SYDNEY LIGHTS Sydney Harbour Tourist Attractions Sydney Harbour is a part of the Port Jackson waterway area. As is Middle Harbour and North Harbour. Lane Cove and Parramatta Rivers, all form the natural harbour waterways of Sydney, New South Wales. The Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Sydney Harbour are together both one of the most known Australian icons. Great tourist harbour views of the bridge are from the Opera House. The bridge is often called the coat hanger in Australian slang. Sydney Tourist Attractions The Opera House is in effect part of Circular Quay where many water ferries are boarded. Take a water taxi from Circular Quay to Luna Park amusements across the harbour or to Darling Harbour tourist attractions. A water taxi is a convenient scenic and a fast ten minute trip on the harbour. Prices may vary so check first. While at Circular Quay a few tourist providers may be seen dressed as Captain Cook. Enticing people with travel plans. It is not uncommon to encounter a handful of enthusiastic individuals who take on the persona of the famous explorer Captain Cook. These providers go to great lengths to capture the essence of this historical figure, donning elaborate costumes complete with white wigs and long coat tails. Their goal is to attract the attention of passersby and engage them in conversations about travel opportunities and exciting adventures. While some may attempt to mimic a British accent to enhance the authenticity of their portrayal, there is no guarantee that every "Captain Cook" you encounter will sound like a true Brit. Nonetheless, these dedicated individuals play a unique role in adding a touch of whimsy and historical charm to the tourist experience, making them a memorable sight for visitors exploring new destinations. Walk the Historic ‘Rocks’ from Circular Quay and grab a coffee next to the Opera House. Climb the Harbour Bridge if heights are no problem. Bookings essential. Traveldriven SYDNEY CURRENT FIVE DAY FORECAST ENTER CLICK/TAP SYDNEY HARBOUR DARLING HARBOUR GOOGLE MAPS TRIBUTE TO BRIDGE WORKERS THE ROCKS, SYDNEY CBD LUNA PARK SYDNEY HARBOUR SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE PREV NSW NEXT PREV AUSTRALIA ICONS NEXT

Bondi Beach Bondi Beach is a famous beach and takes it's name from the surrounding suburb in Sydney, New South Wales. Bondi Beach is about seven km (4 mi) east of Sydney central business district and can be easily visited on public transport. Bondi Beach is one of the most visited tourist sites in Australia throughout twelve months of the year. Bondi Beach is a world-renowned destination that attracts visitors from all corners of the globe. Its iconic crescent shape, golden sands, and crystal-clear waters make it a must-visit spot for tourists seeking sun, surf, and relaxation. The beach is not only popular during the summer months but also sees a steady stream of visitors throughout the entire year. Aside from its natural beauty, Bondi Beach offers a vibrant atmosphere with a bustling promenade lined with trendy cafes, surf shops, and art galleries. Visitors can soak up the sun, swim in the ocean, or try their hand at surfing in the famous waves of Bondi. The beach also hosts various events and festivals, adding to its allure and making it a hub of activity and entertainment. Moreover, Bondi Beach is not just a tourist hotspot but also a cultural melting pot, attracting people from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. This diversity adds to the unique charm of the beach, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all who visit. How to Travel Down Under to Bondi Beach Circular Quay waterfront Sydney CBD is the departure point to Bondi Beach and is under 10 km and approximately 25 minutes travel on the Watsons Bay ferry. Alternatively take a 40 minute bus trip. City2surf This is a 14 kilometre fun run course from Hyde Park, Sydney to Bondi Beach via Kings Cross. Usually held once a year in August. As a spectacle with 80,000 participants running and walking past, the event truly becomes a vibrant display of human spirit and determination. The sheer number of individuals coming together to challenge themselves physically and mentally creates an electrifying atmosphere filled with energy and excitement. Amidst the sea of participants, the novelty entrants stand out with their unique costumes and creative approaches to the race. These individuals not only bring a sense of humour and lightheartedness to the event but also showcase the diverse personalities and interests within the running community. Their presence adds an element of fun and entertainment, captivating onlookers and fellow participants alike. Each novelty entrant tells a story through their attire and demeanor, turning the event into a colorful tapestry of individuality and creativity. Their presence serves as a reminder that running is not just about competition but also about joy, camaraderie, and self-expression. The sight of these amusing novelty entrants further enriches the overall experience, leaving a lasting impression on all those fortunate enough to witness this extraordinary display of human ingenuity and passion. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP BONDI BEACH GOOGLE MAPS CIRCULAR QUAY GOOGLE MAPS CURRENT BONDI BEACH FIVE DAY FORECAST SYDNEY CBD TO BONDI BEACH GOOGLE MAPS catch a wave BONDI IN WINTER BONDI BEACH SAND BONDI BEACH WALK CITY 2 SURF FUN RUN PREV NSW NEXT PREV AUSTRALIA ICONS NEXT HOMEPAGE

Alpine Way The Alpine Way mountain road begins from the town of Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales and travels to the Victorian state border and onto the town of Corryong in Victoria. The Alpine Way is a fully sealed road. Much of the mountainous driving is between Jindabyne via Thredbo to the small town of Khancoban in New South Wales. This section of the road is 110 km in length but will take two hours to drive. The drive from Khancoban to Corryong in Victoria is 27 km and is over rolling hills and farmland. The Alpine Way, although two way and is sealed, is narrow in many areas between Thredbo and Khancoban. In my opinion it's not recommended to tow anything more than a small trailer along this section of road. This section is tight, twisty and meanders up and down with short straights and heavily wooded mountainsides. Outside of the snow season snow chains are not required or needed. There may be the occasional sightseeing snow on the higher shaded slopes in Spring or Autumn. Above the Tom Groggin Campground the road often has a 15 per cent gradient rise or fall and a few 15\25 km hairpin bends are on these sections of the Alpine Way. Mountain Postie Riders Departing from the town of Jindabyne in the mid-morning with a standard road vehicle and no trailer, the short turnoff to Thredbo soon came into view, permitting a five-minute stop in Thredbo. On entry to the resort village a few dozen motorbike riders with their bikes were milling around the roadside 'Welcome to Thredbo' sign. The motorbikes, all that these riders were on, are those as ridden by postal workers in Australia. Their bikes were scattered off and along the roadside. Postie Bike The Honda CT110 is a 105cc Four stroke single. Has drum brakes and a fuel capacity of 5.5L. Rated top speed of 80 km and about 8 horsepower. The bikes are often used by rider groups for charity rides within Australia. Up Over and Down the Alpine Way Expecting a fairly quite scenic mountainous two-hour drive to Khancoban, it was a bit of an unpleasant surprise to share the road with so many motorcycles that are obviously not built for mountainous roads with their riders hellbent on riding to Khancoban and beyond. More riders were arriving by the minute. These same riders were spotted the previous day numbering greater than one hundred at the Banjo Patterson Hotel carpark in Jindabyne. Now at this very time all deciding to ride the same direction as I was driving. Most appeared to be in groups of roughly ten or so allowing for a few km of spacing in-between. No point waiting for all riders to pass which may take hours I continued on the Alpine Way. Within a few km of leaving Thredbo a line of postie bikes formed behind my vehicle. I slowed a little to the left side of the roadway and allowed space for all to overtake. No problem. A short while later another swarm of bikes were behind, and I let them go by. I began ascending a steep bit of twisting road as more riders were approaching from behind. I rounded a tight bend and came across a gaggle of riders trying to climb the steep hillside. Their bikes seemed to be at full throttle hovering around 50 to 55 kmh. Following the group of bikes for a while I then overtook on short straight sections of road where eighty km or more was possible. The road would top out and begin to descend allowing the riders to catchup behind quite close to the rear of the car on the narrow twisting Alpine Road. One or two overtaking. The next section of steep raising road slowed more bikes in front again to a low speed inviting myself to overtake once again. This back and forth carried on for quite awhile. Many of the riders appeared to have a five litre jerry can of petrol strapped behind them on the bikes. Near Miss A few road sections of the Alpine Way are cut through rock out crops allowing high crests to be driven through to the next downhill part of the narrow road. All well and good but with underpowered postie bikes all around front and rear this made for an unsettling experience. The view was one of a rather comical appearance of swarms of postie bikes catching up very close and then falling behind. Same could be said for bikes out in front. Catching up to bikes on the steep inclines for them to only pull away as the road ahead flattens out. In my opinion a dangerous situation could develop. I descended a long section of road with a sharpish right turning bend at the bottom and followed closely by a large group of postie bikes. I looked to my right a postie bike appeared to be a car door length off of the side of the rear passenger door trying to brake for the quickly tightening bend. Turning forward I focused on the road ahead expecting a scrape of metal on the car but heard nothing. I continued driving. Soon another downhill section of road appeared. Again, descending and turning right with postie bikes on my rear bumper I unexpectedly came across a very narrow single lane bridge with a span of fifty metres or so. An approaching SUV was soon to get off of the bridge. Not wanting a head on accident, I steered to the near verge of the road with a drop and certain roll over, all the while watching my rear vision mirrors and depressing the brake pedal as much as I dared to not wear a postie bike on the rear. I could see the closest four riders' brake to the left of what little of the road verge there was behind to avoid hitting the rear of my car. Everyone coming to a momentarily stop before moving off again over the single lane bridge crossing called Swampy Plain River at Geehi. A very close call. A little later and about twenty km further on to the approach to Khancoban there were roadworkers with a stop sign. It looked like a five minute stop was needed for roadworks. A long line of postie bikes pulled up behind. I got out and had a bit of a chat. Most seemed to be in their thirties. I as a former motorcyclist, said the mountains were not the best place for these types of motorbikes and I had a close collision just before. The bikes are not powerful enough for these roads. They agreed and said they were at full throttle much of the time and still not really going fast. One rider said there were eighty in the group. I said it looks like we are over the worse of it and continued on into Khancoban without incident. Traveldriven DRIVE THREDBO - KHANCOBAN - CORRYONG ALPINE WAY MOUNTAIN VIEWS THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER CORRYONG, VICTORIA PREV NSW NEXT

Kevin Charles "Pro" Hart , MBE (30 May 1928 – 28 March 2006) Born in Broken Hill, New South Wales. Pro Hart was a famous Australian painter of the Australian outback. His artwork is sought out by international collections. Selected prints of artwork are available onsite. Pro Hart Gallery. The shop and building are on 108 Wyman Street, Broken Hill NSW. Pro Hart painted his famous1974 Silver Shadow, SRH19604, with Australian historical scenes in 1999. He toured the car around Canberra and the Gold Coast. A “chauffeur’s jacket” painted with ants and dragonflies in 1999 was given to his driver and went to auction in 2016 with an expected value of $10,000 to $20,000. Upon enquiry, a replica of the chauffeur's jacket cannot be purchased. A shame because I think it would be popular. Not possible to order online either. Many Pro Hart original paintings are for sale from three thousand to high thirty thousand in Australian dollars. Much less expensive reproduction prints are available. There are three floors of artwork and a Gift shop. The Art Gallery is open daily. A small entry fee is charged to view all the artwork. There are a few other Australian art galleries in Broken Hill. Pro Hart's is the largest and most well-known. Traveldriven Go to: PRO HART GALLERY BROKEN HILL PRO HART CARS ON DISPLAY PRO HART PRIVATE ROLLS ROYCE PRO HART ART PRO HART ART PRO HART ANT 6-inch long 3-inch height DESERT ANT PRO HART ANT 15 cm LONG 8 cm HEIGHT MURAL, PRO HART GALLERY PREV NSW NEXT HOMEPAGE

The Living Desert Sculpture's of Broken Hill A flora and fauna sanctuary about ten km from Broken Hill on a fully sealed road. Roads within the sanctuary are sealed. Could spend an hour or so wandering about and taking in the desert landscape. Elevated views. Green bushes and red dirt. A self-drive on a well made sealed road loops in and around inside the sanctuary. A very interesting drive amongst the desert flora and fauna. The roads within the sanctuary are meticulously sealed, ensuring smooth and convenient access for visitors. As you traverse these well-maintained pathways, you are greeted by a mesmerising display of vivid desert colors that paint the landscape in a breathtaking palette of reds, oranges, and yellows. The scenery that unfolds before you is nothing short of spectacular, with the vast expanse of the desert stretching out in all its natural grandeur. Sculpture Trail Walk One of the highlights of the sanctuary is the sculpture walk trail, a carefully curated path that weaves its way through the desert terrain, allowing visitors to appreciate the unique art pieces that adorn the landscape. The trail leads to twelve magnificent hilltop sandstone sculptures, each a testament to the creativity and artistry of its creator. These sculptures offer a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding desert, providing a truly immersive experience for those who take the time to explore them. In addition to the artistic marvels that dot the landscape, the sanctuary also boasts all-weather parking facilities that ensure convenience for visitors regardless of the conditions. With easy access to the sculptures, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the desert without any hindrances. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, an art lover, or simply someone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the sanctuary offers a serene and captivating retreat that promises to leave a lasting impression on all who visit. Desert Solitude A sense of solitude envelops visitors in the vast expanse of the outback desert, where the sparse presence of fellow travellers accentuates the feeling of isolation. Despite its proximity to Broken Hill, a mere 15-minute drive away, this remote location remains untouched by the hustle and bustle of modern civilization. The tranquillity of the desert landscape is undisturbed by the sights and sounds of urban life, allowing visitors to immerse themselves fully in the raw beauty and rugged charm of the outback. The stark contrast between the quiet desert and the lively town of Broken Hill serves as a reminder of the peaceful escape that this secluded desert oasis offers to those seeking solace in nature's embrace. In my opinion, one of the top ten views in Australia. There is a small entry fee by an onsite card machine. Despite the somewhat low elevation of the sculptures above the surrounding desert this is one of Traveldriven's top eight lookouts in Australia. Immersed in the remote desert landscape and its multiple desert colors unfazed by any intrusion of the outside world and yet close to the city of Broken Hill. For another Traveldriven top eight Australian lookout go to: Mount Ainslie, Canberra Post Traveldriven Go to: THE LIVING DESERT STATE PARK BROKEN HILL DRIVE TO THE LIVING DESERT PARK THE LIVING DESERT IN THE OUTBACK THE LIVING DESERT OPEN DAILY MUSTANG GT & LOCUSTS SCULPTURE IN THE DESERT FACES IN THE DESERT SCULPTURES RECEDING INTO THE DESERT DESERT ARTWORK IRON & ROCK ART WALKING THE LIVING DESERT SCULPTURE'S PREV NSW NEXT HOMEPAGE

Goolwa The town of Goolwa is a historic Murray River port. Located nearby to the Murray River mouth that opens to the sea in South Australia. The impressive, but once controversial, Hindmarsh Bridge completed in 2001 joins to Hindmarsh Island at Goolwa. Hindmarsh Bridge, a significant infrastructure project, was successfully completed in 2001, connecting Hindmarsh Island to Goolwa. This construction endeavour was carried out in accordance with the Hindmarsh Bridge Act of 1997, which set the legal framework for its development. However, the completion of the bridge marked the beginning of a complex and contentious chapter in the region's history. The project brought to the forefront a clash between national Aboriginal culture and property rights. The controversy stemmed from the intentions of property developers who sought to establish a 560-berth marina and a private resort on Hindmarsh Island. This proposal sparked heated debates and raised concerns about the potential impact on the island's environment, heritage, and indigenous communities. As tensions escalated, the situation garnered national attention and prompted a Federal Government Royal Commission inquiry to investigate the matter further. The inquiry aimed to assess the competing interests at play, evaluate the legal and ethical implications, and provide recommendations for a resolution that would balance development goals with cultural preservation and environmental conservation. It's understood the marina and resort development after lengthy delay was completed. Murray River and the Coorong The Coorong waterway is protected from the sea by a natural land barrier and begins at the Murray Mouth near Hindmarsh Island and extends about one hundred kilometres southeast from the mouth of the Murray. Small informative boat tours are available from Goolwa Wharf to the Murray mouth passing through a major river lock. A number of dredging boats may be observed working fulltime to keep the Murray River sea entrance open to boating and stop the build-up of river silt. On our small boat tour, the boat skipper caused some anxiety with us passengers watching on as our boat bumped into the lock with a thud. However, this is perhaps normal practice to manoeuvre the boat into the dock with no damage done. The loud thud of the tour boat against the dock was a little amusing for us passengers immediately after the event. Victor Harbor Is a regional city in South Australia on the south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula. A horse drawn tram connects Victor Harbor to nearby Granite Island for tourists. The tourist Cockle Steam Train runs between Goolwa and Victor Harbor. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP GOOLWA GOOGLE MAPS THE COORONG GOOGLE MAPS VICTOR HARBOR GOOGLE MAPS COCKLE TRAIN WEBSITE GOOLWA SIGN GOOLWA RIVERSIDE GOOLWA RIVERBOAT TOUR Victor Harbor foreshore VICTOR HARBOUR stone seal on Granite Island PREV SOUTH AUSTRALIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

Barney's Bistro & Bar A New Year's Day drive to Barney's Rubble just outside of Pomonal on the Ararat to Halls Gap road. Barney's is now going by the name of Barney's Bistro & Bar. The drive was via Lake Fyans in a mustang GT. A short pleasant easy drive of five to ten minutes or so. Lake Fyans is a popular fishing and holiday destination with a large caravan resort park. Barney's was untouched by the 2024 bushfires with lost housing in Pomonal. Barney's is generally open Friday to Sunday. This particular time I was given a free cold beer on arrival. Thanks for the beer! Meals are hotel style. From the outside dining area kangaroos can be observed in the background grazing in paddocks. Between Barney's and the towering Grampians mountain range. Barney's Bistro & Bar has rear mountain and bushland views. Friendly staff are on hand. Open weekends. Relaxed atmosphere. Quieter than nearby Halls Gap. Pomonal Located just a brief ten-minute drive away from the charming town of Halls Gap in Victoria, Pomonal stands as a quaint and picturesque community nestled on the outskirts of the renowned Grampians National Park. Despite its small size, Pomonal boasts a unique charm and a strong sense of community spirit. The village is home to essential amenities such as a general store, a school, a football oval, and a community hall, all of which serve as vital hubs for locals and visitors alike. The heart of Pomonal lies within its one and only general store, which also conveniently doubles as a cafe. Stepping inside, visitors are greeted by the warmth of a fireplace during the cooler months, creating a welcoming ambiance that encourages patrons to linger and savor the moment. The café offers an array of delicious snacks and beverages, making it the perfect spot to refuel after a day of exploring the natural wonders of the Grampians. With ample seating available, visitors can relax and soak in the peaceful atmosphere while enjoying a hot cup of coffee. The general store's rustic charm and friendly service add to the overall appeal of Pomonal, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a taste of rural Australian life. Whether you're a local resident popping in for your morning coffee or a traveller passing through the area, Pomonal's general store and café provides a delightful experience that captures the essence of country living at its best. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP POMONAL GOOGLE MAPS DRIVE HALLS GAP TO POMONAL BARNEY'S BAR & BRISTRO POMONAL HOT ROD AT BARNEY'S DRIVING TO BARNEY'S FROM LAKE FYANS COCKATOO'S TO THE LOO BARNEY'S BACKYARD On the menu. Italian Pork Sausages, Mashed Potato and Gravy. BARNEY'S BISTRO & BAR LAKE LONSDALE PREV VICTORIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

Great Western Wines Great Western is a Western Highway small town on the east edge of the Wimmera region of Victoria. Driving distance by road from Melbourne on the Western Highway is 225 kilometres and is to the north-west. The population is under one thousand people. Great Western is the wine capital of the Grampians. Two prominent wineries of Great Western are: Seppelt Great Western The winery has an extensive underground network of three km of cellars or 'drives'. Tours are available. Cellar Door sales. Bests Wines of Great Western. Established in 1866. Cellar Door sales. Moyston Cars n Coffee Held on the 4th of December 2022. A small car display. Veteran, vintage, classic and special interest cars. Driving from Great Western, Moyston is a twenty km drive along the Great Western/Moyston Road. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP GREAT WESTERN GOOGLE MAPS DRIVE MELBOURNE TO GREAT WESTERN Magnum: Is equivalent to two standard 750 ml bottles Magnum bottle is sixth largest bottle shown in photo GREAT WESTERN WINE BOTTLES SEPPELT TOUR OF SEPPELT WINE DRIVES SEPPELT WINERY GREAT WESTERN Show & Shine 2024 POP TOP AND POP BONNET PLENTY OF ROOM LEFT HAND DRIVE VIVID WILD COLORS STAWELL RACECOURSE PREVIOUS NIGHT RACECOURSE COMPLEX ONE HUNDRED CARS MODEL A FORD 1928 HOT ROD BEER CAN COOLING? BEER CAN INDUCTION? SLICK REAR TYRES PERMIT TO DRIVE TO SHOW & SHINE GREAT WESTERN SHOW & SHINE WALK Lindsay Fox Trucks on display. Linfox Great Western café shopfront grapes Tickford mustang GT, Shadow Wolf Moyston Cars n Coffee DISPLAY OF OLD CARS STRAPPED BONNET CHEV. BONNET DECALS GOD SPEED PREV SHOW & SHINE NEXT PREV VICTORIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

Early Morning Drive Early one Saturday morning hours before sunrise and driving across country Victoria to reach the Great Ocean Road a bright glow of green lit up most of the clear night sky. Lasting several seconds. Local ABC radio was playing. Within a short time, the announcer proclaimed the station had taken phone calls from puzzled listeners seeing the same thing. I have since found out a larger falling meteor is like this. If the meteor is made of iron and nickel, it makes a green glow from friction in the atmosphere. Marking a memorable start to driving the Great Ocean Road. Great Ocean Road Driving the Great Ocean Road is an exhilarating experience that offers not only safety but also breathtaking views if road signs are followed diligently. The road is lined with numerous vehicular turnouts that provide stunning vistas of the ocean, making it a perfect spot for taking in the beauty of the coast. While any vehicle can traverse the Great Ocean Road, it is recommended to avoid towing a trailer or caravan to fully enjoy the drive. Although the road features twists and turns in some sections, it is still permissible to tow a caravan, providing an added level of flexibility for travellers. The drive may be cut short if desired. The drive from Lorne to Deans Marsh or Skenes Creek through the Otways Forest offers a picturesque journey through lush greenery and towering tree ferns. The option to cut the drive short provides flexibility for travellers looking to save time on their journey back to Melbourne or Geelong. By choosing the shorter route, you can still experience the beauty of the Otways region without committing to a longer drive. The sealed roads ensure a smooth and comfortable drive, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic views along the way. As you pass through the forested landscapes, you'll be surrounded by the tranquillity of nature, with the fresh scent of damp forest air adding to the immersive experience. Whether you opt for the Lorne to Deans Marsh route or the Skenes Creek to Forest drive, both paths promise a great way to experience the Great Ocean Road. This before turning off to experience the serene and refreshing drive through the Otways, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Personally, I had the pleasure of driving a Mustang GT on a day road trip spanning 615 km from the Wimmera, not once but twice within 12 months. Making a pitstop in Lorne to indulge in a delicious serving of fish and chips added a delightful touch to the journey, making it a memorable experience that is worth reliving! Lorne is a seaside town on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. With a resident population greater than one thousand. A popular holiday spot for Victorian's and the wealthy with their lavish holiday homes. Apollo Bay is a coastal Great Ocean Road town in Victoria. The retail street overlooks a long beach frontage. The town appears more relaxed and casual than Lorne. As of February 2021, roadworks Apollo Bay to Lorne is completed. In general, Great Ocean Road surface maintenance has remained good into late 2025. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP APOLLO BAY GOOGLE MAPS LORNE GOOGLE MAPS DRIVE LORNE TO APOLLO BAY PITSTOP IN THE BUSY MAIN STREET MUSTANG GT GREAT OCEAN ROAD OTWAYS DRIVING OVER THE TOP DRIVING APOLLO BAY DRIVING LORNE ENTRY ARCH TO THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD DRIVING FROM MELBOURNE PREV VICTORIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

Bunjil As depicted in Australian aboriginal mythology. An ancestral being or deity. Often imagined as a wedge-tailed eagle which is common to Australia. Drive to Bunjil Shelter off Bunjil Cave Road. A twenty-five minute drive from Halls Gap. Bunjil Shelter is outside of the Grampians National Park and located in the Black Range. Sealed roads lead to the site. Bunjil Rock Art Shelter The artwork depicting Bunjil, the creator of land and water, along with two dingoes, holds a profound cultural significance in the landscape of Gariwerd, this mountainous and rural farming land is also known to non-indigenous people as the Wimmera, including the Grampians, in southern Australia. The large outcrop of rock, where the artwork is situated, not only showcases a representation of Bunjil and the dingoes but also features a distinctive upper body animal shape that adds to its mystical aura. This site serves as a powerful reminder of the deep connection between the Indigenous peoples of the region and the land they inhabit. The intricate details of the artwork symbolise the rich cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs of the traditional custodians of the land, highlighting their reverence for nature and the stories passed down through generations. As visitors engage with this artwork, they are invited to reflect on the enduring traditions and wisdom of the Indigenous communities that have nurtured and protected this sacred site for centuries. Rock Art Pranksters The rock art found in this area has long been shrouded in mystery and intrigue, with rumours circulating that it was the handiwork of mischievous pranksters dating back to as early as 1910. However, upon closer examination and expert analysis, these claims have been debunked, revealing a much more ancient origin that speaks to the rich cultural heritage of the region. Over the years, this invaluable piece of history has faced numerous threats, including vandalism by individuals who sought to deface the artwork with lead paint. Fortunately, efforts were made to restore and preserve the rock art, with specialists successfully removing the damaging substances to reveal the true beauty and significance of the ancient depictions. To safeguard this precious cultural treasure from further harm, a protective wire cage has been installed around the rock art site, serving as a physical barrier against potential vandals and ensuring that future generations can continue to marvel at this remarkable piece of history. The presence of this protective structure not only preserves the integrity of the artwork but also symbolises the collective commitment to honouring and cherishing our shared cultural heritage for years to come. There is a short sand and gravel walking track of about two hundred metres winding to the top of a rocky tree covered hill and around down to the shelter. This track meanders back to the carpark mostly on flat ground. It's common to be the only visitor to the site. Traveldriven DRIVE HALLS GAP TO BUNJIL'S SHELTER BUNJIL CORRUGATED IRON SIGN POST DRIVE HALLS GAP TO BUNJIL'S SHELTER BUNJIL SHELTER SIGNAGE BUNJIL SHELTER ROCK ART BUNJIL AND TWO DINGOS' Picnic area off Bunjils carpark. No toilets or waste bins are onsite. PREV VICTORIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

Wind Farms Driving country roads in Victoria around the canola fields. During the spring months of September and October. There are longer hours of daylight, warmer days, green hills, and wind farms and their spinning blades high above fields of canola crops. Blades up to 90 metres in length and heights of towers to 150 metres. Apparently wind farms generated about twenty percent of Victoria's electricity in 2023. Forty wind farms are completed with about another forty proposed as of 2024. Exploring the picturesque country roads of Victoria during the vibrant spring months of September and October is a truly enchanting experience. As you meander through the rolling landscapes, you are greeted by vast expanses of mesmerizing canola fields stretching as far as the eye can see. The lush green hills serve as a perfect backdrop to the golden sea of canola flowers, creating a stunning contrast that is a feast for the senses. One of the most captivating aspects of this journey is the longer hours of daylight, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the surroundings. The warm spring days bring a sense of rejuvenation and vitality, breathing life into the countryside. Along the way, you may also encounter majestic wind farms, with their towering turbines gracefully spinning in the breeze high above the canola crops. Each turn in the road unveils a new panorama of natural splendour, with the vibrant colors and textures of the landscape painting a picture of tranquillity and serenity. The symphony of sights and sounds, from the gentle rustling of the canola flowers to the distant hum of the wind turbines, creates a harmonious melody that lulls you into a state of peaceful contemplation. Wimmera Canola Crops In the picturesque Wimmera region, vast expanses of paddocks are meticulously cultivated with the vibrant hues of canola plants, creating a stunning mosaic of green and yellow that captivates the eye before the imminent harvest. As the seasons progress, the transformation of the canola crops unfolds in a mesmerizing display of nature's cycle. The once vivid green and yellow canola fields gradually transition as the pods mature, turning a rich shade of brown, signalling the optimal time for the next stage of harvesting. In a carefully orchestrated process, the canola is windrowed, a method where the plants are cut and left to dry before being picked up by a combine harvester. This crucial step ensures that the crop is harvested at peak ripeness, guaranteeing the best quality seeds for processing. The harvested canola seeds are then transported to processing facilities where they undergo extraction to obtain the valuable edible oil contained within. Spring canola, reaching a height of approximately 1.2 meters or four feet, thrives in the fertile soils of the region, contributing to the agricultural tapestry of Western Victoria. The Wimmera region, located two hundred and fifty kilometres west of Melbourne, emerges as a hub of canola cultivation, with many fields sown with this versatile crop in anticipation of the spring season. The cultivation of canola not only adds to the visual splendour of the landscape but also plays a vital role in the local economy, showcasing the agricultural prowess of the region. Traveldriven WIMMERA WIND TURBINES YELLOW AND GREEN CANOLA MUSTANG CRUISING WIND FARMS & CANOLA REST STOP DRIVING COUNTRY ROADS MUSTANG GT ON THE DIRT MUSTANG GT STOCK IMAGE OF A CANOLA CROP SOUTHERN AREAS OF AUSTRALIA PREV VICTORIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

Port Phillip Bay Ferry The ferry is a Car & Passenger Ferry crossing between Queenscliff and Sorrento, Victoria. Operated by Searoad Ferries. Hourly, every day. 7am to 6pm. As of March 2023. Fare $142 return. Car and driver. No pre booking required. Ferry crossing is approximately forty minutes one way. Across Port Phillip Bay. Vehicles drive on and drive off. Above the car deck is a café/shop and plenty of seating areas. On this particular day Melbourne's forecast was for a high of 37c and strong winds. The drive was through Ballarat via Geelong and twenty-six sets of Geelong traffic lights onto the Queenscliff ferry terminal for breakfast. Solo return drive home of 540km. Driven in one day. If driven from Melbourne, a one-way loop of the bay would be best. Wild Seas & Crossing the Bay The morning crossing on the Port Phillip Bay Ferry with Searoad Ferries was an adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns. As the ferry navigated the choppy waters, the sound of car alarms being activated added to the cacophony of the journey. Despite the rough conditions, the vehicles on board were safely secured, shielded from any potential damage that the waves could have caused. Stepping about the ferry felt like being a drunken sailor, trying to find balance in the midst of the rolling waves. In hindsight, indulging in a big breakfast and a cup of coffee just thirty minutes before the crossing might not have been the wisest decision, considering the unpredictable nature of the sea. However, as the ferry punched through the choppy waves, all passengers managed the rough passage and reached their destination unscathed from the wild weather. The return journey in the late afternoon provided a stark contrast to the morning's tumultuous ride. The bay was much calmer, offering a serene and peaceful ferry ride back to shore. The gentle rocking of the ferry became almost soothing, a stark difference from the earlier adrenaline-filled experience. As the sun began to set, casting a golden hue over the water, passengers could reflect on the day's journey and appreciate the beauty of the bay from a different perspective. Traveldriven SEAROAD FERRY QUEENSCLIFF TO SORRENTO GOOGLE MAPS QUEENSCLIFF GOOGLE MAPS SAIL QUEENSCLIFF TO SORRENTO FERRY TERMINAL BREAKFAST OF TWO TOAST SLICES, TWO EGGS, BACON, TOMATO & TWO HASH BROWNS. FERRY TERMINAL & CARS WAITING TO BOARD QUEENSCLIFF/SORRENTO FERRY ONE OF TWO CAR ALARMS & DOLPHINS IN THE BAY POPES EYE 1.5 METRE'S DEEP INSIDE 10 METRES OUTSIDE PORT PHILLIP BAY PREV VICTORIA NEXT HOMEPAGE