A Foodies Delight - Tasmania

A Travellers trip without good food and wine seems very unlikely. Tasmania didn't let us down with its collection of gourmet foods. Because of the size of Tasmania the coast & sea present many opportunities for seafood, the mild climate allows for many products to grow well, the forested areas mean the air is clean and the soil is productive.

Amongst the treats we experienced were lots of oysters, calamari & other seafood, beautiful cheeses, ice-cream & fudge, honey, the best smoked salmon, beer & wine tasting, apple cider, raspberries, coffee & cake, curried scallop pies & that Australian favourite, the vanilla slice.

The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival in Corryong

In early April our Travellers group was on the road again - this time to make a return visit to The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival in Corryong.
For this extended week-end the town bursts from a population of about 1400 to over 20,000. That this festival is such a resounding success is due to the huge volunteer base that assists with all facets of the festival. Well done Corryong!

It is a simple formula - buy a wristband ticket and you can go to all the events over the period - the re-enactment of the poem of title, the return of Riley's Ride, the parade, the rodeo, horsemanship skills by the hundreds, art show, bush poetry championships, dog jumping, whip cracking, live music with top country music acts, bush markets, food & merchandise stalls, a ute muster, a talent quest and more.

If you can't have a good time in Corryong during the festival then you are not trying.

A selfie

The Man from Snowy River Bush Festival is a wonderful celebration of Australia's bush heritage. You shouldn't miss it!

Mount Arapiles, The Grampians & Moonambel

In mid March a group of us set off for Western Central Victoria, most people travelling with caravans but four couples (including us) staying in cabins.

Natimuk was our first overnight stop and from here we visited the Mount Arapiles State Park. As well as being beautiful, Mt. Arapiles is a premier rock climbing and abseiling location.

At Natimuk we spotted Elvis!

But first, a fascinating museum:Woods Farming & Heritage Museum at Rupanyup.

On to Halls Gap and The Grampians National Park. Here we experienced more superb scenery, waterfalls, wildlife and flowers, an aboriginal heritage museum and freezing weather (Not in March, surely!)

Our last stop was at the hamlet of Moonambel. After the bush walking of the past few days we took a quieter path, visiting the wineries (Taltarni & Warrenmang) and doing some off-road driving. A heritage drive led us to some interesting relics from the gold mining era, and of course, we deviated from the track to find some rougher driving conditions.

On the last evening we had a very delicious Malaysian buffet meal at the Rainbow Gallery & Cafe Bar in Moonambel.

Mount Hotham in Summer

As time gets nearer to our return to Panicale in Umbria, I realise that I have neglected my Blog, and especially the Australian part of our travel life. This year we have been on many trips around Victoria and also to Tasmania with our Travellers group. Let me update a little!

In early February we spent five days on Mount Hotham. Mount Hotham is a ski resort but it is absolutely wonderful in the summer, as all the Australian snow fields are.

This area was severely burnt out by bush fires in 2013 and sadly the damage is still evident, however re-generation is happening. Luckily the resort and chalets were saved but the forest scars will remain for ever.

When you have a group of people together you need food. We self catered, having one evening meal to prepare per group of five. My group did a pasta night with crostata for dessert.

They were a little puzzled by the announcement 'Al tavolo e buon appetito.'... but by now they are used to our attempts at speaking the Italian language.