Mon, 20th Oct, 2014 Big Toms Beach, Cobram to Christie’s Campground, Echuca Regional Park

Warmer night – only needed one blanket. 17 degrees in van in morning but the breeze was still brisk. The koalas had both moved camp to Dad’s original tree but were down on a lower branch so we could get closer photos and videos of them. They were very active too though Dad wandered up a branch and promptly fell asleep. Mum was in the fork for a bit then decided to climb down and march across the road to find another tree. Unfortunately the one she chose already had a koala up further. He growled and sniffed but maybe he was her baby from last year as the other people near us said they had seen her last year with a baby. It was a great treat to see them. Got so many photos and videos, they were so cute.

Back over the levee and into Cobram. Stopped for a cuppa at Strathmerton. Passed lots of dairies with signs Devondale Milk. All the cows were huddled together in each paddock we past. Very flat and open farm land here with irrigation canals here and there. Some of the hay was well wrapped.

Others with just a quick wrap.

Some were still in the paddock and the hay had grown up around it again.

Nathalia was a lovely old style town. The Barmah State Forest information centre is here.

Over the Goulburn River – it is a very wiggly river (looking on the GPS). The bridge is narrow and long and they have a flashing sign before to advise if there is another vehicle coming towards you on the bridge.

Not the most picturesque scenery as it is dry and the water looks so brown from the clay soil.

Through little area called Wyuna where “The Big Cherry” is – saw the sign but not the cherry. They had signs selling all kinds of jams, fruit etc and Cherry Icecream.

About 11km out of Echuca there is the Down Under Dunny – it is an outhouse build upside down. Will have to stop next time for a photo – Steve had the truck wound up.

Got a picture of one of the irrigation channels as we head through Echuca Village.

One place a such lovely roses – but I missed getting a photo of it.

Back onto the dirt and onto the high banks of the Murray River again. A few more campers here.

We pulled up along the bank and went for a walk to check out the area so we didn’t go up any narrow tracks again. We were looking for Christies Beach Campground in the Echuca Regional Park and found a flatter area further on but decided to stay where we stopped.

Had lunch then while I was preparing Ecopot tea, Steve said I had a visitor at the door. Mr Currawong was looking for something to eat. He was so funny – he picked up about 6 pieces of cracker as Steve through them so him then jumped on the mat and ate the lot.

We then went for a bigger walk as Steve found a sign saying Christies was another kilometre down the road – take the left gravel road at the fork (someone scribbled this on a sign). Needed the exercise so off we went meandered along the river. Can’t believe how people can leave their rubbish behind.

Lots of areas to camp – some the roads to them were a bit chewed up where people have been bogged well and truly. Found Christies – lovely area – bit more grass than where we are and closer to the water. Across the river is a farm in NSW.

There are toilets here and interesting looking picnic tables.

A thong, shoe and hat tree.

Past a few “permanent campers”. Found a couple more signpost for Barr  and Boileau Tracks, but there are tracks going everywhere. Kept walking and looked across to an area of a few permanent looking camps – maybe a NSW farmer leases out his land for weekenders.

Another flat area but there is a horse and pony here and dung and hay everywhere.

The pony was free but the horse had got himself tied around a post so Steve went and helped him unwind.

As Steve walked off the horse followed and wanted some company.

 He promptly got himself wrapped around another tree so Steve untangled him again.

Chatted with some people with Kimberly Kampers. Back to our van for a cuppa and chat with the neighbours, Fred & Dianne who had their fishing rods out looking to snag a Yellow Belly. Another chap lives here permanently after an accident truck driving but he is very nice and everything is neat and tidy.

Had drinks with Fred & Dianne – Fred was born in Sofala and is building a house there that we were looking at. He also knows Kevin McDonald (has a weekender in Sofala too) who used to supply the Godden race engines for Steve’s Formula 500 years ago. Both live in Bathurst. What a small world.

Waved to a house boat cruising by. Then a ski boat whizzed by. Dianne said there were heaps of ski boats on the river yesterday. Lovely sunset.

Joined the others by the fire for a glass of port and chat. ‘Pete’ the possum came to visit and Richard hand fed him. So cute – where’s my camera!!!

Found out that what we thought were Currawong were actually magpies. The Currawongs do have the lovely song but a not nice and attack nests etc. Maybe need to find a bird book.