Outlets

Sun and fun: Thorpdale visitor Ellie Varsaci pushes Willow Hornsby on the ice rink set up at Walhalla as part of last week’s Springfest. Skating by: Hernes Oak family Emily and Penelope Chapman with mum Miranda glide on the Walhalla ice rink.

photographs michelle slater

Walhalla rink a big hit

By MICHELLE SLATER

WALHALLA was ‘chockers’ with visitors to the historic mountain village on the Thursday public holiday to enjoy ‘Springfest’ activities in brilliant sunshine. The town was lined with parked cars and buzzing with tourists who took advantage of the state’s four-day weekend to check out the activities as part of the 10-day festival. A temporary ice-skating rink was set up at Stringers Park, with families testing out their balance on the slippery surface. Other activities included mini-laser tag sessions, ghost tours, gold mine tours, Walhalla Goldfields Railway trips, and a snowball-throwing contest. Springfest was organised to help the town recover from the impacts of bushfires, storm damage and COVID, which had led to a tourism downturn and some business closures. Walhalla business operators were eager to welcome visitors for the festival, with The Corner Store and Museum manager Naomi Brosnan keen to get the event going. “Emerging from the challenges of the past two years, our town is really looking forward to Springfest and welcoming visitors to this spectacular part of the world,” Ms Brosnan said. “There is more than meets the eye here in Walhalla, and one day just simply isn’t enough time to explore the town and take in all its attractions. “Through this event, we hope to encourage visitors to stay a few nights so they can delve into the historical significance of the town and have a greater understanding of its beauty.” Springfest was organised with support from Baw Baw Shire in partnership with Destination Gippsland and Mt Baw Baw Alpine Resort.

Farmer walks the plank to get home

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A YINNAR South farmer is being forced to walk across a rickety homemade bridge to access his own property while waiting for authorities to repair a bridge that was swept away in last year’s floods. Upper Middle Creek Road landholder, Greg Davis, is at loggerheads with government agencies over rebuilding a privately-owned bridge across Crown land that allowed him to drive onto his property.

Troubled waters: Yinnar South farmer Greg Davis by the remains of an access bridge that was destroyed in last year’s floods. photograph michelle slater

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