Port Welshpool (VIC)

Port Welshpool is a tiny town (or maybe a suburb) part of/ near to Welshpool itself in South Eastern Victoria. It seems to cater mostly to the tourist trade and is well set up for summer visitors. Fishing is of course huge here. It's pretty quiet at this time of year and we were the only temporary residents in the (LONG PIER) caravan park. The weather was rough and squally, with clouds flying through the sky, high winds and rain occuring every few minutes. Chris was hoping for sunshine and we were not able to find any (to make matters worse- everyone at home reported beautiful springtime weather).

The LONG Pier... (currently closed but the subject of community meetings re. restoration)

One of the locals...

Taking the tourist drive through the beautiful little town of Welshpool, we headed into the hills towards the impressive windfarm and Agnes Falls. Agnes Falls is the highest single span falls (59 Metres) in Victoria. The water originates in the Strzelecki Ranges before flowing into the Agnes River. The area is known for plantation forest and farmland and has an annual rainfall of over 1200mm. Much of which seemed to fall during our visit!

Otway Wanderings

Our recent adventures included a local trip around our "backyard" so to speak, into the Otway ranges.
We found a delightful spot close by to Beauchamp Falls (closed due to weather damage on the track). Amelia was very disappointed and is still talking about going back to see the little blue birds and Otway Black Snails which are found on the walk. But there area few sites requiring upkeep before reopening- Stevenson's Falls (near Forrest) being another. Guess we'll just wait til then.
It was a public holiday weekend so there were loads of people camping, 4WD-ing and generally enjoying being outdoors.

We enjoyed a lovely picnic at the site where in 1938 the forrestry commission planted some Californian Redwoods to see if they were suitable for logging purposes. Apparently they are too slow growing, despite being very straight and otherwise great for timber harvesting. These days bluegums and pines are predominantly grown in the area.

Amelia enjoyed exploring and once within the stand of redwoods it was quiet and almost surreal. The creek running through was clear and impressively untouched.