We headed to Tassy on the ferry, and headed up to Cradle Mt for a few days, then, via the north west and west coast down to Mt Field. Between Cradle Mountain and Mount Field we hoped to have lots of chance to see lots of deciduous beech in autumn colours. Alas, this year was a bit unusual. The beech leaves turned yellow and then fell off, with no red phase. Still, the yellow was very striking. We also enjoyed all the scenery and the remarkably good weather (for the time of year). It was also a great time of year for fungi, and I spend some time photographing all sorts.
Finally, we have a change to get away from the city. Covid numbers seem to have stabilised around 1100 cases a day in Victoria, the borders of NSW and ACT are open to those double vaccinated. So it is time for a break.
Our first leg took us via the Redwood Forest near Warburton, a place we keep meaning to have a look at but never get round to it. It has a splendid grove of redwoods. Arriving, as we did, in the middle of the day, there were lots of people there, and the picnickers were dwarfed by the soaring trees.
Redwood forest, Warburton
From the redwood forest we took the scenic route via Poweltown down to East Gippsland and our destination in Lake Tyers Beach. There we shared a couple of enjoyable days with our neighbours’ in their country residence.
Sunrise over the beach at Lake Tyers. The lake is currently open to the sea. The stream through the sandbar is visible at the left of the image.
From Lake Tyers we headed via Cann River, up the Monaro Highway. All along the road we saw extensive evidence of the fires of the 2019-2020 fire season. Lots of areas had very heavy burning, with dense epicormic regrowth. In places the fire had killed the trees. We didn’t stop to explore these areas due to the rain. Once up to the Monaro Plains we were struck by how green the area was. Usually by December the grasses are dry and and brown. This really is a La Niña year.
Unseasonably green paddocks along the Monaro Highway.
In Canberra we spent our first day exploring the Botanic Gardens and then birdwatching at the Jerebombera wetlands.
Next day Steven took us to the National Portrait Gallery for the “living memories” exhibition, then in the afternoon to see Lake George, which, unusually, has water in it at present. The threatening skies made for an interesting view.
Dawn bicycle rides around the lake, museums and galleries, wildlife watching … lots to see and do. We managed to catch up for a walk and dinner with our good friend Julian. And a family brunch with all the Canberra clan. Very pleasant. and we capped it off with a picnic at Tidbinbilla with Mel and children. Lots of fun.
Early morning hot air balloons over Lake Burley Griffin.Evening stroll to the lake. The fountain was illuminated. The dark smudges in the sky are the flying foxes heading out from the colony to feed around the suburbs through the night.
Lots of clearfelling and log trucks in evidence along the Imlay Road area en route to Mallacoota.
From Canberra we headed south through Cooma then out towards Mallacoota Inlet, an area that was severely affected by bush-fires in the 2019-2020 season. Over 120 homes were burnt in Mallacoota Inlet, and the residents were evacuated by sea. Now the township seems to have recovered, at least on the surface. We supported the local economy by getting dinner in town (rather good fish and chips) before heading south along a very potholed track to Shipwreck creek for our night’s camp.
The coastal vegetation at Shipwreck creek beach was killed in the fires.Dawn light on the beach and headland
From Mallacoota we headed west along the coast. We dropped in on our friends Monty and Helen at Valencia Creek for a quick cuppa and ended up invited to the community christmas party, a lovely, friendly affair, complete with Santa arriving on the CFA fire truck. and then a lovely overnight stay.
Fantastic views from Monty and Helen’s house.Santa’s unconventional “sleigh”
We headed off to Lake Tyers Beach to stay at our lovely neighbours’ country residence, with Viv, Steph and Rory (and dogs). We had a lovely time, enjoying the beach-side environs, and took a trip to visit Buchan Caves nearby.
Sunlight glittering on Lake Tyers.Buchan CavesMinigolf in Lakes EntranceSunset at Red Bluff
From Lake Tyers Jill and I headed north to Canberra (Viv, Steph and Rory returned to Melbourne). We took the Suggan Buggan road along the Snowy River. Very pleasant.
Snowy River where we camped
We headed onwards to Canberra where we had a lovely stay with Steven and Judy, with bushwalks, nature watching, museums and art galleries. All very pleasant.
Scribbly gums on Mt AinslieAn intriguing artwork in the gallery – lots of spotty walls and mirrors.The Carillon in the morning mist.Enlighten – a light show festival in Canberra
Time to head south, so we took a circuitous route through the snowy mountains, via Cabramurra and Beechworth. Lots of burnt areas from the previous year’s bush-fires was evident, and Cabramurra was closed from fire damage.
High country – trees damaged by fires, but the everlasting daisies are flowering well.Burnt out forest near Cabramurra.Woolshed falls, Beechworth; Reid’s creek walking track
