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| Report of Grampians Tour 2005 |
| Click Here to obtain a printed copy Photos on bottom of page |
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| 5-Day Grampians Tour Report. Sunday September 25: As everyone was on board and anxious to go we left early at 7.45 am heading to Murray Bridge to pick up the last two of our group with a total of 33 passengers on board. 19 of those are members of our Club and 14 extras c/o Eureka Tours. We then travelled to Tailem Bend for a morning comfort stop and a cup of tea/coffee. An uneventful 2-hour drive saw us at the Bordertown Hotel having a light sandwich and cake lunch. Departing we put our watches forward half an hour to make it Victorian time, and travelled through Nhill, Horsham and Stawell to Halls Gap arriving at the luxurious Colonial Motor Inn at 4.00 pm. A short walk though the township and a freshen-up in the Motel saw us seated at the Motel dining room for a 3-course dinner at 6.00 pm. All retired to their rooms at 8.00 pm after a long day travelling. Monday September 26: After a scrumptious all you can eat breakfast at 7.30 am we boarded our coach at 9.00 am to visit Reid’s Lookout, followed by a visit to the McKenzie Falls including a morning cup of tea/coffee. Returning to Galls Gap we bought our own lunches in one of the numerous eating-places in the township. Re-boarded the coach at 1.00 pm to visit the Lavender Patch nursery followed by a visit to ‘Barney’s Rubble’. From the outside it looks like just another old and very large galvanised shed but on the inside is an amazing display of antique wares, all in top condition and all for sale. Then visited the Rocket Cottage plants and craft shop followed by a visit to the ‘Brambuk’ Aboriginal Culture Centre were we spent some time fossicking through their artefacts. Back to the motel to get ready for yet another 3-course meal at the motel restaurant. Tuesday September 27: After another 7.30 am breakfast we left the motel at 8.30 am for a drive to Stawell were a tour guide gave us an extensive tour of the township. Spent some time in the local shopping Mall before heading of to Best’s winery for some wine tasting. Then travelled to Ararat were we did some browsing through the Main Street and bought our own lunches. Boarding the coach again at 2.00 pm we went to the ‘Gum Sun’ Chinese heritage centre, which portrays the arrival and departure of Chinese migrants to the goldfields to try their luck. Travelled back to the Halls Gap motel via Moyston to have another 3-course meal. Wednesday September 28: Breakfast is again at 7.30 am and with bags packed we left this comfortable Motel to travel to Hamilton. But the weather put a damper on our plans as it was pouring rain and the visit to open gardens in Cavendish on the way to Hamilton had to be bypassed. Had morning tea/coffee on arrival then went to the main shopping area before going to Alexandra House for a sandwich lunch. Departed Hamilton to go to the ‘Big Wool Bales’ for a sheering demonstration and a browse through their shop. Then travelled to Coleraine and visited the exclusive ‘Glenelg’ chocolate factory. Having been there before we all enjoyed a free gift of chocolate and many were bought. Continuing through Casterton and adjusting our watches again we arrived in Mt. Gambier to visit the Sink Hole before arriving at the luxurious Presidential Quality Inn. Another 3-course meal awaited us at 6.00 pm. Thursday September 29: All good things must come to an end and after a 7.30 am breakfast we left the Motel at 9.00 am for a quick visit to the main street before leaving for the Tantanoola Caves. They are a fascinating sight to see. We then travelled through Millicent and Beachport to the Robe Hotel for a very enjoyable last lunch. Continuing through Kingston and Meningie to the South Eastern Freeway were we dropped our Murray Bridge members at their hometown. Arrived back at the Festival Theatre by 7.00 pm with a very happy although tired group. Back |
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