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MarkTula Exploring Oz
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MarkTula Exploring Oz

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  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler
    Sitting at the drive inn waiting for 'Dog' to start.
    The big screen. There are 4 screens in total.Catching yabbies with Chris and DaveYumSome architecture around BendigoGreat StupaVintage Talking Tram rideCentral Deborah Gold MineI didn't find gold

    Bendigo

    March 16, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Well it is 8 weeks post Mark's triple bypass. We were very lucky to have the support of family and friends (that we now count as family) while Mark recuperated from his surgery.
    We went from Geelong to South Dandenong to Bendigo.
    While we were in South Dandenong we had dinner with Kevin, his fiancee Casey and her parents. We are super excited for them. We had a meeting to talk about upgrading our 12V system in the van and caught up with family. We also went to the drive inn for the first time in years.
    We met up with friends from Darwin who were in Bendigo. Chris and Dave have a block with 3 dams we tried our hand at yabbing we got 6. They were the sweetest tasting thing I have had.
    While in Bendigo we went to the markets, the Great Stupa, the Vintage Talking Tram and Central Deborah Gold Mine. We had a fantastic time our next stop is Echuca.
    Bendigo has some amazing architecture.    Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler
    Old buildings of the port.Ticket for the paddlesteamerThe wharf or what is left of it. 1/5 of the original sizeNew bridge to bypass Echuca to go to Moama

    Echuca

    March 25, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    While we were in Echuca we had a great time. So many things to see and do. We even crossed into NSW several times. It is strange being on the border.
    We had a first with going on a paddlesteamer up the Murray.
    Echuca has many eclectic things to see. We went to the National Holden Motor Museum, the Great Aussie Beer Shed Museum along with the Discovery Centre at the Port of Echuca.
    Echuca could be a place I would live.    Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler
    Mark admiring the 9000 beer steinsThis road should be outside spotlightOriginal Petrol BowserDrover's wagon I think I will keep my caravanOuthouse

    The Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage

    March 27, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    We visited a rare icon The Great Aussie Beer Shed it is amazing.
    Wow there is so much to see in the beer shed. Owned and sourced by Neil Thomas if you ever come to Echuca you must come. Everything is Australian (except for beer cans) he has everything from old buggies to Holden cars. Original Petrol Bowser to poker machines and old farm machines and a drovers wagon.Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler

    Torrumbarry Weir

    March 29, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    The Weir is about 30min out of Echuca.
    When we pulled up it was so peaceful. It wasn't untill we saw the down stream side of the weir that I realised how much water is being released. We even saw fish using fish pass.Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler
    Set up
    1FishingSunriseThe Big CodBreakfast on the MurrayLake Boga

    Lake Boga

    March 30, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    We arrived at Lake Boga and it was a lovely day with minimal wind. However ever since the wind is phenomenal. We were wanting to go fishing, (got all of our licences completed) but we are waiting for the wind to die down (hopefully tomorrow).
    We did manage to fish for an afternoon but caught nothing.
    The sunrises were amazing.
    We have visited The Flying Boat Museum it is amazing (see blog).    Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler
    Amazing benches in the parkShe is hugeSee next photoFramework of the wing and a wing aboveTail fin81mm morterThe bunker

    The Flying Boat Museum

    April 1, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    We visited the Flying Boat Museum today. I wasn't sure what it was going to be like.
    I truly enjoyed it. There was a short video about the base and why it was established. It was even a secret base to start with.
    Being able to wander around the museum and see all of the artifacts.
    In 2008 when the lake was drained they found a crate of .30 shells that had been sitting under water for 62 years and they were still live.
    We are able to see the telecommunications bunker which was mostly manned by WAAF.
    There was a Catalina in the museum. (See video) It is amazing to think that we used to fish over them in Darwin Harbour .    Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler
    Fishing the Murray.
    Sunrise over the MurraySunsetCampfireDucks up close.MemorialOff road drivingBusy Sunday morning

    Robinvale Riverside

    April 5, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    We spent a week in Robinvale. When I went into the information centre to see what there was to do I was told nothing people come to relax and fish or ski.
    We did try fishing but didn't catch anything. I fished with worms for the first time.
    The Murray becomes busy over the holidays.

    We move onto Mildura next. (The quickest way to Mildura from Robinvale is via NSW).    Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler
    Over looking the Murray. This is taken from the highest point in the district. In Merbein
    White cliffsWhere the Darling meets the MurrayThe DarlingSpot the birds on the treeBuilt in 1907Built in 1907Orange World

    Mildura, Red Cliffs, Merbein & Wentworth

    April 12, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    We arrived in Mildura for a four night stay. We visited a few of the smaller towns around Mildura. We even ventured into NSW again. (Wentworth)
    Mildura is a pretty town not as small as I thought it would be. We had another experience on a Paddlesteamer, we even got to go through the weir. ( See the next blog, Rothbury).
    We visited Wentworth to see where the Murray meets the Darling. The 2 rivers are different colours.
    We spent the afternoon in Red Cliffs where we saw the red Cliffs. In Merbein we saw the white cliffs. Red Cliffs is the home of Big Lizzie the tractor was used to clear the land from 1917.
    We leave here on Good Friday to go to Hopetoun.    Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler
    The Rothbury
    The weir upstream.The weir downstream.Flood measuresThe lock when fullThe lock when emptyLeaving the lock going down streamCruise mates

    Rothbury

    April 13, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    We travelled on the Rothbury going down stream and through lock 11. Mildura is the only place where the lock and weir are separated by an island. There is a 3.6 metre water level difference.
    Cruising speed of the Rothbury is 10km. The water temperature in the Murray ranges between 9-27°c.
    There are some very expensive properties along the Murray.
    We loved the feel of the paddle wheel going through the water.    Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler
    11Home made pickled eggsThe big Mallee Bull

    Hopetoun and surrounds

    April 15, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    We spent Easter in Hopetoun. We were near Lake Lascelles and being Easter it was extremely busy. We did try fishing again, no luck.
    We did part of the Silo Art Trail see next blog.
    On the way back to Hopetoun after the Silo Art Trail we went through Woomelang they had mini silo murals.
    We had a couple of days of rain so I was able to make pickled eggs. On the way to Charlton we passed through Birchip the home of the Big Mallee Bull.    Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler
    1 located in Patchewollock
    2 located in Lascelles. My favourite3 located on Sea Lake.At the mural at Sea LakeMural on a wall at Sea Lake44 located in Nullawil5 located in Rosebery

    Silo Art Trail

    April 17, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    We did more KMs on the Silo Art Trail than we normally do travelling to a new destination. It is amazing to see the murals on the silos. So much detail. It was great to have a pamphlet giving details about each mural.
    We did nearly 300km which is only a fraction of the Silo Art Trail.
    We will do more from Horsham when we get there.    Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler
    Home for 2 nights
    Wall artSpectacular sunsetGlenloth HallGlenloth PubBoort post officeBoort lake

    Charlton

    April 19, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    We did a 2 night stop in Charlton ( I don't want to stop for a night if we can help it) I am so glad we did. We got information on the area and wanted to see the Spannerman sculptures. (See the next 4 blogs).
    On the way we called into Glenloth to look at the old pub and hall.
    Spannerman sculptures are just outside Boort. Boort is a pretty little town also.    Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler
    The detail in the seatLove the hairFaberge EggMark caught the big one

    Spannerman part 1

    April 20, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    There are several blogs on the Spannerman sculptures. A little background.
    John Piccoli is the sculptor. He contracted polio when he was 9 and confined to a wheelchair.
    He sculpted his creations from his chair. He never used a picture everything was sculptured from his memory.
    Unfortunately John passed away one year ago. His last sculpture was half finished.
    After speaking with his step-daughter and hearing his story we watched a short video of John explaining his work.
    When you enter the property lining the drive way is old farm machinery. John didn't want to see them scraped.    Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler
    Shearing the ram

    Spannerman Part2

    April 20, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    John started making smaller items with horse shoes and when he had an excess of spanners he started to use them.
    John bought the spanners at swap meets.
    He started to buy new spanners so that he could get the two tone effect and they were easier to bend.Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler
    Maldon

    Castlemaine and Maldon

    April 21, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    We spent 3 nights in Castlemaine. We had a look around town and went for a drive out to Maldon.
    The vintage markets were good. We had lunch at Das Kaffeehaus.
    Maldon is a beautiful little town outside of Castlemaine. We decided to go for a drive on a day that the Vintage Bike Rally was on.
    It was amazing to see the bikes roll in. They closed off the main street    Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler

    Geelong and Portarlington

    April 24, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    We spent 2 weeks in the Geelong/Portarlington area. We had a couple of appointments along with Nathan's birthday and Mother's Day.
    We tried our luck at fishing/squiding again with no success.
    Portarlington 3 Nayda's 0
    St Leonards 1 Nayda's 0
    We will keep trying.
    The weather is starting to get really cold. Not much sitting outside under the awning.    Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler
    Jubilee LakeThe fogThe wall around the lakeDriving into town and the autumn coloursAt the farmers market waiting for the historical trainAt the Amazing Mill Market

    Daylesford, Jubilee Holiday Park

    May 13, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    I have heard alot about Daylesford. It is as beautiful as I heard we stayed at Jubilee Holiday Park I was a little sceptical at first. Not the best site. But after the welcome from the peacocks and the walk around the lake, wow. The walk around Jubilee lake waa only about 30min long but the colours were spectacular. The trees took my breath away.
    We looked around town and the Amazing Mill Market and the farmers market. While at the farmers market we went on the historical train ride to Musk. We do love our old trains.
    We are moving onto Lismore.    Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler
    Sunset in Lismore
    Fire place at pubDay trip onto Camperdown

    Lismore

    May 17, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    We stopped into Lismore for a couple of nights. It is a small town. Sits on the highway. We took a day trip into Camperdown to look at what is there it is a lot bigger than I thought. Had lunch at the bakery wow a great selection. We will be going back to Geelong for a night to collect some mail and then onto Seymour to catch up with a friend.Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler
    Stone bridge in Avenel

    Seymour

    May 20, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    We had a great time in Seymour. We caught up with friends for lunch. I hadn't seen Haley since they left Darwin for Pucka nearly 7 years ago.
    Seymour is a very defence focused town.
    We did the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Walk and the Australian Light Horse Memorial Park. (Which we nearly got lost in.)
    We took a drive out to Avenel and had a look around the town where Ned Kelly grew up and saw the old stone bridge. We will have to get up to Glenrowan next time.    Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler
    Sunset at Rockbank
    Yallouran Power StationYallouran NorthLake NarracanNeerim JunctionSunset in Healesville

    Melbourne

    May 23, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    We stayed in the Melbourne area for several weeks. Unfortunately most of the time it was raining.
    We were without the van for a week as we had the 12 volt system upgraded.
    We spent time with family and enjoyed a couple of birthdays.
    We stayed in Rockbank, Melbourne, Dandenong, Moe, Healesville and then back to Geelong.
    When we were in Moe we drove past the Yallouran North Power Plant. It is a massive structure.
    We spent a few nights in Healesville. Visited an organic farmers market and bought the freshest milk I had ever had. Went to a market at the Punt Road Winery. It wasn't very big but had a great selection of fresh food.    Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler
    One of the many wind turbines on the way to Landsborough
    Sunset at LandsboroughBeaufort CFASt Arnaud town hallSilo art in St Arnaud

    Landsborough

    June 27, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    We tend to stay places for 3 nights and we stayed 4 in Landsborough.

    While in the Landsborough region we went to Beaufort, St Arnaud and Ararat.
    We love to investigate little towns and Beaufort was beautiful as we drove through it. It has a fantastic memorial garden.
    St Arnaud was a lot bigger than I thought with many places to eat. We stopped for lunch at the Dancing Kelpie Bistro. It was the best food we have had for a while.    Read more

  • MarkTulaMarkTula Exploring OzTraveler
    Early morning over the paddock
    Ice formed overnightOpen paddock next to the caravanView from the caravanBoroka lookout, over looking Lake BellfieldBroken FallsMackenzie FallsSunset at Reed lookoutReed lookout at sunsetEnjoying a cold one

    Halls Gap

    July 2, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 11 °C

    We finally made it to Halls Gap. We were meant to come here back in January. So only 6 months late.
    Halls Gap is stunning. We stayed at the Lakeside Tourist Park (behind Bellfield lake). So much wildlife around. Birds, emus and kangaroos.
    We hired a firepit and enjoyed the fire until it was too cold. ( When you had a fire pit you had to keep a bucket of water next to the fire. Overnight it was that cold that ice formed on the top of the water.)

    We visited Boroka lookout, Mackenzie Falls lookout, Broken Falls lookout and Reed lookout ( at sunset).
    We walked about 3km.
    We visited a winery and a farm that produced local jams and sauces.
    We missed the zoo and so many more walks we will have to go again.    Read more

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