Rushworth, Nagambi, Seymour VIC Australia

Travelled: 123km to Rushworth and Nagambi, 155km to Seymour then home.

Stay: Majors Creek Reserve - free with toilets GPS-36.853048, 145.066995

As we head south we stop to have a look at the small town of Stanhope, which once had a railway station and a hub for near by pastoralist. Now Fonterra has a factory that makes cheese here. 

Further south we stopped for breakfast and walked up the lookout tower above Rushworth.

We went out to look at Waranga Basin and then came back to town. 

We were surprised at the substantial buildings that still remained due to the gold rush era that flanked the very wide main street.

In the nearby forest there used to be the Whroo township and plenty of evidence of the goldmines that once was. Near Nagambi we stopped to have a look at the historic Kirwans Bridge (we had to do a uturn due to its height and weight limitations). 

another old bridge in the area ...

The town of Nagambi is quite large servicing holiday makers and visitors to the lake, horse studs and wineries that scatter the area. 

Just south from here we camped on the Major River, near Mitchellstown, which also backed onto the Army training site. We heard the occasional shot and a load explosion but all all calmed down by nightfall. 

On the way home the following morning we stopped in Seymour to have a look at the Vietnam War Memorial.

Rochester VIC Australia

Travelled: 108km to Aysons Reserve

Visited: Rochester

Stay: Aysons Reserve - free with toilets and dump point GPS -36.458746. 144.671467

We continued our journey east, driving through Inglewood. Gold was first discovered here in 1859 resulting in a population to over 40,000. Many brick structures that were built after a substantial fire in 1862 are still standing today. In the early 1900's the eucalyptus industry took hold and the district still produces the greater portion of Victoria's eucalyptus oil. We then have a stop in Elmore, a small town on the Campaspe River. It is also the home of the famous Elmore Oil used as a arthritis pain relief and is made from local grown eucalyptus. 

We make camp at the popular Alyson’s Reserve. 

The Campaspe River

Some of the Corellas that frequent here

and the colourful Tree Hopper

and some pretty flowers

It was a hot and blustery afternoon and it appears an idiot decided to start a grass fire. Luckily the CFA are quick to respond with no injuries or loss of property. It’s the talk of the camp until dinner time. 

The next day we leave the caravans behind and drive 13km north to Rochester (previously visited last year). Agriculture plays an important part of the economy here. 

We have a look the the remaining sale yards. 

We once again admire the wall and silo murals (with one partly done by the same artist) around the town, ending with a stroll along the river before heading back to camp.

Can you see what it is?

A platypus...the same as on the silo.