It was sad to leave Lake Congelligo, but as they say, duty called. My partner in musical crime, Phil had his second AZ shot… and lived, and Tamika had ‘persuaded’ me as only she can, that it was the right thing to do….if not for me, for the country. I took the precaution of checking into a Caravan Park in Griffith before getting the jab. Smart move. Fours hour later, I got reeeally tired, then followed a sleepless night with head racing, aches and pains and more than a tinge of regret. Was in no fit condition the next day and re-booked another night. However, by next morning, the ship had righted and after re-stocking with essentials, I headed south to Darlington Point on the Murrumbidgee.
Heading south, for the first time I got to see “flat” land for the first time on this leg of the journey, where the horizon is a tree line so far in the distance that it shimmers like a mirage.
I was angling for a spot called Bunyip Hole Reserve, but the directions in the guide had me on the opposite side of the river. As it turned out, The Town Common also has quite a few riverside spots for vans and camping, so after a bit of a look, found a great spot. The landscape here is so different to what you have seen in the last few weeks. The concept of “the woods” as we understand it is almost alien in this country. We have forests, bush and scrub and that pretty much covers it. Yet here and places further along these river systems there are in fact woodlands……and of course the river gums.
The Murrumbidgee in flood mode is an awesome sight. The river is flowing between 6-8 klm’s per hour with swirling eddies and up swells from the bottom of the river. Darlington Point is popular for it’s sandy beaches. They’ve temporarily disappeared, but right now, your just hoping the bank beneath your van holds.
On the last day, I met a couple of fishermen very secured to the bank and trying there luck. Observing the stubbies in their hands, it quickly became apparent that “goin’ fishin’ ” was the pretext, not the purpose. Given the water temperature was only nine degrees, let’s just say they were infused with optimism. With the water levels due to rise again the next day, I took my leave and headed south towards Deniliquin.
The distance between destinations is now less than 100km. I stopped at Jerilderie, mid-point and had a look around. Just like Glenrowan in Victoria, Jerilderie is a Ned Kelly town and they’ve gone hard to promote it. All the historical points are signposted and documented and the local visitor information centre come lolly shop will provide a tour map. Jerilderie is a feel good kinda town and interesting enough to make the effort.
Deniliquin, gets me to within 50km of the Murray and the Victorian border. Can definitely recommend Willoughby’s Beach on the Edwards River. It’s only a three minute drive or 15 minutes scenic walk to town. Plenty of flat area, wood and fresh water. No toilets though (hence the sometimes brisk 15 minute walk to town). It’s been basically cloudy the last three days and I’m keeping a nervous eye on the battery levels. Figured out that the lights are the biggest juice user. I can run the laptop and internet on only 0.3 amps, but any one light will more than double that.
With many of these country towns, there’s a lot of history and it’s well documented in Deniliquin. A great first stop is the Peppin Heritage Centre, just over the bridge into Deniliquin. The Centre has been carved out of the original public school and has three attractions. The Visitor Centre, the Peppin Heritage Centre and The Crossing, a restaurant cafe that seems very popular with the locals.
The Peppin Heritage Centre is a well curated history of the whole area, particularly sheep history and the prominent graziers. There’s an historical goal and sheep pens out the back. It’s really well done. This restored classroom, brought back memories.
Remnants of pioneer days are still a natural part of the landscape…some more recent than others.
Well, it’s Sunday, blue skies and sunny. I’m not going to sit around listening to the Covid doom and gloom today. Found a real golf course and I’m off. See ya soon.