Picnic Point to Yackandandah

On a suggestion by the managers of the Caravan Park we took a back road to Tocumwal. The forest area has tracks going in all directions and not all are clearly marked so it’s not surprising we didn’t go exactly where we planned. I had to go to Tocumwal though so I could tick off Toc.

It has lovely old buildings, I find it hard to imagine future generations being charmed by the current building styles.

Click on a single image to see a larger photo with caption.

Toc is a busy place, always something happening.

Terminus Hotel

Old Railway Store

Old building, new Motel

Shop front mural

 

After Tocumwal we crossed back into Victoria and went through the Rutherglen vine region but weren’t tempted to visit any cellar doors. Annie’s Lane, Pewsey Vale and Skillagalee will do me!

Creative mailbox.

Alex was happy to feel a chill in the air as we came into the hills, the Postmaster at Yakandandah said we could expect 5 deg overnight so that’s quite a change. We set up in the Caravan Park then walked about the town, booked ourselves in for a meal at The Star Hotel before going back to freshen up. My jeans failed the respectability test so I had to dig into my bag to find something presentable. Tomorrow will be a day for clothes washing, I think we might be moving into a less dusty environment now.

On the footpath in the main street alongside a piano, bikes, mobile fire extinguisher etc

Just a hint?

Mural aged like the vehicle now.

Cigar Box Banjos, there was also an Arnotts biscuit tin one.

We chatter raucously!

Which type of customer has priority?

Ironic, someone selling new properties working from one of the oldest buildings in town.

We’re staying here for at least two nights. We saw Yackandandah (Yak) on Backroads with Heather Ewart and want to be here for the Jam Session at the pub tomorrow night, after that we’ll decide if we want to move on.

Broome

Before continuing to Broome we stopped at the Prison Tree in Derby. Although some of the aboriginal people held were considered to have stolen stock others were  “Blackbirded” ie they were captured,chained and held at the Prison Tree before being taken off to work as pearlers. Nearby is the 120 m long trough that watered 500 bullocks at one time. We think the stock would have been taken up the Gibb River Road to Wyndham. The old yards are still there, not far from the Prison Tree at Derby. There is also a “bath” built by some soldiers for the troops refreshment but of course, the officers got to use it before the other ranks each day.

Prison Tree, Derby

Alex at the end of the trough.

We’ve been told that you have to queue from early morning to get a site at a Broome caravan park but we were lucky, though we couldn’t be picky & the site we were allocated was VERY DIFFICULT to get into. Luckily we had a helpful neighbour and Alex managed to shoehorn the Camper in. The bay looks stunning.

Beautifully cooked salmon and salad for dinner, polished off the Annie’s Lane and now it’s time for a cider. If we don’t have one each our stocktaking will be way out of kilter!

We have booked in here for 3 nights but will see how it goes. If we want to stay longer we have to tell them the morning before and there is no guarantee of the same site. I can tell you it will be on this site or not at all!