Exploring the Point Leo Reefs - Westernport Bay

On Wednesday December 30, 2009, an extremely hot day - 36 degrees - I went down to Point Leo, on the Westernport Coast, 70 km south of Melbourne.

I think that everyone in Melbourne had the same idea - I estimated that there were at least 6,000 thronging the beach!

From the car park on Western Parade, I followed the main walking track along the top of the cliffs, then descended to the beach near the Pt Leo Boat Club and jetty.

From there, I walked along the beach past Bobbanaring Point, then out to the southernmost part of the vast exposed reef.

The tide was very low!

Many visitors were exploring the reef and rockpools - lots small boats were in action nearby - thousands of people were frolicking in the surf.

This beachwalk was about 5 km in total.

The Photos show the variety of activities, several candid-camera shots, and the many small brightly colored temporary igloo-type tents which had sprung up along the beach!

Exploring theCoastal Heath Track, Balnarring

On Monday December 28, 2009, I visited the Balnarring Beach area, about 70 km south of Melbourne, on Westernport Bay.

From the main car park at the end of Balnarring Beach Rd, I followed the Coastal Heath Track past the Yacht Club, then on to the Banksia Rise Track, alongside the Merricks Creek Estuary.

This ended at Tulum Beach, which I followed through to the Estuary at adjoining Somers Beach.

It was low tide - after exploring the reefs and rock pools which had been exposed near the estuuary, I returned to the car park along the beach, a distance of about 5 km in total.

There was plenty of beach action on a hot day!

See all of the Photos of my visit!

Buchan Caves, East Gippsland

About 350 km east of Melbourne, near the township of Buchan, lies a honeycomb of caves full of spectacular limestone formations. Buchan Caves were formed by underground rivers cutting through limestone rock.

The formations are created by rain water seeping through cracks and dissolving some of the limestone. As each droplet comes through the roof it deposits calcite which crystallises in a small ring. In time, stalactites are formed on the roof of the cave, and stalagmites build up from droplets which fall to the floor.

The Reserve was established to cater to the needs of the thousands of visitors who visit the caves each year.

The caves were reserved in 1887, though largely by accident - they were on land set aside for stock camping. The government commissioned an exploration soon afterwards and reserved the land to protect the caves.

A network of walking tracks radiates from the Visitor Centre, offering good views of the Reserve and Valley.

In 1907, Frank Moon discovered the Fairy Cave which was opened to the public later that year. Royal Cave was discovered in 1910 by Frederick Wilson and after an entrance tunnel was excavated, it was opened to visitors in 1913. The Caves Reserve was set out and planted mostly in the late 1930s.

On Christmas Day 2009 I visited the Buchan Caves Reserve with my brother - disappointingly the Visitor Cente was closed, which meant that there were no tours into the caves.

Almost exactly 50 years ago, in December 1959, we had visited the Reserve and explored the Caves. I have i included a picture of what the entrance to the Royal Cave looked like on our 1959 visit!

See all of the Photos of our visit!

Go to the Parks Victoria website for details about the Reserve and to download a Brochure:

http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=74 -

Shoreham - Coastal Hike to Honeysuckle Point

On Tuesday December 22, 2009, I went down to Shoreham Beach, on Westernport Bay, about 70 km south of Melbourne.

From the main car park car park next to the beach, I explored the coast to the east as far as the reefs at Honeysuckle Point, crossing the Stony Creek estuary, on a 4 km beach hike.

One of my objectives was to locate the site of the former jetty, which was dismantled in the 1940s.

In those years, Shoreham Beach was a vibrant seaport, where boats would load produce from the local farms, and unload provisions.

The advent of good roads, and the nearby railway from Bittern to Red Hill, put an end to the sea transport.

Nothing remains of the jetty - the location is now the small boat unloading/loading ramp. An aerial view via Google Earth shows the outline of the jetty foundations.

See all of the Photos of my visit!

Pound Bend Walking Track to Kangaroo Paddock

On Monday afternoon December 21, 2009, I went over to the Warrandyte State Park, 15 km from the Melbourne CBD.

I left the car at the Pound Bend picnic ground and followed the Pound Bend Walking Track alongside the Yarra, to the Kangaroo Paddock.

The Paddock is actually in a large area of cleared land managed by Parks Victoria and walkers are permitted in it.

A few of the resident Eastern Grey kangaroos were frolicking at the far end of the paddock!

This was a 4 km hike, through bushland.

See all of the Photos of my visit!

Balnarring to Merricks Coastal Hike

On Sunday afternoon Dec 20 2009 I visited Balnarring Beach, on Westernport Bay, about 70 km south of Melbourne.

From the car park at the end of Balnarring Beach Rd, I did a 5 km (return) hike, which took me through the Bird Sanctuary, then along the coast to Merricks Beach.

Lots of movement, color, amd action - yachts - kites - seagulls - surfers - swimmers - beachcombers!

This is one of my favourite Beaches, so near to Melbourne!

See the complete set of Photos of my visit!

Exploring the Olinda Creek Track

The Olinda Creek Track is a 3 km loop, in the Olinda Forest, Dandenong Ranges National Park, 35 km east of the Melbourne CBD.

It starts at Management Road 13, just off the Olinda Creek Rd, with a side-track down to the Creek where there is a water depth indicator, maintained by Melbourne Water.

It passes through preserved bushland, and beautiful fern gullies.

I explored this interesting Track on Saturday December 19, 2009.

See all of the Photos of my visit!

Huggin's Lookout at Bright

On December 14, 2009, with friend Mick, the Huggin's Lookout, at Bright, was visited.

The township of Bright is 350 km NE of Melbourne, and known as the gateway to the Alps.

The Viewpoint overlooks the town towards Apex Hill and Mt Porepunkah.

My first visit to the Lookout was in December 1975!

Access is via Huggins Rd, about 5 km, starting at the main street of Bright, and signed.

An alternative route is via Brown Lane, at the eastern end of the town, starting at the Wandiligong Rd.

Energetic souls may wish to follow the signed foot-track, which starts at the end of Deacon Lane, near the Stadium.

Huggins Rd was constructed in the early 1920s, to support the pine plantation industry.

In 1961 I visited Bright, but didn't go to the Lookout. We went to the Bright Car Racing Track, just off the Great Alpine Rd, and watched the proceedings. The Racetrack is long gone, now buried in thick pine plantations. Its legacy lingers through Racecourse Rd, which is reached from the Great Alpine Rd, at the eastern end of the town.

See the full set of Photos of our visit, which include some historical images from various sources showing Bright from 1873, and some pix of the Lookout which I took in 1975, as well as one from my brother of 1960.! My photo of the Car Races of December 1961 is included - some good-looking cars there on that day!

Some pix of nearby Wandiligong have been included of Dec 14, 2009.

Discovering the Victorian Alps!

On Sunday December 13, 2009, with mate Mick, we did the 250 km circle trip known as the Great Alpine Discovery Drive.

Fronm our starting point at Bright, 350 km NE of Melbourne, we travelled along the Great Alpine Road, through Harrietville, Hotham Heights, and Dinner Plain, reaching Omeo.

From there, we continued along the Omao-Mitta Mitta Rd, passing through Angler's Rest and the famous Blue Duck Hotel.

The road wound its way through the spectacular Cobrunga and Bundara River Gorges, offering glorious views of the rivers far below.

Reaching Shannonvale settlement, we turned on to the recently sealed Bogong Alpine Way, which is part of the Bogong High Plains Rd.

Climbing steadily, there were big views of the Alps around Mt Wills, and we reached the Trapyard Gap Information Board, which told us about the High Plains.

From there, we passed Buckety Plain, reaching the Rocky Valley Dam. We stopped at the access points to Cope Hut Track and Langford Gap, inspecting the Langford Gap Aqueduct and the crossing of the Australian Alps Walking Track.

Merrily we continued around the Dam, entering Falls Creek Village,

From there, it was down the valley to Mt Beauty, then back to Bright.

Our other stopping points included Danny's Lookout (near Hotham), Dinner Plain, a 3 km (return) hike to the Carmichael Waterfalls (our lunch stop) near the Dinner Plain Village, the Kusciuzko View Lookout (approaching Omeo), a petrol/icypole stop at Omeo and a photo stop at Sullivan's Lookout at Tawonga Gap, above Mt Beauty.

All this took us about six hours, Bright to Bright!

The views from the great Alpine Rd, were outstanding, as was the scenery along the Mitta Mitta Rd and the Bogong Alpine Way.

I had driven along the section between Omeo and Falls Creek many years ago, in 1974, recalling it as stony and rough!

Interestingly, it was almost 80 years ago when the Great Trail Ride took place. This started at Shannonvale, and followed what was to become part of the Bogong High Plains Rd decades later.

The 50 horsemen travelled through to Harrietville over the High Plains, with side trips to Mt Feathertop, Mt Nelse, and Mt McKay. No Rocky Valley or Happy Valleys then - no Falls Creek Village - they would appear in the 1950s!

See the complete set of Photos of our trip!

Paradise Falls - Wabonga State Park - Whitfield Region

The Paradise Waterfalls are in the Wabonga State Park, 17 km from Whitfield via Cheshunt, in NE Victoria, about 330 km NE of Melbourne.

Vehicle access is via the unsealed 2WD Paradise Falls Rd, to the Falls carpark. This road is signed as the "Paradise Falls Track".

The walking track winds its way down the Gorge, reaching a view point at the bottom of spectacular vertical cliffs. The Falls are an uninterrupted 31 metres drop and are best viewed in spring, early summer or after rain.

Information, toilet and picnic facilities are available at the car park.

There are some nice views from the Track to the Alps.

With mate Mick, we visited the Falls on Saturday December 12, 2009, having explored the nearby Power's Lookout Reserve.

Sadly, the flow on this day was only a trickle!

See the complete set of Photos of our visit!

Carmichael Falls, Alpine National Park, Dinner Plain region

The Carmichael Falls are in the Alpine National Park, about 385 km NE of Melbourne.

Access is from the unsigned 4WD Dinner Plain Track, which starts at the junction of the Hotham Walking Trail and the Great Alpine Road, adjacent to the Dinner Plain Village.

The signed Falls Track branches off from the Dinner Plain Track about 500 m from the Great Alpine Rd.

The Falls Track winds its way down the valley, through snowgum forest, reaching the well-constructed Falls Viewing Platform.

The Falls drop down a vertical cliff for about 50 m.

A side track of about 50 m off the Falls Track goes to the top of the falls.

The walking diatance is about 2 km return, but the track is steep in sections, with a series of S-bends, and formed steps.

We drove along the rocky and rutted Dinner Plain Track from the Great Alpine Road to a small open space next to a gate, at the start of the Falls Track.

This rough vehicle track crosses water run-off from a creek originating in the adjacent Dinner Plain Village area, and care is needed if using a 2WD. Best to leave the 2WD at the Great Alpine Rd and walk down the track to the Falls Track.

The Dinner Plain Track continues south for several km, traversing the Proserpine Plain. Nearby is Table Mountain, which may be seen from several vantage points.

With my mate Mick, the Falls Track was explored on Sunday December 13, 2009, having driven up from Bright to Mt Hotham and Dinner Plain, as part of our 250 km Alpine Discovery Tour. After the Falls, we continued on to Omeo, then on the Mitta Mitta Rd, passing Angler's Rest, then along the newly sealed Bogong High Plains Rd to Falls Creek, then to Mt Beauty and back to Bright. That was a spectacular Alps Circuit Traverse, mostly in glorious sunny weather!

See the complete set of Pictures of our visit!

Power's Lookout - Bushranger Country!

Power's Lookout Reserve is located in north east Victoria, 43 km north east of Mansfield and 20 km south west of Whitfield.

With mate Mick, the journey was from Bright, through Myrtleford to Whitfield, then up to the Reserve.

This scenic reserve provides marvellous vistas of the Upper King Valley and the Alpine National Park.

An Information Board at the car park/picnic area provides comprehensive details about the Reserve, its history and geological formation.

This lookout, high on a ridge overlooking the King River Valley, was well used in the 1800's by Harry Power, a notorious bushranger who would watch from this lofty position to see when the mail coaches were coming and wait in ambush. From his vantage point high up, he could spot the dust risiing in the far end of the valley to the north. This would give him time to ride his horse down from the ridge to meet the unsuspecting driver of the coach, which usually carried money too.

There are two viewing points - one is at the car park, the other is at the most northern point of the rocky outcrop, reached by a 1 km (return) walking track via a series of steep ladders.

The rocky outcrops were once part of an ancient river system. Over the years, movement in the earth's crust has uplifted the conglomerate from the drainage basin where it was originally deposited. Tilting of the sediment layers and erosion by wind and water has left the rocky outcrop of Power's Lookout as it is today.

The views are magnificent!

We visited the Lookout reserve on Saturday December 11, 2009.

See the full set of Photos of our visit!

Exoliring the beautiful Maranoa Native Botanical Gardens - Balwyn

Maranoa Gardens, located at the end of Parring Road, Balwyn, about 9 km from the Melbourne CBD, is a native display Botanic Garden, exhibiting plants in a range of habitat styles, to demonstrate the flora of Melbourne and other regions.

Maranoa Gardens has been influenced by many forces since its creation, andf is managed by the Booroondara Shire Council.

Mr J Watson created Maranoa Gardens in 1901 when he purchased 3.5 acres of land to develop a private garden, catering to his interest in Australian and New Zealand plants. An Australian garden was unusual in that era, when the main interest was in exotic plants and Victorian or Edwardian design.

Camberwell Council purchased the land in 1922 and the garden was officially opened to the public on 18 September 1926. The garden was expanded in 1962, taking approximately three acres of neighbouring Beckett Park to construct a rockery. In 1987, the rockery was extended and replanted to provide an environment for plants considered difficult to grow in Melbourne.

Over the years, specialists have been involved in the identification and naming of the plants in the collection to acquaint visitors with the value of Australian vegetation.

The garden is visited daily by locals, enjoying the meandering paths and by students and botanical enthusiasts in search of knowledge. Weekends are a popular time for wedding parties and photographic sessions.

The garden plays a significant role as one of the major botanical displays of Australian plants in Victoria. It provides visual and written information on Australian plants in varying habitats for students, botanists and enthusiasts alike.

The large Beckett Park adjoins the Gardens, and boasts one of the highest points in Metropolitan Melbourne. Formerly known as One Tree Hill, the imposing ancient round stone tower still commands views across Melbourne to distant Mt Macedon. The top of the tower is reached by a circular staircase and steel ladder.

Originally grassy woodland, Beckett Park has been lovingly restored to one of Council’s more important re-vegetation sites of indigenous species. Visitors walk through little patches of grassy woodlands similar to that which would have been there more than 100 years ago.

In the 1940s & 1950s Beckett Park was a traditional site for Empire Day bonfires. The last Bonfire was in 1988.

I visited the beautiful Garden and Park on Monday December 7, 2009, exploring the network of walking tracks, water features, waterfalls, rockeries, the displays, and the Round Tower.

See all of the Photos of mhy visit!

Exploring Hay's Paddock - East Kew

Hay's Paddock is a large park located in East Kew which can be accessed via Lister Street at the northern end or via Longstaff or Leason streets from the south (Melway 45 J1-2).

It's about 8 km from the Melbourne CBD, within the Booroondarra Shire.

Hay's Paddock is an extensive recreation area consisting of two sportsgrounds which are used for soccer during the winter and cricket during the summer. In addition, an archery paddock sits at the northern end of the park.

However, the highlight of Hays Paddock is the all-abilities playground which sits on the banks of the billabong. The playground was designed to enable children with disabilities and those without to play together. It includes the usual swings and slides, plus a swing with harness, double-width slide, extra wide see-saw, hammock and a spider's web trampoline which ensures fun for all children.

In addition, there are tables and seating for picnics, toilets, barbecue, sand pit with sun-shade and car parking. The whole area has a bushland theme with plenty of seating and shade.

The Paddock was once a market garden in the late 1800s - the billabong is a natural feature and is the habitai of many species of birds.

I visited Hay's Paddock on Sunday afternoon December 6, 2009, or a 2 km circuit hike around the Reserve - my starting point was Kilby Rd. There was plenty of action - hundreds of people were enjoying barbecues and picnics next to the Billabong - a soccer match was in progress - the Playground was popular - Green Creek was flowing.

See all of the Photos of my visit!

Rockpooling at Point Leo - Westenport Coast

On Wednesday afternoon December 2, 2009, I went down to the Point Leo Coast, Westerport Bay, about 80 km south of Melbourne.

It was a warm day, the tide was out, and the vast reefs were exposed.

From the main car park at the end of Pt Leo Rd, I explored the reefs, doing a 2 km beach walk which took me to the jetty at the Pt Leo Yacht Club, then back to a point half way to Shoreham.

There was plenty of action along the beach, including a group of young students from the Balnarring Primary School on a nature-study excursion, a class of teenagers being instructed in the skills of canoeing, and people swimming, suntanning, beachcombing, and rockpooling.

This beautiful beach has a particular fascination for me. My first visit to the beach was on January 12, 1952, as a 12 year old. I walked along it from Shoreham, as an excursion organized by the YMCA at Camp Buxton, part of a ten day camp for disadvantaged schoolboys from low socio-economic environments.

See all of the Photos of my visit, which includes a picture which I took on that day some 57 years ago, at the same place, showing one of our Camp Leaders being photographed by my tent-mate.

The beach still looks much the same!

Warrandyte - Yarra River Reserve

I visited the Yarra River Reserve, Warrandyte State Park, 20 km east of the Melbourne CBD, on a hot and humid afternoon November 28, 2009.

From the Taroona Reserve car-park, I followed the main walking trail to the main Bridge, and returned the same way.

There was lots of action along the Trail, such as the Duck Regatta, many hounds, cyclists, and walkers!

My journey was about 3 km (return), with good views of the River, and the rapids.

See all of the Photos I took in October 1957 of the Bridge and River!

They include images from the very first Kodachrome 35 mm slides I took on my newly acquired Voightlander Vito-B film camera!