Wed, 16th Dec, 2015 Walsh’s Bend, Murray River Reserve, near Robinvale, Vic to Retail Bend, Murray River, Murray-Kulkyne Park, Vic

16 months on the road. Lovely morning, clear sky, 26 degrees.

Back out onto the bitumen nearly up to Robinvale then we turned south to continue along the Murray. Passed more acres of fruit trees and then a huge area of wheat.

Stopped at Wemen for a cuppa by the river.

Turned north into the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. It borders Murray-Kulkyne Park (where you can have dogs!) Over the red dirt River Track.

Stopped to check out a pumping station by the river. It is designed to flood the lagoon area west of here every couple of years by pumping the water out of the Murray into Chalka Creek which we just crossed over.

Drove down the track – looking back on the inlet pipes.

We are much higher than the river here. Dropped down from the top to check out the boat ramp area at Firemens Bend – the red dunes here.

Nice shady area but no good for swimming – bit too weedy. On the other bank was a NSW distance sign – down to 1036 kilometres to go.

Tall straight trees by the water’s edge.

Drove back upstream a bit where we saw a sandy beach – it is huge but we will be toasted by the time we get to the water!! Put our feet in – it was lovely but decided to find a camp closer to the water.

Back up on the high ground Steve spotted an emu.

Stopped on a high bank for a look around. We are now in the Murray-Kulkyne Park which hugs the Murray River. The National Park is a huge area to the west.

Zoomed in on the colourful cliffs further downstream.

Steve spotted another beach area so we went down to check it out and it is perfect.

Set up and got out the togs for a swim. It was all sandy underfoot which was lovely. The current was strong. So glad I brought my floating hammock though it was hard paddling against the current.

After lunch then another swim I got out my book and Steve went for a wander with the camera.

Obviously we are in Ford territory as they used Holden cylinder heads as boat anchors here.

He went further around the point and found another NSW marker.

A back water as the river goes around to the left.

We heard a cry from across the river – thought it sounded like a child or maybe a goat. The Whistling Kites have a nest over the river from our camp.

After another swim we had dinner in the shade. It was 40 degrees in the van even with it mostly in the shade. But the swims are keeping us cool.

The sun slowly went down at 8.30pm.

 We had another swim.

I took photos of the sun setting while Steve got his exercise running up the river against the current.

9pm it was still light enough to go for a walk. Went around the point where we spotted some goats on the opposite bank so that explained the bleating we heard.

Further around from the island is a huge beach down by the water.

Back to the van and I got a shot of the last remaining light at 9.15pm. The kookaburras are laughing as the sky darkens.