Silo art trail

 After leaving Echuca we drove through the very beautiful and flat farmlands of north east Victoria to see some of the silo art.

First stop was the town of dookie.

I love all the town names along the way, even though I'm sure I must have miss pronounced a few.

Next was the story of G J Coles, Coles is one od Australias largest grocery stores.

I thought these jorses were just amazing.

And on the other side.

This one was an extra delight as we were just driving through this beautiful town.

Echuca, a town on the murray river

 Echuca is a well known tourist town on the banks of the Murray river. The river here creates the division between the states of Victoria and New south wales.  It is best known for its paddle steamers that used to be the life line for the Murray and the inhabitants along its shores. Colonial stettlement of the region saw a thriving river trade.

Today the paddle steamers are for tourist pleasure but there are also a number of private river boats along the shore.

After a lovely walk along the river bank and stroll around the old town it was time to settle down for a spot of reading. We had a site at the caravan park next to the kids water area. Nice and relaxing sound of water.

The old wharf area.

One of the paddle boats as she wheeled past.

Rochester silo art

 I was wondering if there was something of interest to look at on our way to Our next stop today and silo art appeared on my radar. I remember seeing stories about the silo art trails across rural Australia and got excited when I realised we were passing right by one. And what a fantastic piece of art as well. 

This is in Rochester. A small rural town in victoria.

Aren't these just the cutest creatures around.

I love this huge platypus. They are such lovely and shy animals.

Bendigo woolen mill trip

 Another first for me was a trip to the Bendigo woolen mills. For years I have heard many stories from people I know, and strangers, who have made it to the back room at the mill and all its specials.

24 hours after leaving home we made our first stop at the mill.  And of all the places to stop first this was one I had been looking forward to very much.

The back room and all the specials. This is only a section of the room.

We took maya, our dog, for a little walk around to the back of the site and found a delightful old tram which had been turned into a cafe. It was very popular with bike riders as it was next to a pathway along side a small creek.

One convict among many

 I had a little stop over in Campbel Town on the start of my holiday. This town in almost in the middle of Tasmania, but a little more to the north. 

It has a long and old convict history with one of my ancestors being among those.

This house bellow was the solomon house and store just off the main street of the town

A few photos of the historic town as we wandered around.

I might have to stop at the book shop some time later.