Creswick, Geelong

Had a lovely couple of days at Creswick.

The pool at the caravan park here is an old quarry I am told - no wonder there is such a high diving tower. 30+m deep. Probably pretty cold also - no one swimming!

Drove to Ballarat. Did a couple of hill lookouts, but didn’t go in to Sovereign hill – a tourist village/museum. Heaps of cars and buses. Lovely big lake in town – very popular I think – people running etc.

Came back via Dean, lunch at Newlyn bistro. Disgusting coffee and dumped the meat patty in the burger! Then a bit further north looking for the cheese place???? Passed a winery and up a hill that has had a fire over it. Also around the house and sheds at the base. Must have taken wrong road – no cheese.

Through to Kingston – little village but several km of lovely big old trees lining the road, and mown underneath. Avenue of Honour I am told. Potatoes growing everywhere here. Then back down to Creswick, fuelled up and another detour a few km out of town and back. Mature large pine plantations around. Certainly grow well at this altitude.

Mon 4th.

Off to Werribee – the long way. Went east to bypass Ballarat then down to Ballan, then towards Anakie over the Brisbane National park. 3 massive reservoirs there which supply Geelong. First earth dam built in 1870, then 1914 and 1918.

Turned at Anakie Junction and took back roads towards Little River. Got a bit narrow at times but all sealed and no traffic! Took about 3 hours – but who is in a hurry.

Tues 5^th

Left about 11 and drove to Big4 on Bellarine Highway. Took ages! Slow getting through the south end of Geelong and so much traffic. Should have stopped at Moolap Caravan Park – very close to Jayco – now have about 16km to go back there tomorrow. Very nice park here – big sites but $6 for a load of washing!!! And $45 per night! All new facilities and individual shower / toilet rooms so will enjoy that in the morning.

Wed 6^th

Up early – in time to see the fog. Everything wet and with dry cut grass what a mess! Lovely long shower in a chub so soaked the feet as well. Down to Jayco. Had a look at the StarCraft outback – new 2012 $47k. Very tempted until told that I would get $25k for mine as trade in!!!! Ouch. New seal etc done and all good.

Booked into Moolap Caravan Park for 2 nights $30 pn. Very basic! Had birthday  lunch in town with daughter at Winter Gardens - lovely. Will be sad to leave the area - has been a wonderful couple of months around here and such lovely people I have met.

Off towards Colac tomorrow.