The Tales and Travels of Taylor Made PA – Aussie Adventures
Published 19.03.2023
Hello!
Aussie Adventures
If you have followed me for a while. You will know that Australia is one of my favourite places in the World. I have family in the Northern Melbourne suburbs. And its always a bit like going home.
I am also a Tourism Australia “Aussie Specialist”.
And I love exploring Australia on my Aussie Adventures. I always try and see new places when I visit my family.
In 2010 I stayed in the City and did some day trips I hadn’t done on a previous adventure.
In 2013 we headed down to Mornington Peninsula. Stopping at the Hot Springs for an afternoon.
And in 2017 I stopped off in Adelaide and Kangaroo Island on my way.
This is it was all about the Lakes. I found a picture in a tourism post a couple of years ago of Lakes Entrance. I couldn’t believe it was so close to Melbourne. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t been. Yet!
So I started researching and speaking with Visit Victoria about the area.
Gippsland Lakes
So, after a few days in Melbourne spending time with the family. We headed off on a Road Trip to the Victorian Coast. We started off with a drive to Seaspray. Which is part of 90-Mile Beach. It stretches, well 90-miles, up the Eastern Coast of Victoria.
The beach here was just stunning. Wide stretch of Sandy Beach. Crystal clear turquoise seas. Sand Dunes. The Australian Surf Patrol.
The town was small with just a small general store. Caravan Park. And a few free camping sites. I wanted to stay! Maybe next time!
But we carried on up towards Golden Beach. Stopping off to see the 19th Century Tinculo Shipwreck. Before heading further up the coast, to our home for the next 4 days and the beautiful coastal town of Metung. Located just south of Lakes Entrance.
Metung
Metung is like an upper class fishing village. Nestled on a Peninsula 20-minutes south of Lakes Entrance. It’s home to a Marina full of yachts. Small boutique shops. And the newest Hot Springs in Victoria.
After a quite dinner in the Metung Hotel. Where the food was fabulous. With views across the Lake. And a Stunning Sunset.
Starting the day with a quick swim. We headed off the next morning to Lakes Entrance to explore the Coast.
Starting with Coffee and Donuts from Big Bear Donuts. Flavours like, Cookies and Cream, Lemon Meringue, Ferrero Rocher and Jam. They were huge. And very tasty! Followed by a quick walk up to the main beach area.
From there we then headed to the Jetty to join an afternoon cruise with Scenic Eco Cruises. A 3-hour cruise from Lakes Entrance through the Lakes system to Metung and back. With a glimpse of a Dolphin Fin, some seals basking in the sunshine and many sightings of two Sea Eagles and their young.
But the highlight of the Cruise was Melinda’s home-made Scones with Raspberry Cream! Ah-mayz-ing!
A Koala Trail
The next day we started the day visiting the Caves at Buchan. With a private tour of the Royal Cave. And a sighting of two young Kangaroos sunbathing under a tree as we left. Finally. The first Kangaroo of this visit!
Then after a stop for lunch at Stoney Creek Trestle Bridge which was part of the old Gippsland Rail Trail.
We headed for the Coastal Town of Paynesville. Parking up we headed for the Chain Ferry that has been family owned and run for over 100-years. The ferry took us to Raymond Island. Home of the Raymond Island Koala Trail.
I’ve been following the Koalas of Raymond Island on Social Media for a while. And was excited to be able to see the Trail.
In beautiful Sunshine we followed the short trail around the Island and it wasn’t long before we spotted our first Koala in the trees. Followed by many more as we walked around. It was magical seeing so many up close in their natural habitat.
Definitely the highlight of my day!
Hot Springs
Next morning, I had the privilege of having a guided tour of the new Metung Hot Springs, which opened in November. Followed by a few hours relaxing in the Springs.
Years in the planning. And owned by the same family as the Peninsula Hot Springs which we visited when I came over in 2013.
With work still being completed. Metung Hot Springs isn’t yet fully finished. But what is open. Is stunning. With views across the Lake. Sitting back in the warm waters. Gazing across the vista to the water. It was bliss. I then headed over to the Bathing Ridge. Not yet accessible from the Springs. This side you sit in old Wine Barrels with the bubbles overflowing and the best views to the Lake.
I wish I could have stayed longer. As Belinda Carlise once said. Heaven is a Place on Earth.
And I am very grateful to Unique Boutique Collection in arranging my visit.
From Metung we headed to Kilcunda as the last part of our short break.
Beaches and Koalas
Checking into the Ocean View Motel in Kilcunda to end our stay. We spent the evening in the neighbouring town of San Remo at the foot of the Road to Phillip Island.
Eating fresh Fish & Chips the best way, overlooking the Sea. We had dinner watching the sun go down. Overlooking fisherman fishing for Squid.
The next morning, we headed to the local beach. Further south of 90-mile beach. It was just as Stunning. With the same wide Sandy Beach and clear turquoise waters. Walking along the dune paths. We took in the Views. And narrowly missed a snake!
From there we headed to Maru Koala Park. Where I paid for a Koala Encounter. Giving me the chance to get up close to Grace the young Koala. In Victoria. It is illegal to hold a Koala. But we were allowed up close to stroke her back and feed her, her favourite Gum leaves.
We were also allowed to walk through the Kangaroo Field and hand feed them. They are so lovely when they have been hand reared. I wouldn’t recommend trying to feed wild Roos!
Sadly, it was then time to head home to see what else the trip would bring and prepare for Christmas.
Would you like to organise your own Aussie Adventure?
Email me on jules.taylor@premier-travel.co.uk or book in a time to talk here.
Until next time…
Jules x
