For the first time in many years, I’ve taken a four week break.
Michael and I considered many places to go, but in the end we decided on Mallacoota, in Victoria’s East Gippsland. [map:http://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=Mallacoota,+Victoria&hl=en&sll=-37.89892,145.054146&sspn=0.009939,0.01929&vpsrc=0&z=11]
14th August
Our first stop was at Metung, about half way to Mallacoota, we stopped at a delightful one bedroom flat called Pelican Perch. We got in at about 4.00 p.m., unpacked and then took a walk along the board walk into Metung, about a twenty minute stroll along the edge of Bancroft Bay. The water was pretty murky and for reason unknown there were a few bales of hay in the water. Probably washed in by recent floods.
We walked passed Legend Rock,a plaque on the wall retells the local Aboriginal story of how greed will be punished1. When the fisherman didn’t share their catch with their dogs,
Legend Rock - photo by John O'Neil
despite have more than enough, the women turned them into stone. Of course, in true Australian style, there is only one rock left, the others were in they way so they have been destroyed.
We walked into Metung, made a reservation for dinner then walked across to the other side of the narrow peninsula and watched the sun set over Lake King. We watched as a pelican skimmed across the lake so close to the water that it left a little wake as the tips of its wings hovered millimeters above the surface. A helicopter flew over us and seem to land close by, perhaps some sort of emergency we thought. Alas, it seems the owner simply wanted a drink at the pub and flew in to land right next to it! In the twilight we walked back to Pelican Perch to collect the car and then drive back into Metung for dinner. We didn’t really fancy walking back in the dark!
Dinner was at Bancroft Bites, a wonderful little cafe with plenty of atmosphere and some funky music. Duck for Michael and a steak for me. Yummy. We spoke briefly with a couple who were visiting from England. He was up for a chat, telling us about his trip and drive from Canberra to Metung, before heading off to the Great Ocean Road. I like chatting with travelers, it’s good value.
15th August
Next morning we packed up and headed towards Mallacoota, a further 3 hour drive. Stopping at a few of the towns along the way, through Lakes Entrance (which I’m sure is the best way to do Lakes Entrance) stopping in Orbost for a bite to eat at a local cafe.
We arrived at Mallacoota by about 3.30. Our accommodation looks out over the Bottom Lake with the Howe Ranges in the background and Rabbit Island just off shore. The place is cozy enough, the view is nice and it’s so quiet!
We discovered the joys of rented accommodation, there’s a nice looking fire-box, loading with wood, but no matches to light it. There’s a selection of tools to cook with but no can opener, there’s a wonderful array of crockery but no wineglass in sight.
