South Coast Tourist News - Summer 2009 by The Great Southern Star

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Holiday locally this summer By South Coast Tourist News Co-ordinator Gavin Van Eede

WELCOME to our bumper 52 page edition of the South Coast Tourist News. This year our print run is the biggest ever- some 11,000 copies of this issue will be contained in every copy of The Star on December 23 and Yarram Standard News on December 24. In addition to this, some 3000 copies will be spread throughout tourist outlets, cafes and other stores throughout Gippsland - our

biggest ever coverage! The message is clear this summer; holidaying locally will help local businesses get through the tough times we are experiencing. Not only that, there are plenty of things to do and see, so there is no real reason to go anywhere else. The lower petrol prices also make a journey to this area a lower cost option than ﬂights or journeys interstate or overseas. Catch up with one of the many markets, take a scenic drive, enjoy a day at the beach or local horse races

or take a sip at one of the wineries; there’s plenty to do. A new enterprise this year is the new go-kart track at Stony Creek, a must for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Whatever your liking, there’s plenty of things to see and do right in our backyard. Turn over for 52 pages of great ideas - and enjoy your stay.

Stay local: that’s the message of Tourist News coordinator, Gavin Van Eede.

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LAST Cup Day weekend Venus Bay Caravan Park owners Jacob and Fenna van der Meulen celebrated the park’s 30th anniversary, which was celebrated with a big cake. Dutch-born, Jacob and Fenna have brought a warm cultural ﬂavour to their special brand of hospitality, which is much appreciated. “We offer a family-orientated holiday park. We have become well known for catering for families. Our facilities cater for family activities. It is why people come and visit us,” Jacob said. They took over on December 5, 2003, relishing the opportunity to escape the city rat race and run their own business. Jacob and Fenna are members of Family Parks Australia and they run the place as a happy family business. Their son Coen is 17 and helps out, if not busy studying or playing tennis. They have added a range of improvements over the ﬁve years. The kiosk doubles as a gift shop. The pool has been replaced and is twice the size of the old one. There are 20 cabins, which have been upgraded to become four-star, two bedroom quality holiday accommodation. The park offers a variety of accommodation options, in addition to the four-star units. It also has

budget en suite cabins, en suite powered sites and powered sites. Cabins are equipped with microwave, colour television, heater, fan and cooking equipment, crockery and cutlery. Some come complete with bedding and towels. DVD players and bedding are also available for hire. The caravan park provides great value for money. It has a spacious layout in a shady parkland setting and is suitable for either an extended family beach holiday or a romantic weekend away. It offers a wide range of services and enough activities to keep kids and adults entertained on-site. For those who enjoy the beauty of the natural Australian bush land, Venus Bay has lots to offer. It is a great place for surfing, river boating or estuary fishing, but it can be relaxing just to stay in the park for a swim or game of tennis or chess at the coffee shop. On site are a kids’ adventure playground, swimming pool, basketball and tennis facilities, a camp kitchen, barbecue area, as well as a recreation room with table tennis tables and television. Visitors feel right at home at the park as they settle in a relaxed family routine, due to the welcoming attitude of Fenna and Jacob. “It’s been five years since we bought the park and we’re enjoying it just as much as when we started,” Fenna said. “So many people come here,

who have been here before, and we get lots of bookings in advance. We are always busy during school holidays, because parents know this is a family park.” It is within walking distance from the bay’s Number One patrolled beach and the local shopping strip is around the corner. Jacob and Fenna maintain a well-stocked kiosk, offering fresh milk and bread, daily newspapers and a range of handy products. They also offer LP gas refills, ice, fishing bait and tackle. The outdoor café has a giant chessboard and barbecue facilities, hidden under the boot of a Morris Minor. Although the barbecue is free to use, the Van der Meulen couple are appealing to visitors for a gold coin donation. “We are asking visitors who use the barbecue for a gold coin donation, which goes to the Venus Bay Surf Life Saving Club. Its members patrol the Number One beach and many people in the park benefit from their services,” Jacob said. The kiosk has internet facilities and wireless internet is available throughout the park, keeping visitors in touch with emails and websites. A public phone is available. A coin-operated laundry with four washing machines includes two dryers. The caravan park is at 113A Jupiter Boulevard, Venus Bay. For inquiries, call 5663 7728.

Warm welcome: People always feel right at home when visiting Fenna and Jacob van der Meulen’s caravan park in Venus Bay, which offers high quality holiday accommodation and service.

Play time: Many visitors enjoy a game of chess on the giant board at the Venus Bay Caravan Park.

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Leongatha goes online THE Leongatha Community Website aims to be an informative source of information on events, news, businesses and groups in Leongatha, a township of 5200 located in the south-east of Victoria, Australia. A joint project of the Leongatha Progress Association, the Leongatha Chamber of Commerce and the Leongatha Area Tourism group, it is managed by the Leongatha Progress Association on behalf of the community. The organisers behind the new website are urging local people to support their own cyber space. Launched earlier this year, www. leongatha.vic.au aims to be the ﬁrst port of call for anyone accessing information on the town. Business and sporting organisations will be able to post information, results news and pictures on designated parts of the site, making it a one-stop-shop for many local people. The Leongatha Progress Association’s Debra Watchorn, who was part of the organising committee, said she was delighted with the way the site had been developed. “We’re very pleased with the way it has turned out,” she said. “We’re looking forward to putting more time into and developing it further and getting more listings.”

“Sporting clubs and special interest groups can all get involved.” Darryl McGannon, who also helped with the project on behalf of the Leongatha Progress Association, said he was delighted with the ﬁnished product. “The result we’ve come up with is really good,” he said. “It’s easy to navigate, has plenty of colour and looks good.” “What we need to do now is get as many businesses, community groups and sporting organisations on board to show people what Leongatha is all about.” The website’s homepage features the latest news, business listings and coming events. Sub-sections include information on touring, businesses, community groups and other information. Businesses can subscribe to the service, which allows them to feature information about their service as well as a selection of photographs. Web designer Andrew Cantwell, who created the site under the direction of local groups, said the site was a great step forward for Leongatha. “I believe so, particularly with the geographic domain name thing,” he said. “Once people get used to the idea that they can put in the domain name and the state, it will make it easy for people to get information

on the town.” Mr Cantwell said the site should be viewed as belonging to the local community. “It belongs to the town, we are not putting ourselves up as gate keepers for this,” he said. One of the attractions of the site would be as a community noticeboard controlled by community groups themselves. “Newspapers change from week to week, but with the website you can leave information up for as long as you like,” he said. Leongatha is located in the South East of Victoria Australia, 130 km from Melbourne. Leongatha is the shopping and tourism hub of South Gippsland, with an excellent variety of accommodation, eateries, and shops. Things to do include walking, cycling and horseriding, with the Great Southern Rail Trail nearby. There is a cinema, and a large range of sporting facilities in town including an indoor aquatic centre and basketball stadium, football, tennis, netball, golf, table tennis and badminton. The average temperature is 24C in summer and 13C in winter. The rich fertile land is perfect for our main industry of primary production (milk and beef).

St Peter’s Anglican Church: is one of Leongatha’s most impressive buildings.

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Riding the railway IS YOUR idea of a fantasy sitting behind the controls of a train, travelling through the stunning South Gippsland countryside? Well, while visiting this majestic part of the world, consider learning to drive a diesel locomotive with the South Gippsland Tourist Railway. The volunteers of the railway offer “Dream Come True Packs”, featuring a morning of tuition and then a chance to drive the train.

Alternatively, those wishing to just sit back and relax can do just that. Trains run between Nyora and Leongatha on every Sunday and some public holidays, as well as every Wednesday during the school holidays. Special trains will run on Heritage Weekend, January 11 and 12, with reduced ticket prices across the whole weekend. All crew are highly trained and experienced, promising a safe, comfortable trip while pointing out places

All aboard: calling for last passengers at Korumburra railway station are driver John Saynor and guard Bryan Siberas.

Leongatha quick guide Location • 130 kilometres south-east of Melbourne • Local produce and agriculture • Major service centre for the region. Activities and attractions • Browse local galleries and craft shops such as the Leongatha Art and Craft Gallery • Walk, cycle or horse ride the Great Southern Rail Trail

• Visit the nearby Koonwarra village, a township renowned for being a popular food and wine destination and the ﬁrst Waste Wise village in Australia • Taste superb cool climate wines at one of the many wineries surrounding Leongatha. Major events • Daffodil Festival in September • Leongatha Garden and Lifestyle Show in November.

Making tracks: guard Bryan Siberas keeps watch as the train leaves Korumburra.

of interest throughout the Strzelecki Ranges. The railway also offers train charters, rail trolley rides, murder mystery parties, birthday parties, function room hire, and wine and dinner trains. Timetables are available at railway stations at Nyora, Loch, Korumburra and Leongatha, or check out the website – www.sgr.org.au - for up-to-date information and other running days, or phone 5658 1111.

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We’ve galleries galore LEONGATHA has two galleries, which offer a variety of art and craft items. The Mushroom Art/Craft Space in Bair St has been exhibiting local works since 1995. Owner operator Margaret Tattersall said the gallery space behind her craft business was established to give new artists an opportunity to exhibit, but it gradually grew to become an outlet for experienced artists as well, from throughout the region and beyond. “The ﬁrst exhibition was in September 1995 and we’ve had exhibitions on a monthly basis ever since,” Margaret

said. “It’s been a very assorted array.” Easily, Mushroom must have hosted anywhere between 100 and 150 exhibitions during the last 13 years, which is quite a feat for a small gallery. “The aim has been to encourage different artists to have a go, especially young artists exhibiting for the ﬁrst time, which has been very successful,” Margaret said. “From there it grew to include more experienced artists, who liked the space and found that it was another opportunity to show and sell their work.” Mushroom is open throughout the

Extra space: Margaret Tattersall has provided another venue for artists to exhibit and sell their work at Mushroom Art/Craft Space in Bair St.

week, including weekends. For inquiries, call Margaret on 5662 2144. While Mushroom might be considered to be at the commercial spectrum of galleries, the Leongatha Gallery opposite the post ofﬁce is run by the artists and craftspeople of the Leongatha

Art and Crafts Society. “A great variety of work will be shown at the gallery in December. Many of the art and crafts make ideal gifts,” exhibitions coordinator Margaret McPherson said. Several of the exhibiting artists

have won awards recently and their work will be on display. Gallery hours are weekdays, 10am to 5pm, except on Tuesdays when the gallery is closed, Saturday 10am to 2pm and Sundays 12 to 4pm. For inquiries, call the gallery on 0400 195 474.

LACS venue: The Leongatha gallery is operated by the artists and craftspeople of the Leongatha Art and Crafts Society. It has a wide range of art and craft items available, which make ideal gifts.

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Leongatha, the place to be LEONGATHA is one of those tucked away sort of places, but richer for the fact. Untainted by the break neck speed of modern life it is the perfect place to unwind. But this is not to say Leongatha is not a great place to have a day out. With cinemas, galleries, culinary delights, coffee shops and pubs, the town is a place that is a perfect stopover or stop off for the weary traveller. Originally settled on land cleared of forest in the western Strzeleckis, Leongatha and the surrounding countryside were dotted with rich dairy farms from the 1870s onwards. The opening of the South Gippsland Railway in 1892 boosted development as more forests were cleared to make way for cattle grazing. Today it is still a prime dairy district and home to Murray Goulburn, the largest co-operative dairy in the Southern Hemisphere. Leongatha is now a major cultural centre, with a wide range of events and festivals throughout the year.

The town also boasts numerous shops, galleries and museums devoted to the local art and craft of the region. Around Leongatha, discover numerous tracks and trails that offer relaxing walks through its undulating and captivating scenery. Quick facts: • Population approximately 4500. • 130 kilometres south-east of Melbourne. • Major service centre for the region. Activities and attractions: • Browse local galleries and craft shops such as the Leongatha Arts and Crafts Gallery or the Mushroom Craft Shop. • Walk or cycle the Great Southern Rail Trail. The track follows the railway line from Leongatha to Foster. • The nearby Koonwarra village is renowned for being a popular food and wine destination and the ﬁrst Waste Wise Village in Australia. Within ﬁve minutes drive of the village are several wineries offering superb cool climate wines. • Take a ride on the South

Gippsland Tourist Railway. Based at Korumburra, the heritage diesel train travels between Nyora and Leongatha. It’s a great day out and a fabulous way to experience the breathtaking views of the hills. • If sport is more your thing, you can take a swim at the South Gippsland Splash Centre. Alternately have a hit of golf at the nearby Woorayl Golf Club. The perfectly kept greens are something to experience. • Have some retail therapy at one of the many shops in town. Leongatha has it all, from the best in women’s fashions, sporting apparel, jewellery, art, food and every other essential. • Have a picnic at the wetlands at the end of Ritchie or Johnson streets, while watching the geese and ducks. • Grab a skateboard and head to the skate park at the Leongatha Recreation Reserve. • Enjoy a relaxed morning or afternoon tea at one of the ﬁne eateries in McCartin or Bair streets • Catch the latest ﬁlm at Stadium 4 Cinema.

Have a splash at SPLASH: swimming is one of the favourite things to do on a hot summer’s day in Leongatha. Geoff (rear) has a splash with granddaughter Sophie and her friends Jordane and Kody. On course: the Woorayl Golf Club is one of the most beautiful courses in South Gippsland.

See a movie: Stadium 4 Cinema is a great place to see the latest ﬁlm offerings.

Visit the geese: have a picnic at the wetlands.

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Leongatha is SO! me IF you love a shop that is filled from floor to ceiling with wonderful curios SO! me is definitely worth a visit. SO! me carries one of the best ranges of jewellery in South Gippsland. The range begins with

little things for the children - like toe rings or bangles priced under $5 – and ﬁnishes with superb semi precious stones like amethyst, amber and garnet set in silver as pendants or rings or bracelets. Then there is a huge range

of fashion jewellery with all the latest designs right through to body jewellery for the more adventurous. There is also a range made by the owner, Jennie, working under the Zenergie label for those who like the idea of something unique.

The shop has about six glass cabinets devoted to jewellery. All the pieces are beautifully set off with lighting and tasteful merchandising. Merchandising is a big feature of SO! me and a lot of effort went into setting it up. Black tiles on the ﬂoor and colourful material on the ceiling provide a feeling of warmth and elegance. The shelving and display units are all built with matching colours to create a sense of class and styling. While jewellery is the main passion of the shop, there are plenty of other things to attract and amuse. The scarf collection, for instance, is unmatched by any other country shop. And, to make it even more interesting, many of the scarves are unique to Australia, as the owners import them directly from South East Asia. The shop also imports jewellery, handbags, several ranges of clothing and a unique range of giftware. There are two main styles of handbags. The ﬁrst is a material range, often made from silk, and with colours and distinctive styles. The second range includes a wide variety of leather bags. Again there are many styles and also a wide range of colours for those who look

beyond black in a handbag. SO! me has also become a valued destination for those seeking something a little different in clothes. It carries the brands of Kita Ku, Threadz, Zebart, as well as clothing individually selected from trips to Vietnam and Bali. Giftware sits among the necklaces, bags and scarves. There is a range of interesting books, boxes, ﬁgurines, silk lights, wood carvings and musical instruments. And that’s just a taste of the variety. SO! me is different. Different in its interior décor and in its product. It provides a huge and wonderful variety and is delightfully unlike fashion shops in either the city or the surrounding towns. But there are no delusions of grandeur. Service is its intention and goal. SO! me gives every customer the attention they deserve. So, if the beach has become too hot or too cold, the kids are turning the holiday upside down, or you simply feel like a little time to yourself in a peaceful and serene shopping environment, then take the drive to Leongatha and ﬁnd this most unusual and charming shopping oasis.

Inside the oasis: Janine Towns and Jennie Strengers have an eclectic range of gifts and curios.

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GRAEME and Pam McAlister have taken over the Meeniyan Hotel and have big plans to restore the establishment to its former glory. The McAlisters have bought the lease - lock, stock and beer barrels. There is little doubt the old girl could use a spruce up and Graeme and Pam are just the couple to do it. “Graeme was born and bred in The Patch and I grew up in Sassafras, so we were in the Dandenongs for many years. Then we decided we’d go to Bega and that was ﬁne,” Pam said. “We’ve been in business all our

lives-garages, an engineering business, motels. I just need to get some learner plates, so the guys don’t give us a hard time when we’re behind the bar.” Graeme said the couple’s vision for the pub was simple: “We just want to turn it back into a family pub.” “I don’t care how we go about it, it will become a family pub. We want it to be a venue where children can be welcome,” he said. “It will be a family pub. That’s a deﬁnite – 100 per cent.” Pam said music would play a big part in the business’ transformation. “We’re going to bring some music in. We’ve got a band on New Year’s

Eve, and we’re really excited about that,” she said. The band offered to play for free, such was their connection to what the pub once represented. “Two of the blokes in the band used to play here 20 years ago, and they want to help bring it back to what it was,” Graeme said. “I said to them, ‘how much will it cost to have you play’, and they said ‘Nothing’. That’s just because of what they remember of the pub. It’s really interesting how many people want to turn it back into what it should be. “It’s amazing in this day and age.”

The best things in life FOR an indulgent and luxurious day spa experience, visit Mornings Light.

Pam and Graeme McAlister: the couple has a vision for the Meeniyan Hotel (temporarily known as the Rose and Thistle Hotel during the ﬁlming of the second series of the ABC drama Bed of Roses).

Surrounded by lush green farmland between Leongatha and Meeniyan, Mornings Light is the perfect place to escape the stress of life and indulge in our unique range of organic, natural treatments. Mornings Light is a natural haven - whether you’re looking for an hour to yourself, a day of relaxation or a longer stay. There’s no better way to unwind than with our rejuvenation day spa package which includes: A hydrotherapy spa When you immerse yourself in this steamy, therapeutic spa you’ll feel tension and muscle soreness melt away. Set in a private garden, you’ll hear the birds singing and feel the sun on your face as you delight in the spa experience.

Deep healing massage This two-hour massage is bliss like you’ve never experienced. Using a personalised blend of essential oils and a deep tissue technique, our therapists will make you feel light as a feather and completely rejuvenated. Organic fresh fruit facial A luxurious skin treatment is good enough to eat. The soothing and restorative properties of avocado, oatmeal, lemon, honey and yoghurt awaken your senses and leave your skin glowing. Gourmet lunch The most delicious way to end the day! A delicious organic lunch prepared specially for you using seasonal and local produce - served our beautiful garden. If you don’t have time to enjoy the complete package, simply book our treatments individually by calling 03 5664 7400.

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Village caters for all people COAL CREEK heritage village is an historical adventure just waiting to be explored and experienced by all people, large and small, young and old. Nestled in a valley among the rolling hills of

South Gippsland, Coal Creek is built around the poppet head and original black coal mine workings in Korumburra. Entry to Coal Creek is free, which has prompted many visitors. The visitors’ information centre for the region is in the foyer of

the entry building, which offers a wealth of tourism information from accommodation to things to do and see. Since 1974, original buildings have been acquired from around the district and faithfully restored to show the diversity of ru-

ral life as it was back at the turn of the century. In recent months the village has been revamped and renovated, bringing with it changes that have been welcomed and appreciated by many visitors. Depicting life in a coal mining town between the

Many visitors: Visitors ﬂock to Coal Creek during holidays and frequent the general store.

1870s and 1920s, the village occupies about 30 acres of bushland, with over 60 exhibits. A small locomotive meanders through the site as a tribute to the importance of the South Gippsland Railway in pioneering the region. A visit to Coal Creek will provide an understanding of the industrial, social, cultural and heritage values of pioneering early rural Australia. The original Jeetho School House has been wonderfully restored for people to experience what school was like in the past. From log cabins to slab cottages, wattle and daub huts and commercial buildings, visitors can experience how buildings have changed over time. There are several other attractions to enjoy, such as the Bush Tramway with free train rides. Schools book many excursions. Garrard’s licensed cafe and restaurant was named after the infamous strike miner “Stag” Garrard whose ashes are buried at Coal Creek. The restaurant’s chef is

Many activities: There are many activities children can try at Coal Creek, such as learning to saw. Bernard Liversidge, who worked at Melbourne’s famous Windsor Hotel. “We serve high quality Provencale cuisine at family prices that will have people coming back for more,” Bernard said. There is a variety of community use available at Coal Creek. Activities include a mother’s walking group, community club and orchestra meetings, a garden club and meetings by local historical societies. A variety of events will also be organised during the school holidays. For details or bookings, call 5655 1811.

Restaurant chef: Bernard Liversidge, who worked at Melbourne’s famous Windsor Hotel, runs Garrard’s licensed restaurant at Coal Creek.

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Robert fires up for summer GETTING ready for the summer holiday is always a highly heated affair at Gooseneck Pottery, just five minutes from Korumburra. A few weeks before Christmas, owner and renowned potter Robert Barron has been firing his wood-fired kiln for the better part of a week to complete his Christmas and summer stock. The Gooseneck kiln is one of the largest wood-fired kilns in Australia. It is 14 metres long and three metres tall and wide. Robert fires his kiln twice a year. By owning one of the finest and largest wood-fired kilns around, Robert achieves astounding textual variety in his pieces. “Different areas of the kiln give different results of colour variations and texture,” Robert said. “More in front of the kiln, you get more rugged results and more at the back of the chambers you get finer results. This is what wood firing is all about. No two pieces are exactly the same. “You can still manipulate the pots in the kiln a bit to get a type of result, but you don’t know where a dribble or run will go. You get variations where the flame licks around the pieces and produces blushes of colour. “When the wood ash is hot enough it melts into a glaze (over the pieces). That’s the whole reason for firing with wood.” Visitors are welcome to inspect his workshop and kiln, where all his work is available, including huge pots, hin various stages of production and in finished form. They can be viewed and purchased direct from the pottery at attractive prices. Pots of all shapes and sizes are avail-

able, including jugs, teapots, mugs, bowls, baking dishes and casseroles. There are also larger items, such as platters, bread crocks and jars. Robert also produces water features and a wide range of planters, from small herb pots to big tubs. A signiﬁcant part of his gallery work includes large sculptural pieces that have found international markets. The pottery is at 60 Kardella Road, which can be reached from the South Gippsland Highway turn-off at Ruby between Korumburra and Leongatha. Gooseneck is ﬁve minutes from Korumburra, 10 minutes from Leongatha and 25 minutes from Inverloch. It is open from 10am to 5pm on most weekdays, weekends and public holidays. For inquiries, call Robert on 5655 2405.

Korumburra – just the facts Located in an area of superb Gippsland beauty and rolling green hills, Korumburra has a rich history and is home to one of Victoria’s largest outdoor living museums, Coal Creek where you can experience the timeless beauty of the heritage buildings, the tranquil bush surrounds and the drama of nineteenth century life. Black coal was discovered in Korumburra in 1872 and the industry reached its peak during the mid-1890s with the completion of the rail line. At one stage over 2000 miners were working in Korumburra and the local industry helped to establish Melbourne as a major industrial city. Today, Korumburra is a rich dairy and cattle hub. Built on high ground, the town has splendid views of the Strzelecki Ranges to the north and across the valleys to Bass Strait in the south. Quick facts • Population approximately 3000 • 115 kilometres south-east of Melbourne • Coal Creek • Take a ride on the South Gippsland Tourist Railway. Activities and attractions • Visit Coal Creek, open ﬁve days a week, closed Tuesday and Wednesday • Take a ride on the South Gippsland Tourist Railway, open Sunday, Wednesday during school holidays, the third Saturday of each month and every day from Boxing Day to the ﬁrst Sunday in January • Browse local art and craft workshops • Visit nearby Loch and browse the local art, craft, antiques and bric-a-brac shops. Major events • Agricultural Show – February • Korumburra Art Show – February

Visitors welcome: Robert Barron (left) welcomes visitors and takes them on a quick tour of his kilns, pottery and studio.

L Left: Throwing demonstration: Robert Barron will give demonstrations on what it takes to throw w a pot during the holiday period.

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A town of many parts ONCE an important coal mining town, Korumburra is now a bustling South Gippsland town of many parts, serving an established community and surrounding dairy and cattle farms. The name of Korumburra may come from an Aboriginal word meaning ‘blowfly’, which is more of a mystery than a certainty. The town is 117 km south-east of Melbourne on the South Gippsland Highway. The region surrounding Korumburra was known as The Wild Cattle Run, because of the many livestock which roamed free around 1828. There are conflicting versions of how Korumburra developed. Some sources claim that the existence of coal in the area was recognised as early as 1843, with mining rights held from around 1863. Another account claims that coal was first discovered in 1872 by the horse of an early settler, while scratching at the ground with its hoof. It is said that the village was founded in 1880 after mining began. When mining went into decline, dairy farming was introduced and a butter and cheese factory was established in 1900 and is still operating a century later. Korumburra is centrally located to a number of attractions in the area including Wilsons Promontory National Park, scenic drives and bushwalking activities in the Strzelecki Ranges, and

the re-created coal mining tourist village of Coal Creek, just south of the town centre. The South Gippsland Railway runs a collection of historical diesel locomotives and railcars between Leongatha, Korumburra and Nyora, along a 36-kilometre section of the former Victorian Railways mainline. Along the route you will see the rich farmlands of Gippsland and beautiful Australian bushland. Visitors frequently see native wildlife, from kangaroos, koalas and wombats, to cockatoos, galahs and parakeets. The retail precinct of Korumburra is Commercial St, where many shops and restaurants are located as well as real estate agents, two hotels, several service stations and banks, antique shops, library and art gallery. The tourist information centre is now located at Coal Creek, which is a great place to visit.

Shop mural: This shop mural was painted by well-know local artist Dennis Leversha, who has painted several murals in Korumburra and around the district.

Retail precinct: Commercial St is where visitors will ﬁnd many shops and restaurants as well as banks and real estate agents.

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Zak’s all ﬁred up EVERY so often while cruising through the velvety green hills of South Gippsland you stumble across a hidden treasure; a unique attraction tucked away at the end of a meandering gravel road. Valley Plains Pottery is such a spot. Located in Nicholas Road in the quiet hills of Koonwarra, it is one of those ﬁnds you would want to share with friends and family who visit the region. The contemporary ceramic gallery and studio sits high atop a rise overlooking a spectacular view stretching from Meeniyan across the Middle Tarwin plains to Wilsons Promontory.

Sitting at his pottery wheel, facing this amazing view, ceramist Zak Chalmers may be working on a tea bowl, quietly contemplating the twist of the porcelain in an attempt to capture the fluid quality of the clay. Some would say Zak is a traditional ceramicist, working on a selfpowered kick wheel and using traditional large wood-fired kilns, which is a tradition going back many hundreds of years. However his work changes this outlook. Standing in the contemporary white gallery space, visitors are surrounded by fresh modern-looking table ware and huge sculptural pieces all in calming hues created from the firing technique.

Each piece is handcrafted from stoneware, porcelain or locally dug clay. His pieces are functional and his sculptural works are unique. Zak is inviting visitors to his studio over summer to experience a professional working pottery, with throwing demonstrations and kiln tours included. The gallery will house his latest selection of ceramics for people to view and purchase. His gallery is only a short drive from Leongatha, Inverloch and Koonwarra and is open every weekend and most weekdays 10am-5pm, although it’s best to call ﬁrst for weekday visits. For inquiries, call 5674 5657 or 0448 996 386.

Great view: Valley Plains Pottery, of Zak Chalmers is located in the hills of Koonwarra, offering a great view of the rolling landscape.

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Stock up: Fish Creek hardware store and newsagency are among the businesses ready to provide for your needs in this delightful South Gippsland town.

Brisk walk: take a journey east or west on the Great Southern Rail Trail from Fish Creek.

Country style: Fish Creek can boast many ﬁne buildings from many eras.

Where fish are more than food FISH Creek, along the road to Wilsons Promontory, is a town with an atmosphere of ﬁshy fun. The Promontory Gate Hotel has a giant mullet on top of it and there are ﬁsh shaped seats throughout the town. Stop in Fish Creek and see some of the art and craft, often made by locals, or grab something to eat at one of the eating options in town. Fossils and semi-precious gemstones can be viewed at the Rock and Gem Museum. There are also antiques and second hand books for sale in Fish Creek. The Great Southern Rail Trail runs right through Fish Creek, so walk, cycle or ride a horse towards Meeniyan or Foster. Near the town is Mount Nichol; it’s worth a walk to the top to admire the scenery. When travelling the Fish Creek-Foster Road, to the left along the ridge is a track and picnic table, looking towards Corner

Inlet and Wilsons Promontory. The track is easy to miss, but when coming from Foster, is shortly after the Leggetts Road turnoff and on the left hand side. The beaches of Sandy Point, Walkerville and Waratah Bay are all a short drive away from Fish Creek. Sandy Point and Waratah Bay are about a 15 minute drive from Fish Creek. Walkerville is an extra ﬁve minutes. Also in the area are a couple of wineries. Fish Creek began in the 1880s as a place to service the area’s agricultural community. It is about 160 kilometres from Melbourne. Most of this information is courtesy www.promcountry.com.au. Visit the website for all the best places to stay when you’re in the region.

Family time: Andrew HaywardBannister with son Elisha and daughter Maya were enjoying some December sunshine in the playground at Fish Creek recently.

“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2008/2009 - PAGE 15

Bianca stays on top of her art FOR more than 20 years owner and artist Bianca Biesuz-Stefani has been operating the Stefani Hilltop Gallery in Fish Creek. Bianca and her family live next door on a farming property that has been in the Stefani family for 55 years. The gallery, which has been given a thorough sprucing up, including a room of retrospective paintings spanning more than 20 years, is located in Keane’s Road. To get there turn left at the Fish Creek Memorial Hall, cross the bridge and drive up the top of the gravel road and into the driveway. It has been an institution for many years. It houses Bianca’s studio and visitors are welcome to view her work and buy direct from the artist. It has also been home to many other artists, who have enjoyed exhibitions in the cosy environment. A large selection of paintings is displayed in the ﬁve rooms. With an Italian heritage, it is no wonder Bianca was drawn to the arts from an early age. Passionate about her work, Bianca said, “you paint what you love and you love what you paint.” Bianca loves painting South Gippsland landscapes. She has developed a high reputation for her oils on gum leaves of Gippsland landscapes and farming properties. They are her trademark works. Visitors coming to her gallery seldom leave without a purchase of one or two of her gum leaf paintings, which are always nicely framed and safely protected behind glass. Visitors

On top: for more than 20 years owner and artist Bianca Biesuz-Stefani has been operating the Stefani Hilltop Gallery in Fish Creek. Her wide range of work is sold widely and has won many awards. from France, USA, Italy and Japan are among the buyers of her famous gum leaf oils. “I love South Gippsland landscapes,” Bianca said. “I love what I see around me and I paint them accordingly.”

But she also does portraits and still life paintings and has completed several commissions, most recently for the foyer of the St John of God hospital auxiliary in Berwick. They also include a mural which hangs in the bar of

the Fish Creek Football Club. Another commissioned mural hangs in Toora and she is working on a giant mural for the front garden of a property in East Melbourne. Bianca started painting in oils. For

some time she changed to pastels and watercolours, but recently she has returned to oil painting, which is vividly evident in her latest landscapes. “I had a period of painting in pastels and I still use watercolours when I’m on holiday for painting a first draft. It is my first response to the landscape and I prefer it to taking photographs,” she said. President of the Fish Creek Art Group, which has been going for more than 25 years, Bianca has enjoyed winning prizes and commissions over the years. She won Best Gippsland Landscape at the Foster Agricultural Art Show in 2005 and 2007 as well as the people’s choice award at Mt Best art show, and won Best Watercolour painting at the Marysville show in 2005. She won a first in oil and first in watercolour painting in the CWA State Exhibition in 2006. She also won several firsts in the South Gippsland Group CWA exhibitions in 2006 and 2008. The highly competitive exhibition is only held every two years. She was highly commended at the Bass Coast Artists Society awards in 2008. Bianca has exhibited in numerous local galleries. She also likes teaching art and has taught at the community house in Foster. Stefani Hilltop Gallery is open to visitors most days over summer from 10.30am until 5pm. For inquiries, call her on 5683 2253 or AH 5683 2377.

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The Show goes on THE annual Bass Coast Summer Agricultural Show is an extraordinary phenomenon.

Sunset: on many summer days the sunsets at Waratah Bay are worth staying around for.

Beach view: the view from The Gap at Waratah Bay. Sandy entry: the gateway to Sandy Point features decorative surfboards created by local artists Rory Thomas, Margaret Lacey, Kim McDonald and Sally Gibson.

Stunning landscape POSTCARD views abound at Waratah Bay and Sandy Point. Once sleepy beachside communities, these towns have, of recent years, come under notice

from visitors from all parts of Victoria. The range of beach activities combined with close access to the Prom has made these two destinations very popular. Waratah Bay is the smaller of the two towns, while Sandy Point, with a permanent population of around 300, turns into a summer mecca for anglers, surfers and families too. Sandy Point enjoys a leisurely pace, with the general store and café providing the necessary services to make yours a pleasant stay. Summer days at the beach are made safer by the presence of the local surf life savers and entertainment is often provided for locals and holidaymakers alike at the Waratah Beach Surf Lifesaving Club. The Nippers program at the club is huge and begins in earnest on Monday, December 29 and runs until January 23, 2009. The club also hosts special meal nights, while it is also licensed and has a bar where you can relax and watch the sunset-magniﬁcent. Sandy Point is renowned as a hot spot for windsurfers and is the home of the current world speed record made by a sailing craft. The sheltered waters of nearby Shallow Inlet provide a secluded and peaceful setting for a wide range of water-based activities.

Surf safety: Waratah Bay is the ideal place for a surf, especially if you are a beginner.

As agricultural shows around Victoria have closed for lack of organisers and patronage, the Bass Coast one in Wonthaggi draws large and enthusiastic crowds. Every year there’s something new and as soon as one show ends, planning for the next begins. Perhaps that’s the secret, or one of them. Another is the variety of attractions. The show is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday January 10 and 11. Whilst the Sunday is set aside for equestrian events only, the Saturday offers an alcoholfree event with excellent food and a great atmosphere. It will cost you $20 for a group ticket covering two adults and two children, or $10 for adults and $5 for children under 14, which is also the charge for those with pensioner, concession or seniors’ cards. Entry for children under ﬁve is free. Breast feeding and baby change facilities are available. Many local businesses support the show by sponsoring different activities, making it truly a community event. There’ll be displays by environment and community groups and with Wonthaggi’s centenary

Family fun: the annual Bass Coast Summer Agricultural Show is pitched at families having fun. Last year, Kayla encapsulated this ethos, claiming a doll as her prize in the winning numbers game. coming up next year, the local history information will be well scrutinised. Wonthaggi was founded on its coal mines, with that industry’s union members responsible for much of the town’s rapid development. It has grown from its origins as a tent city, to being the hub of South Gippsland. Its hospital is set to become a regional base and will soon host the area’s ﬁrst medical training school. Carnival side shows, show bags and rides are an integral part of every agricultural show and those planned for Bass Coast won’t disappoint. Children’s pony rides are being offered for the ﬁrst time and these will be free. African drumming will add to the atmosphere, as will the country music of Bruce Mc-

Millan and the great sounds of the Wonthaggi Citizens Band. The Polliwog Puppets are making their ﬁrst appearance at the Bass Coast Show – some of them are larger than life. There’ll be big beef cattle, dairy cows, fancy dressed calf competitions, a dog ﬂy ball arena, and Paul’s working kelpies will sort out the ducks and sheep. Street theatre, clowns, a magician and juggler will vie for the crowd’s attention with a stilt walker. Flowers, vegetables, art, craft and free food tasting will be part of the drawcard too, as will an exhibition of photography. The show starts at 9am and ends around 5. You can’t miss it, at the recreation reserve next to Wonthaggi’s swimming pool.

“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2008/2009 - PAGE 17

Workmen’s Club is the hub

THE award-winning Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club offers an array of food and entertainment that will keep you sated and content throughout the summer.

It doesn’t pretend to provide seven star gourmet meals, but their service is quick and efficient, meals tasty and there’s an excellent selection of Gippsland (and other) wines. It’s worth becoming a member. The fee is miniscule – it’s $20 for a year, and results in discounts on food and drink as well as other benefits. The club, which has served the town since its early days as a coal mining hub, honours that history, it’s entrance akin to entering a mine tunnel and its rooms named after the major mines in Wonthaggi. Wonthaggi celebrates its centenary next year and Bass Coast Council Hovell Ward (which embraces Wonthaggi) incumbent Cr John Duscher, has just been elected mayor to see the town he loves mark such an important milestone. The Workmen’s Club is open for lunch and dinner seven days of the week, with different days offering a variety of themes as well as an a la carte menu, which is available every day. Monday is Seniors’ Day, when those with the appropriate cards can enjoy a two course lunch or dinner for $10.50. Tuesday’s specials are steak or flake, costing $18.95 for non members and $2 less if you are a member. Wednesday’s dinner is schnitzel night, at $11 for members and $13 for non members, offering beef, chicken, pork or fish and a selection of sauces and on Sundays, there is a two course carvery at both lunch and dinner,

costing $16 for non members and $2 less for members; children under 12 are $7.50. Youngsters are well catered for, with a playroom full of colourful and interesting equipment that will keep them busy for hours. If you and your friends are looking for some-

thing to do on New Year’s Eve, the Workmen’s has well-known singer and impersonator Big Al performing. His repertoire includes Elvis and Neil Diamond numbers and, according the Workmen’s operations manager Skie Brown, Big Al works

Local wines: Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club employee Kylee, with some of the Gippsland wines available. The club hosts the annual Gippsland Wine Show which next year, has attracted 240 entries and international judges.

the crowd beautifully. “It’s all a bit of fun,” said club manager Rod Bye, who, incidentally, has just been named Club Manager of the Year in the Clubs VIC awards. The Workmen’s also won the Club of the Year Country category. New Year’s Eve at The Workmen’s starts at 8.30, ending about four hours later. Supper is included in the admission price. Australian Idol ﬁnalist Marty Simpson, will entertain with his blues/roots music on January 17. He’ll be in the members’ bar and entry is free. Children are always considered too. There’s a big children’s Christmas party at the Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve, which is paid for (gifts included) by the club. And on March 20, all the old favourites from Playschool, including the much-loved Big Ted, will come to the club. March 10 is the date set for the Liza Minelli-style Divas are Forever. The lunch show will offer entertainment and a two course meal for $15 a head for members and $17 for non members. Rod and his staff have worked hard at upgrading their skills with extra training and creating a club that has both a community focus and an appeal to visitors. It’s working a treat, with bus loads of people coming to Wonthaggi for a day to see the sights and enjoy lunch at The Workmen’s. Rod said there are even buses that come just so passengers can do the rounds of the town’s half dozen opportunity shops. The club has its own social club, which raises large amounts of money for various charities, including the Royal Children’s Hospital and Very Special Kids. The Wonthaggi Workmen’s Club is in Graham Street. There’s ample parking.

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“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2008/2009 - PAGE 19

A great place to visit and stay DAVID LEWIS believes his home town of Mirboo North exempliﬁes the South Gippsland Shire slogan ‘Come for the beauty, stay for the lifestyle’. “Situated at the intersection of the famous Grand Ridge Road and the Strzelecki Highway, nature has been particularly kind to this friendly town of 1600 people,” Cr Lewis said. One thing is certain: Mirboo North has a hold over the South Gippsland Shire Council representative. “The Baths Road forest reserve is close to the centre of town and features walks through tall timber and fern gullies. Right next door is an open-air swimming pool in a unique bush setting. The former railway yards have been transformed into the expansive Baromi Park, running adjacent to the main street,” he said. Mirboo North is the only town situated on the 132 km length of the

Grand Ridge Road, which winds through spectacular agricultural and mountain ash country in the Strzelecki Ranges. The road connects the scenic Mt Worth State Park near Warragul with the majestic Tarra Bulga National Park and is a spectacular day trip. A shorter bike or walking trip is the 13km Grand Ridge Rail Trail running between Mirboo North and Boolarra. There are several bed and breakfast places in and around Mirboo North and a motel at the 18 hole Golf Course for overnight stays. World award-winning beer is brewed at the Grand Ridge brewery, which has a newly refurbished restaurant and bar facilities. Cr Lewis said the real beauty of the area is its human capital. “With over 70 community groups, the real character of Mirboo North is in its people and self-reliant, hardworking volunteers. Many new residents have been former visitors who ﬁnd it is the

place they want to make their personal ‘tree change’ and contribute to a great rural community,” he said. The local community owns the bank agency building and operate a Rural Transaction Centre there. Volunteers took over the failing local newspaper ten years ago and have published every week ever since. Proﬁts are ploughed back into the community via a yearly grants program. When the State tried to close down the beautiful Lyrebird Walk, the community took over maintenance so successfully it was re-opened by the State Environment Minister. When a childcare crisis threatened, the town’s future volunteers succeeded in raising the funds for a new $800,000 childcare centre. Current community projects include the Grainstore committee who have employed a youth worker one day a week to run a drop-in centre. The ‘Creative Village’ group have a plan

for sealed disabled access and fitness/ walking paths in Baromi Park, the first stage of which will start shortly. The volunteers responsible for the Walter Tuck recreation reserve are completing renewal of the toilet facilities and construction of netball change rooms and a shelter. Some good-sized residential developments have been recently completed, ranging from units to a choice of one acre or larger blocks. Light industrial land is available close to the town centre and flat industrial-zoned land is on the Strzelecki Highway just outside town. Cr Lewis says that Mirboo North is one of the few rural towns to have grown consistently over the past 40 years. “The growth rate of about two per cent per year has been enough to encourage steady economic development without creating social strain,” he said.

Getting the drift THE unique shop ‘Continental Drift’ is at the Northern end of the main street in the beautiful town of Mirboo North. Step inside and you are transported into another world because Continental Drift is not your usual gift shop. Its proprietors, Zoë and Geoff Watt, have put many

years of experience and a great attention to detail to ensure the delight of all who step within. Zoë herself is in fact the creator of the famous mystical creatures, ‘Gozobs’, which are sold Australia wide and can be viewed at the new website www. gozobs.com. Each unique ‘Gozob’ is individually hand-sculpted at the shop by Zoe and they are certainly a talking point for customers. Zoe and Geoff have also drawn on a vast array of gift ideas from the practical to the unusual, from the simple to the elegant sourced from countries all around the world. Continental Drift has a large and diverse range of jewellery for every outfit and for every occasion. There are beautiful crafted pieces handmade by Zoe, which can be made to order for that special occasion. The shop also stocks a large range of handbags, purses, scarves, shawls, tops and kimonos. If it is a little pampering that you need, then Continental Drift can supply you with essential and fragrant oils, incense, aromatic candles, bath salts, pure vegetable soaps or a range of affirmation cards and reflective books. There is also a wonderful assortment of tableware – bowls, platters, dishes, mugs, chopsticks, and tea sets – all available in a range of colours and styles. Zoe and Geoff try to buy products whose proceeds contribute to the local communities where they are made. In particular they have a range of African stone figurines, which support a Zimbabwe Child orphanage and also Elephant Dung journals, notebooks, cards and writing sets that support a Sri Lankan Elephant orphanage. Continental Drift is open every Saturday and Sunday until 4pm.

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THE Wonthaggi Golf Club is the gateway club to golf in the region.

Hitting straight: Lester Rootsey rehearses his putting before taking to the greens of the Foster Golf Club.

For many tourists from Melbourne, it is the first stop in what becomes a golfing odyssey. With fabulous and affordable meals, the club sits among the top of the list for local dining experiences. It is also a great place to buy all your golfing equipment. Wonthaggi Golf Club pro shop manager Ian Barnes believes the club has many pluses. “This time of the year people love the layout. It’s a nice easy walk. It’s not too hilly and the course is in really good condition,” he said. “We get people pretty much from anywhere really – and a lot of tourists in the summer. We have a lot of people with country membership who live in the city.” Locally, many members reside in Inverloch and Korumburra. “We’ve got about 300 playing members. So we’ve got a good strong Saturday competition,” he said. Ian said the course would be even better in the future, with a development that will lengthen the holes. “The development is taking land at the top of the gold course and building new holes. It will lengthen

the course by about 300m, which will make it more than 6000m long,” he said. “It will be more like a good championship golf course. It will make it a good all round golf course. The layout will be revamped.” The work is being done by renowned golf course designer Tony Cashmore. Some miles away is the Foster Golf Course, another fine example of what’s on offer around the traps. Situated close to Wilsons Promontory, Foster is a fabulous tourist destination. Club manager Rod CoughlanLane said the course was a perfect stopover for the golfing traveller. “With 18 holes that are not too hard, it’s the perfect course for the casual player,” he said. “It’s very picturesque too and we have a fuly stocked bar and a fabulous restaurant. “The course is in tip top condition and we’ve had a lot of positive feedback.” Like many other courses in South Gippsland, Foster has a welcoming feel, which is one of the reasons it is so popular with holiday-makers. Five thousand seven hundred and ninety-two metres in length, it is comprised of five par fives, eight par fours and five par threes. The course is lined by native trees, but the holes are not too nar-

row. The course is only lightly bunkered on three holes and two holes require drives over a dam to add interest to the day’s golf. Foster is one of the courses hosting the 2009 South Gippsland Golf Classic. The South Gippsland Golf Classic is the premier golf event on the local calendar. The nine day program takes in the best on offer in local golf. Events Saturday, February 14 - Meeniyan - Opening day, four ball stableford mixed medley Sunday, February 15 - Korumburra - Ambrose teams of four Monday, February 16 - Woorayl - Irish four ball stableford, teams of four - two men, two ladies Tuesday, February 17 - Yarram - Single stableford, men - ladies Wednesday, February 18 - Welshpool - Mixed Canadian Foursomes Thursday, February 19 - Phillip Island - Single stableford, men - ladies Friday, February 20 - Leongatha four ball stableford, men - ladies Saturday, February 21 - Foster - Stroke (A Grade): Stableford (B and C Grade) 1st round of Classic, men - ladies Sunday, February 22 - Mirboo Nth - Stroke (A Grade): Stableford (B and C Grade) 2nd round of Classic, men - ladies. Classic Coordinator: Gordon Graeme (03) 5668 1571.

“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2008/2009 - PAGE 21

Picture perfect Toora By Rachel Brown

TOORA is one of the most beautiful places in South Gippsland. The town has a fascinating history and as such has many historical buildings which are noted on Toora’s Heritage Walk. Each building has a plaque describing its unique history. Pick up a Historic Toora brochure while you are in town and enjoy this walk around our town. Toora even has a Heritage Pear Orchard which I am sure is fairly unique. Another “must do” is to drive up the steep Silcock’s Hill where you can pull into a lookout which gives you a bird’s eye view of Toora and, on a clear day, Wilsons Promontory National Park. Further up the hill you can pull into the Toora Wind Farm car park where there is an information board with some very interesting facts about the wind farm. You will also be able to get reasonably close to these imposingly large towers. Keep going up the hill and follow the signs to Agnes Falls. The falls are majestic after a heavy rain and it is a tranquil place to visit at any time. Agnes Falls are the highest single span waterfall in Victoria and the Agnes River is where Toora obtains its water supply. Don’t forget the other “must do” in Toora, and that is a visit to the Toora Bird Hide and Boardwalk. These are at the end of Jetty Road and it is also where you will find the boat ramp. The bird hide is terrific for observing the bird life that frequents the mangroves and wet lands of Corner Inlet. Did you know that this area is a designated Ramsar wetland site of international significance, renowned for the huge variety of migratory birds which nest in the area. The boardwalk is also another way to wander through the mangroves and enjoy the stunning vista over Wilsons Promontory National Park. You can also get a good view of Barry Beach port. This is a private port where boats that service Bass Strait oil rigs come in to refuel and restock. It is hoped that one day this will be a deep sea port which large ships can use as an alternative to other ports around the state. If you have children then make sure you visit Sagasser Park at the end of the main street of Toora. A new playground has been installed with undercover barbecue facilities. There is also a skate park if the kids have brought their “wheels” with them. I almost forgot, another “must do”

while in Toora is a visit to the Toora Heated Pool complex. This pool is Toora’s best secret asset and you will be amazed to ﬁnd such a wonderful complex in such a small town. We are very proud of our pool and I am sure you will enjoy your visit. With three different pools to choose from and all of them heated and covered, you will have a great day out. Use the barbecue to cook your lunch or bring a picnic. If you are lucky the “monster” inﬂatable may be in use and that is great fun for everyone. Carole and Ernie will make you welcome, they love a chat with visitors to Toora. While in Toora enjoy the hospitality of the traders in the main street with a meal, a coffee, some shopping or maybe a hair cut and if you want to extend your stay, approach the motel, hotel, caravan park or a bed and breakfast and take the time to enjoy the timeless beauty of Toora. We hope you enjoy your stay, and next time bring a friend or two.

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Free food, fresh approach THE Loch General Store is one of those landmark buildings on the tourist trail.

Happy couple: Clint and Charmaine are always ready to welcome you to the Loch General Store.

Like the town itself, the general store is as old as the hills but in a constant state of change. New owners Clint and Charmaine Branch are already putting their stamp on the business, with a move to make it a place where you not only buy the paper but sit down and have a drink and a bit of cake too. Clint said his hot egg and bacon rolls are selling like the proverbial hotcakes. He is keen, however, to move to a large gluten free range of products, for those who suffer from Celiac Disease. Having the disease in his family gives him an intimate knowledge of the struggle that those who can’t eat food containing gluten face. “We want to have a range of gluten free foods to eat here and take away,” he said. “When you see the percentage of people around who have Celiac Disease, you understand the extent of the problem. “My daughter comes up from Yarram to Leongatha and she just cries. I say to her, what’s wrong? She says, There’s nothing I can eat. She can only eat the chips at McDonalds because they’re not cooked like ﬁsh and chips, where you get the contamination from the ﬂour.” Clint said the disease was so extreme that even the smallest trace of gluten can trigger an attack. Clint and Charmaine have been reorganising the store and the place has a fresh appeal. “We’ve got hot food snacks, but it just depends on what time of year you’re here.” The store has sandwiches and fruit salads,

ice creams and newspapers and all the other things that people expect from a good general store. Clint and Charmaine are committed to bringing quality food to the store. Part of that includes Hope Farm organic gourmet bakery bread. With what many believe is the best sourdough in Gippsland, Hope Farm has a reputation that continues to grow. Like Clint and Charmaine, the bakers at Hope Farm have a Christian ethos that is inspired by a desire to “live the life and faith of our forefathers”. It means a return to a more traditional diet, free from the many preservatives and additives found in many modern foods. Originally from Nyora, Clint said he and Charmaine made the move to Loch, because of the sense of community in the town. “When they bypassed Loch, I think people worked out that if they went to sleep, Loch would die,” he said. “At the moment Loch has six big annual events. There’s a food and wine festival, an art festival, a music festival, an antique festival…” As Clint spoke, a man in an electric wheelchair stopped outside the door and tooted a horn. Charmaine retrieved a newspaper from under the front counter. “This is what it’s all about. This man comes to get his newspaper. We’ve told him to toot his horn,” Clint said. Charmaine takes the newspaper and gives it to the man. It’s a small kindness, but one not uncommon in a town where everybody bands together.

Loch lookout: the town is an absolute gem, but just out of town is a view that will take your breath away.

‘Best little place in the world’ LOCH is one of those places that time forgot. And it is a fact for which the residents are eternally grateful. Owner of the Loch Hotel, Sybil Leris said tourists ﬂock to the town because “we’re the best little place in the world”. With quaint old-world buildings and an eclectic bunch of arty people producing fabulous and original works, Loch has gained a reputation as a must-visit destination. “In Loch we take a lot of pride in our little town,” she said. “Everybody’s very passionate about it. Everyone who owns a business is doing things that can only be achieved in a place like this, that has a tremendous sense of community. Everyone pulls together and it’s an arty town. “We’ve got beautiful galleries, antique shops, we’ve got a world famous beader Kay Lancashire, who’s had works featured in major American art publications.”

The atmosphere has a great deal to do with the quality of work being produced in the town. “I think it has a lot to do with the beautiful old buildings. It’s a little village that escaped the horrible architecture of the sixties and seventies. “It’s got that old world charm and people are very keen to maintain that,” she said. “It’s part of the reason people make a commitment to the town.” Sybil said her own establishment had a “very eclectic decor, lots of art and no pokies, no TAB.” The Loch Hotel is well known for the quality of its meals, wines and cold beer. It is homely and unpretentious. “It’s actually a place where people come to chat and socialise. In the dining room they serve really good quality food, produced from local produce wherever possible – but at reasonable prices,” she said. “We have local wines. So people can try any wine they want and we have cold beer on tap.”

“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2008/2009 - PAGE 23

Baubles, bangles, bright shining beads DANGLES, bangles, sparking stones and bling have brought Loch artisan and designer Kay Lancashire success and accolades from high places. Kay’s passion for creating stunning and unique jewellery has won her a recent highly commended award after her stunning necklace was judged one of the finalists in the prestigious Bead Society of Victoria Showcase Exhibition 2008. The “floral bouquet” necklace features freshwater pearls, gun metal wire, bronze and luster glass. The Viking wire work and wire wrapping were created by Kay’s husband Bill Statham. The award is definitely a feather in Kay’s hat as the competition was judged by Elly Feldman, well known in jewellery design circles having been in the business for 65 years. Kay was also thrilled to be the only Australian to have her designs featured in a USA jewellery publication of some 1000 jewellers. “The publication called for artists to submit pieces and I sent four pieces over to the USA,” said Kay. What Kay ended up with was her four pieces of jewellery featured over three full colour pages in the impressive 320-page book. The book itself is one huge colourful buffet of jewellery inspiration and is literally brimming with an amazing collection of jewellery that ranges from wirework, beadwork and metal work and everything in between created by jewellery artists from across the globe.

Kay has been creating beautiful jewellery and one off pieces full time for near on six years in New South Wales before moving to Alberton and settling in Loch. Describing herself as somewhat of a gypsy in recent years, moving around, Kay and husband Bill Statham are quite happy to have found a niche in Loch. “I just love living here, the community has been very welcoming and supportive and it is just a lovely place to live and create,” Kay said. Kay shares her creative passion with Bill who designs all the Viking

wire weave chains she uses for many of her pieces. Most of Kay’s working days are spent on her designs and sometimes she works well into the night. While Kay’s Artycles provides the perfect colourful Christmas eye candy and a treasure trove of exquisite pieces that would suit all ages. A visit to Kay’s store will have you wanting to visit again and again. The store, located at 5a Victoria Road Loch is open from Thursday to Sunday and for appointment by phoning 5659 4460.

Winning designs: Kay’s winning design won the highest accolades at a prestigious Bead Society of Victoria Showcase Exhibition 2008.

Creative: Kay Lancashire of Kay’s Artycles in Loch holds one of her stunning necklaces created with her husband Bill Statham.

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Tracing Vincent’s footsteps Great variety in Emily’s art THE lives of Arawata artists Di and John Koenders took on a remarkable twist when they learned two years ago that John was a descendant of Vincent van Gogh. Research conﬁrmed John was the great-great-nephew of Vincent, which led them to undertake an unforgettable journey into Van Gogh’s turbulent life. Their ‘journey of discovery’ earlier this year took them to England, The Netherlands, Belgium and France.

“We walked in his footsteps and visited places significant in his life,” John said. A documentary has been filmed to capture their journey. Actor Charles ‘Bud’ Tingwell will be narrating the documentary. Di and John are currently negotiating with Dutch entertainer Andre Rieu to play on the soundtrack. They met the Dutch musician in Melbourne during his recent tour of Australia. The documentary is due for release within the next six months. John and Di own and operate their Mayfield Gallery in Arawata. It is their working studio

Wide range: Arawata artists John and Di Koenders are proud of their connection with Vincent van Gogh. They will show a wide range of their paintings at their Mayﬁeld Gallery in Fairbank Road during the holidays in January, 2009.

as well as their gallery. Having painted professionally for 40 years, their historic relationship to Vincent has added provenance and value to their artworks. Di and John are realist artists and although their painting style is different to their famous ancestor, they nevertheless are extremely proud and passionate about their heritage. Their latest exhibition, entitled Summer Serenade, will open on January 1, 2009. The gallery will be open daily, from 10am to 5pm, until February 1, 2009, including public holidays. The gallery is fully airconditioned for the comfort of visitors, who are welcomed with country-style hospitality. A glass of wine, cup of tea or coffee can be enjoyed while viewing the paintings and soaking up the ambience of the gallery. Paintings include life-like birds and wildlife, from tiny blue wrens to massive wedgetailed eagles in minute detail as well as glowing oils of huge gumtrees along typically Australian riverbanks, watercolours of old farmhouses with chooks in the garden, and many others to suit individual tastes in art. Books on John and Di’s art are also available at the gallery. For enquiries, call Di or John on 5659 8262 or check their website on artistsaustralia.com.au.

FAIRBANK artist Emily Koenders always makes sure there is a great variety of her work on show during the holiday period and this year is no exception. Her New Year exhibition, called For the Love of Birds, will run from January 3 to 31, 2009. Apart from her trademark work, Emily has added a range of new work that will delight and surprise regular visitors as well as newcomers to her gallery. Renowned for her stunning wildlife pictures, Emily has been adding authentic Australian landscapes as a background, which has added even more interest to her work. “I really wanted to incorporate more Australian bush in my paintings, old gums or an old shed. It is a new move in my work and people are appreciating it,” Emily said. Her birds and animals spring to life in spectacular detail and colour. Emily’s palette can be described as colourful. The magic of her colours is an inspiration. Collectors in Australia and overseas have bought her artwork. An artist for more than 15 years, Emily is always happy to discuss her art with visitors to her gallery. Her gallery at 230 Ruby-Fairbank Road is clearly sign-posted from either Korumburra or Leongatha. It can be approached either from the South Gippsland Highway at the Ruby turn-off at the top of the hill by taking the Ruby-Fairbank Road (the gallery is the third property on the right), or from Leongatha by taking the Wild Dog Valley Road (past Murray Goulburn and the riﬂe range). You turn left into Fairbank Road and left again into Ruby-Fairbank Road (the gallery is the second property on the left). The gallery is open daily from 11am to 5pm. For further information about the gallery or Emily’s art, contact her on 5662 5808.

Colourful palette: Fairbank artist Emily Koenders will present a comprehensive exhibition of her colour wildlife art at her Fairbank studio.

“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2008/2009 - PAGE 25

Come catch a feed THE fish are biting across South Gippsland and there are plenty of places to find them. The great variety of locations ensures there is an extensive choice of fish to choose from. From land-based angling to seeking out fish from a boat in an inlet or at sea, the coastline from Phillip Island in the west to the Ninety Mile Beach in the east presents endless fishing opportunities. Here are some tips for the visitor.

Robertsons BeachMcLoughlins Beach Where: Shoal Inlet (near Kate Kearney entrance, Farmers Channel or Boat Harbour Channel), Manns Beach, McLoughlins Beach and surf beaches along the Ninety Mile Beach. Species available: whiting, flathead, estuary perch, gummy shark, trevally, garfish. Tides: check locally for particular locations and if in a boat, be wary of banks at low water. Options: boat-based inside or outside, land-based light fishing or surf.

Port Albert Where: Port Albert Channel, Midge Channel, Snake Channel, Clumps Channel, Middle Bank, Albert River. Species available: ﬂathead, trevally, whiting, ﬂounder. Tides: check locally for particular locations and if in a boat, be wary of banks at low water. Options: boat-based in the inlet or outside, Albert River or jetties at Port Albert.

Corner Inlet Where: Bennison Channel, Middle Channel, Franklin River Channel, Toora Channel, Stockyard Channel. Species available: flathead, whiting, bream, snapper, gummy shark, leatherjacket, mullet, trevally. Tides: several hours either side of the changes. Options: predominantly boatbased fishing but land-based fishing is available at Yanakie Beach. Marine parks: Corner Inlet Marine National Park in two sections: between Bennison Island and Wilsons Promontory, and from Tin Mine Hill on Wilson’s Promontory past Granite Island to Middle Channel, and then back to Mount Singapore on the Prom.

Shallow Inlet/Walkerville Where: throughout the main channels and feeder channels inside, and outside. From any Walkerville beach and offshore between Waratah and Cape Liptrap. Species available: whiting, trevally, salmon, garﬁsh, gummy shark, mullet, ﬂounder. Tides: either side of tidal changes. Be wary of shallow waters, particularly around low tide. Some channels

average only 1.5m deep. Options: land-based, boat-based inlet and ocean ﬁshing. Launch boats from the beach at Sandy Point or Walkerville South. Check weather conditions as the Shallow Inlet bar is hazardous and the Walkerville South beach is prone to rough conditions.

Anderson Inlet Where: inlet, outside, Tarwin River and Screw Creek. Mahers Landing is good for land and boat fishing, and is a popular alternative launching venue. Venus Bay is a popular surf fishing spot. Species available: whiting, garfish, salmon, snapper, gummy shark, tailor, estuary perch, bream, flounder. Tides: an hour before and after low water near the inlet entrance and at Mahers Landing. Try either side of high tide too. If fishing Screw Creek, fish soon after high tide. Options: land and boat-based fishing.

Options galore: the boat-based angler has rivers, inlets and open waterways to choose from.

Phillip Island Where: San Remo entrance, off Cape Woolamai, right around the coast to Ventnor. Species available: whiting, barracouta, yellowtail kingfish, salmon, trevally, flathead, snapper and sweep. Elephant fish are popular at this time of year. Tides: either side of high or low tide. Options: Variety of rock and surf options, and many boat-based possibilities. Marine park: the Churchill Island Marine National Park is located between Churchill Island and Long Point and back to Swan Corner on Phillip Island.

Feed guaranteed: land-based anglers such as Rick van Aalst of Churchill have a great chance of bringing home a feed from the jetty at Port Albert.

NOT TO SCALE

Port Welshpool

Where: Lewis Channel, from Port Welshpool wharves, Franklin Channel, Bennison Spit. Species available: gummy shark, ﬂathead, pike, garﬁsh, snapper shark, trevally, snapper, whiting. Tides: several hours either side of the changes. Options: wharves at Port Welshpool and boat-based, either in the inlet or outside.

Title 1

Title 2

FOR SALE

victoria manor Victoria Manor will ignite your imagination with its variety of ideal uses: continue with the antique business theme; create a boutique hotel of warmth and period magnificence; live here yourself and use the cottage for B&B or in-law accommodation ... endless possibilities and an idyllic village lifestyle - just one hour’s drive from Chadstone, 45 minutes from Dandenong and Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs. The property is offered on two titles totaling 2000sqm in the heart of the shopping precinct - main street frontage. The first title incorporates the manor, cottage and the lock up double garage, while the retail shop and old ‘butcher’s apprentice’ cottage make up the second title. If you have ideas of a tree change, this rare offering is sure to make you think about bringing them to a reality now.

the residence

the cottage

the grounds

In the heart of Loch Village, built in 1902 and originally the Union Bank with double storey manager’s residence, this is a marvellous example of the constructional integrity and architectural interest of its era. A rarity in South Gippsland - walls of up to 5 brick thickness and 4 metre ceiling heights form the rock solid foundation, with period features such as Victorian arches, tessellated tiles, ornate fireplaces, leadlight, and 12” skirting boards restored to former beauty. The 5 bedroom residence incorporates at ground level a stunning formal lounge and dining room with inglenook and French doors opening to gardens; study/office; and an all blackwood hostess kitchen with double oven and extensive cabinetry. Views from the upstairs rooms are breathtaking, looking out across the village to the surrounding hills and sky.

Sharing the Manor’s land title is a pretty, 2 bedroom cedar cottage. Completely self contained and maintained to a high standard, the cottage enjoys a private, fenced front courtyard and opens onto glorious kitchen gardens, picturesque hen house ‘folly’ and manicured lawns. The cottage offers potential for additional income, and is also perfect for in-law, or teenage accommodation. With its own street frontage and separate driveway, guests may come and go in complete privacy.

Magnificently kept grounds adorn the various buildings and pathways, enhancing the overall feeling of gracious and relaxed living. An original 3 roomed cottage (power and water connected) would work well as a studio/workshop, spa/sauna area or simply a brilliant potting shed! On 2 separate titles, the property also encompasses another shop - originally the Loch butchery - with various rooms and main street frontage with plans prepared for improvement (STCA).

the shop A substantial north facing shop/showroom complete with Chubb barrel vault and original gleaming Baltic pine floors, enjoys a commanding town presence. It sits atop a short flight of steps, has fitted ceiling, antique front counter and ample space, with a private adjoining office. Presently used as an antique shop, these rooms have excellent restaurant/gallery potential, or could convert to private living use.

Victoria Manor shop and dwelling plus adjoining block 42 - 44 Victoria Road LOCH 3945 realestate.com.au (ID 105286798) realcommercial.com.au (ID 5466819) Inspection by appointment with sole agent . PRICE ON APPLICATION.

80 Whitelaw Street, MEENIYAN | P: 03 5664 0224 M: Kaz Hughes 0417 516 998 M: Allen Bartlett 0417 274 624

“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2008/2009 - PAGE 27

PAGE 26 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2008/2009

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PAGE 28 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2008/2009

Memorable sight: the glorious view from the lookout at Mount Misery, on the Outtrim-Moyarra Road south of Korumburra, with a signpost indicating distant landmarks.

Once more over the rainbow FILMING of the second series of Bed of Roses has begun in Meeniyan. Of course the town has been transformed into the ﬁctional locale of Rainbow’s End. Recently when The Star paid a visit on set, cast and crew were ﬁlming outside the Meeniyan Town Hall. This Star journalist tried to take some sneaky pics of the action,

but was told in a ﬁrm but friendly manner that the actors would be disturbed. While some cast and crew looked a little bored, others, like veteran actress Julia Blake, were clearly relishing the experience. “We’re getting through the ﬁlming. We’re all quite happy about it,” director Grant Brown said. “Louise (Kerry Armstrong), the main character was searching for her pot of gold at the end of the

Enjoy the view VISITORS to South Gippsland will take home memories of stunning scenery, reputed to be among the best Victoria has to offer. Whether driving or cycling throughout the region, travelling around the countryside is an ideal way to explore the landscape on offer. And along the way are many lookouts, offering marvellous vistas over farmland. bush and sea. Here are some to watch out for: South Gippsland Highway, Foster North. If approaching from Melbourne, turn off at the top of the hill along the overtaking lane, at the intersection of O’Gradys Ridge Road. Immediately turn left, drive past the house and enjoy a breath-taking view across Corner Inlet and Wilsons Promontory. Hoddle Ranges. Travelling Fish Creek-Foster Road, to the left along the ridge is a track and picnic table looking

towards Corner Inlet and Wilsons Promontory. The track is easy to miss, but when coming from Foster, is shortly after the Leggetts Road turnoff and on the left hand side. Mt Misery, Outtrim. South of Jumbunna on the Korumburra-Wonthaggi Road, take the Outtrim turnoff (OuttrimMoyarra Road) on your left and meander down Mt Misery. On a right hand bend, the lookout track is to your left. Enjoy views of the ﬂats and Anderson Inlet, with the Hoddle Ranges and possibly Wilsons Promontory in the distance. Cape Horn, Loch. From Loch, take the Wonthaggi turnoff (Loch-Wonthaggi Road) and head south for several kilometres until you reach the lookout sign. The carpark is on the right, overlooking the undulating country towards Loch, Nyora and Melbourne. Other views can be enjoyed from safe spots on any roadside throughout the hills.

Happy in Meeniyan: Julia Blake shares a joke during ﬁlming of the second series of the ABC drama Bed of Roses last week.

last series.” Due to unforeseen circumstances the search will continue. While Grant was keen to stay mum on the more interesting aspects of the plot, comedy would be the main driving force behind the second series. Filming will continue up until the end of March and the series will run some time toward the end of 2009.

“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2008/2009 - PAGE 29

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Create memories by the sea THE sister villages of Welshpool and Port Welshpool are the hub of a popular ﬁshing community, and ideal bases from which tourists can explore the district. Welshpool has an interesting array of shops and old buildings, and is famous for the large anchor at the main intersection in town, a testimony to Welshpool’s maritime past. At the Port, shark and inlet ﬁshermen moor at the jetties against majestic views of Wilsons Promontory to the south. Families can enjoy a barbecue or a picnic in the park after wandering the jetties, or pop into the maritime museum to learn about the past. There are plenty of ideas for whiling away the days around Welshpool and the Port: • swim at the beach along the port; • cruise the inlet and around Wilsons Promontory on a charter boat; • wander the new walking track from Welshpool along the Port Welshpool

Road to the recreation reserve; • snorkel around the Long Jetty and watch for seahorses; • watch boats arrive from ﬁshing the waters of Corner Inlet and Bass Strait, and also bringing cargo from

Flinders Island to the mainland; • visit the Agnes Falls north of Welshpool, the highest single span falls in Victoria at 60m and the biggest in Gippsland. Directions can be obtained from maps in the Rural

Transaction Centre in the main street of Welshpool or follow the signs from town; • pop into the Rural Transaction Centre to ﬁnd out more about the district and to access the internet;

Water based: turn at the anchor in Welshpool to head south to the Port and ﬁnd the stunning waters of Corner Inlet.

• book a night or longer at either of the two caravan parks in Port Welshpool or the cabin accommodation around Welshpool and Port Welshpool; • fish off the jetty or rock wall, or head into the waters of Corner Inlet to dangle a line. The more adventurous may opt to venture into Bass Strait for bigger catches. A public boat ramp is available at the port; and • grab a feed or a cuppa at either of the general stores or hotels at Welshpool or at the Port. Pop into the Port Welshpool and District Maritime Museum, established in 1985 to commemorate and preserve local maritime history. The museum is open weekends and public holidays from 12.30-4.30pm, in the first house built in Port Welshpool in 1881. Apparently the builder, J. Avery, walked nearly 34km from Port Albert every Monday and returned by foot each weekend. See the fishing boat, the Janet Isles, used by former owners of the house, the Smith family. Phone 5688 1220.

Towns bear intriguing past PORT Welshpool’s origins date back to the 1840s, when the Gippsland Company explored the South Gippsland coast for possible settlement. One of the first settlers of the area was John Gellion and his partners - Messrs Rickard and Strattion – who held a lease over a massive stretch of land between the Agnes and Albert rivers. The origin of the name Welshpool remains uncertain, with at least two stories circulating. One says Welshpool and its port are believed to be named after an early settler by the name of Patrick Welsh who proposed Port Welshpool be a major port servicing the whole of Gippsland. The other tale declares Welshpool was named after the village of the same name on the Welsh border with England. Settlement began soon after the town was officially listed as Welshpool in 1851. An 800 foot jetty was destroyed by fire soon after construction in 1859, and was replaced to allow cattle and timber to be exported as far as New Zealand and Tasmania. Chinese fishermen began curing fish and Indian hawkers sold their wares. The first post office at Port Welshpool was a hotel from the temporary township of Seaforth in the late nineteenth century. The fishing industry expanded on the back of the railway arriving in 1891, enabling produce to be taken to Melbourne every day. Tourists will enjoy the drive to Barry Beach west of Welshpool, where goods and materials are supplied to the oil industry in Bass Strait. Platforms are often repaired here. A famous man with connections to the area was Harold Lasseter, the man who claimed a massive gold source called Lasseter’s Reef. He spent the last 30 years of his life in the area. • Source: www. walkabout.com.au

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Festival celebrates summer THIS year’s Prom Coast Summer Festival will kick off on New Year’s Eve, celebrating the wonders of Toora, Welshpool and Port Welshpool. The opening night will feature a Family Fun Event at the Toora Recreation Reserve from 6.30pm with a magic show, followed by a roving magician with balloon animals and a dreamtime puppet show at 7.30pm. In between there will be games such as egg and spoon and three legged races, a fantastically talented face painter, jumping castle and much more. Food will be available or bring your own picnic, rug and chairs. Alcohol will

also be available but cannot be brought into the ground. At 9pm there will be a fantastic fireworks display, followed by live music and a final fireworks display at midnight to welcome in the new year. The Port Welshpool Sea Days Festival starts on Friday, January 2, a three-day event action packed with boat trips, displays, two shows by Flathead Fred, music and entertainment by “The Connies”, model boats, puppets, demonstrations by Leongatha Medieval Society, horse and cart rides and more. The festival will focus on the Corner Inlet coastline and environment, with a theme of education and fun.

Amazing view: the Long Jetty is an icon of Port Welshpool.

Jetty secrets waiting ON THE ﬁrst bend in the road as visitors enter Port Welshpool, they will see the famed Long Jetty.

Fantasy world: a magic show will enliven New Year’s Eve as part of the Prom Coast Summer Festival.

Opened in 1938, the jetty is nearly a kilometre long and although now closed to the public due to a ﬁre in 2003, the jetty still makes a startling sight. During World War Two, the jetty was used for servicing mine-

sweepers and corvettes involved in anti-submarine work in Bass Strait. After the war, the jetty played a role in early oil exploration and extraction in Bass Strait, before the Barry Beach Terminal was established. In recent years the jetty was considered to be in unsafe condition for shipping and also for use by the public for ﬁshing. Restoration

would cost an enormous amount, although the community continues to campaign for a new use for the jetty in a bid to re-open public access. The original jetty included a slipway that eventually fell into disrepair and was removed. The waters beneath the Long Jetty are now a hub for marine life and are popular with snorkellers and divers.

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Glide across the water and see WHY head to Queensland when some divine beaches and azure coloured waters can be savoured in South Gippsland? The waters of Corner Inlet and the Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park are a superb kayaking venue and the warm days of summer mean now is an ideal time to explore with a paddle in hand. Kayaking is not only an ideal summer adventure but also the only way to explore the Prom coast to capacity, stopping at coves, beaches, bays and islands, many of which cannot be accessed from land. The diversity of destinations offers kayakers the chance to enjoy day or multi-day trips based around the inlet, estuaries or ocean waters. Corner Inlet offers stunning beaches and granite rocks reaching from the sea along the shores of Wilsons Promontory. There are many islands to visit and spectacular views into the hills beyond Welshpool and Toora. The Corner Inlet Marine National Park offers mangroves, mudflats and flourishing seagrass meadows, including the largest beds of Poisidonia seagrass in Victoria. The inlet is home to an extensive flock of migratory water birds, and marine plants and animals rarely seen anywhere else in Victoria. The Nooramunga park features a diversity of islands, such as Sunday, Snake, Little Snake, Clonmel and St Margaret, with serene camp sites being an ideal base to explore the islands

and stretch the legs to take a break from the water. Permits are required to camp, so be sure to contact Parks Victoria to make arrangements beforehand. In summer the ocean beaches and sand spits of the Nooramunga park become nesting sites for shore birds like the Pied oystercatcher, Crested Tern and Caspian Tern. The woodlands are a home for animals such as Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Swamp Wallabies, koalas and many species of birds. Camping is also available at Tin

Mine Cove at Wilsons Promontory National Park. Bookings must be made through the Tidal River ofﬁce of Parks Victoria on 5680 9555. Camping is not permitted on the granite islands of Corner Inlet. Access the waterways at boat ramps or beaches at Port Welshpool, Toora, Port Franklin (tidal only), Yanakie, the Albert River at Alberton and Port Albert. Those wishing to take part in an organised tour can contact commercial operators in Corner Inlet and the Prom.

Amazing sight: men and women on horseback bring cattle ashore from Snake Island earlier this year.

An island tradition JUST offshore of Port Welshpool is the largest sand island in Victoria - Snake Island.

Safe, sound: returning to Port Welshpool after a six day paddling adventure around Corner Inlet and Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park were Vanessa Hillgrove, Melissa Zubrickas, Lauren Cox and Sarah Armstrong.

The popular camping spot is the western end of the barrier island chain protecting mangroves, mudflats and marine life from the wild seas of Bass Strait. Being so remote, the island is popular with hikers and tracks allow access throughout most of the island and sightings of a variety of flora and fauna. Horses are permitted on the island and camping permits must be obtained from the Parks Victoria office at Foster.

The island is also home to the century old tradition of grazing cattle. Members of the Snake Island Cattlemen’s Association often march cattle to and from the island to take advantage of the grazing land. Cattlemen and women ride across the stretch of Corner Inlet known as “The Middle Ground” at low tide, when the water is mostly ankle deep. The mainland base is near Telegraph Road at Port Welshpool at low tide. The centenary of the agistment of cattle on Snake Island will be celebrated in 2009.

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THE Riverview Hotel in Tarwin Lower is only a stone’s-throw away from the Tarwin River and right opposite a ﬁshing spot. Publicans Greg and Elaine Burridge can just about watch their line from the hotel decking across the road. Greg is a builder by trade, while Elaine worked in administration at a major retail chain, before they took over as the new publicans on October 1 this year. “We decided on a change of career,” Greg said. “Our four boys were grown up. They are between 18 and 23 and live in Melbourne and we’ve been coming to this area for several years,” Elaine said. They have a van at the Venus Bay Caravan Park and now also a house at the back of the hotel. “We’ve had the van for four years, but I’ve been coming to the district for more than 20 years and with Elaine for the last four years,” Greg said. Greg and Elaine are attracting an increasing number of families to the hotel, which was their aim all along. “We want to create a good family atmosphere. We run a tight rope,” Greg said. “Friday night is happy hour. The local people enjoy it and everyone is welcome.” Greg and Elaine are very community spirited and keen on sponsoring local sporting clubs. They already sponsor the Tarwin Sharks and Tarwin Lower bowling club. Greg said he’d pulled a beer or two at the Tooradin pub part-time and had also worked part-time at pubs in Keysborough and Springvale. They lived in Melbourne and in Clyde before coming to Tarwin Lower. It has been a hectic few months with a lot of adjusting, but things have worked out well

Tarwin team: Gavin Springthorpe, Elaine Burridge, Pam Agnew and Greg Burridge make a great team. Unfortunately the ﬁfth musketeer, chef Ken Bowen was absent when the picture was taken. for the couple. “It’s been good in our ﬁrst few months,” Elaine said. “The long hours were something getting used to. But we have great staff. They taught us a great amount and helped us at the start.” “The staff has been fantastic,” Greg agreed. “They have the run of the place and they all live locally. Without them we’d be buggered. They are fantastic.” There are 14 of them, working part-time, including the chef Ken Bowen and cook Gavin Springthorpe. Mick Hergottt drives the local courtesy bus, while Pam Agnew can be found behind the bar. Ken and Gavin prepare meals seven days a week. Lunch and dinner are served as a full bistro menu and bar meals are available at reasonable prices. “Our signature dish is the famous Tarwin t-bone,” Greg said.

All the other favourites are there as well, such as chicken parmigiana or schnitzel and seafood, including, ﬂake and whiting as well as pasta and salads. The bar and deck menu includes such classics as shepherd’s pie, roast, ﬁsh and chips, bangers and mash, steak sandwich and rolls. Entertainment ranges from live music at night time and music-on-the-deck on Sunday afternoons. “The afternoons have a great atmosphere. People listen to music, have a meal and a beer and generally relax,” Greg said. Over summer there will be live bands every weekend. There’s also karaoke for those keen to test their hidden talents and there are enough pool tables and games machines to amuse the kids as well as a full TAB agency facility to tempt the adults.

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Koonwarra is a contemporary rural village actively demonstrating sustainable living. Our residents, businesses, community groups and local government work together to strengthen our region and preserve our valuable natural resources. Koonwarra is renowned for the number of diverse and interesting businesses gathered around a corner on the South Gippsland Highway. Only minutes from the sprawling Gippsland beaches and therefore a hot spot for summer holiday makers, Koonwarra is set in some of the most beautiful dairy country in Australia with rolling green hills and cosy valleys. Our renowned community Website www. koonwarra.vic.au administered by The Koonwarra Sustainable Communities centre is a great source of information. There has been a growth over recent years in the area of smart guest accommodation such as ‘Percanta Bed and Breakfast’ and all inclusive Healing Spas such as ‘The

Koonwarra Day Spa’, all strongly supported by classic services such as wineries, nurseries and galleries but also enhanced by more contemporary offerings such as local organic food and wine purveyors such as ‘The Organic Fix’ and sustainable furnishing and clothing stores such as ‘Revamp’. Koonwarra is practically a one stop shop for all these exciting and diverse services. Browse through ‘The Outside Bit’ for all things to make your garden and surrounds bloom. Nourish yourself in the warmth of ‘The Koonwarra Store’ and ‘The Peaceful Gardens Organic Cooking School’ with delicious local food and special produce. Take home handmade body products or experience a hands-on healing at the Escential Shop. Discover the joys of all these regional boutique businesses. This little village is an inspiration and treasure for locals and visitors alike, so we suggest you visit the town all year round, enjoy its beautiful surroundings and experience its abundance and vision.

ANYTHING can happen in Koonwarra – and it probably will! On Melbourne Cup day Bianca Snelling, Arika Phillips-Nicholson, Rachael Reda and Sonia Lee were dressed to the nines and ready for judging in the local fashions on the ﬁeld parade. Koonwarra photographer Carolyn Johns captured this photograph.

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Koonwarra Day Spa THE Koonwarra Day Spa is set amongst peaceful bushland within the tourist village of Koonwarra. The day spa caters for individuals, couples and small groups, with a full range of relaxing day spa and beauty treatments for you to choose from. You can share some quality time with a loved one or come alone and rejuvenate yourself with our advanced facial and body treatments.

One of our most popular treatments, for men and women alike, is a 30 minute spa in our three-person Hydrotherapy Spa (which overlooks natural bushland from our back deck), followed by our blissful 90 minute hot stone massage. This two hour relaxation package is only $130.00 pp and includes complimentary morning or afternoon tea. Other treatments available include pampering facials, aromatic

Re-use, Recycle, Revamp REVAMP Resource Management is a cutting edge small business established in 2005 to provide Image Consulting and Styling and actively address the issue of sustainability in clothing and furnishings through our products. We passionately believe that supporting nurturing and educating clients through our consulting services as to the importance of sustainable self expression in our personal presentation and our living and working environments, combined with offering sustainable products through our stores, will support the development of a more responsible and abundant community and industry. Revamp Apparel offers several diverse levels of sustainable clothing and accessories for both women and men. Revamp Interiors stocks a wide range of eclectic furnishings and homewares. All products are presented in a creative and constantly changing array of inspirational room settings.

body wraps and soothing hand and foot treatments. We also offer modern, pain-free facial treatments such as microdermabrasion and non-surgical face lifts. Please see our website (www. koonwarraspa.com.au) for the full range of treatments available and prices. If you would like more information, or if you would like to make a booking, please phone 5664 2332 during business hours.

The bare escentials THE escential Shop - an experience of the senses - has services and products to nurture. The escential Shop offers all those who visit an innovative way of experiencing health and wellbeing. Our body products: Through our own alchemy process our products carry nature’s lifeforce providing you with a high quality and wholesome product to nurture

and revitalise. Meticulously made by hand on our premises they contain all natural and organic raw materials. Our services: Nautilus is an age old method of healing and by using it with our massages and treatments we can revitalise and energise your physical, emotional and mental bodies. So why not take the time this summer to visit us at the Koonwarra Village and enjoy what we have to offer.

Home and garden solutions THE Outside Bit … a different kind of nursery offers creative and innovative solutions for you, your home and garden. Experience the gardens and wander under the cool canopy of the cherry plum to view amazing garden art and select plants. Step into the heritage water tank to discover a wonderful selection of gifts, garden products, and innovative solutions like the indoor compost bins (takes meat, citrus and onion!) and organic pest control management.

We also offer an advisory service, garden design, installation even maintenance options. Many real savings to be had, including Aerobins (normally $380) our December/ January price for pick up is $350 or add $20 for delivery! Wishing you all a safe, happy and healthy New Year and thank you for your support this past year in Koonwarra! Visit us with your ad for ﬁve per cent discount valid until February 2009! Ring 5664 2214 with any queries.

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Perfect place to stop TOORADIN coastal village is a popular half way point between Melbourne and Phillip Island or South Gippsland. Set around a picturesque foreshore and coastal inlet, it offers both passers-by and day tourists the perfect place to stop for a day or as a short break on the way through. A variety of takeaways, post office, newsagent, supermarket, pharmacy, gourmet foods and wine and real estate agents make a vibrant town centre. The boat ramp and foreshore offers barbecues, undercover pavilion, extensive playground facilities, many fishing spots on the foreshore or the two jettys and boardwalk. The heritage listed Fishermans Cottage offers a walk back in time to the days when fisherman lived and worked out of Tooradin. It is open weekends and public holidays or by appointment. The Tooradin Sports Club is owned by the community of Tooradin and district. This venue provides dining and club facilities, function room, full TAB and

pokies. Tidemaster Tours provide tours and fishing trips on Westernport Bay seven days a week by appointment only. Tooradin is a great place to live, with many families relocating each year to experience the sea change and the tranquil lifestyle, with all sporting facilities located in town including football, cricket, netball, tennis and skate park. Tooradin celebrates each year with Christmas on the foreshore. This year in December, people from all around the region will flock to the foreshore to see local artists perform carols, with jumping castles, giant slide, Santa and other entertainment for the kids, and a fireworks display at the end of the night. Every third Sunday in the month the Sunday market operates on Tooradin island, which is a beautiful setting, again reflecting the value of the foreshore. Australia Day is celebrated with a sunset cinema on the foreshore run by the Balla Balla Lions Club in conjunction with the City of Casey. Article submitted by Colin Butler.

Play time: break up the car trip with some foreshore fun at Tooradin.

Cinema at sunset TAKE a trip to Tooradin on Australia Day for some good old-fashioned family fun.

Coastal village: Tooradin has plenty of food and services for driving between the south coast and Melbourne.

An evening featuring face painting, free sausage sizzle, food and drinks and a singing duet will lead into a big screen movie showing outdoors. Just before dark the Australia Air League will conduct a special ﬂag lowering ceremony. The event is at the picturesque

island of Sawtell Memorial Inlet Island just off the South Gippsland Highway. Soft drink, coffee, ice cream and snacks will be available for sale. While the organisers, the Lions Club of Balla Balla, are yet to choose the movie, they are promising family friendly entertainment. Earlier this year about 300 people watched Ratatouille on the big screen. Mark Mitchell from The

Comedy Company and Round the Twist was the Australia Day ambassador in 2008. The event is on Sawtell Memorial Inlet Island at Tooradin (Melways 144 A3) from 7pm to 11pm. Bring a chair, rug and insect repellent. Wet weather means the event will shift to the back-up venue, Tooradin Public Hall. The movie will start when it gets dark at around 9pm.

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HEADLINING this year’s Chill Island Festival is none other than Australia’s favourite singer-songwriter, Pete Murray. Pete needs no introduction, having had three consecutive number one albums in Australia, countless sold out shows around the country and a loyal fan base that made Pete one of the most successful singer-songwriters this country has ever produced. His ‘sing-along’ anthems Feeler, So Beautiful, Opportunity, Better Days, Class A, You Pick Me Up and current single Saving Grace, have all hit a nerve with festival audiences around the globe, and the locals at Phillip Island’s Chill Island Festival will see why Pete’s live band is considered one of the hottest live bands in the country. Chimney’s Aﬁre is the cry whalers of

yesteryear made when they harpooned a whale and a plume of blood and water spurted out its blowhole into the air. “It’s a horrifying, brutal image, but the actual language is evocative and quite amazing,” Josh Pyke said of the title of his new album, the follow-up to his ARIA award-winning debut Memories and Dust. Josh is looking forward to getting down to Chill Island to showcase a whole bunch of songs from Chimney’s Aﬁre, which just debuted at number one in the Australian charts, and number three in mainstream charts. “Blue King Brown is my favourite band right now. They embody everything I love in music from Ozomatli, African bands, Tower of Power to Santana. They are the voice of the street and the band of the future,” Grammy winner, Carlos Santana said.

Australia’s premier hard-hitting Live Urban Roots crew, Blue King Brown is working on their second album, set to drop in 2009. They have been travelling worldwide from Melbourne to Kingston, Jamaica, New York to San Francisco and Aoteoroa, New Zealand, working with the likes of Sly and Robbie, Jah Mason, Rovleta Fraser and renowned engineer Bonzai (known for his work with Damian and Stephen Marley amongst many others). One of Australia’s ﬁnest live performers, thrice ARIA nominated Ash Grunwald has been deservedly credited with bringing blues and roots to a whole new generation. His proﬁle has been growing rapidly, both here and overseas, and his latest album Fish Out Of Water, has seen his star continue its well deserved rise, with

critics and fans raving about his unique blend of roots, blues, beats and a whole lotta groove. Wagons put on a rock’n’roll country show like no other. A modern-day classic and a throwback to karmic country’s golden era, Wagons dare to incorporate inﬂuences as grand and wildly diverse as Johnny Cash, Scott Walker, Cormac McCarthy to Rod Stewart, Haruki Marukami and Skyhooks. Inspired by the most twisted aspects of traditional country music and ﬂea-bitten wild west novels, it is not uncommon to see these Melbourne boys grapple with death, lust, lost love and the withering effects of time, all in the course of one song. Chill Island is on Sunday, Febru- Very chilled: Josh Pyke will rockary 1, see www.chillisland.org for more out at Chill Island this year. details.

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Divine dining at Chapel on Chapel CHAPEL on Chapel is the new place to wine, dine and relax in Cowes. Formerly known as Finns Irish Bar, this delightful venue has been totally revamped and offers a fabulous light-ﬁlled, stylish venue for a long lazy breakfast, girl’s lunch, family dinner, intimate meal or a few quiet drinks with friends. Owner Les Kaposvari has gone to a lot of trouble and expense to turn this venue into a place that offers something for all tastes, and kids will love it too as they have their own spacious Kids Zone area right where parents can keep an eye on them through a wide expanse of glass windows while still being able to enjoy dinner together in peace. When you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season and enjoy a refreshing drink or reviving cup of Grinders signature blend coffee, “Giancarlo”, head to the newly completed Bad Habits Bar and attractive deck at Chapel on Chapel and take in glimpses of Westernport Bay. The new look venue boasts new chefs and a new summer menu that offers a mouth watering selection of breakfast, lunch and dinner dishes. For breakfast you can lash out and enjoy a decadent full cooked breakfast with the lot and there are also some healthy options. At lunchtime try the freshly prepared salads, burgers, focaccias and gourmet dishes, and for dinner the chefs have devised a variety of choices to suit all tastes and budgets. Parents will be interested to know there is a nice selection of children’s meals at any time of the day. Les and his two daughters Ebonie and Billie and staff are getting some great fed back from locals and visitors and are looking forward to a busy Christmas and New Year. Chapel on Chapel is a welcoming venue, with friendly staff and deﬁnitely worth a try. Les is certainly out to please, his motto being, “whatever you want we’ll get it”.

Celebrate: owner Les Kaposvari and staff Chantelle and Allan of the stylishly revamped Chapel on Chapel restaurant bar and bistro are celebrating the opening of their exciting Phillip Island eatery in Cowes. They are looking forward to wining and dining customers throughout the festive season.

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Bus around the island A SHUTTLE bus service connecting all the townships and major attractions on Phillip Island, is running over the summer until January 31. The service is available at weekends as well as during the week and the buses will have trailers for carrying surfboards and bicycles. Last year, nearly 1000 passengers used the summer shuttle to visit beaches, shops or friends. The Phillip Island shuttle offers two loops. One is between Cowes and San Remo, the other between Cowes and Ventnor. Along the way, the buses will stop at the Koala Reserve, Phillip Island Race Circuit and The Nobbies. Bass Coast Council community development team leader Kerri Ritchie, said there had been some changes to last year’s timetable, including the route between Cowes and Rhyll. Numbers have been too low to justify running a bus between those towns. “There has also been a change in the Cowes-San Remo service, which has been reorganised to make it easier for people from San Remo and the townships on the Phillip Island Tourist Road, to visit Cowes,” she said. The shuttle will leave San Remo

at 9am, noon and 3pm and Cowes at 11am, 2pm and 5pm. Passengers can use that service in combination with existing ones, offering more travelling choices. The Ventnor shuttle will leave Cowes at 10am, 1pm and 4pm, taking an hour for the round trip back to Cowes. The Phillip Island shuttle service will be paid for by the Department of Transport through its ﬂexible transport fund and provided by Cleelands Bus Lines. Fares are kept to a minimum, costing $2 full fare for any trip on the island or $1 concession. There will also be a Bass Coast summer service between Inverloch, Cape Paterson, Wonthaggi and Cowes, operating until January 31, provided by Phillip Island Bus Lines. Timetables and fares for both services are available from council customer service and visitor information centres, on council’s website at www. basscoast.vic.gov.au or the Sun, Surf and Sand website at www.sunsurfsand.org.au To ﬁnd out more, ring council on 1300 226 278. Both services will be evaluated and you can add your comments by emailing transportconnections@basscoast. vic.gov.au

Perfect site: the exclusive new six star hotel to be built by the Linfox Group at the Phillip Island Grand Prix track, will have stunning views. Course general manager Fergus Cameron (left) and Bass MLA Ken Smith, discuss the project.

New hotel for island THE exclusive new hotel being built on the grounds of the Phillip Island Grand Prix track, will take tourism in this region to a new level. The complex will consist of 10 low-rise buildings housing 22 rooms, four lodges with four separate accommodation units and a central reception area, restaurant, library, bar and conference facilities. Bass MLA Ken Smith, said the accommodation would help the

track cement its reputation as a world class motor sport facility. “This will be the only six star hotel outside Melbourne,” said Mr Smith. “And its beneﬁts to regional tourism and the local economy cannot be underestimated.” Mr Smith said the site of the new hotel, on the coastal edge of the circuit overlooking Cunningham Bay, was just spectacular. “It can only be a positive addition to what are already outstanding facilities at the track, includ-

ing the construction of a new $1 million, 2000 square metre function/exhibition centre and 20 new garages.” Mr Smith said other recent upgrades include a new medical centre and corporate hub. “This year’s grand prix was the best ever in terms of attendance and this latest development is just another very impressive bow in the string of an outstanding facility.” The hotel is being built by the Linfox Group.

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Kudos for all that is glorious KARIN Booth’s Kudos National Gallery in San Remo, is a veritable treasure trove of delights, evoking a creative energy that is extraordinary. Karin sews skirts, dresses, jackets. She makes jewellery. She does millinery. She creates soft furnishings. She restores furniture, paints, lacquers and has a head that is constantly full of ideas. Always on the prowl for vintage garments and fabrics, Karin spends her “spare” time trawling through op shops and has trained her car to divert to garage sales. You never know what you might find, is her credo. Years of practice have given Karin the ability to skim through racks of op shop clothes and the minute she sees something useful, she has a picture in her mind’s eye of what it can become. She is a supreme recycler. A tour around her shop shows doileys stitched onto cushions, unusual Christmas decorations, Danish and hand painted jewellery made by an Israeli woman in Bulgaria, table wear, fabulous clothes, hand bags made out of men’s suits complete with lapel on the front, carry alls crafted from flattened fruit juice containers, crockery and hats, one a magnificent black number with a wide brim and two bold orange flowers. Karin made the flowers herself from kimono fabric. Everything has a story and that’s

part of the appeal of the shop. It’s no surprise that customers come from all over the place to see what unusual gift, quirky item or vintage apparel they can ﬁnd. The choice is broad and eclectic. Karin makes a lot of the stock, but she also buys from others if they come in with something she likes. For example, among her newest table wear are tiered cake servers. These have been pieced together from recycled glass and china; plates balanced on pots or similar, graduating from large at the bottom to small at the top. If you aren’t creatively inclined yourself, you’d never dream of putting such items together into something new, but the effect is magical. That’s just the sort of out-of-thesquare creativity Karin loves. She herself makes jewellery from the most unlikely collection of bits and bobs, but it looks great. Kudos is her eighth business. She began in 1974 in Greville Street Prahran. Once established, she’d travel for six months of the year, buying “vintage clothing and stuff”. She said she started Kudos with “stuff, getting in to my stash of all sorts of goodies”. “I’m a shocking collector,” she admitted. Having once worked in a jewellery shop where she sold diamonds and estate pieces, and with a mother and grandmother with jewellery making skills, Karin has a good understanding of stones and jewellery.

Apart from the Danish and hand painted resin jewellery in Kudos, Karin makes the most of the rest of the jewellery in stock. If it’s vintage, she rethreads it. Complaining to a friend one day that she needed a studio in which to create, Karin said her friend replied, “You already have one!” So, part of Kudos is set aside with a cutting table and screened shelf packed with fabric of every hue and design, waiting to be made into something fabulous. One of Karin’s latest projects is turning the area at the back of the shop into a pretty courtyard. Her eventual idea is to serve high teas, but for the time being, she’s busy keeping the possums away from a fenceline of voluptuous white roses, beautifully accentuated by some green goddess lilies. If you’re spending time in San Remo, add Kudos to your list of things to do. It’s a must.

Creative ﬂair: Karin Booth uses her amazing imagination to create special pieces out of recycled materials, such as this dress on the model and the necklace Karin herself is wearing. Her shop Kudos, is open from 10am to 5pm seven days a week.

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Hobie puts power into pedals THERE are lots of ways of enjoying yourself on the water and there’s always something new on the market that will excite.

Above Kayak trial: David Walsh, of Rod Bending’s World of Fishing, offers Hobie kayaking trials in Venus Bay and Inverloch. Bill Lancaster (left) and Brian Conroy get ready for their ride.

Easy pedals: David Walsh shows how easy it is to pedal along.

Right Pedal power: Bill Lancaster and Brian Conroy enjoyed their water ride in the innovative Hobie kayak.

David Walsh, of Rod Bending’s World of Fishing in Venus Bay and Inverloch, has been retailing a highly popular kayak for some time. Called the Hobie, the kayak is particularly in demand in the Mirage Series, which includes several models in single and two-sitter configurations. David offers kayaking trials in Venus Bay and Inverloch. Recently Inverloch residents Bill Lancaster and Brian Conroy took a two-sitter on Anderson Inlet and enjoyed the water ride. The Hobie is a nimble and efficient watercraft. What is so remarkable about the kayak is that it has three ways of moving. Apart from a paddle and sail, the kayak has alternating pedal steps that drive two underwater fins that work much the same way as penguin flippers. “The fins propel the kayak through the water with quite some speed and with ease,” David said. “And you can peddle with minimum effort. It’s not as if it’s hard work.”

Similarly to a recumbent bike, the kayak rider lies comfortably with feet forward in the high-back seat and pushes the pedals with a walking movement. With each step the flippers flex and take the shape of a propeller blade. “Our larger leg muscles can produce more powerful propulsion than we can with our arms using the paddle,” David said. “We’ve had races between pedal and paddle kayaks and the pedal version won hands down.” Hobie offers loads of features. A hatch allows lots of storage below deck. The optional sail kit attaches the sail mount on the kayak. Sailing also achieves good speeds with or without pedalling. The two-piece paddle can be used for additional manoeuvrability. The twistand-tow rudder is used for steering. The rudder handle can be used while seated for finger-tip control. The high-back padded seat is fully adjustable for complete comfort and lumbar support. There are fishing rod holders and a large on-deck storage area for all the gear you want to bring on the trip. For details, call David on 0428 637 471.

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Everyone loves old fossils FOR most people, Inverloch in summer is about sun, sand and surf. For others, it’s about old rocks and bones. The Flat Rocks fossil site just west of Inverloch has proved to be a treasure trove for dinosaur hunters, revealing layer upon layer of prehistoric remains. The ﬁrst formal dig at Inverloch was in 1992 when researchers spent two weeks testing the productivity of the site. In this time more than 300 fossil bones buried below the surface of the shore platform were recovered. The site proved so productive that organised annual summer digs called ‘Dinosaur Dreaming’ commenced in 1994 and have collected an average of 700 fossil bones and teeth from each ﬁeld season.

The fossil layer at the Flat Rocks site is still producing as many fossil bones and teeth as when digging ﬁrst started. President of the South Gippsland Conservation Society, Dave Sutton, said visitors to the Bunurong Environment Centre in Inverloch were often inquiring about the dinosaur dig site. “The number of people that come in if they have kids, they ask to watch the dinosaur video or ﬁnd out how to get there,” he said. “It certainly gets kids’ imaginations going.” Mr Sutton said the increased publicity in recent years had led to greater levels of interest in the dig site. “When they come down for the dig every year, they seem to publicise it more than they used to,” he said. The Flat Rocks fossil site at Inverloch is located approximately 150 km

Big Swell: while Inverloch’s tranquil Anderson Inlet offers safe haven for water lovers, the surf beach has challenging waves that need to be respected.

south-east of Melbourne, on the south coast of Victoria. The area has special significance to Australia’s fossil history as the discovery of Australia’s first dinosaur bone, the Cape Paterson Claw, was found at a nearby site in 1903 by William Ferguson. The currently active site was discovered in 1991 when a group of researchers from Monash University and Museum Victoria were prospecting that part of the coastline for suitable locations for potential fossil dig sites. The sedimentary rocks along the Strzelecki coastline were thought to have been laid down approximately 120 to 115 million years ago in the early cretaceous period. The rocks have been dated using both fission track dating (based on radioactive content) and Palynology (based on the fossil pollen in the rock). Both methods of dating correlate the age of the rocks to about 120 million years plus or minus five million years. The fossil bones of many different animals have been found at the Flat Rocks site. There is evidence of at least five different types of dinosaur as well as the fossil bones of other reptiles, birds, mammals and fish. The fossil bones found at the site are the remains of animals that lived in an ancient river and the surrounding valley. The bones were washed into the river during flooding events and concentrated in the river bed. The most commonly found dinosaur at Flat Rocks is a small plant eater belonging to the Hypsilophodont family. This dinosaur was the size of a small

Deep dig: Scientists (left) converge on Inverloch each year in hope of ﬁnding fossils like this dinosaur footprint (above). wallaby and ran on its hind legs. Qantassaurus intrepidus is the latest hypsilophodontid dinosaur to be named from the site, however there are at least two other members of the hypsilophodontidae family represented. Evidence of tiny dinosaur bones at the site suggests that the area may have been a nesting ground for part of the year. There is also evidence of other dinosaurs including ankylosaurs and theropod dinosaurs at Flat Rocks and surrounding areas. Flying reptiles (pterosaurs) are sometimes mistakenly called dinosaurs, but belong to a different group of reptiles. A number of unusual teeth found at the Flat Rocks site have been assigned to pterosaurs, as well as some limb bones. The turtles of Flat Rocks appear to have been rather primitive. They had

short necks, unlike most of Australia’s modern turtles. A number of isolated teeth have been identiﬁed as belonging to small fresh-water plesiosaurs. In 1997, a fossil jaw only 17mm long with four teeth was found. The jaw belonged to an insectivorous mammal no bigger than a mouse and was named Ausktribosphenous nyktos. The teeth resembled those of a placental mammal. However, because all previous fossil evidence supported the idea that marsupials arrived in Australia long before placental mammals, the description of this discovery as a placental mammal was not accepted by many researchers. There has been much debate since the discovery of this jaw, and there is still no agreement as to which group of mammals it belongs to.

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Cape is quiet achiever TUCKED among the sand dunes, 10 kilometres south of Wonthaggi and 21 kilometres from Inverloch, through the Bunurong Marine Reserve, Cape Paterson is a quiet achiever.

Quiet town: Cape Paterson is quietly tucked among the sand dunes, 10 kilometres south of Wonthaggi and 21 kilometres from Inverloch.

Ideal beach: Cape Paterson offers a choice of beaches for all levels of swimmers. First Surf is ideal for the beginner surfer or boogie board rider.

The hamlet has only about 600 residents. It is known by thousands of holiday makers for its golden surf beaches, great fishing, rock pooling, its peaceful atmosphere and tranquillity. Some say it is one of Victoria’s bestkept secrets, only 90 minutes’ drive from Melbourne. Activities and attractions include excellent surfing, swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. The Cape offers a choice of beaches for all levels of swimmers. The Bay beach, which is protected by a natural rock breakwater, has almost no waves and is an ideal beach to swim, snorkel, fish and explore. First Surf is a beach that also offers protection from southerly swells. It is ideal for the beginner surfer or boogie board riders. The Second Surf is a straight-out ocean beach for serious surfing and fishing. The Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club, founded in 1960, is located at the western end of the beach. It provides basic facilities, parking and access.

The club holds regular activities over the summer months, and seafood is a specialty of the local tavern. Camping and caravan sites are available virtually at the water’s edge. Cape Paterson was named by Lt. Grant in 1801 to honour Lt. Col. William Paterson, second in command of the Botany Bay (Sydney) battalion. Interestingly, coal came well before tourism took hold of the Cape. Explorer William Hovell ﬁrst discovered black coal in the cliffs at Cape Paterson in 1826. In 1858, 2000 tons of coal were hauled to the coast at Cape Paterson and taken by whaleboat to ships for transportation to Melbourne. Tram rails on the beach are reminders of further attempts to remove coal from the area later in the century, which still remain on the beach to the west of No 2 surf beach. Cape Paterson attracts regular holidaymakers but, being slightly off the main road, maintains an air of appealing isolation. In all but the peak season the walks and beaches are almost deserted. A short walk begins at the boat ramp and ﬁnishes at the surf beach near the surf life saving club.

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A TRIP to Prom Country is made more memorable by a visit to the reputable Foster Golf Club and the hub of modern Australian cuisine, Mezatt Restaurant. The golf course is one of the most beautiful in country Victoria, featuring 18 holes on the southern edge of town. Spanning 5792m, the course comprises five par fives, eight par fours and five par threes, giving seasoned and amateur golfers equal challenges. Fairways are lined by native trees and are narrow, testing golfers’ ability to reach each green “in regulation”. “The course is only lightly bunkered on three holes and two holes require drives over a dam to add interest to a day of golf,” said club manager, Rod Coughran-Lane. “The Foster Golf Club welcomes social groups and offers very competitive rates. With its proximity to Melbourne, it is feasible for groups to arrange a day visit, with lunch

and dinner available from the club’s dining room, or a barbecue if preferred, even on a Saturday.” Package deals including motel, ﬂat or caravan park accommodation can also be arranged, with the special green fee booking rates applying. The club has three electric carts, pull along buggies, clubs for hire and can cater for golfers of any standard. Connoisseurs of cuisine will appreciate the ﬁne selection available from Mezatt, the restaurant operating from the clubhouse. The modern Australian theme embraces a selection of traditional Aussie favourites, plus Thai, Italian, Asian, European and Lebanese. Consider the seafood crepe, Thai beef in lettuce rolls, black tiger prawn salad, chick scallopini or porterhouse steak, but be sure not to overlook the oldfashioned mixed grill, a contemporary favourite. Lunches are available from Thursday through to Sunday, and dinner is served seven nights a week. Manager Elias Haddad in-

vites guests to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in a light and a spacious setting, catering for 100. “We offer great service and it’s not noisy, with a great outlook over the ninth or eighteenth greens. People can dine outside if they wish and just pop in for a drink,” he said. Popular with tourists and locals alike, the restaurant is the ideal place to stop during a trip to the Prom and also lures diners from as far as Korumburra, Leongatha and Yarram for a meal. “All food is made on the premises. Sometimes people can’t finish our chicken parmigianas because they’re so big,” Elias said. “All our fish is sourced from Corner Inlet and Bass Strait, our meat is grain-fed, and our porterhouse and eye fillett are marbled and tender. “I feed people here what I eat myself.” Bookings are welcomed on 5682 2986.

Hitting straight: Bernd Amesreiter and Lester Rootsey rehearse their putting before taking to the greens of the Foster Golf Club.

Popular dish: the scrumptious veal scallopini available from Mezatt Restaurant.

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Six years of best taste THE Tastes of Prom Country is into its sixth year and going ever stronger.

Home cinema: Maria Jackson at Maria’s Recycling Emporium just outside of Foster on Ameys Track. Her property is full of second-hand goods for those seeking something different or necessary.

It started out as a modest annual exhibition of local producers and artists showcasing their awardwinning merchandise, and has rapidly grown into a premier event attracting an increasing number of keen visitors. The exhibition offers them the opportunity of sampling the wide range of produce grown in South Gippsland. This is blended with two full days of entertainment, art and much more. Tastes of Prom Country will feature some of the best food, wine, beer, produce, music and art the South Gippsland district has to offer. These products will be presented to the public with demonstrations, information, products for purchase, samples and promotional materials. Visitors can experience the ﬁnest wines Prom Country has to offer; extra virgin olive oil, fresh Corner Inlet seafood,

Great event: Tastes of Prom Country features some of the best food, wine, beer, produce, music and art the South Gippsland district has to offer. natural handmade soaps, preserves, sweet asparagus, Gippsland beef, organic sourdough bread, local honey and bee products, award winning beer, Australian bush foods, handmade spices, freshly brewed coffee, gourmet cheeses, freshly harvested fruit and vegetables. They can attend cooking demonstrations from local chefs and enjoy many other delicacies as well as admire the vintage cars

from the South Gippsland Historical Automobile Club. They will taste the best of country life in Gippsland and purchase seasonal and locally produced goods in a festive atmosphere with local music and entertainment. Tastes of Prom Country will be held on January 17 and 18, 2009, at the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre, ‘The Heart of Prom Country’, and will

also incorporate the Prom Country Farmers Market on Saturday and The Great Southern Portrait Prize (presented by the Prom Coast Art Council) throughout the weekend. All visitors to the district are invited to celebrate the diverse food, wine, music, art and lifestyle that Prom Country offers. For more information, visit www.tastesofpromcountry.com.au.

Foster at a glance Activities and attractions EXPLORE the spectacular Wilsons Promontory National Park – the park entrance is approximately 30 kilometres south of the town. Visit Foster Museum and learn about Foster’s gold, forestry, dairying and social history. Open Sundays, public and school holidays. Browse the Stockyard Gallery and view fine works from many local artists. Embark on Hayes Walk and view the site of Victory Mine, the town’s largest gold mine. The walk starts in town and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. Visit local lookouts such as Foster North Lookout on South Gippsland Highway, six kilometres north-west of Foster or Mt Nicholl Lookout, eight kilometres south-west of the town. Head to Shallow Inlet for windsurfing or Corner Inlet for birdwatching and fishing. Swim at the local beaches of Sandy Point and Waratah Bay. With a population of approximately 1000, approximately 175 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, it’s the gateway to Wilsons Promontory National Park and Corner Inlet. Also the gateway to the local beaches of Sandy Point and Waratah Bay.

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Foster’s beautification hub ESSENTIAL Body Basics in Foster is the must-stop place for people seeking special attention during their South Gippsland stay. They offer a comprehensive range of beauty treatment and day spa activities at their salon on the corner of Bridge and Main streets in Foster. Recently the business has undergone a major renovation and expansion, with the addition of hairdressing services. “Our aim is to provide quality professional efficient service and this expansion allows us to do this,” beauty therapist, Nerelle Checkley said. “The existing Essential Body Basics building will now be more private for beauty, spa and massage treatments. “The adjoining corner shop will be reception, shop, manicure and waiting room with the other shop front as a hairdressing salon.” Be pampered and beautified with state-of-theart relaxation, massage, facials, tinting, waxing, bio sculpture gel nails, Sun Fx spray tan, day spa body treatment and beauty treatments. Spa pedicures are done in the luxurious spa massage treatment chair. “We specialise in facial treatments using Doctor Spiller products. One of our most popular facials is the enzyme peeling treatment and we also do prescriptive treatments using Ampule essences,” Nerrelle said. “People usually feel rejuvenated and you also get physical results; they don’t just leave you feeling better.” If you’re looking for a holiday treat, how about a nurturing total body massage designed to chase away your worries and help you gain mental clarity, emotional stability and physical relaxation. Alternatively the body cleansing enzyme peeling is great for sun damaged skin.

After a gentle full body exfoliation you will relax and enjoy the spa sauna and vichy shower, then be drenched in moisturiser Essential Body Basics use high quality skin care, cosmetic and beauty products. Complete hairdressing services using quality hair care products are also offered. Cutting, colouring, styling, perms, conditioning treatments and more. All these services are at affordable prices. A lovely selection of feminine accessories to delight any woman, and of course, they make great gifts for either you or someone else, are available at the salon. There are candles, gift sets, lovely candle holders, beautiful soaps, lavish body butters, scented bath products, softening hand cream and delightful perfume. “We stock luxury products that contain minimal or often no chemicals, preservatives and additives, with active ingredients of natural plant extracts, herbs, vitamins and minerals,” Nerelle said. All the Inika cosmetics sold at Essential Body Basics are as close to organic as you can get. They guarantee never to use harsh chemicals, bismuth oxychloride, parabens, talc, fragrance or GM ingredients in any of their formulations. Choose from Mineral Bronzers, Setting Powder, Blush and Illuminisor. Of course there are also Brow Pencils, Mineral Mascara and Eyeliners or try several of the the vibrant colours in the Pure Inika Eyeshadow range. Essential Body Basics is open business hours weekdays, Saturday morning and Thursday evenings. Appointments can be made by calling 5682 1200. Visit their website at www. essentialbodybasics.com.au for more information.

Above Friendly team: mother and daughter, qualiﬁed hairdresser, Vanessa and beauty therapist, Nerelle Checkley are ready to beautify you.

Facial rejuvenation: Nerelle Checkley prepares to give daughter, Vanessa, the special treatment at Essential Body Basics in Foster.

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Fabulous Foster – a place to enjoy AT the heart of Prom Country, Foster is a great place to live, work and play. The dairying and grazing town is 169km south-east of Melbourne on the South Gippsland Highway. It is only about 20km north of the beautiful Gippsland coastline, which includes Shallow Inlet, Corner Inlet, Waratah Bay, Yanakie and Wilsons Promontory. Foster is an attractive town for tourists, boasting scenic views, boating, ﬁshing, surﬁng, sports, craft markets, monthly farmers’ markets (held on the third Saturday of every month) and wineries. The town boasts close access to the Prom and is a popular base for visitors. Set in the centre of a rich agricultural area, Foster is the main shopping precinct for Wilsons Promontory and beaches of Corner Inlet and Waratah Bay. All the essentials for everyday living can be found in and around the town. Foster has a population of about 1000 residents, and has a friendly, country feel, with one hotel and several dining options. Because of the scenic beauty of the surrounding area and its proximity to Wilsons Promontory and mountain areas inland, Foster is a popular destination for international visitors as well as Melbourne residents. In summer, the town’s size can increase by as much as 250 per cent due to tourism. The town boasts a great selection of shops, with two butchers, two bakers and two supermarkets. Many Melbourne people prefer to do their shopping here, tasting and savouring

the array of local produce. You might be surprised to know that much of what you put in your supermarket trolley each week comes, often unlabelled, from the deep rich soils of Prom Country. Premium beef, lamb, crisp sugar snap peas, potatoes, milk and butter. Our local restaurants, pubs and cafes relish the opportunity to transform these basic ingredients into mouth watering delights that tempt the eyes and satisfy the palate. The Prom Country Farmers’ Market is held on the third Saturday of every month; rain, hail or shine. Prom country also boasts several wineries providing cool-climate red and white table wines. Infused with ﬂavour, they have a distinctive character unique to small-scale vineyards. Some of Australia’s best pinots are grown here. The annual Tastes of Prom Country is a major event held in January, each year. There are three banks, including ATMs, a licensed post ofﬁce, chemist, and a variety of other shops including clothing, haberdashery, furniture and tattslotto, hairdresser, laundromat, medical centre and a hospital. Near the village is a challenging 18hole golf course, with a superb restaurant located at the golf club. For many interests there are clubs based around the town for sports and social services, an art and craft gallery and a museum. For healthy pursuits, you may participate in lawn bowls, tennis, basketball, netball, swimming and of course football and cricket. Foster marks the start or end of the

Great Southern Rail Trail, a 46km gravel pathway, suitable for walking, cycling and horse riding. In and around the town there is plenty to explore. After browsing the shops for your needs along Main Street, there is Pearl Park at one end to sit and relax or start on one of the walking tracks, including along Stockyard Creek or further up the hill through the Foster Flora Reserves. Foster has a long and interesting history based around its gold mining heritage. Mine poppet heads were erected around the boundaries of the township that today form part of Foster’s Flora Reserves. There are a number of short walks around the reserves, such as Hayes walk, a short 15 minute walk that takes you past the site of Victory Mine, Foster’s largest and most lucrative gold mine. Originally called Stockyard Creek, after the stream that still ﬂows through the centre of the town, Foster was initially nothing more than a resting place for drovers travelling from Port Albert to Western Port. However this all changed with the discovery of gold in the 1880s that led to a modest gold rush. After the gold ran out, Foster became a service centre of the burgeoning South Gippsland dairy industry. Today it is a thriving town that links Wilsons Promontory with the rest of Victoria. To get an impressive view of the wider area, a great spot is from the lookout just off the South Gippsland Highway at Foster North. Only 6km north-east from the town, the views are spectacular.

Above: Great views: look over Foster to the sea at Foster North on the South Gippsland Highway. Left: Beautiful spot: Yarram area residents, Nicky Waugh, Ebhan Darvill and Laura Foat were making a stop in friendly Foster’s Pearl Park on their way to Sandy Point for surﬁng.

“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2008/2009 - PAGE 49

A tourist’s mecca

YARRAM is the commercial centre of southeast Gippsland and fondly known by locals as the hub of “Tarra Territory”.

Ideal holiday: golﬁng at Yarram is a great way to relax in the outdoors.

Show golﬁng prowess FOR a sporting day out, visit the number one volunteer run golf course in Australia, Yarram Golf Club. A superb sandbelt course carved from natural bush, the course boasts a challenging 18 hole layout and a welcoming atmosphere. Regular club events include tournaments, monthly medal stroke, stroke, stableford and par. Green fees are a reasonable $20 all day and $15 for nine holes. Enjoy clean clubrooms, a licensed bar, four golf carts for hire and four powered caravan sites. The course is located on the South Gippsland Highway, on the Sale side of Yarram.

The perfect spot to stay while exploring the natural wonderland surrounding the town, Yarram is close to the Ninety Mile Beach, Tarra-Bulga National Park and Port Albert, and is an attraction on its own. Yarram boasts fascinating architecture from a period when this part of the world was on the gold route to Walhalla, and boasts fascinating attractions that will entertain families, couples and individuals. The Yarram Court House visitor information centre in Commercial Road is the ideal place to stop and gather information for your visit. While there, be sure to inspect the art gallery and gift shop. Here are some ideas: • wander the commercial strip in town and see unusual shops; • play a round at the famous Yarram Golf Club. Even after heavy rain, the sandy course soon drains to a playable state; • travel to Jack Smith Lake State Game Reserve, home to more than 100 species of birds. Access the reserve from the South Gippsland Highway at Woodside via Byrnes Road or Stringybark Lane, or the Darriman-Seaspray Road (known as Middle Road);

• take a day trip to the majestic Tarra-Bulga National Park; • swim in the surf at Woodside Beach, patrolled at weekends; • catch a fish in the Tarra or Albert rivers, or travel to McLoughlins Beach or Port Albert. There is a boat ramp on the Albert River just west of Alberton; • drive to the Hiawatha Falls and swimming pond, a scenic 2030 minute drive west of Yarram via Church Road; • watch a film or a show at the historic Regent Theatre in the main street of Yarram; • play bowls or tennis at the Yarram Country Club; • cool off in the public swimming pool; • relax with a cuppa or a meal in any of the fine eateries in town; • head into the hills and go bushwalking, four-wheel-driving or motorbike riding in any of the state parks. Stunning waterfalls can be found. Pick up brochures from the Yarram Court House; • take the family for a barbecue and play in Yarram Memorial Gardens, next to the country club; • wander the Yarram Historic Trail. Pick up a brochure from the Yarram Court House and discover the town’s past; or • visit Tarraville and its Christ Church, built in 1856 with no nails and since, completely restored.

Activities abundant: there is plenty to see and do in Yarram and surrounds.

Historical appeal: the Yarram Courthouse is now a visitor information centre and art gallery.

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Natural wonder TARRA-BULGA National Park is the most famous tourist attraction in the Yarram district and a pristine example of South Gippsland rainforest.

Gippsland icon: from the suspension bridge at Tarra-Bulga National Park, visitors can look over fern gullies.

Renowned for its giant mountain ash trees, grand fern gullies and ancient myrtle beeches, the park spans 2015ha and is popular for picnics, walks, scenic drives and nature study. The visitor centre at Balook is open at limited times to showcase the history of the Strzelecki Ranges and rainforest. Toilets and picnic facilities are available here. The park can be accessed from Yarram by turning left at the Yarram hospital and watching for signs along the sealed road. The ﬁrst stop is the Tarra Valley picnic area on the Tarra Valley Road, some 8km south of the visitor centre. A short 1.5km walk meanders through the rainforest to the charming Cyathea Falls. The self-guided Fern Gully Nature Walk starting at Bulga picnic ground takes in the famous suspension bridge. The picnic area is just north of the visitor centre, off the Grand Ridge Road. Fireplaces, picnic shelters, tables and toilets are available at the visitor centre and Tarra Valley picnic area. There are numerous tracks throughout the park and these are typically narrow and occasionally steep with steps. Living amongst the fern gullies are the Superb Lyrebird, Yellow Robins, Crimson Rosellas, Swamp wallabies, wombats, possums and platypus. There are also bandicoots, native rats, seven species of bats and numerous reptiles. Thirty-nine species of ferns are known to grow within the park and at least 200 types of fungi.

Serene spot: tidal waterways can be enjoyed from the Old Port Trail.

Discover Old Port by foot EXPERIENCE the natural wonder of the coastline by walking The Old Port Trail. The 5.7km journey from Seabank to the township of Port Albert takes in the area’s history and remains much as it was when settlers first arrived in 1841. The land now passed over by the trail was then a base for Aboriginal people to fish and canoe the inlet, while hunting on the flats. The walk starts at Seabank, the inlet at the end of Old Port Road, off the Yarram-Port Albert Road. Alternatively, visitors can begin their meander at Stockyard Point at Port Albert, opposite the restaurant and fish’n’chip shop.

Seabank is near where explorer Angus McMillan reached the inlet on February 14, 1841 and that spot is marked by a cairn along the walk. The trail passes through heathland and banksia glades to the Old Port Foreshore Road, and continues amongst melaleuca thickets and mangrove swamps. Remains of old crockery and bottles signify the original site of the settlement of Port Albert by the Gippsland Company in May, 1841. The township was moved to the current site two years later, after shallow channels made loading cattle difﬁcult. For more information about the trail, pick up a brochure from the Gippsland Regional Maritime Museum at Port Albert.

“SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2008/2009 - PAGE 51

Choice is yours QUAINT, relaxed, alive with nature on land and sea. This is the unique beauty of Port Albert, where visitors can choose to do nothing or ﬁll their days with activities galore. Whether stopping by for just the day or planning a longer stay, Port Albert and surrounds offers a variety of activities and attractions. Here are some ideas: • unravel the intriguing past of Port Albert and broader Gippsland at the Gippsland Regional Maritime Museum; • hire a boat or canoe near the jetty and appreciate Port Albert from an unusual angle;

• sit down with a drink or a meal at the historic Port Albert Hotel, Customs House Café or the new Wildfish Restaurant and take-away fish’n’chips; • dangle a line for a fish from either the shore or jetties. With the sea surrounding the town, the possibilities are endless, and don’t forget the banks of the nearby Tarra River; • visit the Port Albert Art Gallery in Tarraville Road, just up from the general store, and ponder the captivating works of reputable artist, Warren Curry; • relax with a cuppa at The General Store and explore the fascinating gallery at the rear; • walk the historic Old Port Trail, beginning at Stockyard

Point (where the hotel and wharves are located), along the shores of McMillan Bay to Old Port Road at Seabank. The six kilometre one-way journey will take 1.5 hours. The walk passes the point where Angus McMillan reached the coast. If only walking one way, arrange a car shufﬂe; • drive to the coastal communities of Robertsons Beach and Manns Beach. Follow the signs to Tarraville and then watch other signs; • dive or snorkel to explore under the sea; or • wander around the historic Alberton Cemetery, on the road between Port Albert and Alberton, on the highway.

Discover the past THE Gippsland Regional Maritime Museum will entertain those with a curious mind for hours on end. Inside are displays about shipwrecks, early settlement, the shark ﬁshing industry and maritime history, with fascinating accounts and intriguing photos. Located at the corner of Tarraville Road and Bay Street, the museum is within the former Bank of Victoria building. The Port Albert branch of the bank opened on

Come in: museum volunteers such as John Abbey enjoy sharing a yarn with visitors. March 28, 1856 and was the ﬁrst bank in Gippsland.

The museum is open daily from 10.30am 4pm.

History to be told HISTORY buffs will appreciate the stories waiting to be found at the Alberton Cemetery, on the way to Port Albert. The cemetery is one of the oldest and historically important graveyards in Victoria, dating back to the burial of Robert McClure in 1842. Some older wooden grave markers apparently existed on the banks of the Albert River dating back as far as 1823 and most likely denoted the resting places of sealers and whalers who worked Bass Strait before Port Albert was founded in 1841. Earlier graves can be found by the banks of the river, as many early burial parties travelled to the cemetery by water. Reading the old headstones, visitors learn of lives of isolation and hardship lived by the early settlers, with some families losing all children

Intriguing tales: Alberton Cemetery Trust’s Margaret Greenaway among the gravestones at the historic graveyard. within a month. Other graves are those of victims of shipwrecks, disease and accidents. The cemetery is open seven days, with unlimited hours.

Relaxing scene: looking towards the Port Albert marina and hotel from the boat ramp jetty.

PAGE 52 - “SOUTH COAST TOURIST NEWS”, Summer Edition, 2008/2009

IT’S only a couple of hours down the road, but Stony Creek Racing Club is a world away from Flemington, Caulﬁeld and Moonee Valley. The ﬁrst thing you will notice is there’s not a morning suit or top hat to be seen. In fact, you have to look pretty hard to see a tie among the casual wear of the racegoers. Go for a walk and the differences become more evident. While most people wouldn’t even think about taking their children to the drunken festival that is the spring carnival, Stony Creek is alive with the sights and sounds of kids having the time of their lives. The family atmosphere of Stony

Creek makes it safe to let children have a wander while they watch the horses and uncover the mysteries of the racing world. Anyone who was allowed to roam freely at the races as a child will appreciate the excitement youngsters feel as they duck here and there exploring the track, from mounting yard to bookies ring. Some adults tend to remain more stationary, often only moving between the bookies, bar and barbecue. The bookmakers’ ring and oncourse Tote facilities mean that the action never stops for those who like to have a flutter. Betting on races around Australia gives a wide selection of punting options for those who want a bit more than just the

local action. The best tip for punters is to get to a local horse racing identity. A bit of local knowledge can help transfer cash from the bookmaker’s bag to your back pocket. Staking out a blanket space in Melbourne during spring is like trying to ﬁnd room for a beach towel at

Lorne on Australia Day. Stony Creek is more like Waratah Bay - picturesque, comfortable and with plenty of room to move. There’s always something to do for those who only have a passing interest in the horses. A great range of food is available, with fine local wines always

popular in marquees and on picnic blankets. Stony Creek Cup Day sees a band ﬁre up the crowd, creating a real party atmosphere at the track. Stony Creek is very different to metropolitan racing. The locals will tell you they wouldn’t have it any other way.