Sat, 18th Oct, 2014 Green Bank, Yarrawonga to Big Toms Beach, Cobram

Warmer night and morning with clear sky but still need jumper and longs as the breeze is cool for our alfresco breakfast overlooking the Murray River and watching the golfers.

Said by to Greg Mulley from Tolga – who has relations in Cairns that Steve knows. He is off to Tassie next week so we will catch up with him somewhere down there.

Back out to the Murray Valley Highway to Burramine where we turned off to find Nevins Beach East – in the Camps 7 book. Beach might mean flatter and sandy rather than the high edge we had. Past a farm of cauliflower, shallots and other herbs.

There were roads going in all directions but they had names and we followed the Nevins Track one then one saying Gravel End Track to a lovely open beachy area. Will definitely come back here as we can access the water easily.

Decided to keep following the road but got couldn’t get through a deep gully so had to do a u-turn – oops – made it ok though.

Drove back out on the Buchanan Track which ended up just up from where we were stuck – this is called ‘Going the Scenic Route’ apparently – in stead of saying you are lost!! Found our way out and back onto the road to find Scotts Beach – another ‘Scenic Route’, the Camp 7 descriptions are a bit confusing. So kept following the River Road to Cobram.

Found the bridge over the Murray back into NSW and a picnic area on the river called “Ski Beach” where we stopped for lunch. No skiing here though as there are houseboats and a big no skiing sign. There are camp areas further along the river on the NSW side.

This is where the original punt crossing was used from 1889 to 1902. They transported people, livestock and produce back and forth across the river. A bridge was built in 1902 providing a vital link with the rail network that had reached Cobram just a few years earlier. It was the height of the river trade. Designed to accommodate paddle streamers, the bridge had a movable span which could be raised to allow paddle steamers to pass underneath and lowered for bridge traffic. It was last lifted in 1974. The new bridge was built in 2006 right alongside the old structure.

Back into Victoria and just over the bridge into Thompsons Beach. Has a kiosk, rowing club and modern paddle steamer for hire. No camping here though.

  

Just into Cobram we turned off and went over the Levee that protects the town from floods.

There were three roads here leading to the river, Hogan Track, Big Toms Beach and Little Toms Beach. Headed for Big Toms as that was the one in Camp 7 and we didn’t want to get stuck again. Another big sandy area with a few campers here. Got a nice spot, set up and went down to the beach to paddle. Steve thought we could go for a swim as it has gotten hotter and I am down to my singlet but then I put my foot in the water and Millaa Falls springs to mind!!!

Tensioned the awning as it had gotten loose from the wind at Bathurst then Steve made some anchor ropes for it – stole an idea off the other Nova couple to use a clip to hold the rope on instead of tying a knot. Someone left a round camp chair as it had broken two pins – brand new so Steve did a fix up job so we now have another chair. Being entertained now by two guys trying to put their tinnie in the water – not the brightest sparks around!!

Collected firewood for camp oven dinner. Long walk along the road to other camp areas by the river. This is the nicest one in this area. Met a couple from Tassie then chatted to a couple we saw canoeing at Ski Bank, from Newcastle. Having a drink while the fire made some coals for the camp oven and I thought I heard a motor bike rumbling – joked it was Steve’s belly wanting dinner. I went inside to chop the vegies then Steve called out to bring the camera. In the gum tree beside us was daddy, mummy and baby Koala. It was so exciting. They were eating and looking down at us. The baby was so cute. Steve let the other campers know and we all took photos. I got some great videos too. Glad we know what that sound was – mummy calling to baby as she did it while we were watching, then baby climbed up to her to eat. Dad was so high up in the tree just resting against a thin limb. Mum and baby were in another tree and she was passing branches to him but he dropped them. Now I know why there were so many green leaves on the ground. Rang mum & dad, then Dan and Jon I was so excited!!!

 Dad

 Baby

 Mum

 Mum (top) & baby (below)

 Dad up high

 dad closer up

 dad

 cute baby

 mum awake

 dad eating

Lovely sunset.

Went back later to check on them with the torch, dad was still eating. He growled a few times, I suppose checking on mum etc. Made my day. Now we just need to see a wombat!!

Warm night even though the sky is clear. Because we had been koala watching the camp oven didn’t go on til late so we were still by the campfire at 9pm and not freezing. Rang Steve Allard for a chat.