NARRAWONG - POPULATION: 176

BEACH BEHIND THE CARAVAN PARK

THURS 7 - FRI 8.5.2015: Took our leave from Killarney Beach Caravan Park and headed for Portland, but not before just a few more stops on the way. Tower hill is an extinct volcano formation believed to have erupted about 30,000 years ago. Its formation is known as a nested maar and it is the largest example of its type in Victoria. In the late 1950s the first stages of a regeneration project began. More than 300,000 trees have now been planted, with the aim to reintroduce indigenous understory plants, including ferns and grasses.

The Tower Hill Reserve has been set up in such a way that you have the option to drive into the crater then around the exterior, plus walks and/or picnic in the grounds. Surprisingly we chose the driving alternative! During formation molten lava pushed its way up through the earth's crust and encountered a layer of water-bearing rock. Violent explosions followed creating a shallow crater which later filled with water to form the lake. 

Further eruptions occurred in the centre of this crater, creating the islands and cone shaped hills.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAME ACROSS THESE EMUS FEEDING

PORT FAIRY

We drive through so many quaint villages and Koroit was no exception. Next stop was at Port Fairy which also has some beautiful old buildings and an IGA that assists the shopper by carrying your goods to your car. We explained the fact that we had to park a fair distance away as we were in a motorhome, but he still kindly lugged the 10 litres of water and other weighted goods down to the parking area - not one amongst us suggested that we take a trolley that he could wheel back on his return!

The Crags between Port Fairy and Yambuck, is significant because it contains some of the last remaining and most recent examples of Aboriginal occupation. Radiocarbon dating has shown that occupation of the area began more than 2,200 years ago. 

 

 

 

YAMBUCK INN c1880

Stopped for 'afternoon tea' at the Yambuck Inn - Victorian Heritage listed building. First operated as a timber Hotel in 1859 by John Kelly who then built a stone Hotel in 1870/71. Was known for a brief time in the 1800's as the Commercial Hotel. Has been know as the Yambuck Inn for the 1900's and beyond. The staff were preparing for the onslaught of Warrnambool race goers returning home after the three day event - we left before the arrivals began!

Stayed at the Mount Clay - Sawpit Picnic Ground (State Forest), Narrawong and weathered the many storms!