One of our favourite things to do when we travel is op shopping. Small country towns in Australia always have opportunity (other known as charity) shops. Street libraries where you pick up and drop off free book are also always fun. Whenever we travel we take a stash of books that we no longer need to exchange and share the love.
This is some of the haul we picked up when we had a quick five day get away recently. Books are our main prize, followed by puzzles, music/DVD’s and other random oddments. I think that my favourite purchase on this trip was a 1980’s version of Trivial Pursuit. In a few weeks time my family is going away to celebrate family birthdays and we are having a 1980’s themed celebration. I didn’t know that it existed but I am now looking forward to giving it a go.
The Australiana Pioneer Village has been put together by moving original buildings from the local area a central location. The properties that were moved into the village in 1970 were a mixture from the late 1800’s to early 1990’s. Since 2004 the site has been heritage listed so it will remain in tact for future generations.
It is an amazing display of the courage, creativity and spirit of the Australian pioneers. If they didn’t have something that they wanted they found a way compromise or make it. I loved the the stories that were attached to each of the buildings. I think my favourite example was Case cottage that once a month on a Saturday night took out the middle wall and put it on the front lawn. This allowed the cottage to turn into a dance hall for the locals. They even had a arranged a safe way for single young ladies to safely be transported to and from the dance. Australia’s first Ubers you might say.
The other building I was particularly surprised with was the villages police station. Built in 1888 it was in use at Riverstone until 1970 when it was moved on site. I was 8 at the time so it seems surreal to me that a police station this small was all the area needed.
The sample of hand made whipped butter made during a presentation was amazing. I would love to have the patience to make my own.
The Australiana Pioneer Village is an 100% volunteer organization. It’s slogan is Proud to Preserve the Past. They have done a great job of it and I am very grateful.
If we were having coffee I would tell you that we have recently returned from Japan. The purpose of our visit was to meet our first grandchild. A beautiful healthy baby boy who we will call X. Unfortunately Japan’s covid rules don’t allow hospital visits so while we waited to see him we enjoyed sightseeing around Japan. I look forward to sharing our experiences in the future.
If we were having coffee I would tell you that Alan Joyce, Qantas CEO was right when he said that ‘Australian’s had forgotten how to travel during the pandemic.’ When he first said it, I was offended. I didn’t agree and thought he was making excuses for his company’s problems. But we had forgotten many of the things that need to happen before you get on a plane. As we hadn’t flown in 4.5 years I suppose it makes sense.
If we were having coffee I would I would tell you how great it felt to have my first swim of the season just before we left for Japan. It was a very hot day and my girlfriend and I were meant to go walking but instead choose to swim. She hadn’t swum for a long time either so it was a win-win all around.
If we were having coffee I would tell you how happy I have been learning how to make projects with my Cricut machine. I signed up to Jennifer Makers Design To Shine course. I love it. She is teaching us not only how to make things but also how to design them from scratch. I find it fascinating how by using simple shapes, very complicated designs can be created. I am loving having an idea and seeing it come to life. Below are several of the first things I have made using various techniques and materials.
If we were having coffee I would you how weird it was going from 35C in Australia to -5C in Japan. Then just to add to the weather confusion last week we had the hottest days in our state since 1964. I hope that the beautiful Autumn weather we usually have arrives soon. Last weeks hot nights made it very difficult to sleep.
If we were having coffee I would ask you what is happening in your world?
During our holiday in Truby we free camped. In fact of the 28 days that we were away we only stayed in a caravan park 4 times. For my husband and I this was a very new experience. We were taught the rules and how to go about it by other family members who had been doing it for decades. For anyone who doesn’t know what I am talking about, free camping is stopping anywhere to sleep the night that costs you nothing.
Sometimes in Australia there are designated free camping places. These are the ones my husband and I are comfortable with. However, there is a whole new world out there that we are only learning about. Some of the places we have camped recently include:
Beside lakes and rivers
Bush carparks
By the side of the road
Empty carparks
Industrial areas
Lookouts
On the grounds of motels/pubs with the owners permission
Picnic areas
Private land out of sight of the public
Once I got over the initial anxiety of whether we could or couldn’t park overnight somewhere I loved the experience. On one occasion when we were camped in a lookout the police did a drive by. Rather than ask us to move on they waved so we settled in for the night.
We can never hide very well
Now I am counting done the days till we can hit the road again to find more hidden gems.
Australia has a new and booming tourist industry. Silo Art trails. These can be found all over the country. Artists paint old silos and water towers in rural and regional areas. This creates a reason for tourists to visit and spend money in the town. In general, the artwork reflects the local community.
On our recent holiday we saw many of these glorious artworks. I love reading the stories attached. Most gave great insight into the towns history. They really do change the landscape and brighten up the towns.
Avoca Silo ArtSt Arnaud Silo Art
Deniliquin Water Tower Art
Narrandera Water Tower Art
We are looking forward on our next trip to discovering more about rural communities through exploring Silo Art trails. They make an amazing outdoor gallery throughout the country and give new ideas on different routes for our travels.
When we arrived at Hopkins Falls it was late afternoon. No-one was around and it was so peaceful. As I had not done any research about the falls I was very surprised. They are said to be one of the widest in Australia. At 90 metres in length and 11 metres in height they were truly worth the trip.
I hope one day to return after a major rain period as I’m sure that with more water flowing over the basalt rocks they would be even more spectacular.
The Great Ocean Road was the main destination of our recent holiday. It is an amazing hand built road that hugs the breath taking Victorian south western coast. Beginning at Tourquay on the Surf Coast, it ends at Warrnambool on the Shipwreck Coast.
The 243 kilometre Great Ocean Road is the world’s longest war memorial. It was built by returned soldiers from World War 1 to remember those who died serving their country. I believe it was also a gift to the world as prior to the road it was very difficult to travel to the towns along its path. The natural beauty it opened up is definitely unique. Building began in 1919, with the first section opening in 1922. The entire length was completed in 1932.
Our journey along the Great Ocean Road took just over a week. We meandered slowly, enjoying what each town has to offer. The views from the road are spectacular. The natural rock formations, rainforests, rugged coastline, world famous surfing beaches as well as glorious local produce. We even had a drink in Australia’s most southern pub.
