the second bedroom. Linen for the second bedroom can be hired for a fee. The cabins had a large bathroom and shower and toilet. There was plenty to see and do in the area. The river was at the bottom of the park and the town was in walking distance. The courtesy bus took them to the Clubs in New South Wales.
22 April 2009, about thirty Probians left Warragul and headed west to Riverview Caravan Park in Gee!ong, arriving there after lunch. On arrival the travellers met up with each other and chatted over a friendly warming "happy hour". This was to be a daily evening ritual adding warmth and enjoyment to the week's fellowship. Some arrived later and were to stay for different times, but all the holiday junkies looked forward to enjoying the coming few days with the pleasant company of their fellow Probians. In all forty two members gathered.There was no set program; every traveller decided on his or her own itinerary. On the following day this writer (Nicholas) went to Port Arlington with fellow Probian Greg, hoping to check out some wineries, but they were all closed! Still, we fitted in lunch at the Grand Hotel; a truly grand old style pub with very high ceilings. On the way back we did manage to visit one winery just out of Port Arlington.
24 April 2009, all the group went to the Royal Corio Yacht Club for lunch Although it rained the lunch was very pleasant and in very pleasant surroundings, making for a great afternoon of fellowship and friendship. That night following our usual happy hour Greg and I watched Midsummer Murders. The next day was Anzac day. A' large contingent went for a brisk walk along the river opposite where we were staying. I went as far as a footbridge about one kilometre down the road, which I thought was pretty good. That afternoon decided to attempt the Age 'quick" crossword which took me about an hour with the help of my i-phone. That evening Greg and I had dinner with Kevin and Veronica, who had taken us under their wings. Sunday 26th started off raining and windy, and it didn't get any better as the day progressed. Greg and I went to Port Arlington with Lynne and Margaret forlunch at the "01' Duke", a classy restaurant. Several others met up with us there also. The lunch was good but pricey. Before heading for Port Arlington the group visited a winery and stocked up for the winter. That night I went to the local RSL club with Kevin and Veronica for dinner and to hear some trad jazz. The evening had been organised by Margaret and Keith Wilson and a number of our group went to hear it.
That same day others travelled out to Queensciiff to take the train to Drysdale but were swamped by seawater over the road due to the stormy weather and a very high tide! Monday 27th was another day to explore the Geelong surrounds, and by now the weather was improving a little. Greg and I were again guests of Kevin and Veronica and we travelled to Lorne via Anglesea. We had "fish 'n chips" for lunch in Lorne. Then we headed back 'home" via Torquay. It was amazing to see the housing developments taking place there. Then we travelled through
Barwon Heads and on through Ocean Grove back to our caravan park "home". A BBQ dinner following the regular happy hour finished the day The next day was another leisurely day of doing crosswords and enjoying fellowship with the group during the happy hour and over dinner. All good things must come to an end and on the 29th it was time to say our good-byes and head for home &Nicholas
After saying our "goodbyes" at Geelong, four couples travelled onto the pretty South Australian town of Penola. Helen and Peter Snape had arranged for us to view their Uncle'
historic home the next afternoon. It was a pleasant autumn day when we met up at 2pm. Helen's Uncle
Glen proudly showed us through his home "Yallum Park" built in 1880, When John Riddoch built the house no expense had been spared and it was so well built that the interior has never been touched. Glen's parents bought the property in 1914 and spent their time furnishing it with period pieces; Gien and his wife continued to do likewise. The house is a showpiece and Glen proved to be a great historian. Helen provided afternoon tea before we explored the orchard, garden and historic outbuildings before adjourning to the cosy kitchen for "happy hour". The following day was spent exploring the historic town of Penoia and the surrounding wine districts of Penola and Mount Gambier.
Veronica.
2009 October COWES CARAVANNING REPORT.
I guess we weren't too enthusiastic about the caravan and cabin trip to Cowes. The weather forecast was for a wet week and we had been to Cowes a number of times. On arrival, we were given a grassy site with a view to the beach. The weather was overcast but fine and each day from then on was fine, mostly sunny with the rain coming at night. We gathered in the Camp Kitchen for Happy Hour and a trip to the Nobbies was suggested for next morning. The Nobbies were windy but the hundreds of nesting sea gulls and baby chicks had us enthralled as we walked the boardwalk. A drive around Cowes showed that the town had progressed rapidly with a number of smart, new houses. Dianne suggested a walk from the Koala Reserve to Rhyll and lunch at the hotel for Wednesday. It was a pleasant walk through the bush and along the mangrove boardwalk but the 6 km. walk was more like 10 km. after a wrong turn. The Hotel, lunch and a drink was a welcome sight. Dianne, Gary and Kevin hiked back but the rest of us gladly accepted a lift back to the Park. Thursday saw the bike riders head out for a ride and a coffee along the way , as well as scones, jam and cream!. Happy Hour was around at Joan and Alan's more expensive cabin with "the beach view". Joan wasn't impressed, especially when the motor homes parked in front. President John, Margaret and Keith paid us a day visit on Friday. Keith introduced us to the Island Hamburger purchased from the shop across the road - it was delicious. By Sunday we were reduced to three caravans, so to finish off the week we dined at the RSL.
Thanks to Helen, Peter, Shirley, John, Joan, Alan, Joan, John, Dianne, Gary, Nicholas and Greg for a GREAT week of fun, laughter, stories and friendship. Thanks for the organisation Helen. Veronica & Kevin.
Slide shows of Photos taken at previous Caravan Trips below.
Macedon Caravan Trip April 2006
Probus Lakes Entrance Caravan Trip October 2006.
Lakes Entrance Caravan Group March 2007
