WHAT TO ENJOY IN COOLER TIMES

BY CALLUM LUDWIG

As leaves fall from the trees and the temperature undergoes a chilly change, our quality time activities also shift with the seasons.

Pool days and beach visits become a happy memory, but it can be hard to figure out what to enjoy away from home during autumn and winter.

Joe Buckley and the Mountain Tucker van have been a regular sight at a number of visitor hotspots and he gives his indication of what visitors can expect to enjoy in the coming months.

“For most of the pre snow season, we’ll be out at the Maroondah Reservoir at Healesville as we are still waiting for the bridge works to be completed at the Redwood Forest,” he said.

“If the snow comes, even though it’s not looking like a fabulous snow season with La Nina receding, I’ll be at the summit of Mt Donna Buang.”

Mr Buckley’s Mountain Tucker van will always be around somewhere, with hot food and drinks available to help cut out the chill, especially on the snowy summit of Mt Donna Buang.

Mr Buckley said when it’s a good snow day like we had last year, it’s phenomenal.

“Even when there’s no snow it’s beautiful and quiet and you can feel really quite isolated there, and with the snow, it’s got the added attraction of being a great place to take a family and have a toboggan ride or just enjoy it,” he said.

“When there is no snow, the Redwood Forest is going to be the big draw card for the Shire when it finally has access again but the Maroondah Reservoir is always a very good spot for picnicking.”

Mr Buckley regularly posts notices when snow is expected on Mt Donna Buang on the Mountain Tucker Facebook page, followed up with reports on the snow’s quality and coverage to keep everyone informed.

Mr Buckley said the Yarra Ranges also benefit from being so close to Melbourne.

“It’s not much more than an hour away but once you get there, you feel like you are a million miles away, no matter where in the area you go, that’s one thing they all have in common,” he said.

“It might be a little slower getting to and from with the works on the Warburton Highway soon, so take care, allow plenty of extra time or maybe consider staying in Warburton at one of the many Bed and Breakfasts or the motels and hotels.”

If Mr Buckley isn’t manning the van this autumn or winter when you see it, it’ll likely be his son-in-law Ben who has taken up a bit of load in recent times, but they will always be offering up your favourite hot food and drinks.