Murrindindi Guide Summer 2020-21 by Ann Friedel

Arts & Tourism Business & Trades Guide

SUMMER 2020/21

www.murrindindiguide.com.au

PROUD LY OWNED & PRODU CE THE SH D IN IR MURRIN E OF DINDI

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Alexandra Events Corporation Ltd

DATE TO BE CONFIRMED DUE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS CHECK WEBSITE FOR DATE AND PRICES AND TO BUY YOUR TICKETS

www.alexandrarodeo.com.au Contact Andrew Embling 0418 266 038 / Ayden Embling 0427 924 944

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Farm relics sit side-by-side with fine china and silverware at Killingworth Hill Café & Whisky Bar ~ it is rustic, traditional Australiana with more than a smack of sophistication. Drink in this history as you sample some of the finest drams you’ll ever come across. Enjoy a glass of wine, a charcuterie board made with the finest cheeses, meats, patés, pickles, fruits and nuts, or a bowl of homemade soup, a delicious dessert, tea or coffee.

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MURRINDINDI

ARTS & TOURISM, BUSINESS & TRADES GUIDE

Murrindindi’s INDEPENDENT guide to events and attractions across the shire and surrounds for locals and tourists alike. Pick up a copy at one of our advertisers or information centres in the shire or surrounding towns. Please support our advertisers as without them this magazine couldn’t be produced. If we support our local businesses and communities then we improve our local economy. Keep it local if you can. Produced and published by Ann Friedel Publishing, 11 Albert Street Alexandra Victoria. Material published in the Murrindindi Arts & Tourism, Business & Trades Guide is protected by Australian and International copyright laws. Reproduction of any material in whole or part is not permitted without prior authorisation by the publisher. Ann Friedel Publishing has made every effort to ensure the information provided at time of printing is correct, but accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies or omissions. Some components of some advertising in this magazine are made by Freepik.com or allfree-download.com. Events listed in this publication may be subject to change without notice.

www.murrindindiguide.com.au

READ US ONLINE issuu.com/murrindindiguide Murrindindi-Guide

Advertising booking DEADLINE for the AUTUMN 2021 issue is 29 JANUARY 2021 If you wish to advertise please contact Tim Skerritt, Sales and Distribution, on Phone 0439 358 880 Office 5772 1026 Email sales@friedel.net.au or contact Ann Friedel Publishing Email publishing@friedel.net.au Phone 0418 556 107 Office 5772 1026

• Clearing Sales Specialist • Livestock Sales • Wool • Fencing Materials • Chemicals • Fertilisers • Tanks & Pumps • Country Clothing LIVESTOCK ~ INSURANCE • Andrew Embling | 0418 266 038 54 Grant St Alexandra 03 5772 3110 MERCHANDISE • Trish Embling | 0447 266 038 www.emblingrural.com.au MERCHANDISE • John Fleming | 0455 625 225 COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 5

Bonfire Station ..................................................................................7 Cathedral Valley Yarra Ranges Honey.................................... 13 Ukulele Heaven.............................................................................. 19 Naturally in Murrindindi............................................................. 23 Diving into kingfishers................................................................ 27 Glamping in Taggerty.................................................................. 31 Rail Trail maps................................................................................. 32 Buxton silver gums....................................................................... 37 Miniature marvels......................................................................... 41 A rare survivor................................................................................ 45 Health & Wellbeing Handwriting may boost kids’ brainpower...................... 47 Optair Eyecare.......................................................................... 49 Arts & Entertainment Mandy Valsinger – striving for perfection...................... 51 Holmesglen ready to welcome you back....................... 58 What’s on ......................................................................................... 59 Regular markets............................................................................. 60 Business & Trades.......................................................................... 60 Business & Trades listings........................................................... 66 Contact & Emergency Numbers.............................................. 67 Shire maps....................................................................................... 68

37 I & M Simpson & Son Pty Ltd 25 Aitken Street ALEXANDRA 3714 Phone 03 5772 1205 www.simpsonsfuel.com.au Established 1953

We supply BULK FUEL to all areas of the Murrindindi and Mansfield Shires and parts of the Strathbogie Shire.

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Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 7

Above: Robert Christopher and Florine Piron behind the bar of Bonfire Station’s function centre. The pair are excited to be able to serve more locals when they start opening on Sunday afternoons this summer. Below: The silo bar and function centre mean guests can make the most of the Bonfire Station drinking experience in any weather.

8 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

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Bonfire Station caters for functions of all descriptions, from bucks’ nights to corporate team building to birthday parties. There is accommodation for up to 48 on the property, as well as a commercial kitchen and barbecues, so groups can self cater. By Emily Friedel

n the refurbished clubhouse of Taggerty’s old Cathedral golf course, the Bonfire Station team is blending a taste of city craft beer culture with relaxed country charm. At the bar, patrons can find a range of beers from Bonfire Station’s own microbrewery alongside some other unusual and hard-to-find boutique brews. These cold beverages can be enjoyed inside the rustic walls of the function room or outside under large shade trees with views of undulating pastures. And soon, the pleasure of the Bonfire Station drinking experience will be open to walk-ins from the public on Sunday afternoons. “It will be really good because so many of the locals have heard about us, but they don’t really know what we do, and they’ve never had the opportunity to come out,” head of operations Robert Christopher says. While Bonfire Station has become a highly popular venue for groups and celebrations of all descriptions – weddings, birthdays, family gettogethers – that wasn’t always the goal. It grew from the modest plan to provide

accommodation for backpackers working in the Christophers’ cherry orchard. “We tidied it up hoping we were going to get backpackers, and then we just moved to renting the rooms individually to different groups. Then, little by little, we moved to being a function centre. We just let the business evolve and see what happens,” Robert’s partner, Florine Piron, says. In fact, Florine was one of those backpackers working in the orchard four years ago when she met Robert and decided to stay to run the business with him. Aside from her people and marketing skills, Florine’s Belgian taste buds are an asset in the microbrewery, especially when it comes to combining Australian and Belgian beer cultures. Influences and inspiration for Bonfire Station’s brews may come from far afield with their Belgium Style Saison, American Pale Ale and German Wheat Beer, but Robert says their intention is to keep distribution hyper-local and become the area’s leading brewery. “We don’t really want to be going any further than the Murrindindi Shire. It’s more about improving our beers and

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offering more of a range.” Robert and his brother, Philip, started experimenting with home brewing many years ago. But it has only been in the last 12 months that they have established their commercial set-up, which allows them to ferment up 3,000 litres of beer at a time. Philip, who works as a civil engineer at the University of Melbourne, has taken on the role of master brewer for Bonfire Station. “He’s got that engineering, mathematical background, which is really good for the brewing,” Robert says. As they work towards being Murrindindi Shire’s main brewery, the Bonfire Station team are continually refining their products. Each batch gets a little tweak to see if they can improve on the flavour of the last one. Over the last year, they have also added an apple cider and many new beers to their range, which started out with just the American Pale – still a favourite among customers. Bonfire Station beverages are now behind the bars or on the shelves of many pubs and supermarkets in the area. The team also frequents the Taggerty Twilight Market, giving Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 9

Above: The Bonfire Station microbrewery, which is housed in a shed not far from the function centre. Below: The team is always experimenting to improve their current range and add more varieties for their beer-loving customers.

locals a chance to have a chat and sample their wares. Florine says opening the function centre on Sunday afternoons will provide further opportunities to bring locals into the Bonfire fold. “What we really like is meeting people and sharing the place and sharing the beer.” To complement the cold beers at the Sunday arvos, homemade pizzas will be offered under the shade of a pavilion. With planning permits for the eatery approved, Robert says they’re hoping to begin building soon, and they’re excited about adding the food service. “I think that will be a lot of fun on a sunny afternoon.” In keeping with the laid-back atmosphere they’re cultivating, the Bonfire Station team is waiting for the coronavirus-related restrictions to ease up before launching the Sunday afternoon sessions. They want to ensure they can deliver the best of their signature country-style service when they start welcoming the walk-ins. “We want it to be a really relaxed place where people can mingle and walk around,” Robert says. So whether you’re a beer connoisseur, curious to try some new brews or just a fan of a cold one on a hot summer afternoon, keep an eye on the Bonfire Station website or social media for announcements about their Sunday openings: www.bonfirestation.com or search @bonfirestation on Facebook and Instagam

10 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

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STAY IN THE HEART OF MARYSVILLE Two upstairs, fully self-contained apartments with spacious kitchen, dining and living area, 2 bedrooms and decks with stunning views. Accommodates 4-5 people. 27 Murchison Street, Marysville Ph 0408 103 481 www.alpinoapartments.com.au

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33 Murchison St Marysville Vic 3667 | P: 03 5963 3225 E: info@towermotel.com.au | W: www.towermotel.com.au Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 11

Eildon Lake Motel

HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION in Thornton. A charming & beautifully renovated cottage with rural views. Close to Eildon

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Waverley occupies the most central position in Alexandra. Its homely comfort will appeal to all holiday makers seeking pleasurable enjoyment in the country. Moderate tariff Ken & Marie Bristow 56 Nihil Street Alexandra Phone: 03 5772 1146 or 0409 411 816 waverley@ycs.com.au www.waverleyguesthouse.com.au

Yea Peppercorn Hotel RESTAURANT ACCOMMODATION FUNCTIONS (03) 5797 2000 21a Station Street Yea

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Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 13

Photo page 13: Robert checking his hives. Above: Bees collecting pollen from a grevillea. By Julia Foletta

he year 2020 has been anything but normal for we humans. Conversely, honeybees have been oblivious to the pandemic, flitting from flower to flower, collecting pollen, making honey, and doing all the things that bees usually do. In fact, it has been a particularly good year for honey. Not so good for everyone who loves a country market. The COVID-19 pandemic has left many markets generally off limits. In usual times, Taggerty beekeepers Robert van der Gragt and Glenys Hazelman would have been packing up their truck with their Cathedral Valley Yarra Ranges Honey and heading off early to markets around the 14 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

Murrindindi Shire and the Yarra Valley. Their cold-extracted honey is just pure organic Australian honey, the purest and healthiest honey available. A visit to the Cathedral Valley honey stall is a must, and news spreads thick and fast if ‘the honey man’ isn’t there. One exception has been the Healesville Farmers Market, held every Saturday morning. “We’re only doing the Healesville market at the moment,” Robert says. “But even with the five-kilometre restrictions, sales have been pretty solid. There has been some discussion with the Murrindindi Shire about reopening the Marysville market, but until the Melbourne restrictions are off, there’ll be no people.

Then we’d need crowd control, number control, sanitiser, signs and to go to all that trouble; so, we think we’ll just wait until it eases up a bit. “Knowing when and where flowering occurs is an integral part of management. It has been a good year, and we’re producing more honey, so we are stocking a few more local places and in the Yarra Valley. “At FoodWorks in Alexandra, there’s been an increase in sales. We stock there twice and sometimes three times per week. In Marysville, our honey is sold at the Lolly Shop. “Buxton Trout Farm and Things of Sand and Stone at Narbethong sell quite a bit, and trade is pretty steady at the Thornton Butcher. The

Grain Store in Alexandra, Dindi Naturals in Yarck and Marmalades in Yea also put in an order quite regularly. As soon as the lockdown is lifted, they’ll be ordering crazy amounts! “There’s a man in his 80s from Yarra Glen who sells eggs and has been going to the Richmond Market every week for 50 years and he takes a load of our honey. I’ll do deliveries each week too to places like Yarra Farm Fresh in Coldstream, and Mocha and Lime Café in Healesville. “We were selling a lot to Eildon’s Outdoor Education Group and Holmesglen, but presently they’ve got no trade. Places in the Yarra Valley, like the National Rhododendron Gardens and the Chocolaterie, have been

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Above: Cathedral Valley Yarra Ranges Honey is cold-extracted, pure, organic, Australian honey, and can be purchased at markets, Foodworks in Alexandra, Marysville Lolly Shop and various other poutlets across the shire. Right: Honeybees capping honey cells in the hive. very quiet. They’ve got no customers. It’s incredibly sad. “We get people from Melbourne wanting us to stock their shops regularly, but we just can’t do it. We don’t want to work 25 hours a day. We’d need more equipment, more bees, then people to work for us. At our age, we don’t really need to be expanding. We’ve decided to stick with what we’re doing, otherwise, when all the lockdowns come off, we wouldn’t be able to keep up. “Honey production over the past 12 months has been good. Last spring was OK, then we got quite a lot of yellow box and tea tree towards Christmas. After Christmas, there was stringybark, narrow-leafed peppermint, then messmate and then mountain ash at the end. After that, it was a good long autumn when there are some of the best honey flows and the bees are no longer swarming. “The hives had plenty of honey in them at the end of the season, so there was

enough honey for the bees over winter. We were too far away to be affected by last summer’s fire, but we did have some fire-affected beekeepers bring their bees to some messmate, like thousands and thousands of hives.” Beekeeping for honey isn’t just a case of plonking a few hives out and waiting for the bees to come. It requires management and lots of travel and hard work. In addition to producing honey, the bees also play an important role in pollinating crops such as almonds and cherries. “We took the hives up to Griffith in New South Wales to do almond pollinating. They made quite a bit of honey there in August and September. It’s warmer and drier there, and after their recent winter rains there were weeds for the bees – Paterson’s curse, wild canola, thistles – everything was flowering compared to the previous year when it had been just brown. We call that

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Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 15

Robert and Glenys have added a few products to their range this year including beeswax tea-light candles, Hard Workers Skin Repair and Rich Moisturising Cream. take them out to the cherry farms at Yellingbo, Taggerty and the Goulburn Valley, and they stay there pollinating until late October. We don’t get anything off cherries, mainly just the pollination fee. They pay OK, and it gets a bit of activity and pollen in the bees.

Taggerty beekeepers Robert van der Gragt and Glenys Hazelman of Cathedral Valley Yarra Ranges Honey moving a hive. honey Spring Flora as it’s made from an assortment of flowers. “During the so-called lockdown we did 5,000 kilometres in three weeks,” Robert continued. “Our border collie, Dusty, is well-travelled. He has done the almond pollination to Griffith, New South Wales, seven years running. He loves the night-time pick up of hives. “The border was interesting. When they closed the New South Wales border, you couldn’t go as a farmer, 16 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

couldn’t get a permit as a beekeeper or an essential worker, but you could get a permit for essential movement of freight on a commercial basis. So, they weren’t beehives, they were ‘freight’! Get to the border and the guy wants to look at the pass with the QR code, scans the QR code, checks your driver’s licence then says, ‘You’re right. Have a good day.’ It’s been quiet on the roads though – there’s been no one! “We bring the bees back here for a week or two then, as the cherries begin to flower, we

“After that we put them out for some red box and yellow box, which should yield once it warms up a bit. The bees will generally breed up a bit, but they won’t make a lot of honey in the orchards unless there’s other things flowering nearby. Last year, they made some honey from the nearby broad-leafed peppermint at Taggerty, but it isn’t flowering this year, and it has been a bit cold. When we come back here in late October it is warm enough for the bees to work solidly. It’s a cycle. Robert described one of his days; “Last Saturday I got up at 6am, went to the Healesville Farmers Market, came back about 2pm, had an hour’s sleep, did a few odd jobs, left around

4.30-5pm, went down to Yellingbo, picked up a load of bees, came back, unloaded and was finished at 10.30pm. That’s a long day! “We are flat out beekeepers. We started with a couple of hives in 1985, and now have 200. We don’t employ help, but we do have a mate that helps us out sometimes. There’s a lot of late-night driving because you must wait until all the bees have returned to their hives. We take them back home to flowering locations and then unload them. “Rob works very hard and the hours are long” adds Glenys. “I’m the back-up driver. I drive through the hives while Rob loads them up. By the time you are done, it is 1am. “It’s hard work and a hive filled with bees and honey can weigh 60 kilos. Our newly installed lifter has made loading and unloading so much easier.” From moving hives, cold extracting the honey, packing, making labels and

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trees only flower about every six to eight years, and 2020 is one of those years.

labelling, and distributing, Robert and Glenys do it all. Their business has always been to produce, buy, and sell local wherever possible. “Seems rather obvious that if you live in the country you are part of a community, so you support each other,” Robert says. Glenys adds, “We’re actually surprised at how much honey some people eat. Some go through a kilogram a week without any trouble.” Their honey varieties include Messmate, Mountain Ash, Stringybark, Yellow, Red and Grey box, Redgum and Ti-tree when available. Each honey has individual characteristics and colour. The mountain ash produces very nice honey, but the

They have also added a few products to their range this year including beeswax tea-light candles, Hard Workers Skin Repair and Rich Moisturising Cream. And what about their beautiful organic garlic? While standing at the stall and deciding if you really need garlic at that price, just ask Robert how well it compares to the ‘cheap clean white garlic’ you can buy in the supermarket. You’ll never buy cheap garlic again! “As for the bees, there is always the potential for disease or bee death from pesticide sprays. There have been a couple of outbreaks

of Varroa mite in coastal Queensland. We must monitor for diseases, have a lot of biosecurity, and make sure it’s all travelling smoothly. “The best thing is to have healthy hives and lots of flowers and they’ll look after themselves. When things get run down, the bees get more vulnerable. We keep everything clean, melt the old frames down and start again. You cannot just abandon them and think they’ll make honey forever.” With 35 years of beekeeping experience under their belt, we can thank Robert and Glenys not only for their beautiful honeys, but also for the role their bees play in the production of summer’s beautiful local cherries.

In the early days, their honey could be bought in pottery honey pots when they worked as Taggerty Pottery. Unfortunately, the exorbitant rise in the cost of materials, the price of bottled gas used to run the pottery kiln, and the introduction of GST to those products made the pottery financially unviable. “Now we need to think about saving and putting a bit away, not expanding and buying more equipment. When we can’t lift a box of honey off a hive, we’ll know it’s time to stop. And if people want advice on beekeeping, they can find it on YouTube,” Robert concludes. You can also follow Cathedral Valley Honey on Facebook.

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Lina Bin and Wayne Fulton We cater for; markets and festivals, agricultural and trade shows, sporting and corporate events, private parties and functions etc.

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18 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

Walina ASIAN FOOD

Enjoy a delicious Italian inspired meal and drink in our dining room or ‘al fresco’ in our large shady courtyard • Coffee • Cakes • Milkshakes • Beers • Wines • Ciders Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner ~ Dine-in or Take-away Wednesday-Friday • 6.30am-3.00pm • 6.00pm-8.00pm Saturday-Sunday • 7.30am-3.00pm • 6.00pm-8.00pm 35 Grant Street, Alexandra P: 0413 245 701 | FB @nonnaginasalex

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Bev Dick and Marlene Fleming music-making.

An interview with Alexandra’s Ukulele Heaven group

you can add more chords to expand your repertoire.

ommunity music is not the kind of music that aims for concert excellence; it is musicmaking where people gather, have fun and connect through song. With this in mind, our group began not long after the 2009 fires, when a couple of Alexandra and Acheron people invited others home to start playing their ukuleles together. Having heard of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, we thought it’d be fun to try a group in our patch.

“Learning to play the ukulele is a lot of fun; you get to learn new songs as well as try to play old ones. Being with a group of people who enjoy the same thing you do, the good vibes just keep coming,” Nola Wernicke says.

The ukulele is perfectly suited to community music; it’s such a happy little instrument with only four strings. It is very light and portable and easier to learn to play than guitars, mandolins and other instruments. Once you have learnt the three basic chords – C, F and G – you are off and running and can play many, many different songs. When you feel comfortable playing these chords,

Around ten to15 members from different locations dotted throughout the district and aged from 30-something right through to 70-something turn up to sessions twice a month. We’ve had a few young ones, but mostly we’re adults as we can stay out late! Members vary in their musical experience from beginners to very skilled, but in common is everyone’s willingness to share and learn new things. Sometimes other instruments sneak in – a harmonica here, a snare drum there – which gives depth and variety to the sound we produce. Ukulele Heaven meets in the evening

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on the second Tuesday of each month at the Alexandra Library. Together with the Alexandra and District Friends of the Library, the library has really encouraged our group for a whole decade. Friends of the Library has provided drinks and snacks, plus a set of ukuleles for library staff to use with Junior Friends, and for the general public to borrow. We also meet at Alexandra’s Embassy of Ideas on the last Friday evening of each month. Making new friends underpins the success of the group. We have lots of laughs. Some of us meet up at music festivals as a result of knowing each other and feel most happy when we see each other in the crowd. It’s the beautiful result of getting to know people over time, of developing a bond and long-term memories of events done together. “I joined Ukelele Heaven about 12 months ago. I was in the Alexandra Library one evening and was attracted Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 19

Mike Jennings and Frank Coe. by the group of people practising some songs on their ukuleles and singing along. They were having a lot of fun, and I thought it would be good for me to get involved, develop a new skill and meet some new people. I can have a tendency to not socialise much, and belonging to Ukulele Heaven has had many positive benefits for me. I get a lot of satisfaction from learning new songs every month and, most importantly, it is good to feel a part of a fun-loving, easy-going group of special people. If you would like to get involved with the group, I encourage you to come along and join in. You will be made to feel most welcome,” Frank Coe says. “For me, Ukulele Heaven has opened up the great community companionship that makes regional life,” Russell Danby says.

try. We all have input into arrangements – it can be messy, but it is always fun! Some members have written their own songs and shared them. At times duos and trios form and practise in between sessions. It’s great that the club stimulates this extension of musicmaking. “Playing ukulele has led to me learning to play guitar and banjolele as well. It has also opened up the wide and wonderful world of music and songs. New songs, festivals and, best of all, just getting together with lovely people and enjoying an afternoon of fun, playing music and singing. I always walk away with a smile on my face and humming a song,” Marlene Fleming says.

We play songs from many different decades and genres: ballads, blues, American, Australian, hits of the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and sometimes something from beyond 2000! There is such a profusion of material available – it’s a feast.

Very occasionally, we perform in public. Being in a group means if you get stuck, there is always someone else who will keep going until you can pick up again. Of course, it’s OK if members prefer not to play in front of others – performing is completely optional. Just enjoying being part of our regular get-togethers is what most of us like.

We don’t employ a musical director but run the group ourselves. Last year, Ruth Worland took responsibility for leading us through particular songs that she or the group had decided to

Ukulele Heaven usually plays two or three songs at the Alexandra Library’s annual Grand Acoustica Concert and supports the library’s Friday Lunchtime monthly music program. We’re always

20 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

a tad nervous, so it is nice when the audience claps and cheers! A few years ago, we performed at the Let There Be Light Festival for St John’s Church. We walked around the town with the parade of folk in the dead of winter, aware our strings could go badly out of tune once we moved from the freezing cold into the hot library – an interesting experience! Once we even did an impromptu shopand-street performance of Christmas Carols in Alexandra. It was about fun, being community-minded and supporting each other to do this daring thing in Alex where nothing bizarre happens in the open! It was about making ourselves and others happy – and not taking ourselves too seriously. A highlight in December 2019 was when members of Healesville’s Strings N Things group joined us on a Ukuleles On the Lake cruise on Lake Eildon. It was fun motoring along, singing songs together and meeting another uke group from just over the mountain. As for the future, Covid has meant our group hasn’t met since March 2020. We look forward to getting together when things are settled and welcoming newcomers. Get in touch via our Facebook page Ukulele Heaven.

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Authentic Thai Take Away 5pm - 7.30pm Wednesday to Sunday Phone orders welcome

0478 113 945

88 Grant Street Alexandra Secret Thai in Alexandra

Coffee Makes Everything Possible 100 Grant Street Alexandra Phone 03 5772 1526 Great local wines, jams, tea, honey and more House Made take home meals available Gourmet catering platters for pick-up or delivery

56 High St Yea

Ph 03 5797 3155

Great Aussie Pie Competition Winner Call in and try our delicious range of cakes, pies, pastries and speciality breads We have a wide array of products for special dietary requirements, including gluten free cakes and breads, also catering for diabetics Our award winning pies will be sure to tempt you kmgyea@bigpond.com

Keppel Cafe 45 Murchison St Marysville P: 5797 2513 / 0492 879 503 keppelcafemarysville@gmail.com

•Great Food •Produce Store •Take Away •Private Events

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• all day breakfast • locally roasted fair trade ORG organic coffee • friendly staff and great service o c s • freshly squeezed juices and smoothies e r al f n the • free range bacon, ham, chicken and eggs i g n i din yard • local produce • vegetarian and gluten free court options • customer wi-fi

109 Grant Street, Alexandra Ph 03 5772 1155

THORNTON BUTCHER & DELI • 24 flavours of ice cream • Hot and cold drinks • Lamb or chicken Open sa y a d 7 gyros souvlaki week 6am m • Fish and chips 8.30p • Steak sandwiches

SPECIALISTS IN a great range of smoked products all prepared and smoked on the premises FAMOUS FOR • beef jerky • smoked lamb backstrap • kabana • hams • bacon and more NOT TO MENTION a great range of quality meat and local products at great prices

Phone Jeff or Wendy 5773 2224 Hours Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm Sat 8am-2pm

Peter and Maria ~ 68 High Street Yea Phone: 5797 2664 Mobile: 0411 415 520

Coffee Light Meals Pastries Cakes Bread Open from 6.30am Monday to Sunday The Eildon Bakery Cafe 10 Main Street Eildon Ph 03 5774 2362 COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 21

GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL • YEA 64 High St | 5797 2513 www.grandcentralhotelyea.com.au • Bar & Bistro serving delicious pub meals • Live Music Events • Pool Table • Free WiFi • Beautiful Accommodation upstairs overlooking the town • Reasonable rates • Rates include Continental Breakfast • Large Beer Garden • Car Park at rear

Your Friendly Local Irish Pub and Restaurant • Lunch and Dinner 7 days a week • All-day meals on long weekends • Beer garden • Take-away meals • Accommodation • Bottleshop • Ice cold beer • Open fireplace in bar & Bistro Maroondah Highway Buxton Ph 03 5774 7381 buxtonhotel@virtual.net.au

• Dinner Wed to Sun • Lunch Fri to Sun Bar Open 11am till late 4 Dining Areas including Beer Garden

• Full menu (including kids and seniors) • Monthly Specials

• Functions • Accommodation • Public Bar • Pool Table 80 GRANT STREET ALEXANDRA

P: 03 5772 1015

Pizza Fish ‘n’ Chips Burgers Chicken Parmas Steak Pasta Ribs Salad

Specialising in Premium Quality Locally Grown Grass Fed Beef

SPIT HIRE

Prime Lamb, Pork and Free-range Chicken

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Prize Winning Gourmet Sausages

• Garlic Breads • Seafood Platters • Souvlaki • Buffalo Wings • Chicken Nuggets • Dipping Sauces • Desserts • Soft Drinks • Chicken Parma & Chips • Burger with the Lot & Chips • Flake & Chips • Barramundi & Chips • Small Pizza . . .

BBQ and Weekender Packs Bulk Specials Range of Local Produce and Marinades

2014 & 2015 Sausage King Competition GOLD MEDAL WINNERS

Worcestershire Beef & Cracked Pepper, Gourmet Chicken, Continental Pork

rnsie’s, and ou ls love Bu r me

PHON ORDE E WELC RS OME

We cater for B&Bs, Restaurants & Hotels Colin and Mandy Gesler Grant Street, Alexandra Phone: 03 5772 1151 Fax orders: 03 5772 3399 gesler@virtual.net.au

www.melbourneonlinebutcher.com.au 22 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

a l s ar e wor th a drive

2 large pizzas with free garlic bread and 1.25 drink $34 ~ gourmet pizzas add $4 HOURS 11.30am-9pm 7 days

FREE DELIVERY IN ALEXANDRA

Online ordering burnsiespizza.com 50 Grant Street Alexandra Ph 03 5772 2693 COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

Above: Cathedral Ranges State Park. Right:

s the weather warms up and lockdown restrictions ease, now is the perfect time to discover the spectacular Murrindindi region - or ‘Dindi’, as the locals call it! Just a short drive to the north east of Melbourne, this is a region rich with national parks and state forests, majestic waterfalls, Lake Eildon, Lake Mountain Alpine Resort, the Goulburn River, the Great Victorian Rail Trail and the charming towns and villages of Marysville, Eildon, Yea, Alexandra, Kinglake and surrounding districts. We’ve put together just a few of the many ‘Dindi must do’s’ for you to discover. So pack your bag, grab your camera and hit the road for a weekend away or an easy day trip – naturally, in Murrindindi. Picnic with Nature Stop off at one of our fabulous bakeries or produce stores, fill your basket with delectable goodies, then head to the hills to discover your own secret hideaway and magical picnic spot beside a waterfall, deep in a fern gully or atop a mountain range. Top spots include Kinglake National Park, Murrindindi Scenic Reserve, Yea Wetlands, Eildon Pondage and Keppel Lookout at Marysville. Walk Dindi From a gentle stroll to a challenging overnight hike, there are a myriad of walks and trails to suit all ages and levels of fitness. Lace up your walking boots and explore one of the many walks on offer in the Murrindindi region, including • Wirrawilla Rainforest Walk in the Toolangi State Forest • Lyrebird Circuit in the Kinglake National Park • Rubicon Historic Area Aqueduct Walk in the Rubicon State Forest

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Take the family for a day of play at Kinglake’s Bollygum Adventure Playground. Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 23

Above: Rubicon Valley Historic area. Below: Keppel Falls.

or tackle the scenic bike paths in some of our National Parks and State Forests. Wondrous Waterfalls Dozens of spectacular waterfalls are dotted throughout the Murrindindi region, each with a certain character and timeless beauty of its own. Some are easily accessible via a short stroll while others call for a little more effort to reap the rewards. The renowned Steavenson Falls in Marysville and the peaceful Cora Lyn Falls near Cambarville are well worth the visit. Lucky visitors can see lyrebirds at Masons Falls at Kinglake or take in the view from the platform at the impressive single long drop at Snobs Creek Falls on the way to Eildon. Family Time

• Eildon Pondage Walk • Marysville State Forest Trails For the serious hikers, the South Jawbone Walk in the Cathedral Range State Park is a popular choice. Ride Dindi Whatever style of cycling you’re into Murrindindi has you covered! From family adventures on the Great Victorian Rail Trail, winding your way through farmland and villages, to going it alone on a multi-day bush track escape - you don’t have to be an elite cyclist to enjoy the awesome range of cycle tracks and trails in Murrindindi. Discover the smooth flow of the mountain bike trails in Buxton, Eildon and Lake Mountain 24 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

There’s plenty of fun to be had for the whole family in the Murrindindi region – including the four legged members of your tribe. A first bush camping experience, fishing from a river bridge, cycling the Rail Trail, wildflower spotting in the mountains – offering endless opportunities for kids to connect with nature. Take the family for a day of play at Kinglake’s Bollygum Adventure Playground, Kin Playspace at Gallipoli Park in Marysville or the Alexandra Timber Tramway & Museum. Lake Mountain Alpine Resort and the Y Water Discovery Centre at the Yea Wetlands have year-round family activities on offer and there’s always heaps of fun to be had by the water at Lake Eildon. But don’t just take our word for it, come and discover ‘Dindi’ for yourself. Our natural wonders, welcoming towns and legendary country hospitality – you can choose to do more, or less…naturally, in Murrindindi. For more information on the many great things to see and do in the Murrindindi region, go to discoverdindi.com.au/visit or call our Visitor Services Team on 5797 3394. COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

DINDI DIRECTORY

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Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 25

TAGGERTY HOLIDAY PARK

Thornton Caravan Park

Situated on the banks of the Goulburn River 15 minutes from Lake Eildon

Natural bush setting on Acheron River – Majestic Cathedral Range as your back drop Cabins, Safari Tents, Bell Tents, En-Suite sites, Powered & Unpowered Sites Jumping pillow, playground, mini golf, tennis courts, open fires and much more Fishing, hiking, exploring or just sit back and relax 3380 Maroondah Highway Taggerty Ph: 03 5774 7263 Freecall: 1800 880 895 W: www.big4taggerty.com.au

• Powered and unpowered grass sites • Undercover electric barbecue • Cabins • Swings • Games room • Swimming pool Pets allowed ~ under control

Ph / Fax 03 5773 2305

Own your own weekender Prices from $20,000 – $47,000 Private Park, no tourists 10 minutes walk to Eildon shops, The Pondage and The Goulburn River Heated pool Community vege garden Family room On site caretakers, trained in first aid Inspect at any time

Ph 03 5774 2128

| Cnr Park Avenue North & The Boulevard Eildon VIC 3713 eildon@boulevardcaravanpark.com.au | www.boulevardcaravanpark.com.au

26 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

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Azure kingfisher. Photo © Graham Winterflood www.flickr.com/photos/126953422@N04

By Carol Hopkins

hen most of us think of kingfishers, we think of a small brightly-coloured bird plunging into a stream from an overhanging branch, capturing a little fish and returning to its perch to dine. So, it may surprise you to know that kingfishers actually vary greatly in size, colour, habitat and prey. Some, like Australia’s red-backed kingfisher, live in dry country and may never have eaten a fish in their lives. Others, like our laughing kookaburra, can grow to 47 centimetres, weigh close to half a kilogram and are decked out in relatively dull plumage. However, all kingfishers have four attributes in common: large heads, long dagger-like bills, short legs and stubby tails. Those that dive into water also have a membrane that covers their eyes to protect them from damage when they hit the water. Interestingly, the bills of the diving species have been found to be so aerodynamically efficient that their shape has been used to design the high-speed bullet trains in Japan.

Azure kingfisher. Photo © Graham Winterflood www.flickr.com/photos/126953422@

N04/4276207421

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There are 114 species of kingfisher in the world and ten of these are found in Australia. In the Murrindindi Shire, we are Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 27

Left: Sacred kingfisher. Photo

Below: Sacred kingfisher. Photo

most likely to see three species – the azure kingfisher, the sacred kingfisher and, of course, the laughing kookaburra. The red-backed kingfisher has been spotted in the district, but these sightings are rare. The azure kingfisher is the species that most closely reflects the commonly held image of this bird. Its plumage is a vibrant violet-blue on the head and wings, a buff-orange on the breast, and it has small white spots before the eyes and on the neck. There is little colour difference between the sexes, and this is the case with most kingfisher species.

branch. It is found in a range of woodlands and forests, often some distance from open water. Larger and more common than the azure kingfisher, it is also less colourful with a greenblue head and back, a buff breast and collar, and a black line through the eye.

This kingfisher is never found far from water, inhabiting streams, lagoons, lakes and swamps, especially where there is plenty of shady, overhanging vegetation. As you might expect, its prey is mainly small fish, crustaceans, aquatic insects and even frogs, which may be bashed on a branch before being swallowed head first.

Perhaps surprisingly, sacred kingfishers are more likely to be heard than seen. During the spring-summer breeding season their penetrating, repetitive “ek, ek, ek, ek” call can be heard echoing around the district. However, this is the only time of the year you will hear – or see – these birds as they migrate to northern Australia during the cooler months. The azure kingfisher, by contrast, is largely sedentary.

When perched, you will often see this kingfisher bobbing its head and lifting its tail, but it is usually silent. Even when it does call, the high, soft “eeet” is hard to hear. The azure kingfisher forms monogamous pairs that defend a breeding territory. Both parents take part in incubating the eggs and feeding the chicks. The nest is a narrow tunnel drilled into an earth bank beside or close to water where the eggs are laid on bare earth. In contrast to the azure kingfisher, the sacred kingfisher mostly hunts for its prey on land, dining on lizards, crustaceans and insects that it captures by pouncing on them from a low 28 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

While sacred kingfishers will sometimes excavate tunnels in banks, they more commonly nest in tree hollows or burrow into termite mounds up in trees. The nest chamber, which is unlined, is sometimes up to 20 metres above the ground. Male and female birds, which pair only for the breeding season, are both involved in raising the young. The third species of kingfisher found in the Murrindindi Shire hardly needs any introduction as the laughing kookaburra is a very familiar sight and sound to everyone. Although it originally occurred only in eastern mainland Australia, it was introduced into Western Australia in the late 1800s and to COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

Tasmania in the early 1900s to help control snakes. There are actually two species of kookaburra in Australia. The second species, the blue-winged kookaburra, is only found in the north of the country.

Above: Laughing kookaburra. Photo © Graham Winterflood www.flickr.com/ photos/blachswan/49392220542. Photo lightened and cropped. Below: Laughing kookaburra. Photo © James Niland www.flickr.com/photos/ bareego/7650096850. Photo lightened and cropped

Both sexes of the laughing kookaburra have the same brown and cream plumage with a mottled pale blue on the wings, but the female tends to be larger than the male. Like the sacred kingfisher, the kookaburra largely hunts on land and considers lizards, worms, insects, mice, snakes and frogs as fair game. It will also raid the nests of other birds and make off with the nestlings. Although fish are not a mainstay of the kookaburra’s diet, it has been known to snatch goldfish from backyard ponds. Kookaburras keep the same partner for life, but a breeding pair is usually accompanied by up to five fully-grown, nonbreeding offspring that help the parents defend their territory and raise their young. The nest is usually an unlined tree hollow or excavated hole in termite mounds in trees. The iconic “laugh” of this bird is used to establish the territory of family groups and, as we all know, can be heard at any time of the night or day but particularly at dawn and dusk. So, from now on, when you think of kingfishers, think beyond the stock image of a brightly coloured bird diving into a pond, and consider the many other forms and behaviours of this very diverse species. COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 29

Holiday Park A private, gated, annual holiday park This is the perfect location for your holiday home: safe, secure, tranquil, low maintenance

NESTLED ALONG THE PICTURESQUE EILDON PONDAGE WATERWAY • 60 acre property, 2km river frontage with small boat access • Central lake for canoeing, rafting and yabbying • Large sites with bathroom facilities • 2 tennis courts, 3 swimming pools, a children’s playground, volleyball court, a motor bike track, a 9 hole mini-golf course, basketball court, recreation room with BBQ facilities, table tennis and a large open fire. 302 Back Eildon Road Thornton Ph 03 5773 2386 info@eildonwaters.com.au www.eildonwaters.com.au

Acheron A quiet and tranquil park situated on the banks of the Goulburn River and Acheron Valley. Your choice of riverside / shady campsites, deluxe cabins and ensuite cabins with beautiful views, together with long-term holiday sites. Plenty to do with solar heated pool, tennis court, mini golf, fishing, rec room, jumping pillow and playground for the kids, what more could you want! 6 kilometres from Alexandra. Reception Hours 8.30am-6.30pm

91 Breakaway Road Acheron P: 03 5772 1735 E: admin@thebreakaway.com.au W: www.thebreakaway.com.au 30 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

• Self-contained cabins • Powered and unpowered sites • Swimming pool • Jumping cushion and playground • Fish from the park grounds See all our facilities and accommodation options on our website

www.eildonpondage.com Toll free: 18000 651 691

Yea Riverside Caravan Park offers great accommodation located on the banks of the picturesque Yea River. With a choice of brand new two-bedroom villas or studio units that come equipped with air conditioning and kitchen facilities or powered and unpowered caravan sites, you’ll have a pleasant holiday at a price that will fit your budget. Group / Club bookings welcome

yeariverside.com.au COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

IG4 Taggerty Holiday Park is a family owned and run business which is in a natural bush setting on the banks of the tranquil Acheron River. Mathew and Michelle made the move from Melbourne some six years ago to enjoy the country life in the Acheron Valley. A big leap of faith was made to move the family from Melbourne and purchase a business in an industry they had never worked in before. The park needed a lot of repairs and improvements and TLC when they took over. Endless time, effort, money and even tears have gone into improving and building up the park. Many improvements have been made and include a new amenities building, new en-suite sites, a dump point, more powered and unpowered sites, an outdoor movie area, new playground equipment and dinosaur fossil dig, a basketball court, a cricket pitch, giant chess board, mini golf course makeover, games room makeover and new equipment and the latest achievement – bringing ‘glamping’ to Taggerty. BIG4 Taggerty Holiday Park now has two new safari tents and three bell tents. The safari tents are absolute camping luxury with their own en-suite, heating and cooling, kitchenette, Weber on the front deck, and a personal fire pit. They provide all the luxuries of a cabin, and more, but just with canvas walls. The bell tents are currently unpowered to provide more rustic camping but still with a comfortable bed. Two of

them overlook the Acheron River on which the park is situated (the park enjoys a kilometre of river frontage). There have been many behind the scene improvements for the park – overhaul of the water treatment plant, improvements to the existing amenities block, pool makeover and new filtration system, new jumping pillow, more trees and the list goes on. A communal fire pit has been installed for some of the cabin guests to enjoy. Smaller fire drums have been made to be used on individual sites for guests to sit around and enjoy, especially during the cooler months. Mathew and Michelle enjoy working with local businesses to provide packages for their guests and promoting local produce and services for the benefit of the region. They enjoy showing guests the abundance of beautiful nature inspired wonders surrounding the park. Popular activities include exploring the Cathedral Ranges and Lake Mountain, fishing in local rivers, touring local towns and wineries, four wheel driving and mountain bike riding. Children’s activities during long weekends and school holidays are a hit and include children’s movies under the stars during the warmer months. The Country Woodfired Pizza food truck and a Mr Whippy van come to the park over the busy periods to feed guests and the larger community around the park. “All of this could not have

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been achieved without the support and tireless effort of our staff,” says Michelle. Bookings can be made by

phoning BIG4 Taggerty Holiday Park on 03 5774 7263, by e-mail book@ big4taggerty. com.au or visit website www. big4taggerty.com.au. Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 31

www.murrindindiguide.com.au

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GREAT VICTORIAN RAIL TRAIL www.greatvictorianrailtrail.com.au

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MOLESWORTH – 173m

7 CHEVIOT – 202m

YEA – 172m

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HOMEWOOD – 171m

KERRISDALE – 164m

GRANITE – 157m

TRAWOOL – 166m

TALLAROOK – 178m

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Trail Distances Tallarook – Mansfield............ 121km Alexandra Spur Line.................13km Tallarook – Trawool...........................11km Trawool – Trawool Resort.................3km Trawool Resort – Yea........................24km Yea – Cheviot Tunnel..........................9km Cheviot Tunnel – Molesworth.........8km Molesworth – Cathkin.......................4km Cathkin – Alexandra.........................13km Cathkin – Yarck.....................................6km Yarck – Merton....................................19km Merton – Bonnie Doon....................15km Bonnie Doon – Mansfield...............22km

Shelters: beside the Goulburn River between Tallarook and Goulburn Valley Highway, Goulburn River near Kerrisdale, Cheviot Tunnel, Eglington Cutting, Merton Gap, Woodfield Station and Olivers Road Mansfield.

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Alexandra/Eildon 106.9 MHz Flowerdale 98.9 MHz Kinglake Ranges 94.5 MHz Marysville 98.5 MHz Yea 88.9 MHz

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ALEXANDRA – 219m

KORIELLA – 228m

CATHKIN – 177m

MANSFIELD – 315m

MAINDAMPLE – 310m

BONNIE DOON – 281m

WOODFIELD – 296m

MERTON – 330m

KANUMBRA – 268m

17 MERTON GAP – 397m

Koriella

Begin or end your rail trail experience at . . .

Your Rail Trail destination for luxury accommodation

Royal Mail Hotel – Yea

88 High Street, Yea Ph: (03) 5797 2515 • Bar • Restaurant • Accommodation Visit our website for further information on local attractions and events

Eat-in or Take-away

Fish & Chips, Salad Bar, Fresh Sandwiches, Pies, Burgers, Coffee & Tea Post Office • Newsagency • Groceries Open Mon to Sat 7am-7pm Sun 9am-7pm 36 Main Road Tallarook | Ph 5792 1687

www.royalmailhotelyea.com.au ‘like’ us on Facebook

5 RESTAURANT ACCOMMODATION FUNCTIONS

21a Station St Yea (03) 5797 2000

Join our rewards club & receive 10% off our next meal with us www.yeapeppercorn.com.au

With a reputation for delighting day trippers and locals, discover our range of beautiful handcrafted goods and imaginative gifts for all ages.

OPEN: Wed - Sun & public holidays 12noon-5pm TASTE: the highly awarded Sangiovese, exemplary reds & crisp whites STAY: for Sedona’s delicious produce platters 182 Shannons Road Murrindindi 3717 T 03 9730 2883 M 0432 435 180 Follow us on Facebook

www.sedonaestate.com.au 34 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

A warm welcome to all

• nine units ~ bright, clean and comfortable with 3 family rooms sleeping 4 in each. Twin share units also available • queen beds and en suites • heated pool • barbecues

P 0413 489 196 | 25 High St, Yea OPEN Fri, Sat & Sun 11am-3pm Extended trading hours over summer OR BY APPOINTMENT

YEA MOTEL

Phone 03 5797 2660 8 Miller Street Yea info@yeamotel.com.au www.yeamotel.com.au

“Make sure if you eat in Yea, it is at the Peppercorn!” Trip Advisor

Books At Yarck

Pre-loved, affordably priced books and magazines which you can peruse at your leisure in a comfortable reading area Opening hours Mon 11.30am-3pm, Tues & Wed by chance or appointment Thurs and Fri 11.30am-4pm Sat and Sun 10.30am-5pm Catherine Wherry and Jeremy Morrison Ph 0400 418 139 or 0488 353 940 6591 Maroondah Highway Yarck books.at.yarck@gmail.com

happy, healthy, handmade

and B&B coffee • local produce • licensed Breakfast and Lunch Thursday to Sunday from 6.30am Maroondah Hwy Yarck Ph 03 5773 4223 Bed & Breakfast Overnight & Holiday Accommodation Catering for groups up to 14 Adjacent to rail trail & eateries Ph 0409 004 887 / 0408 599 677 www.yarckcottage.com

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ALEXANDRA

Timber Tramway & Museum

Alexandra

Weekly or Overnight

A cosy 2 bedroom self-contained cottage

Station Street, Alexandra Start and end your rail trail experience at the Timber Tramway. Train rides, kids’ activities and refreshments

• Linen provided • Fully equipped kitchen • Private • 1.5 km to rail trail

please check website for opening times during pandemic

Ph 0427 509 988

5773 4304 | Walsh145@me.com 145 Middle Creek Rd Yarck

www.alexandratramway.org.au

Bakery & Cafe 70 Grant Street Alexandra Ph 03 5772 2272 • coffee and varieties of teas • large variety of traditional sourdoughs • cakes and catering for special occasions • large variety sandwiches and rolls

Close to rail trail/ 5 mins to town centre

Alexandra Motor Inn

Waverley Coffee I Tea I Hot Chocolate I Cakes Pies, Pasties, Sausage Rolls, Ricotta & Spinach Rolls, Cauliflower Pies, Toasties, Egg & Bacon Rolls ALL BAKED ON SITE Free Wifi Open Monday to Friday from 7am 73 Grant Street Alexandra 03 5772 3185 I rravary@gmail.com facebook.com/redgateespresso

Historic Guest House Bed and Breakfast

56 Nihil Street Alexandra Phone: 03 5772 1146 or 0409 411 816 waverley@ycs.com.au www.waverleyguesthouse.com.au Waverley House is a beautifully restored Federation style guest house built in the 1900’s and provides boutique accommodation for visitors to the area.

76 Downey Street (Maroondah Hwy) Ph 03 5772 2077 alexmotorinn001@bigpond.com.au www.alexandramotorinn.com.au 16 comfortable units, including family rooms, interconnecting suites with queen size beds. Each unit has en suite, reverse cycle airconditioning, large plasma TV, tea and coffee making facilities, toaster, microwave, refrigerator, wireless internet available. Lawned courtyard, BBQ and children’s play area, big boat parking, solar-heated salt water swimming pool

Great Family Motel - Owned & Operated by Family

12 Comfortable units where you can view the abundance of wildlife while enjoying our fully equipped BBQ facilities.

• Fully self contained Deluxe and Standard Cabins and Studios with air-conditioning and TV • Powered and Unpowered tourist sites • Long Term Holiday Sites Facilities • barbecues • playground • kiosk, ice, • camp kitchen • town water, sewerage

5016 Maroondah Hwy Alexandra Ph 03 5772 1222 info@alexandratouristpark.com www.alexandratouristpark.com

3 x 2 Bedroom Self-Contained Family Units with Cooking Facilities. Also Singles, Twin Share or Double Rooms Available. • FREE Wi-Fi •Large private rear outdoor area for children & adults to enjoy • Putting Greens•Walk to the Pondage•Boat/Jet-ski Parking•Bird Feeding

6 Hillside Avenue South, Eildon Victoria 3713

Ph: 03 5774 2165

www.eildonparkview.com.au Email: info@eildonparkview.com.au

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Alexandra/Eildon 106.9 MHz Flowerdale 98.9 MHz Kinglake Ranges 94.5 MHz Marysville 98.5 MHz Yea 88.9 MHz

www.ugfm.org email news@ugfm.org Phone 03 5772 2722

Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 35

36 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

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The Buxton silver gum has a leaf with a little scalloped edge that is a distinguishing feature. By Cathy Olive

uxton silver gum (Eucalyptus crenulata) is found almost exclusively in Buxton. There are a few wayward trees found naturally occurring in the Yarra Valley, but this tree is about as local to Murrindindi as it gets. It has lovely silver foliage and buds, with a ‘crenulate’ leaf. For those not versed in Latin, the leaf has a little scalloped edge that is a distinguishing feature. If it looks a bit familiar to you, then you won’t be surprised to learn the Buxton silver gum has been widely adopted by the florist industry for its cut foliage. However, its natural home range is restricted almost entirely to the Acheron Valley, with the largest part of the population at Buxton Silver Gums Reserve. Buxton Silver Gums Reserve is a small patch of bush off Maroondah Highway, tucked between the Acheron River and a swampy, low-lying area. The swamp is wet most of the year and is quite a unique collection of plants, which are found in that location almost exclusively because of the deep soils, geology and wetness. Buxton silver gum is naturally rare and classified as endangered. Scientists have fretted over this tree for some time. It hasn’t looked very healthy and for many years didn’t seem to produce any seedlings. There has been a persistent growth of coarse dodder-laurel, a hemiparasitic vine, over the canopy of many of the trees, and the discovery of cinnamon fungus (Phytophera cinnamomic), a root rotting fungus, was cause for dismay. With the event of Black Saturday burning the reserve COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

intensely, we had all thought this little tree was a ‘goner’ for sure. It turns out, it’s much older and significantly more resilient than we thought. With the intensity of the Black Saturday fire burning much of the leaf litter and organic matter, the soil was exposed and revealed large tuberous roots – often up to one metre across. These ‘mallee’ type roots have allowed the tree to survive the extreme wet conditions and, in this latest case, the extreme heat. Amazingly, the mallee roots could be 500 – 1000 years old. From these tuberous roots, the gum has re-sprouted with multi stems, and with the soil exposed, many new seedlings have emerged. As for the dodder-laurel, it’s back and thriving. The fire created a germination event for it as well. However, with careful monitoring, it seems the vine is not the malignant disaster we once thought. Twenty years ago, I joined a terrific bunch from the Alexandra Field Naturalists, and under the instruction of Steve Smith, Senior Flora Fauna Officer from DELWP, we carefully hand removed the dodder-laurel from about 20 trees and left the neighbouring tree with the infestation. The dodder-laurel at this stage didn’t seem to have a significant effect, and since the fires and further monitoring, it appears to knock the gums’ health a little – but not a whole lot. Certainly, the disturbance caused by removing it is worse than the effect of the vine. If you are keen to visit the reserve and check out the silver gums, follow the track to the Acheron River. The track follows Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 37

Above: Leaves, buds and flowers of the Buxton silver gum. Photo Geoff Derrin, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons. Below: the gums in the foreground at Buxton Silver Gums Reserve. the higher ground and is board walked as cinnamon fungus thrives in warm, wet soil conditions and is easily spread through foot traffic. Most of the silver gums you will see are around the parking area – there are no tracks through the swamp any more as Parks Victoria are keen to protect this species and avoid the spread of cinnamon fungus. I’ve been lucky enough to have been involved with the Buxton silver gum periodically over the years, working alongside Steve

Smith and some enthusiastic locals. However, the requests for monitoring in the reserve fill me with some trepidation. Since the fires, the regrowth is dense in the extreme. It is thick with sword grass and prickly tea tree, wet, and during warmer seasons, full of jumping jack ants and tiger snakes. Working with Steve Smith is always a pleasure, but watching him taping the top of his gumboots to his long pants in case of an ant bite is a cause for alarm – Steve is allergic to ants. A particularly unnerving experience was collecting seed as a long-term safeguard for storage in the Millenium Seedbank. Looking up persistently into the canopy, while wading through the swamp and hearing noise and movement around your feet was quite disconcerting. Buxton Primary School is a long-term champion of the Buxton silver gum – taking it upon themselves to have a ‘tree mascot’ and writing a song in its honour. Their efforts paid off a couple of years ago when a past student and her dad found silver gums on their property in Narbethong, recalling the interest and identification from school. It is often hard to tell if the tree has been planted or is an original. This little patch had the mallee roots – a clear feature that it is a very old tree. (A couple of trees at my place are 25 years old and show no sign of developing a tuberous root). This year, we intend to walk along the Acheron and Little Steavenson Rivers and just check if there are any more ‘originals’ out there. Hopefully, we can find a couple of suitable ‘swamps’ along the way and some interested landholders who are happy to plant this local a little further from its current distribution. In the meantime, it’s good to know that the Buxton silver gum continues to thrive in Buxton, in amongst the sword grass, prickly tea tree, ants and swamp!

38 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

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A large collection of exotic and native animals on 30 acres of picturesque parkland

10 minutes from Mansfield

Ph 03 5777 3576 • Visitors can hand feed deer, kangaroos, emus & llamas • Free barbecue / picnic area Bookings for BBQ essential • Day pass entry • Overnight camping ~ bookings essential 1.30pm lion feeding temporarily suspended

Yes we are open!! 10am-6pm daily Closed Christmas Day Open until 10pm on New Years Eve. Please practise social distancing ~ no more than 20 people per space.

NO LICENCE REQUIRED ~ SEATING FOR 8

1064 Mansfield-Woods Point Rd Mansfield

Luxury Pontoon & Fishing Boats 2hr $170 3hr $235 4hr $290 8hr $490 LUXURY PONTOON BOATS Swim, party or just relax cruising spectacular Lake Eildon FISHING PONTOON BOATS Twilight fishing hires, live fish tanks, rod holders, maps, eskies and safety equipment on board. BYO fishing gear Consecutive day hires are also available upon request

Call 0488 051 721 OR BOOK ONLINE robert.davidson1@hotmail.com www.lakeviewboathire.com.au

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Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 39

h a d n o o r a M OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT

FISHING CENTRE

Chainsaw Sales & Service Safety Equipment • Workwear • Bait and Tackle • Stihl Specialists Open 7 days Ph 03 5774 7292 2201 Maroondah Hwy Buxton

• Beekeeping supplies

For all your fishing, camping and hunting needs 2/42 Downey Street Alexandra Vic 3714 Ph: 03 57 722 662 Fax: 03 57 722 641

~ hives, tools & gear

• Local Honey • Swarm & wild hive removals Call Liz

0409 908 857 66 Grant Street Alexandra www.dindibeesupplies.com.au

Eildon Auto Spares • Auto Spares • Auto Accessories Craig Parker 13-14 Main Street Eildon Ph 5774 2712 Fax 5774 2738 goldentroutcod@gmail.com

Phone: 03 5772 1026 Mobile: 0418 556 107 publishing@friedel.net.au

MOUNTAIN RANGES VET CLINIC

Eildon Bait & Tackle

• Fishing Tackle and Bait • Fishing Licences • Water Sports Equipment• Boat Safety Gear

AND PRINTING

HOURS

Sunday Closed Mon, Tues, Wed 9am-6pm Thursday 9am-7pm Friday 9am-6pm Satruday 9am-12pm

Dr Kate Murray BVSc

5786 1777 Shop 1/31 Whittlesea-Kinglake Road, Kinglake 3763

No nasty preservatives, additives salt or sugar. All made using high quality Australian, human grade ingredients. ORDER ONLINE $10 FLAT RATE SHIPPING AUSTRALIA WIDE

40 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

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Above: An itsy-bitsy potful of colour. For instructions on how to make tiny succulent arrangements like this, see page 43. Below: Once you get the hang of growing and handling tiny succulents, the miniature gardening world is at your fingertips.

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Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 41

By Emily Friedel

iniature art has a surprisingly long history, dating back to medieval scribes who created tiny, intricate illustrations in ‘illuminated’ (decorated) manuscripts. Since then, miniature artworks – loosely defined as those that can fit in the palm of your hand – have popped up in just about every genre imaginable. There are even art societies dedicated to the impossibly small. You may not be ready to create a perfectly proportioned, pint-sized piece of furniture like Karl Fabergé’s bejewelled chair, which sits in the Cleveland Museum of Art. However, there are many other avenues to enter the wonderful world of miniatures. An easy, fun and inexpensive way to begin is by making miniature gardens.

This gives you a lot of freedom to make things with leaf babies or cuttings that will last for months without sustenance. You can even attach succulent babies or cuttings to whatever you like using hot glue or florists’ glue – a technique that opens up vast creative potential for your plant art. Making mini succulents Leaf propagation Many succulents readily propagate from leaves, including a wide variety of sedums, echeverias, crassulas, pachyphytums, graptopetalums and kalanchoes. To have the best chance of successful leaf propagation, remove healthy leaves from the stem, so you have a clean break between the end of the leaf and the stem.

Succulents are particularly well suited to miniature gardens because many of them produce baby plants that look like perfectly shrunken versions of the mature ones. These mini succulents allow you to build gardens or arrangements that look just like scaleddown copies of the real thing.

Once you have collected your leaves, put them somewhere warm and dry in bright light but out of direct sunlight. Some people like to place them back under the mother plant, simulating what would happen in nature. I just chuck them in a tray or open box and leave them in a protected spot.

Another benefit of succulents is their ability to survive for long periods without roots or a growing medium.

Different varieties of succulent will put out roots and leaves at different rates. Sometimes roots will appear first, and

other times new leaves will precede them. The time of year and the plant’s natural growing season will also affect the rate of new plant formation, which can take anywhere from weeks to months. Warmer months are usually better for leaf propagation for many succulents because this is when they’re actively growing. When the leaf baby is the size you want it, you can gently remove it from the base of the mother leaf. (Discard the mother leaf at this stage; it won’t produce any more offspring.) Beheading With many types of succulents, beheading the plant or taking a cutting will force it to produce more growth along the stem. There are also some types, such as the large, frilly echeverias, that aren’t suitable for leaf propagation but do respond well to beheading. Beheading works best during the growing season, and it is as simple as either chopping off the head of the plant or taking a cutting. Then all you do is wait for new growth to appear on the stem. (Any heads or cuttings taken using this method can be dried out for a few days, then planted and watered sparingly until they grow roots.) When the stem babies are the right size,

Below left: Many succulent varieties are capable of growing new plants from the base of a leaf, such as Echeveria ‘Perle von Nurnberg’. Below right: Succulent plants come in an astonishing array of colours and shapes, making them ideal for those who want to create plant-based works of art.

42 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

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you can carefully slide a sharp knife between their base and the stem or wiggle them off with your fingers. Offsets and tips Some succulents have naturally small leaves or small growth at the tips, including several groundcover sedums and crassulas. You can get ‘instant’ mini succulents from these varieties just by taking tip cuttings. You may also find offsets on any clumping succulents that are suitable for your miniature gardens. How to make a miniature garden Once you have your succulent babies, the miniature gardening world is your oyster. Tiny gardens and arrangements can be made on or in just about anything from miniature pots to jewellery to greeting cards to fridge magnets.

5772 2935 0407 722 755

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NOTES:

After you have enjoyed your mini garden – often for many weeks – you STAMP can gently remove the succulents andPDF AND HIGHRES plant them. This way the succulent JPEG babies frombefore your creation can grow into adult plants to start the cycle over again.

• GOULB

DELIVERY:

XANDR

N UR

BILLING:

R I VER

after

Shop 10, 38-40 Bell Street, Yarra Glen

XAN

• GOULB

R I VER

ORDER:

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99 Grant Street, Alexandra alexandrabookshop@gmail.com

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5. Finally, I filled any gaps in the arrangement using more lichen. I find a

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• Huge range of Books, Novels, Magazines, Military, Biographies, Art, History & Children’s books • Gift Vouchers • CDs • DVDs • Records etc

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3. I used florists’ glue to attach tiny succulent cuttings and succulent blooms to the moss.

• GOULB

R I VER

1. I fixed a small amount of slightly moistened sphagnum moss to the inside of the pot using Blu-Tack. I opted for Blu-Tack because I wanted to be able to remove it easily. You can also use glue, as I did to fix the sphagnum moss to the wire frame of the wreath

2. I glued more layers of sphagnum to the base layer until the sphagnum was level with the top of the pot. I used lichen collected from fallen branches in the garden to add a bit of interest in the top layer.’

toothpick helpful for gluing pieces into tight spaces. Succulent babies attached to moss can be given a spritz with water every week or so to help keep them happy for longer (they will absorb some water through leaves even if they don’t have roots), but don’t let them get too soggy or they’ll rot.

OKS • BO

N R U

pictured on page 41. Double-sided tape is another option.

OKS • BO

Another method that translates to all sorts of objects is to use moss as a filler and glue mini succulents to it. For example, here is what I did to make the succulent pot pictured on page 41:

Echeveria agavoides ‘Gilva’ leaves showing some impressive leaf propagation results.

You can plant your baby succulents directly into potting mix in tiny pots, and they will modify their growth according to the amount of space they have. Any little plants that get leggy can be cut back or replanted as cuttings to keep them compact.

XANDR

PO Box 128, Yarra Glen VIC 3775

Cindy.McLeish@parliament.vic.gov.au

03 9730 1066

AuthorisedbyCindyMcLeishMP,Shop10,38-40BellStreet,YarraGlen. FundedfromParliamentElectorateOffice&CommunicationsBudget.

www.CindyMcLeish.com.au Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 43

DESIGNS, CREATES & MAINTAINS BEAUTIFUL PONDS PETER GRAF Grad. Dip. of Aquaculture

• Pond cleaning & maintenance to keep your pool sparkling • Consultancy and design for ponds, fountains and waterfalls • Filtration systems appropriate for your water feature • Water lilies and all aquatic plants and fish • Pumps, filters, pond lights . . . all your water feature needs • Algae control, water testing analysis, trouble shooting

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CONSULT PETER THE POND PROFESSOR 0429 969 243 info@pondprofessor.com.au | www.pondprofessor.com.au

Quality Plants Quirky Gifts LANDSCAPE & GARDEN SUPPLIES

Full range of Plants, Gifts, Sculptures and Garden Supplies • Mon to Fri 8.30am-5pm • Sat 9am-4pm Ph 03 5797 2933 / 0419 519 595 Located on the corner of Grevillea and North Streets, Yea

OPENING HOURS Thurs to Monday 10am-4pm

96 High Street Yea Shop Ph: (03) 5797 2222

Garden Consultations by appointment Call Jacky on 0417 907 278 Email: gvnurseries@bigpond.com Fax: (03)5797 2220

Australia’s largest retail fern nursery set amidst natural bushland.

OPEN 7 days a week 9am-5.30pm Group bookings and wholesale enquiries welcome SUMMER TIME . . . MULCHING TIME! come and see us for your Mulch, Garden Fertilisers, Pest & Weed Control, Osmocote & Grow Better Products, Lawn Seed & Lawn Food

We can deliver any product in any quantity

1052 Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd Kinglake West (opposite primary school) Ph/Fax 03 5786 5031 Mobile 0408 199 244 sales@fernacres.com.au

www.ferns.com.au • Soil • Mulch • Fertilisers • Lawn Seed • Garden Tools DIS • Quarry Products • Paving • Sleepers • Posts • Micro Irrigation • Raised Garden Beds • Stock and Pet Food • Ornaments and Pots • Concrete Pipes • Drainage Pipe

• tree ferns • ground ferns • epiphytic ferns • grass trees • tree fern carvings • wall baskets • planters and pots individually crafted for you

TOR

BU TRI

David & Anne-Marie Leary Ph 03 5772 1911 Fax 03 5772 2448 2 Rose Street Alexandra 44 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

• SPOT SPRAYING • BOOM SPRAYING • 200M POWER REELS • COMPUTER CONTROLLED BOOM FROM 2M TO 10M Licensed – insured – experienced

ANDY FRIEDEL 0407 565 207 alexweedcontrol@gmail.com

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Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 45

Barristers & Solicitors

SIMPSONS FUEL EILDON

• business sales and purchases • liquor licensing • commercial and corporate law • estate planning • conveyancing and property law • planning matters • criminal law • disputes and litigation • divorce and family law

2 Centre Avenue, Eildon Phone 03 5774 2220 www.simpsonsfuel.com.au

Telephone Alexandra 03 5772 1493 Yea 03 5797 2601 Mansfield 03 5775 2334

Fax Alexandra 03 5772 2262 Yea 03 5797 2973 Mansfield 03 5775 1106

• 81 Grant Street ALEXANDRA • 82 High Street YEA • 24a Highett Street MANSFIELD

m7.30a m p 0 5.3

• FUEL • LUBRICANTS • MARINE FUEL • 98 PREMIUM OPEN 7.30am-5.30pm ~ extended hours over summer

• Convenience Store • Take Away Food • Coffee & Drinks • Bait & Fishing Supplies • Firewood • Ice • LPG Auto Gas • 45kg domestic (home delivered) • BBQ Swap & Go 8.4kg & 4kg

Good for your

community Kinglake branch Shop 4, 1 Victoria Road or phone 5786 1656 ATM available Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited ABN 11 068 049 178 AFSL 237879

ABN 23 709 084 507

While you’re here why not do your banking or pay your bills?

ALEXANDRA

Trade, Steel + Garden Centre

Cnr Station + Downey Streets, Alexandra Ph 5772 2188 | Fax 5772 1059 yenckensalexandra@yenckens.com.au

Mobile Phone & Internet PrePaid Recharge

YEA

N S OPE Y A 7D

Trade Centre

26 High Street, Yea Ph 5797 2290 | Fax 5797 2260 yenckensyea@yenckens.com.au

MANSFIELD

Trade, Steel + Garden Centre

27 Kitchen Street, Mansfield Ph 5775 2511 | Fax 5775 1542 yenckensmansfield@yenckens.com.au

WWW.YENCKENS.COM.AU 46 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

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By Emily Friedel

ustralian schools are big on tech, according to the latest Teaching and Learning International Survey. Of the 48 countries surveyed, Australia was the thirdhighest user of technology in classrooms. As this digitised learning trend grows, it’s worth contemplating the benefits of traditional skills such as handwriting. The oldschool method of putting pen (or pencil) to paper to take notes may seem primitive to today’s youth, but recent research suggests that this ancient practice improves learning. A Norwegian study published in Frontiers in Psychology this year compared school-aged children’s brain activity when they were writing by hand versus typewriting. The 12 children transcribed words either by hand using a tablet and stylus pen or using a keyboard to type. During the transcription tasks, electrical activity in their brains was recorded

via electroencephalography (EEG). The study found that the two different transcription techniques were associated with distinct patterns of brain activation. During the handwriting task, the children’s brains were generally more active, and there was more going on in areas associated with memory and learning. The researchers suggested the different EEG results for handwriting and typing were at least partly due to the more complicated movements required to form letters by hand. Handwriting relies on a combination of input from different senses as well as output to control and coordinate fine motor skills. In contrast, typing needs only a single finger tap to produce a fullyformed letter. All of the extra information processing associated with handwriting relies on different parts of the brain communicating with each other, which may facilitate learning. An Australian study in

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Reading and Writing, also published this year, echoes the sentiment that handwriting is good for kids’ brainpower. This study found that the level of handwriting fluency of kindergarten children predicted both their reading and writing abilities a year later. Those who were more capable hand-writers in kinder were able to write longer, higher-quality texts in their first year of school and had better reading performance. These findings may be especially important in light of other research indicating that students who struggle with writing in the early primary years are more likely to have poor-quality written communication in upper-primary and high school. And according to the 2018 National Assessment Program for Literacy and Numeracy report, high school kids’ writing performance has generally been on the decline since 2011. While the authors of both the Australian and

Norwegian studies were clear that they were not out to condemn digital learning, they highlighted the importance of ensuring handwriting isn’t usurped by screens in classrooms. It is recommended that lowerprimary students spend 5060 minutes a day on writing. However, the Australian study found that in the classrooms they looked at, the amount of time dedicated to writing ranged from just 30-120 minutes per week. Humans have been communicating through handwritten language for a very long time, but growing evidence suggests that it is far from an outdated skill. The simple act of using a writing tool to form words on paper may have significant effects on shaping children’s developing brains and the way they learn. So even though technology is allowing education to evolve in other ways, it seems our youngsters will continue to benefit from being encouraged to pick up their pens. Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 47

OPTOMETRIST

ALEXANDRA PHYSIOTHERAPY Libby Gobbart PHYSIOTHERAPIST B.App.Sc. (Physiotherapy) APAM, Cred MDT

Eildon Chemmart Pharmacy 18A Main Street EILDON VIC 3713

T: 03 5774 2626 F: 03 5774 2525

Health Solutions for EveryBody Shop1 / 10 High Street Yea Phone Louisa for an appointment 0407 437 866

FACE & BODY TREATMENTS

• Men’s & Women’s Waxing • IPL Hair Removal & Skin Rejuvenation • Visible LED Face Light Treatments • Paramedical Facials • Facial & Body Massage • Body Boost Therapy Health Bed • Eyebrow & Eyelash Treatments • Manicures & Spa Pedicures • Body Piercing

Kelly Wilsmore is a local, community-based practitioner. Co-manages with Ophthalmologists. • Fully equipped • Fully qualified

P: 0438 527 455 7 The Semi-Circle Yea

54A Downey St Alexandra

Ph 03 5772 2649 alexphysio@aapt.net.au

Alexandra Community Pharmacy

Beauty Room

• Waxing & Tinting • Shellac Nails • Relaxation Massages • Facials • Manicures & Pedicures

Lori

101 Grant St, Alexandra

03 5772 2153

alexandra.pharmacy@yahoo.com.au

Jessica’s

S H E E R B E AU T Y 97 Grant Street Alexandra Ph: 03 5772 3322

• Manicure & Pedicure (BioSculpture & Dip Powder) • Relaxation & Hot Stone Massage • Skin Care & Facial Treatments • Lash Treatments (Tints, Lifts, Extensions) • Waxing Specialists • Spray Tanning • Body Treatments je s s i c a s.s he er. beaut y@h o t mail. co m w w w.fa ce bo o k . co m/JSh eerB eaut y 48 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

P 03 5772 1073 | 22 Webster Street, Alexandra

• Preventative Care • Dental emergencies • Children’s dentistry • Cosmetic dentistry • Teeth whitening • TMJ Pain • Snoring/Sleep Apnoea splint

Gentle and caring dental team dedicated to highest quality care for you and your family

• Preferred providers for Medibank, BUPA & Mildura Health • Bulk billing under Child Dental Benefit Schedule

ALEXANDRA Community Pharmacy Mon to Fri from 9am-5.30pm & Sat from 9am-12.30pm 101 Grant Street, Alexandra The Beauty Room within the Alexandra Community Pharmacy can cater to all your beauty requirements.

The Photo Lab within the Alexandra Community Pharmacy has three state of the art digital kiosks.

For After Hour Emergencies Only: Cinoj Thomas – 5772 3060 | Aju Thomas – 5772 3303 Ian Davis – 5772 2185 or 0409 354 782 Visit www.alexandrapharmacy.com.au for a full list of products & services provided or call 5772 2153 to speak to our trained staff COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

i, I’m Kelly Wilsmore, optometrist, and local resident, and along with my husband Greg, are the proud owners and directors of Optair Eyecare, the newest addition to the health care team in Yea. I still can’t believe I managed to open my practice in Yea in March this year, literally at the beginning of the COVID pandemic. I had previously run the practice from our home in Glenburn, but after 12 months, decided that to grow the practice and cater for the needs of local resident, I would need to relocate to the centre of town in Yea. After a meeting with Monica, the dentist from Your New Dentist, I was inspired to open in The Semi Circle in Yea, sharing the building with Monica and her dental rooms. Monica has been a great inspiration, and she assured me that the “time was right” to be expanding the health care of residents of Yea. I graduated in 1994 from the University of Melbourne, and immediately shifted interstate to work with a large group in South Australia. After a very short time, Greg and I found ourselves very homesick and wanted to return to Victoria to family and friends. So, we relocated to Victoria and started working with a small group practice. I then moved on to a bigger group, but was usually based in the country. I worked alongside a cataract specialist and laser specialist in Melbourne as well. Mortgage, marriage and children followed fairly quickly, and I bought into a small practice in Colac. Country practice suited me down to the ground, however, I was commuting to Colac and felt I really couldn’t care for my patients to the best of my ability when I was so far away. We finally settled our family in beautiful Glenburn, where we promised our teenage kids that life would be so much better in the country, (and it is). After six years of consulting in Seymour, I finally decided to take the plunge and open my my own practice. Unfortunately Covid hit adding to the challenge. However, I am luckily still working and I have even invested in new equipment. With some assistance from the Murrindindi Council, by way of a grant, I have been able to improve the

Kelly Wilsmore of Optair Eyecare is passionate about eye health. quality of my services with a machine to diagnose retinal eye disease.

new glasses and ensure that they are prescribed accurately.

Being available locally to help people to see and care for their eyes, is my passion. There is a lot more to being an optometrist than just prescribing glasses. I care for the development of vision in children, prescribing eye exercises and glasses as required. I diagnose eye disease and refer patients for specialist care when required. I often co-manage post surgery patients. I manage eye infections, as I have an additional qualification – an advanced diploma in ocular therapeutics. This qualifies me to care for eye infections and prescribe eye medications. I also practice co-management with eye specialists who may be some distance away. With the huge benefit of technology, quick communication can mean country patients can be cared for by an eye specialist within hours and days, just from their local Optair Eyecare offices.

My husband and family are very pleased with our move to this magical part of the world. My children have enjoyed their schooling at Yea High School and the community has welcomed us with open arms. We have been very involved with Yea Tigers Football and Netball Club, with both my son and daughter playing football. Both kids have made great life-long friendships and now also work locally.

And yes, helping a patient to choose a new pair of specs is a whole lot of fun too. There is nothing like a new pair of glasses to change your look or brighten your day. I provide expert fitting for

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Special thanks goes to Kim Slavin, our local physiotherapist, who spoke to me at a pony club event that our kids were riding in. Kim convinced me that Yea could offer our family the life we were looking for, and she was spot on. I am so lucky that Kim and I met on that day, as she too is a very proud Yea resident, mum and part of our local health care team. I look forward to meeting you at The Semi circle in Yea. Make an appointment to have your eyes checked, pick up new glasses and meet a local who is passionate about our amazing community. SEE you soon at Optair Eyecare! Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 49

CANDLES & HOME DECOR

Handmade Soy Candles

OPPOSITE BUXTON HOTEL 10am-4pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays Rose Flarherty Licenced Secondhand Dealer

0429 534 040

Reed Diffusers Wax Melts • Bath Salts

• gift ware • toys • hardware • kitchenware • pet supplies • party supplies • helium balloons 82-84 Grant Street Alexandra Ph 03 5772 1025 Fax 03 5772 2686

waxyaromacandles.mybigcommerce.com

78 Grant Street Alexandra

marysvilleantiques@icloud.com

• FLOWERS • GIFTWARE • SWEET TREATS

106 Grant Street, Alexandra 3714 Email: inspireongrant@gmail.com

Angelique Johnson 95 Grant Street, Alexandra P: 0430 580 264 IG: Fullbloom2020 FB: Angelique Johnson - Full Bloom E: fullbloom1@outlook.com

things to make things • knitting, sewing and craft supplies • handmade toys • children’s clothes 75 Grant Street Alexandra • Janet Baxter 0422 449 402

86 Grant Street Alexandra P: 5772 1254 E: sales@alexandraapparel.com.au

• Surf wear • School wear • Work wear • Mens wear • Leisure wear • Luggage • Backpacks • Accessories • Sunglasses

Lit & Beyond 18 Murchison Street Marysville 3779 Ph: 0422239754 www.lit.com.au Facebook - Lit & beyond This beautiful ladies’ boutique store has a unique range of ladies’ clothing, fashion accessories, books, bags, jewellery, homewares, LIT CANDLES and LIT WAX BEADS with 26 different colours and fragrances Step into Lit & Beyond to find yourself that special something or a gift for someone special 50 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

Our Christmas Decoration Display is now on

Possum/merino knitwear and wool lines, bags, oil skin coats, hats, games and toys 24 Murchison St, Marysville 3779 Phone (03) 5963 3753 www.countrytouch.com.au www.possumshop.com COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

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Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 51

Above: Botanical illustrator Mandy Valsinger with her dog Missy standing in front of a mural she painted, along with Marian Rennie, on an outside wall of her home. Page 51: Mandy’s illustration of clematis armandii. By Carol Hopkins

otanical illustration, the art of depicting the details of plants on paper using ink, pencil or paint, is an exacting process. It requires a high level of artistic skill, attention to detail, understanding of plant forms, patience and persistence. Mandy Valsinger, a botanical illustrator from Alexandra, is undaunted by the demands of her art. “I love it,” she says. “If I start early in the morning, I can easily work until four or five o’clock in the afternoon. I might stop for the odd cup of tea, but I very often don’t eat lunch.” “Getting it right” is the hallmark of the botanical illustrator. There’s no place for free expression, for letting your creativity run riot. As Mandy explains, “You need to be a perfectionist. Botanical illustrators are a fairly strict and demanding group and will only look down their noses at you if you don’t do it right.” 52 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

This demand for perfection is easily thwarted by the smallest accident. Mandy, as with many other botanical artists, works in watercolour.

passion among botanical artists. Often people are inspired to take up botanical art by the beauty of the flowers they see every day in their gardens.

“If you get one little thing wrong, it’s almost impossible to fix,” she says. “Accidents are probably the worst things that happen.”

Mandy has had a long interest in art.

It might be a stray drop of water on the paper, a smudge of paint from fingers or an error in mixing colours and hours of painstaking work can be ruined. Mandy gains inspiration for her paintings from her beautiful and extensive garden. “Almost everything I paint is from my garden because you need to work from a live sample of the plant.” And her garden has plenty to offer with Mandy’s subjects covering flowering gums, grevilleas, roses, sweet peas, nasturtiums, lotus and quince flowers, artichokes and many more. Not surprisingly, gardening is a common

“My grandfather was an artist, my mother dabbled in painting and, when I was a kid, I used to sit in front of the television and draw the people I saw on the screen. I was always interested in doodling and painting.” After leaving school, Mandy studied Art and Design at Swansea College in the United Kingdom before quitting the course to start earning money in the workforce. It was many years before Mandy took up art again after being very busy running restaurants in the UK, USA and the Cayman Islands, managing a chalet in Switzerland, setting up a bakery in New Mexico and working in a marketing role with Franklin Mint. When she eventually came to Sydney, she couldn’t work for the first year due

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to visa restrictions. So she became a volunteer with a company called Sweet Art, painting portraits on specialoccasion cakes. It was here that her love affair with art was reignited. As she explains, “It occurred to me that it wouldn’t be a bad idea to do something artistic again other than paint on cakes, and so I enrolled in two botanical illustration courses at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Sydney.” Although Mandy loved botanical art, the pressures of work, which included running a large bakery in Sydney, again intervened, and her art went onto the backburner for a while.

Mandy eventually sold her bakery and moved to Alexandra in 2002 with her late husband, Bjorn. After countless requests from former customers of her Sydney bakery, Mandy established Mandy’s Company and made Christmas cakes, puddings and brandy sauce for the festive season using a small factory in Euroa. As well as this, she was juggling a part-time management position with the Human Genetics Society of Australasia and raising a family. No wonder she didn’t have time to pursue her art! Eventually, a few years ago, Mandy sold her business to a local person, retired

from her management job and returned to botanical art. However, Mandy recalls that it wasn’t easy to take up her art again. “At first, I was absolutely, hopelessly bad. It really takes a long time to make your eye and hand coordinate. I look back at some of my work and I remember labouring over it and thinking it looked great, but now I think it’s terrible.” However, with constant practice, an online course with one of the doyens of botanical art, Diane Sutherland, a passion for the work of Elaine Searle, private tuition with a local botanical

Sacred lotus.

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Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 53

Right: Mandy at work in her studio. Below: Her illustration of artichokes.

artist, Margaret Zaal, and the encouragement and support of many others, Mandy is back in form. Mandy recently founded the Alexandra Botanical Illustration Artists Group, a teaching and support group for people interested in this form of art. The group has had to be placed on hold for the moment due to coronavirus restrictions, but their Facebook page is alive and well and now has over 500 followers. Despite the recent upheavals in Mandy’s life with the sad death of her husband, sale of her farm, purchase of a block of land and construction of a house, Mandy is positive. She is aiming to hire a campervan and travel for three months before returning to her new home. Once back, she will be able to focus again on her botanical art and produce more stunning works for us all to admire. If you would like more information about Mandy’s art or the Alexandra Botanical Illustration Artists Group, you can contact her at mandyinalex@gmail.com or take a look at the group’s Facebook page.

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK: Mon to Friday 10am-4pm Saturday and Sunday 10am-4.30pm

Find us on Facebook

8 Murchison Street Marysville P: 0408173656 E: marysvillelollyshop@gmail .com W: www.marysvilleoldfashionedlollyshop.com.au 54 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

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Marian Rennie Gallery

132 Breakaway Road Acheron

By Appointment 0412 109 129 www.marianrennie.com.au Please visit my shop on Redbubble - MarianRennie for a great array of my products

Louise Foletta Artist Studio 2427

Studio 2427

Studio 2427 2427 Maroondah Highway Buxton

Open

• Home Decor to beautify your home. • Take away coffee, hot & cold drinks, cakes, slices & biscuits Opening hours Saturday, Sunday & Monday 9am-3pm Enquiries call Kerry 0414 959 054 or Glenn 0448 983 009 info@bythefallshomedecor.com.au

Studio open when sign is out and other times by appointment

Beautiful Watercolours | Oils | Acrylics Japanese Woodblock Prints | Local landscapes

Watercolour Workshops by arrangement Individual Tuition | Small Groups • Christmas sales through December

Contact Louise 0417 323 868 louisefoletta.com.au | Louise Foletta at YouTube

FALLS ROAD • MARYSVILLE

Quirky • Quality • Creativity What’s behind the Barber Shop? Not what you would expect! A quirky combination of quality secondhand, handcrafted and art, this little Curiosity/Gift Shop & Gallery oozes creativity, and is a place where treasures abound, waiting to be found.

S econ dh a n d • H a nd c ra f t e d • A rt

hire con su

buy

e styl

l el

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REFER TO OUR WEBSITE AND FACEBOOK FOR OPENING HOURS

Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 55

personalised shopping experience for individual groups or from Friday 27 November 2020, Rustic Simplicity will commence street trading with a market stall out the front of the shop! By Cindy Ferguson

Bear with me if my facial recognition fails me with the compulsory mask wearing regime. That said I’ll have a cheat sheet as you sign in for contact tracing purposes. And you’ll love our Wintu 100% alcohol based all natural hand sanitiser, complete with Vitamin E and aloe Vera gel – available to buy as well as a must do for you in situ.

ell, sort of … still Business as Unusual, but perhaps a little bit more like ‘normal’ …

As we emerge from our cocoons and restrictions continue to ease, we’re opening up as much as we can for now, whilst we get our heads around how to reconfigure our little store so that it is COVID friendly and we can operate safely within the one person per four square metres and restricted 1.5 metre distancing between patrons. If ever you’ve ventured all the way into Rustic Simplicity @ The Shear ‘N’ shedS, you’ll appreciate what a challenge that is as it is a very narrow and very long space and a shared premises supporting two businesses, which adds to our challenges! We’re hoping we’ll be back up and fully

operational before summer is out, but until then, Gail won’t be back on the shears and the Barber Shop remains closed until further notice. When she’s back on deck there will, however, be prizes for the best COVID 2020 hair style and home hair cut – don’t forget to keep it going and enter! In the meantime, you can still shop for gifts online via our Facebook page or please get in touch and make a time to visit if you’d like to have a one-on-one

HANDCRAFTED

WINE & FOOD Wine tasting experiences Artisan cheese platters & charcuterie boards Seasonal wine & food events Food only available on weekends and public holidays 56 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

Thanks so much for your patience with our ongoing predicament – we’ll get there! Please contact Cindy Anne Ferguson at Rustic Simplicity via FB Message/ Messenger/ Phone/ Text/ Email to order directly, or to arrange a shop visit, by appointment only. Please see ad in this edition for contact details. I look forward to seeing/and or hearing from you SOON to talk through your ideas for gifts for self and/or another.

CELLAR DOOR

OPEN Wed - Sun 11.30am - 5.00pm

A 182 Shannons Road Murrindindi 3717 M 0432 435 180 W www.sedonaestate.com.au COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

MARYSVILLE INFORMATION + REGIONAL ARTSPACE

Visit MiRA for Visitor information, artspace, performances, cinema or a bit of retail therapy. Check What’s On at www.marysvilletourism.com

FLOWERS + HOMEWARES + COFFEE 7 Station Street, Yea Vic 3717 linda@mcauliffe.net.au | 0412322419 flori e casa Wed - Fri 10am-4pm | Sat 9am-2pm | Sun 10am-2pm

COFFEE BAR Toby’s Estate tea & coffee, biscuits, cakes FRESH FLOWERS direct from local growers GIFT LINES Aria Rose, Lillydale, Commonfolk & Queen Bee candles, Huxter, Epicure Trading, Quail Ceramics, Annas Liberty, Lovely Linen, Bell Art, Bespoke Letterpress, 2Duck Market Baskets, Books ECLECTIC COLLECTION of vintage, basket ware, crockery, glassware, artwork CARDS AND BABY PRODUCTS old, new and locally made with love

Our 100% natural soap and beauty products are hand-made on site from extra-virgin olive oil, pure plant essential oils, herbs and spices. Come in and hand test liquid soaps and browse the large range of aroma-therapeutic skin care items, locally made gifts, art, furniture and produce. Open 7 days 9.30am to 4.30pm. Dindi Naturals, 6572 Maroondah Highway, Yarck VIC 3719 | Tel. 03 5773 4349 | www.dindinaturals.com.au COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 57

olmesglen at Eildon – local Award winning conference, function and event venue – is ready to welcome you for the January period with brunches and dinners on the deck overlooking the beautiful vista that everyone enjoys. During the COVID pandemic the business has been closed due to Government restrictions that have affected everyone; however, behind the scenes a core team has been working hard to ensure that when restrictions are lifted and it is safe to do so, they are ready to welcome everyone back. Brunches will commence on Thursday 7 January and they will be open Thursdays through to Mondays from 9am to 2pm with last orders taken at 1.30pm. No need to book for brunches – but all guests must conform with COVID requirements at the time. Dinners will be available every Friday and Saturday

58 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

night from 8 January to 23 January and on Sunday 24 January given it is a long weekend and just before schools return. Numbers per table, room and on the deck may have to be restricted for diners so please ensure you pre book for dinners from 6pm to10pm with last orders taken at 9pm. Full details are available on www.holmesglenateildon. com.au including virtual tours of the accommodation and details of all upcoming events including the Long Lazy Summer Lunch on

Sunday 28 February with live acoustic music. In the closed down period a small team of staff has been busy behind the scenes doing super cleaning of all the accommodation rooms, and commercial kitchen, also refurbished is the fireside lounge bar with new leather couches. A giant outdoor chess board has been built near the deck, and the post and rail fencing around the car park, using timber sourced on the property, has been completed. The self-contained

homestead on the property, which is usually booked solidly during the holiday period, has had a spruce up with the timber floors polished and sanded, the walls painted, and back courtyard re-landscaped. The homestead will be open for accommodation bookings in January in beautiful four star corporate suites and larger standard rooms. Don’t forget Holmesglen at Eildon is the ideal venue for weddings – what a great place to spend your special day with family and friends and enjoy the full weekend away with all guests able to stay on site. “I am looking forward to having all the team back at work doing what the business is renowned for and what each and every staff member enjoys doing – welcoming our guests and delighting them with our standard of service, quality catering and up-todate facility with spectacular views,” manager Rozanne Lawton says.

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DECEMBER Saturday 5 & sunday 6 ~ Open Studios Highlands Darren Gilbert 2742 Highlands Road, Highlands Discover the story behind the artworks and sculptures and see the ever changing creative space of Darren Gilbert. Browse and buy. 10am-4pm. W: www.monkeytaildesign.com E: gmgilbert@skymesh.com.au F: www.facebook.com/darren.gilbert.503 P: 0421 3784 51 (see ad page 34) December Monday 7 to 28 ~ Alexandra Community Christmas Tree Festival Alexandra Shire Hall 55 Grant Street, Alexandra Each year the community, including schools, businesses, groups and many more, get together to decorate Christmas Trees which are on display for everyone to enjoy throughout December. This year 300 trees will fill the hall and will be a sight to behold. E: alexandraxmastreefestival@gmail.com P: 0415 476 639 DECEMBER Sunday13 ~ Kinglake Christmas Carols by Candlelight Bollygum Park 40 Whittlesea-Kinglake Road, Kinglake Free entry. The Kinglake Community Christmas Carols By Candlelight start at 5pm in the large marquee at the Bollygum Twilight Christmas Market where we will be joined by Mother Christmas and her Elf helpers, plus a special visit from a jolly gentleman in red. W: kinglakeranges.com.au E: laura@kinglakeranges.com.au P: 03 5786 1301 JANUARY Saturday 2 & sunday 3 ~ Open Studios Highlands Darren Gilbert 2742 Highlands Road, Highlands Discover the story behind the artworks and sculptures and see the ever changing creative space of Darren Gilbert. Browse and buy. 10am-4pm. W: www.monkeytaildesign.com E: gmgilbert@skymesh.com.au F: www.facebook.com/darren.gilbert.503 P: 0421 3784 51 (see ad page 34) JANUARY THURSDAY 7 TO 25 ~ Brunches On The Deck in January Holmesglen at Eildon, 92 Moore Road, Eildon Dining on the deck or dining room with spectacular views. Stay the night with the special accommodation rates. Farmer’s Breakfast, french toast, pancakes, eggs and bacon, mushrooms on toast, BLT’s, espresso coffees, fresh juice, smoothies, milkshakes and more. Drinks available at bar prices. W: www.holmesglenateildon.com.au E: eildon@holmesglen.edu.au P: 03 5774 2631 (see ad page 1)

A great community event commencing Monday 7 December and running until 28 December at Alexandra Shire Hall. Each year the community, including schools, businesses, groups and many more, all get together to decorate Christmas Trees which are on display for everyone to enjoy throughout December. This year 300 trees will fill the hall and will be a sight to behold. This event is purely run by the community and its volunteers and truly captures the Christmas spirit. As we go to press this event is still to be confirmed.

Read the

MURRINDINDI GUIDE

ONLINE WORLDWIDE

issuu.com/murrindindiguide COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

JANUARY WEDNESDAY 7 TO 20 ~ School Holiday Fun Y Water Discovery Centre2 Hood Street Bring the kids along for fun and educational school holiday activities. Bookings essential and places are limited. 10am-11.30am. $4.00 per child. W: www.ywatercentre.com.au/discovery-centre E: info@ywatercentre.com.au P: 03 5797 2663 (see ad page 39) JANUARY FRIDAY 8 TO 23 ~ Dinner on the Deck Holmesglen at Eildon, 92 Moore Road, Eildon Enjoy the tranquil surroundings of our rural property. Come to Holmesglen at Eildon - Dinner on the Deck and stay the night. Accommodation options on offer. Numbers per table, room, and on the deck may have to be restricted for dinners so ensure you pre-book for dinners from 6pm-10pm. W: www.holmesglenateildon.com.au E: eildon@holmesglen.edu.au P: 03 5774 2631 (see ad page 1) FEBRUARY Saturday 6 & sunday 7 ~ Open Studios Highlands Darren Gilbert 2742 Highlands Road, Highlands Discover the story behind the artworks and sculptures and see the ever changing creative space of Darren Gilbert. Browse and buy. 10am-4pm. W: www.monkeytaildesign.com E: gmgilbert@skymesh.com.au F: www.facebook.com/darren.gilbert.503 P: 0421 3784 51 (see ad page 34) FEBRUARY DATE TO BE CONFIRMED ~ ALEXANDRA Pro RODEO Dame Pattie Menzies Centre, Alexandra Visit the website for updates on this event. W: www.alexandrarodeo.com.au (see ad inside front cover) Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 59

REGULAR MARKETS

ANTENNA / TELEVISION SPECIALIST

Alexandra Market 2nd Saturday of month 9am-1pm Alexandra Timber Tramway, Station Street, Alexandra Plants, herbs, local produce, unique handicrafts, bric-a-brac and collectables. Refreshments available – coffee cart, BBQ and cold drinks. Free entry. Train rides for a small donation. 0427 509 988 | market@alexandratramway.org.au | www.alexandratramway.org.au

0405 554 915 info@chris-tv.com.au

ALEXANDRA Producers’ Market 4th Saturday of the month during daylight savings 9am-1pm Alexandra Hotel, 64 Grant Street, Alexandra local meat suppliers, bread, flowers, seedlings, backyard grown fruit & veg, jams, preserves, biscuits, wine tasting, live music and more from. Bollygum Community Market 2nd Sunday of month 9am-1pm Bollygum Park, 40 Whittlesea-Kinglake Road, Kinglake Kids can play in the unique adventure playground as you search for special treasures and try fantastic local produce. 0409 849 722 | bollygummarket@gmail.com Flowerdale Community Market 3rd Sunday of month 9am-1pm Flowerdale Community Hall, Yea Whittlesea Road, Flowerdale Country market stalls with arts, crafts, veggies, plants, bric-a-brac. Hot food, Devonshire teas, cold drinks available. New stall holders welcome, $10 a stall. 03 5780 1223 - Alison | Alron27@bigpond.com jamieson farmers and artisans market 1st Saturday of Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar 4pm-8pm Perkins Street, Jamieson “Make it, bake it, grow it” stalls offering a wide range of produce and art. Performances including music, dance and black-smithing. 0425 567 771 | jamfarm@outlook.com Kinglake Produce & Artisan Market 4th Sunday of month 10am-3pm (held on the 3rd Sunday in December) 19 Whittlesea-Kinglake Road, Kinglake Fresh from us to you. High quality items, grown or made by our stall holders. Proving quality products and food every month, all year round. 0419 339 320 | kinglakemarket@gmail.com | www.kinglakemarket.com Marysville Market 2nd & 4th Sunday of month – Murchison Street, Marysville Crafts, gifts, clothing, plants, locally produced preserves, jams, chutneys, lavender products, shortbread biscuits, honey, fresh fruit and vegetables and wine. Additional stallholders invited. Taggerty 4 Seasons Market Saturday of Australia Day, Easter, Queen’s Birthday and Melbourne Cup Weekends 9am-1pm – 3 Taggerty-Thornton Road, Taggerty Local produce including olive oil, wine, honey, fudge, baked goods, preserves, soaps, crafts, bric-a-brac, fruit, vegetables, plants, free range eggs, BBQ sausages and espresso coffee. 0419 376 206 | tgstore@bigpond.com

• TV & FM radio antennas • Extra TV wall points • Surround sound systems • Phone & data points

• Pay TV & FTA satellite • Wall mount TVs • Home theatre • CCTV camera systems

AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES

YEA AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE CENTRE Stihl Shop RACV Depot Roadworthy License Vehicle Tester 11940 Small Engine Servicing & Repairs Motor Vehicle Servicing & Repairs

102 High Street, Yea | 5797 2562 | 0498 713 112

admin@yeamechanics.com.au | www.yeaautomotiveandstihlshop.com.au

AUTOMOTIVE

TALLAROOK farmers market 1st Sunday of month (except January) 9am-1pm – 4 Main Road, Talarook Fresh local produce. Relax in the market cafe while listening to local musicians. Free kids activities. 0403 831 520 | Facebook Tallarook Farmers Market Yarck Country Market 3rd Saturday of month 9am-1.30pm – Yarck Hall, Maroondah Hwy, Yarck The market helps to fund the hall maintenance and provides an outlet for local produce, jams, craft, plants and wines. 0407 879 612 | yarckhall@hotmail.com | www.visityarck.com.au YEA RAILWAY Market 1st Saturday of month – Yea Railway Reserve, Station St Yea Fresh local produce, arts and crafts, children’s activities, playground and skate park. The market showcases local producers, growers and makers and is a community event with a gold coin donation entry - funds from entry are donated to local charities each month. 0427 722 624 | globalgemsandfinejewellery@gmail.com 60 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

Yea Mechanical Repairs 3 Grevillea Street Yea Phone Kel – Workshop 5797 2200 Mobile 0419 979 373

Servicing All Makes And Models

• tyres • wheel alignments • computer diagnostics COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

AUTOMOTIVE

DOG GROOMING

Certified Master

Boz Miljkovic Mechanic 61 Downey Street Alexandra

DOG GROOMER Ph

5774 7242

(Taggerty)

www.pinkdog.com.au

Ph (03) 5772 3232

Alexandra Automotive Licensed Roadworthy Testing • General Car Servicing • Repairs & Tuning • Disc & Drum Machining • Front Ends & Suspension

all dogs all styles all sizes

COMMUNICATIONS

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST • Two way and CB radio systems • GPS mobile navigation • Telemetry and wireless data links • Mobile phone car kits • installation • sales • service

ELECTRICIAN

FOR ALL YOUR ELECTRICAL NEEDS CONTACT JAY

0439 842 030 • DOMESTIC • COMMERCIAL • BREAKDOWNS • MAINTENANCE • 4 X 4 TRENCHER • SOLAR SYSTEMS • GENERATOR BACK-UP SYSTEMS

• INDUSTRIAL • UNDERGROUNDS • GRID CONNECT • STANDALONE

Phone 03 5772 1292

jay@williamselec.com.au

COMPUTER SERVICES

ELECTRICIAN

ELECTRICIAN Grimshaw Electrics

Sales, Service, Repairs and Networking Home or Office

For all your electrical and communication requirements

Peter Donald

0429 808 596

WE COME TO YOU Mob: 0417 342 914

Email: support@ugcs.com.au

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REC 16666

A/H 03 5773 2457 Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 61

ELECTRICIAN

FURNITURE & FLOORING

INDUSTRIAL | COMMERCIAL | DOMESTIC Based in Taggerty & covering Murrindindi Shire New Homes & Extensions

Sheds Wired

Maintenance / Breakdowns Phone / TV / Data Cabling Split Systems Supplied & Installed

Safety Switches Underground Power Competitive Rates

Gary: 0418 997 780 Marcus: 0434 100 518 REC: 8287

E: info@blackwoodelec.com.au

AU: 30928

ELECTRICIAN

GLASS PRODUCTS

Rec No 12906

ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY specialising in all aspects of the flat glass trade

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

0418 543 310

w: www.etecelectrical.com.au

FARM CONTRACTING

ES Hadfield Contracting For all your farming needs • HAY & SILAGE large round and small square bales • SLASHING & MULCHING reach mower and rock picker • PLOUGHING & SEEDING Duncan drill • FENCING • DAMS, ROADS & FENCE LINES D5m dozer, 6.5 tonne truck • EXCAVATOR 17T with mulching head • GRADER • TIPPER bogie drive

Call Earnie 0429 931 127 or A/H 5774 7429 62 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

a: 16 Hunter Road, Healesville 3777 p: 5962 2888 f: 5962 6088 e: ridglass@bigpond.com w: www.ridgelineglass.com.au HOSPITALITY SUPPLIES

Everything for the top chef & the home cook BAKEWARE + COOKWARE GLASSWARE + CROCKERY COMMERCIAL EQUIPMENT CHEF TOOLS + UNIFORMS PACKAGING + DISPOSALS CLEANING AIDS + PRODUCTS

+ much more

e: info@e-tec.net.au

glass replacement, shower screens, splashbacks, mirrors, wood heater glass

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

• Eco Smart Electrician • Domestic / Commercial • Undergrounds • Electrical Design • Cable Locations • Trenching • Solar Installations ~ grid connect, off grid, batteries

Open 9am-5pm Monday-Friday

211 Mt Buller Road Mansfield T 5779 1660 E sales@m-h-s.com.au W www.m-h-s.com.au COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

LANDSCAPING

MOTOR TRIMMING / UPHOLSTERY

HIGH QUALITY WORKMANSHIP OVER 35 YEARS EXPERIENCE

• Car Upholstery • Household Upholstery • Motorbike Seats CLIFFORD BRADY

Ph 0421 921 110

42 Aitken St Alexandra VIC 3714

itecearthworks@optusnet.com.au

MACHINERY SALES

6 STATION STREET • YEA • Ph 9730 1988

info@yeamachinery.com.au www.yeamachinery.com.au • SPARE PARTS • REPAIRS • SALES

• Truck Seats • Boat Seats, Carpets & Covers • Ute Covers & Canopies

Trevor & Janine Young

Ph 0408 789 653

1449 Killingworth Road, Molesworth PAINTING / HOUSEBOAT MAINTENANCE SERVICES

CORMAC PAINTING & Houseboat Maintenance • House Interior & Exterior • Houseboats Interiors only • Sheds • Commercial • Shop Interior & Exterior within a 150km radius of Eildon!

0488 183 432 cormacservices@outlook.com MARINE SERVICES

SERVICE AGENTS *Mercury *Honda *Yamaha *Seadoo *Yanmar *Kohler *Onan *Westerbeke *Malibu

• Seadoo servicing & repairs • Inboard, Outboard, Sterndrive servicing & repairs • New & Used boat sales • New & Used engine sales • Showroom full of OPENING HOURS everything your • Mon-Fri 8am-5pm • Sat & Sun 9am-1pm boat needs for your (subject to change due Covid 19) day on the water Public Holidays 9am-1pm • Watersports accessories & PFD’s CLOSED Christmas Day &

New Years Day

20 Sugarloaf Road Eildon Ph 5774 2132

PLUMBER

Your plumbing specialist

Lic No 37388

• New Homes • Roofs & Gutters • Sewers & Septics • High Pressure Sewer Jetter • Drain Camera • Pipe & Cable Locator • Water Tanks • Solar HWS • Wood Heaters

Excavators, post hole diggers, rock breaker, trencher & tip truck hire

0419 553 803 Ph/Fax 5772 2991 tcplumbing@bigpond.com

eildonoutboard@virtual.net.au

COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 63

PUMPS / GENERATORS

• Generators for caravanning & camping & industrial • Pumps for fire fighting, farm & industrial • Mowers

• FOR PLAY • FOR HOME • FOR WORK

ALEXANDRA MOTORCYCLES LMCT 3110 65 Downey Street Alexandra Ph 03 5772 1045

STOCK AND STATION AGENTS

YEA OFFICE 4 Station Street, Yea 3717 Ph 5797 4100

ALEXANDRA OFFICE 6 Webster Street, Alexandra 3714 Ph 5772 4101

Bruce Elliott Branch Manager/Livestock – 0409 699 937 John Tossol Real Estate – 0419 558 032 Jamie Quinlan Livestock – 0419 894 232 John Purvis Merchandise – 0428 951 251

SERVICE STATION

TOWING & SALVAGE

endeavour ALEXANDRA

Open 7am - 7pm Daily

FUEL & LUBRICANTS - FOOD & DRINKS 10 Downey St, Alexandra 3714

Yea

FUEL & LUBRICANTS FOOD & DRINKS

Open 6am - 9pm Daily 31 High St, Yea 3717

2 Centre Avenue Eildon Ph 03 5774 2727 AH 0407 023 407 For RACV roadside service phone 131 111

• Log Book Servicing • Licensed RWC Tester • Air-con Regassing • 4X4 Improvements • Tyre Sales / Puncture Repairs • Car, Truck, Boat & Trailer Repairs TREE SERVICES

SIGN WRITING

• Insured

Reliable •

• Experienced

5778 9603 64 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

Competitive •

JASON

0413 671 066

COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

TYRE SERVICES

WEED CONTROL

TOYO, KELLY, KUMHO, COOPER & MAXXIS

• Wheel Alignments & Wheel Balancing • On-site Service for Tractor / Earthmoving Puncture Repairs • Vehicle Servicing and Repairs – VACC Accredited • Licensed Roadworthy Vehicle Tester • Supercharge Batteries

• SPOT SPRAYING • BOOM SPRAYING

42A Aitken Street, Alexandra Phone (03) 5772 3456 Fax (03) 5772 2567

ANDY FRIEDEL 0407 565 207

• 200M POWER REELS • COMPUTER CONTROLLED BOOM FROM 2M TO 10M Licensed – insured – experienced alexweedcontrol@gmail.com WELDING SERVICES

WATER CARTAGE

• Welding repairs • Construction of sheds • Tool boxes • Trailers • Cattle yards • Ute trays • Repairs of heavy machinery and attachments • Steel, Aluminium, Cast Iron no problem

PH MATT 0408 104 644

27,000 LITRE TANKER (Semi access required)

Contact: David Cooper Mobile: 0429 199 472

mobile

• CIVIL CONSTRUCTION • ENVIRONMENTAL WORKS • MOBILE CRANE HIRE WATER BORE DRILLING

WINDSCREENS & GLASS

WATER BORES

Alexandra

P: 0418 362 968 info@matthewandsons.com.au www.matthewandsons.com.au COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

WINDSCREENS & GLASS • 24 hour service • House glazing

Steve Heard 31 Aitken Street Alexandra 3714

Phone 5772 1994 A/H 5772 1184 Mob 0427 577 839 Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 65

ACCOMMODATION Alexandra Motel, Alexandra 5772 2077 Alexandra Tourist Park Alexandra 5772 1222 Alpino Apartments Marysville 0408 103 481 Amelina Cottages 0434 692 622 Marysville Big4 Taggerty Holiday Park Taggerty 5774 7263 Bonfire Station Farmstay 0423 457 072 Breakaway Twin Rivers Caravan Park Acheron 5772 1735 Buxton Hotel, Buxton 5774 7381 5963 3416 Dalrymples, Marysville Eildon Lake Motel, Eildon 5774 2800 Eildon Pondage Holiday Park 1800 651 691 Elite Stays Marysville / Taggerty 0413 795 283 Fernbrook Cottage, Marysville 0408 518 503 Flowerdale Estate 5784 9280 Strath Creek Giddy Goat Cafe, Yarck 5773 4223 Glenfield Cottage B/B 5773 4304 Yarck Jerusalem Creek Marina & Holiday Park Lake Eildon 5774 2585 Royal Mail Hotel, Yea 5797 2515 Rubicon Hotel Motel 5773 2251 Thornton Saladin Lodge, Narbethong 0429 699 969 Taylor Bay Country Club Taylor Bay 0497 889 353 Thornton Caravan Park 5773 2305 Thornton 0499 949 740 Thornton Cottage Tower Motel, Marysville 5963 3225 Waverley Guest House Alexandra 5772 1146 Yea Motel 5797 2660 Yea Peppercorn Hotel Yea 5797 2000 ANTENNA / TV SERVICES Chris’s TV 0405 554 915 APPLIANCE STORE 5772 2152 Chookies Alexandra AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES Yea Automotive Service Centre 5797 2562 Alexandra Automotive 5772 3232 Alexandra Alexandra Tyrepower Alexandra 5772 3456 Eildon Auto Repairs & Towing 5774 2727 Eildon Auto Spares, Eildon 5774 2712 Yea Mechanical Repairs 5797 2200 BANKS Bendigo Bank, Kinglake 5786 1656 BEE SUPPLIES Dindi Bee Supplies 0409 908 857 BOAT HIRE Lakeview Boat Hire Eildon 0488 051 721

Jerusalem Creek Marina & Holiday Park 5774 2585 Eildon BOOK SHOPS Books at Yarck, Yarck 0400 418 139 Goulburn River Books Alexandra 5772 2935 BUILDERS Swenrick, Buxton www.swenrick.com.au BUTCHERS Alexandra Quality Meats Alexandra 5772 1151 Thornton Butchers & Deli Thornton 5773 2224 CARAVAN PARKS Big4 Taggerty Holiday Park Taggerty 5774 7263 Boulevard Caravan Park Eildon 5774 2128 Breakaway Twin Rivers Caravan Park Acheron 5772 1735 Eildon Waters Holiday Park Eildon 5773 2386 Eildon Pondage Holiday Park 1800 651 691 Eildon Park Life, Alexandra, 0402 898 476 Thornton Caravan Park 5773 2305 Thornton Yea Riverside Caravan Park 5797 2972 Yea CLOTHING / SHOE SHOPS 5772 1254 Alexandra Apparel Country Touch, Marysville 5963 3753 Inspire on Grant, Alexandra 5772 2311 Jerusalem Creek Marina & Hoilday Park Eildon 5774 2585 Embling Rural, Alexandra 5772 3110 COMMUNICATIONS Weeks Radio, Alexandra 5772 1292 COMPUTERS Upper Goulburn Computer Services 0417 342 914 DENTAL CLINICS Alexandra Dental Clinic 5772 1073 DOG GROOMING / FOOD Barkery Deluxe Dog Treats www.barkerytreats.com.au In The Pink, Taggerty 5774 7242 EATERIES / BAKERIES / RESTAURANTS 501 Cafe Bar & Grill Jerusalem Creek 5774 2585 Alexandra Bakery & Cafe Alexandra 5772 2272 Alexandra Noodle Bar 5772 2888 Alexandra Aqua Bar & Cafe, Eildon 0425 816 959 Burnsies 5772 2693 Cafe Alex, Alexandra 5772 1155 Check Out 7 5774 2184 Eildon Bakery & Cafe, Eildon 5774 2362 Eildon Fish & Chips, Eildon 5774 2597 Flowerdale Estate 5784 9280 Strath Creek Grant Street Grocer Alexandra 5772 1526

66 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

Giddy Goat Cafe, Yarck 5773 4223 Harvesting the Feast 0402 125 370 Alexandra Keppel Cafe, Marysville 5797 2513 Killingworth Hill Cafe & Whisky Bar Yea 0455 266 888 Nonna Gina’s, Alexandra 0413 245 701 Ros Ritchie Wines Mansfield 0444 588 276 Saladin Lodge, Narbethong 0429 699 969 Secret Thai, Alexandra 0478 113 945 Tallarook General Store & Cafe Tallarook 5792 1687 The Provender Country Bakehouse Yea 5797 3155 Yea Chinese Restaurant 5797 2865 Yea Yea Take Away, Yea 5797 2664 ELECTRICIANS Blackwood Electrics Taggerty 0418 997 780 / 0434 100 518 E-Tec Electrical Contractor 0418 543 310 Alexandra Grimshaw Electrics 0429 808 596 Thornton J Williams Electrical 0439 842 030 Alexandra FARM EQUIPMENT 5797 4100 Elders, Yea Embling Rural, Alexandra 5772 3110 Alexandra 5772 2444 Nutrien Ag Yea 5797 2799 9730 1988 Yea Machinery FISHING SUPPLIES 5774 2712 Eildon Bait & Tackle Jerusalem Creek Bait & Tackle 5774 2585 Eildon Totally Trout, Alexandra 5772 2662 FLOOR COVERINGS Chookies Furniture Warehouse 5772 2152 Alexandra Slocum Floorcoverings 9439 6066 FLOOR SANDING & FINISHING Tim Skerritt, Alexandra 0439 358 880 FLORISTS / FLOWERS Full Bloom Alexandra 0430 580 264 flori e casa, Yea 0412 322 419 Goulburn Valley Nursery, Yea 5797 2222 Misty Valley Florist & Gifts Yea 0400 570 988 FURNITURE STORES Chookies Furniture Warehouse Alexandra 5772 2152 GALLERIES Darren Gilbert Open Studio Highlands www.monkeytaildesign.com Marian Rennie Gallery, Acheron 0412 109 129 MIRA Marysville 5963 4567 Rustic Simplicity Alexandra 0419 517 045 Studio 2427, Buxton 0417 323 868

GENERAL / GROCERIES / FRUIT & VEG Tallarook General Store & Cafe Tallarook 5792 1687 GIFT SHOP / CLOTHING / ANTIQUES Alexandra Discounts & Giftware 5772 2850 Alexandra Eagles Nest, Buxton 0429 534 040 Embling Rural, Alexandra 5772 3110 Inspire On Grant, Alexandra 5772 2311 Lit & Beyond, Marysville 0422 239 754 Nice, Yea 0413 489 196 Redgate Bazaar, Alexandra 0407 683 712 Rustic Simplicity, Alexandra 0419 517 045 Waxy Aroma, Alexandra waxyaromacandles.mybigcommerce.com GLASS PRODUCTS Alexandra Windscreens & Glass Alexandra 0427 577 839 Ridgeline Glass & Glazing Healesville 5962 2888 GRAPHIC DESIGN Ann Friedel Publishing Alexandra 0418 556 107 HALL FOR HIRE Fawcett Hall Fawcett via Alexandra 5772 2997 HARDWARE / TIMBER STORES Yenckens Alexandra 5772 2188 Mansfield 5775 2511 Yea 5797 2290 Jerusalem Creek Marina & Hoilday Park 5774 2585 Eildon HEALTH / BEAUTY / WELLBEING Alexandra Community Pharmacy Beauty Room 5772 2153 Alexandra Physiotherapy Alexandra 5772 2649 Health Solution for EveryBody, Yea 0407 437 866 Jessica’s Sheer Beauty Alexandra 5772 3322 Terry White Chemmart, Eildon 5774 2626 HEATING Bowd Heating, Alexandra 5772 1045 HOSPITALITY SUPPLIES Mansfield Hospitality Supplies 5779 1660 HOTELS / MOTELS / RESORTS Alexandra Motor Inn 5772 2077 Bonfire Station Farmstay 0423 457 072 Buxton Hotel, Buxton 5774 7381 Eildon Lake Motel, Eildon 5774 2800 Flowerdale Estate Strath Creek 5784 9280 Holmesglen at Eildon Eildon 5774 2631 Royal Mail Hotel, Yea 5797 2515 Rubicon Hotel Motel Thornton 5773 2251 Taylor Bay Country Club Taylor Bay 0497 889 353 Yea Motel, Yea 5797 2660 Yea Peppercorn Hotel, Yea

5797 2000

HOUSEBOAT SERVICES Cormac Painting 0488 183 432 LANDSCAPING Itec Earthworks 0421 921 110 LOCAL PRODUCE Grant Street Grocer 5772 1526 Alexandra Koala Cherries, Yarck 5773 4250 Frattali Olive Oil, Yea 0418 333 586 Harvesting the Feast 0402 125 370 LOLLY SHOP Marysville Lolly Shop 0408 173 656 MARINE SERVICES Eildon Outboard Service Eildon 5774 2132 MACHINERY SALES Yea Machinery 9730 1988 Lake Eildon Marine Jerusalem Ck, Eildon 5774 2022 MOTORCYCLES / MOWERS Alexandra Motorcycles Alexandra 5772 1045 MOTOR TRIMMING 0408 789 653 T&J Trimming NEWSAGENCIES Alexandra Newsagency 5772 1025 Alexandra NURSERIES / GARDEN CENTRES / SUPPLIES / GARDEN PONDS Bedrock Garden Supplies 5772 1911 Alexandra Fern Acres, Kinglake West 5786 5031 Garden Centre, Yea 5797 2933 Goulburn Valley Nursery, Yea 5797 2222 The Pond Professor 0429 969 243 OPTOMETRIST 0438 527 455 Optair Eyecare, Yea OUTDOOR EQUIPMENT Maroondah Outdoor Equipment 5774 7292 Buxton PAINTING SERVICES 0488 183 432 Cormac Painting PHARMACIES Alexandra Pharmacy 5772 2153 Alexandra Terry White Chemmart, Eildon 5774 2626 PHYSIOTHERAPIST Alexandra Physiotherapy 5772 2649 Alexandra PLUMBERS Travis Capp Plumbing Alexandra 0419 553 803 POLITICIANS Cindy McLeish MP State Member for Eildon 9730 1066 POST OFFICE Shell Buxton 5774 7171 PUMPS / GENERATORS Alexandra Motorcycles, Alexandra 5772 1045 REAL ESTATE AGENTS Elders, Alexandra 0419 558 032

COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

RURAL PRODUCE / EQUIPMENT Elders, Yea 5797 4100 Embling Rural, Alexandra 5772 3110 Nutrien Ag Alexandra 5772 2444 Yea 5797 2799 SERVICE STATIONS 5797 2008 BP Yea Endeavour Alexandra Alexandra 5772 1227 Jerusalem Creek Marina & Hoilday Park On-water fuel barge 5774 2585 Eildon Shell Buxton, Buxton 5774 7171 Simpson & Sons P/L Alexandra 5772 1205 Simpsons Fuel Eildon 5774 2220 SIGNWRITING Alexandra Signs, Alexandra 5772 1145 SOLICITORS Williams Hunt, Alexandra 5772 1493 STOCK AND STATION AGENTS Elders Alexandra 5772 1052 Yea5797 2037 Embling Rural, Alexandra 5772 3110 Nutrien Ag Alexandra 5772 2444 Yea 5797 2799 TREE SERVICES Global Tree Solutions 0439 721 943 High Country Tree Services 5775 1935 JT’s Trees 0413 671 066 TOWING & SALVAGE Eildon Auto Repairs & Towing 5774 2727 Eildon TROUT FARMS Buxton Trout Farm 5774 7370 TV SERVICES 0405 554 915 Chris’s TV TYRES 5772 3456 Alexandra Tyrepower UPHOLSTERY T&J Trimming 0408 789 653 VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRES Alexandra 5772 1100 / 1800 652 298 Eildon 5774 2909 Marysville 5963 4567 Yea 5797 2663 VETERINARIAN Mountain Ranges Vet Clinic 5786 1777 Kinglake WATER BORING 0418 362 968 Matthew & Sons WATER CARTAGE H2O Fresh Drinking Water 0408 104 644 WEED CONTROL Alexandra Weed Control 0407 565 207 WELDING SERVICES Buffalo Built 0429 199 472 WINES/BREWS Bonfire Station Farmstay & Microbrewery 0423 457 072 Little River Wines, Taggerty 5774 7644 Ros Ritchie Wines,Mansfield 0444 588 276 Sedona Estate, Murrindindi 9730 2883 WINDSCREENS Alexandra Windscreens & Glass Alexandra 0427 577 839 ZOO Mansfield Zoo, Mansfield 5777 3576

IN AN EMERGENCY CALL

000

EMERGENCY SERVICES Police...........................................................000 Alexandra..................................................... 5772 1040 Eildon............................................................. 5774 2104 Kinglake........................................................ 5786 1333 Marysville..................................................... 5963 3222 Seymour.............................................24hr 5735 0200 Yea................................................................... 5797 2630 Ambulance..................................................000 CFA...............................................................000 SES ...............................................24hr 132 500 Bushfire Information Line & Fire Restriction Info......................... 1800 240 667 Crime stoppers..................................... 1800 333 000 Gas emergencies..................................24hr 132 771 Goulburn Valley Water – faults..................................................... 1800 454 500 Help for Wildlife.................................... 0417 380 687 Power & Street Light Failures..................... 131 799 RACV.................................................................... 131111 Energy Australia.............................................. 133 466 Wildlife Victoria.................................... 1300 094 535 HEALTH SERVICES HELPLINES Kids Helpline......................................... 1800 551 800 Lifeline ....................................................24hr 13 11 14 Maternal & Child Health Line ............................................24hr 13 22 29 Mental Health Advice Line............... 1300 280 737 Poisons Information Centre........................ 131 126 Women’s Domestic Violence Crisis Service......................................... 1800 015 188 HOSPITALS Alexandra..................................................... 5772 0900 Yea................................................................... 5736 0400 After Hours GP clinic.......................... 1300 766 858 SCHOOLS / EDUCATION PRE SCHOOLS / PLAYGROUPS Alexandra & District Kindergarten............................................... 5772 1387 Alexandra Playgroup................................ 5772 2344 Eildon Kindergarten................................. 5774 2041 Flowerdale Kindergarten........................ 5780 2816 Kinglake Playgroup................................... 5786 1301 Kinglake Ranges Children’s Centre........................................ 5786 1352 NEST Playgroup.......................................... 9719 7314 Yea & District Children’s Centre............ 5797 2730 PRIMARY SCHOOLS Alexandra PS .............................................. 5772 1006 Buxton PS..................................................... 5774 7341 Eildon PS....................................................... 5774 2074 Flowerdale PS............................................. 5780 1264 Kinglake PS.................................................. 5786 1284 Kinglake Middle PS................................... 5786 1295 Kinglake West PS....................................... 5786 5262 Marysville PS............................................... 5963 3256 Sacred Heart PS Yea.................................. 5797 2723 St Mary’s PS Alexandra............................ 5772 1500 Toolangi PS.................................................. 5962 9255 Yea PS............................................................. 5797 2724 SECONDARY COLLEGES Alexandra SC............................................... 5770 2000 Yea SC............................................................ 5797 2207

COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

ADULT EDUCATION CEACA Alexandra...................................... 5772 1238 Flowerdale Community House.................................... 5780 2664 Kinglake Neighbourhood House........................... 5786 1301 U3A Murrindindi East......................... 0479 107 779 U3A Yea......................................................... 5797 2230 Yea Community House............................ 5797 3070 SERVICES CLUBS Kiwanis.................................................... 0418 335 692 LIONS CLUBS Alexandra..................................................... 5772 3428 Eildon............................................................. 5774 2674 Kinglake........................................................ 5786 1403 Marysville............................................... 0448 954 667 Yea ................................................................. 5797 3242 MASONIC LODGES Alexandra Masonic Centre, Albert Edward Lodge...............................0448 902 262 / 5772 2708 MEN’S SHEDS Flowerdale............................................. 0412 334 521 Kinglake Ranges........................................ 5786 5999 Marysville...................... Colin Briggs 0423 959 145 PROBUS CLUBS Alexandra..................................................... 5772 1253 Alexandra Ladies ...................................... 5774 2641 Yea................................................................... 5797 2344 RED CROSS Alexandra Red Cross........................... 0419 872 230 ROTARY CLUBS Alexandra..................................................... 5772 1897 Kinglake Ranges........................................ 5786 2193 Yea................................................................... 5792 3515 RSL Alexandra RSL............................................. 5797 6269 Eildon RSL..................................................... 5774 2147 Marysville RSL............................................. 5774 7110 Thornton RSL Sub Branch................ 0458 082 823 Yea RSL Sub Branch............................ 0408 898 139 SENIOR CITIZENS CLUBS Alexandra Senior Citizens....................... 5772 1010 YOUTH GROUPS Flowerdale Junior Youth Group 5 to 14 yrs................................. 0408 333 953 Flowerdale Senior Youth Group.......................................... 0423 320 484 SPORTING CLUBS BASKETBALL CLUBS Alexandra .............................................. 0417 112 533 Kinglake........................................................ 5786 5441 BOWLING CLUBS Alexandra .................................................... 5772 1150 Eildon ............................................................ 5774 2540 Marysville Golf & Bowls .......................... 5963 3241 Whittlesea ................................................... 9716 1966 Yea................................................................... 5797 2770 CRICKET CLUBS Alexandra............................................... 0437 599 909 Flowerdale............................................. 0414 533 342 Merton .................................................... 0408 316 498 Yea Tigers...................................................... 5797 2543 Marysville & District ........................... 0422 702 956

FOOTBALL / NETBALL CLUBS Alexandra..................................................... 5772 1912 Yea................................................................... 5797 2412 Kinglake........................................................ 5786 1580 Marysville & District ........................... 0412 487 842 GOLF CLUBS Eildon............................................................. 5774 2044 Alexandra..................................................... 5772 1570 Yea............................................................. 0409 250 086 Whittlesea.................................................... 9716 2066 Marysville Golf & Bowls........................... 5963 3241 RACE CLUBS Alexandra..................................................... 5773 4304 Merton........................................................... 5778 9551 St Pats Race Club Yea.......................... 0427 794 779 Yea................................................................... 5796 9396 RIDING CLUBS Acheron Valley Adult Riding Club...................................... 5773 2245 SPEEDWAY...........www.alexandraspeedway.com SQUASH CLUB Alexandra............................................... 0438 546 070 TENNIS CLUBS Alexandra..................................................... 5772 2621 Flowerdale................................................... 5780 2201 Kinglake Ranges........................................ 5786 5228 Yea................................................................... 5736 0461 SWIMMING POOLS Alexandra..................................................... 5772 1705 Eildon............................................................. 5774 2174 Marysville..................................................... 5963 3387 Yea................................................................... 5797 2474 RECREATIONAL GROUPS Alexandra Brass Band.............................. 5772 1404 Alexandra Camera Club.................... 0458 420 206 Alexandra & District Dog Obedience.5774 7303 Alexandra & District Lapidary Club..... 5774 2908 Alexandra & District Motorcycle Club ......................................................www.admcc.com.au Alexandra Quilters.................................... 5772 1897 Buxton Craft Activities............................. 5774 7291 Eildon & District Woodworking Guild/ Alexandra Community Shed .................................alexandrawoodies@gmail.com Eildon Art Group........................................ 5773 2306 Murrindindi Historic Vehicle Reg... 0467 051 600 Redgate Classic Motorcycle Club.. 0433 291 495 Upper Goulburn Field Naturalists........ 5772 1189 Yea Camera Club........................................ 5797 3228 Yea Film Society......................................... 5797 2480 MURRINDINDI SHIRE COUNCIL Customer Service and General Enquiries..............................(03) 5772 0333 Alexandra Library..............................(03) 5772 0382 Yea Library...........................................(03) 5736 0036 Kinglake Library.................................(03) 5786 1522 Mobile Library...................................... 0429 412 521 Operations Emergencies*................ 0407 509 413 (eg collapsed bridge or trees over road). Community Safety Emergencies* .0419 572 425 (eg stock on roads or dog attacks). *These numbers must only be used in the case of an emergency. For information on Council or opening hours of the Resource Recovery Centres please visit the website www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au/Home

AND PRINTING SERVICES

P: 03 5772 1026 M: 0418 556 107 E: publishing@friedel.net.au Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021 – 67

To Benalla

Seymour

RD GHIN

RD ROAD

Ye a

( (

GLEN AMYARR A TH L E

SPRAGGS

Yarra Ranges National Park

Maroondah Reservior

HWY

C724

 Donnellys Weir    ( ( ( ( ( (

Yarra Glen ( (

Mount Monda 905m

Chum ( Creek ( C726

( (

O AR M

Healesville

N O

HW Y

DIN



B300 Christmas Hills

RRIN MU

Yea River

MELBA

PT US

EXT ON S

EU CA LY

Parrot

King SP U

GORDONS

MEL BA

FALLS

WHITTLES EA

RD CK

STEELS

MOU NTA IN

« YEAN

Mt. St Leonard 1010m (views to the city)

Creek



( Dixons (

LL OW DIN DI

N MO

Wirra Willa Rainforest Walk

ROAD

ACLE

YAN

WHI TTL ESE A

RO AD MU RC HIS ON

UR SP

ROA D

Ki ng Pa rro t

CK RD

REED Y

Toolangi

PLENTY

Mt.Tanglefoot 1001m ( ( ( ( ( (

( (

Steels Creek

PINN

 

River

CHERRYS LANE

CREEK

( (

K AC BL

indi rind Mur

RS YE

 KINGLAKE NATIONAL PARK

WEST BRIDGE RD

Mt Slide

RO AD

 

W AR

FWY

RE AN

HUME

AD O R

Kinglake

TOOLANGI STATE FOREST

um Ch

68 – Murrindindi Guide – SUMMER 2020/2021

Panton Hill

r Rive

( (



Murrindindi Cascades

To Melbourne

( (



CHU

Hurstbridge

C746 ( (

Cottles Bridge

DI IN ND

BU EN GL

Falls

 SCENIC RESERVE

CASTELLA RD LL BE MP CA D R CK

( Yarrambat (

C728 NS TO IN RD CL

( (

RG LBE IDE HE





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Nutfield

MURRINDINDI  Wilhelmina

St. Andrews ( (

I RR MU

R D

KE LA G N KI

( (

S LL HI

Kinglake Central



ID BR

H ( (

TWO

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Frank Thomson Res.

C746

 

Arthurs Creek

er Riv



Wombelano Falls

SLIDE

CR EE K

di din rrin Mu

EN WD BO

( ( ( ( ( (

MYLES MURRINDINDI

Bridge

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Jehosaphat Gully

( Doreen (

Mernda

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( (

BEALE AVE

R D

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AY HW

Mt. Sugarloaf 550m

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TOOHEY S

( Strathewen(

ARTHURS

BRIDGE INN RD

L NA IO RD AT K N AR P

CK INS CAPTA

To Alexandra & Eildon



HIG



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Whittlesea

N LA

ES YC JO RD

Humevale



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The Gums Camping Area



 Yean  Yan Reservoir

Yan Yean Reservoir Park

N TSO ER

Masons Falls

ALE

 

YS O'GRAD

WHITTLESE

RO AD

Glenburn

B RO MT

KE LA NG

HUM EV

DA Y

Pheasant Ck KI

( (

TT HI C725 W

S SON

WALLAN

Kinglake ( West (

YEA

A SE LE

WAT

Toorourrong Reservoir

 



A YE ( ( ( ( ( (

ES TL IT

Eden Park

Mt. Robertson 614m

HW HIG



E CH

MELBA

Wallaby Ck Spring Water

H ( (

MT ROBERTSON STATE FOREST





Cheviot Railway Tunnel

 er ( ( Riv Devlins

'O'

(Water catchment no public access)

Glenvale

K EA BR

NATIONAL PARK

B300

Hazeldene

( (



W ( (

( (



 

Mt Disappointment 796m

M ES T

HW HIG

MOORES ROAD

Flowerdale

S RD LO

( (



IN MA

Upper Plenty

LLE VA

N AI NT OU R D



R BU UL

a Ye A LB ME

K EE CR

H UT SO



KINGLAKE RD

l ai

RR O

To Yarck & Mansfield

( ( Molesworth

B300

FLOWERDALE

No.1 Camp

SC AN LO NS

( (



B340

Clonbinane



KIN G PA

2.5 Kilometres

EY LL VA

Yea 

HW Y

(NE (

River

SPRING

MT DISAPPOINTMENT STATE FOREST

( ( ( ( ( (





HANNA'S RD



nge

Homewood

MT N

To Melbourne

BI N

MAIN

AD RO

LO N

E TH

Strath Falls

AND RD ALE



KILLINGWORTH RD

G KIN

ROAD

SP UR

Sw itze rla

Goulburn

Lake or large river

Unsealed Rd

YEA

C382 PA RR O

Cycling

Sealed Rd

A LL

Other Parks Urban Areas

C725



( ( ( ( ( (

State Forest

Major Rd

Strath Creek( (

Murchison Gap

TRIANGLE RD

OT RR PA

K EE CR

WALLAN

STR ATH Tyaak ( C382 (

IRY

( (

VIE W

R AL iver LE Y

HORAN

TS IOT ELL

Broadford

 

National Park (N.P.)

FAIR

MAIN ( ( ( ( ( (

WENTWORTHS RD

V

CRE E

A RO



Mt Hickey 805m

Fishing spot

Warragul Rocks

 ( ( ( ( ( (

M 31



Lookout

Kerrisdale  Rail

( ( ( ( ( (

KING

WAY

n r ia cto Vi

RESERVOIR

Tk closed June - Oct. Freemans Camp

Picnic Area

Horseshoe Lagoon

N EN

FRE E

rn bu



TALLAROOK STATE FOREST

DA V IS

Murrindindi Shire West Map

l ou G Trawool

Falls Ck Reservoir







Tallarook

Bush Camping

HUME

BU UL

( (

AN D

DROPMO RE

GO Gre at

G HL

For more information on National Parks Ph. PARKS VIC 13 19 63 or State Forest ph. DEPI 13 61 86

Rail Trail

SYLVIA

B OY N



Public toilet



Visitor Information

K OB Y

B340

The



Legend Walking Track

FREEWAY

( (

Maroondah Reservior Park

Map drawn by Rooftop Maps Buxton Ph 03 57 74 75 76 June 2014.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC TRADING RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY FOR ADVERTISERS IN THIS MAGAZINE

Tra il Rail

AH ND

( (

N U M G BR O BU A R D R

Gobur



Y HW

Great

Th e



Bonnie Doon

G O O N TO



BU C340  RN

( (

Thornton

B340

L RA ED LN TH CA

AR ET

VILLE ARYS

 ( (

F AL  LS

MARYSVILLE STATE FOREST

 

( ( ( ( (

Steavenson Falls

 

DRIVE

TALBOT

««

Visitor Information Public toilet

( ( ( ( ( (

OD S

MA RYS

V IL

Picnic Area

YARRA RANGES NATIONAL PARK

Fishing spot

The Beeches Rainforest 

MTN

KE LA

  LAKE

( ( ( ( (

Keppel Falls

N RO HE AC

C512

MOUNTAIN ALPINE RESORT

The Big Tree

2.5 Kilometres

( ( ( ( ( (



Bush Camping

To Warburton

Lookout



For more information on National Parks Ph. PARKS VIC 13 19 63 or State Forest ph. DEPI 13 61 86

Sealed Rd Unsealed Rd Cycling Rail Trail National Park (N.P.) State Forest

C511

Other Parks

10% Lake level To Warburton via Upper Yarra Dam

 

Boat launching

Urban Areas

YARRA RANGES NATIONAL PARK

   

Major Rd

Cambarville C513 ö The Big Culvert

Y WA

Keppels Hut (4wd & walking access)

ON TI TA AN RD

C512

C507

k ac Bl

To Melbourne 75km via Yarra Valley

HWY

OND AH

I Dom Dom Saddle

Granton

Mt. Margaret Gap



LA DY

DIN D RR IN MU

MARYSVILLE STATE FOREST

( (

Walking Track



Mt Gordon

Narbethong 

MA RG

C508

Marysville

ANDE RSON LN

Legend

ND DI W O LL RD

TOOLANGI STATE FOREST

Sugarloaf Saddle Buxton Peak South

BIG RIVER STATE FOREST

RUBICON STATE FOREST

Rive

B360

MAR O

Achero n

( ( ( ( ( (



Buxton

( (

Buxton Mountain Bike Park

( ( ( ( (



Sugarloaf Peak



To Jamieson

PARK

IL SV RY MA





  

RANGE

Big River

Murrindindi Cascades

BLACK RANGE STATE FOREST

 Mt Torbreck 1514m (highest point in Shire)

Cooks Mill

STATE

TON BUX

din rrin Mu

DI INDIN

 

JA MI ES ON



AREA

CERBERUS

R MUR

River



PARK

CATHEDRAL

 Wilhelmina

 Falls 

MURRINDINDI SCENIC RESERVE

 Neds Gully R RIVE

Cathedral Peak

LANE

NATIONAL

HISTORIC

MYLES

LAKE EILDON

Snobs Creek Falls

RUBICON

LITTL

GLENDALE

( ( ( ( (

r Rive

Rubicon Power Station

 ( Taggerty (



N DO

Kendalls



E IL

C515

Jerusalem

Creek 

BIC ON

Ru bic on

( (   

C re

Y HW

SC OB SN

GINTERS

TAGGERTY

ON EILD

VALLEY

 Lookout «

Eildon

s Snob

B360

Pinninger

BACK

Rive r

PARK

Taylor Bay

M LE SA D RU JE C K R



NATIONAL

Eildon

lburn Gou

( (

HWY

CO NN EL LY CK RD

EILDON



LAKE



« «

McKENZIE FLORA RES



N YLI SK

YS TA L



CREEK

( (



Acheron

BLACK RANGE STATE FOREST

Jimmys Lookout

Alexandra



MAROONDAH

ES TO NE

LAKE EILDON NATIONAL PARK

ON GO



EN Acheron Cutting Lookout

ON NT AI M

R «

 

( (

Lake

W AR

LI M

AI N

The Great Victorian Rail Trail

RN TO N



Mansfield

G IN

Brookes River Res.

er Ri v





N YLI SK

EG NR HA

lbu

Acheron River

S

Go u

Tra il

HWY B320

Scenic Drive (Lake Eildon Circuit) Mansfield to Eildon 98km via Jamieson & Big River

TH O



To Yea 13km



ail Tr

EY B340 VALL RN BU L U HWY GO  ( Molesworth ( 

CR EE K

Th e

B300



OO ND

( Maindample

M AR t G re a

( Yarck (

M AR

HW Y

 

O O



LA ND

Rail

Victoria n

NDAH

YARCK

n ia or ct Vi

B300

MARO O

( (

Terip

HWY



( (

To Gobur (Top Rd to Yarck Rd)

MI DL AN LIN D K HW Y

O AR M

( (

To Sydney 736km & Benalla 50km

Merton 

To Euroa

Murrindindi Shire East Map Terip

Map drawn by Rooftop Maps Buxton Ph 03 57 74 75 76 June 2014.

Lake or large river To Woods Point



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