Clothes can be a problem as you can never really expect the weather to be exactly as the forecast predicts. So you need to know that you have something to protect you from the cold and some easy care T - shirts if it turns warm.
Our few days away at the Hopkins River Big 4 near Warrnambool showed how crazy the weather could be.
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| The Elephant Bridge hotel was a great place to stop for lunch on the way to Warrnambool |
Such glorious sunshine as we headed south west, but we know this coast line can be notorious for strong wind, and it was only October so spring weather is unpredictable.
The Hopkins River Big 4 is in Allansford, which is just outside Warrnambool. It is very easy to find and is well sign posted. You head down the hill to the river flats and lush farming land borders either side of the road.
The grounds are so well set out and the gardens are very well maintained. Wayne ( who was always ready for a friendly chat ) does an awesome job keeping them all mown and trimmed . All the sites have plenty of native plants surrounding them which bring quite a variety of birds.
We were given a lovely ensuite site not far from the office and with some lovely neighbours on the site behind us. The ensuite was clean and was only a couple of steps from the rear of our van. The park has some nice cabins if you do not have a caravan. And the park offers plenty of activities for children and adults .
Each time we are away our set up time is getting quicker. We both pitch in and just do what needs to be done, whether it is outside jobs or inside. Although I must say it is great when I can get the kettle out to put it on for a well earned cuppa. The alcoholic beverages generally wait a bit longer to be consumed, just to make sure we have completed set up and we can sit and fully relax .
If you stay at this caravan park, a gentle walk over to the river is a must. There are places to sit and chill out whilst dropping a line in .
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| Hopkins River |
If you want to watch TV you will probably need to go to the office and hire a specially designed television aerial as the signal is a bit touchy.
The Warrnambool region is home to some awesome scenery all within a short drive.
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| Hopkins Falls |
Hopkins Falls is close by and we were lucky enough to see a power of water rushing over.
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| Hopkins Falls |
The Great Ocean Road is a must see while you are there. You will be astounded by the huge rock formations sitting gracefully in the ocean. The waves crashing around the base and then thundering to the shore. We really are blessed to have some outstanding scenery in this wonderful country.
But be careful as the roads are busy, yes, tourists everywhere, and the wind can be cold. And be very mindful of the fact that the edges of the cliffs are unforgiving, so stay behind the barriers .
We only spent a day covering the Twelve Apostles region , which was enough as we saw everything, but in hindsight there just did not seem enough time to just sit and take in the awesomeness.
How wonderful is this coastline. I think I need to return, just to sit and enjoy the scenery without the hustle and bustle of working life entering in to my thoughts.
The little town of Port Fairy is not far from Warrnambool and is definitely worth a relaxing wander around. The day we went there it poured with rain so our wander was somewhat limited. The little Irish buildings appear as if they belong in a story book , or perhaps they are the subject of a story written long ago.
If you do manage to head off to Port Fairy you will drive past Tower Hill. This is also a must see. But walking is required so good shoes and suitable clothes are a must. As we dropped in here on our way back from Port Fairy it was still raining but we braved the weather, albeit for a short time only.
We headed off on a short loop around the park rugged up in our weather proof coats and umbrella aloft. We were rewarded with the sight of a koala quietly sleeping high up in a tree. Plenty of bird life , and yes, emus wander around the grounds. When we returned to our car there were more tourists standing and pointing to the top of the tree above our car. Sound asleep was a koala. If we had bothered to look up before we headed off we could have saved ourselves a walk in the cold and rain.
Being a tourist around the Warrnambool region was so enjoyable and it is definitely an area that should be on any travellers destination list.
Certain months of the year you may be lucky enough to see whales rolling around just off shore.
There is a very large viewing platform at Logan's Beach which makes searching for them slightly easier.
Our touring around was so enjoyable but our holiday was not without a couple of unexpected incidents. It does not matter how well travelled you are or how well educated you are in the caravanning lifestyle accidents do happen and you are powerless to prevent them.
One night we had to deal with gale force winds so we were up at 2 AM securing our belongings and pulling the awning down. Our neighbour also was up as the wind was blowing under his annexe and causing it to balloon out. No damage happened but we have insurance so if it had, we would have lodged a claim.
When we go away we just grab frozen foods from our freezer and the most popular foodstuff is homemade meat pies. So after a day of site seeing these tasty morsels were put in the oven to warm. To sit and read and enjoy a wine while they were heating was just what was needed. What wasn't needed was the next ensuing minutes. I got up to check on the pies and the sink cover had been placed on top of the stove which also had the stove cover still down. Consequently the heat was building up and the cover was close to catching alight. It now has the black scar mark to remind us of that moment. Both covers were extremely hot and you needed oven mitts to remove the sink cover. We turned the oven off and ate the pies as is. They were warm enough.
My stress level had risen.
Just a simple lapse in concentration but that is all that it takes.
Our caravan is only a small pop top so not a heavy van to tow and does not appear to be a problem in the wind; and hubby has towed a variety of trailers ever since he was a teenager, so I have always felt comfortable with his ability.
All packed up and ready to head home after our great few days, our next incident was , unfortunately , a problem with the tow ball.
I walked to the office to return our key only to walk out to the ute and caravan as they were going over the speed hump. ..... And off bounced the van. Yes there was a problem with the ball attaching. Wayne was straight on the scene and was so helpful. Both the park manager and Wayne were so understanding and just so glad that our van had dislodged there and not as we were going along the highway.
We may not be here to tell the tale if that had happened.
Wayne collected a large jack and the van was re attached so we could head on our way, nothing broken, only pride damaged. We were so thankful to these two guys for being helpful, understanding and relaxed
But there you go ! Accidents do happen. It is not that all people who have accidents are rookie caravan owners or never towed anything before, but just maybe some accidents are just that , accidents.
Happy travelling
www.visitgreatoceanroad.org.au
www.visitvictoria.com
www.visitportfairy-moyneshire.com.au
www.visitwarrnambool.com.au
www.towerhill.org.au
Elephant Bridge, beautiful food. Warnambool is a great spot to set up for a while. Amazing stuff in all directions.
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