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.