Leaving Mallacoota we need to return to the AI at Genoa, turn left and we’re now heading roughly south west towards Melbourne, still paralleling the Pacific Coast, however, rarely in sight of it. We are still well within the bushfire ravaged State Forests and some National Parks which bore the brunt of the devastation. The A1 now winds over several mountains and we come across large sections on road repairs from the fires, yet, from the heights the views are pretty special.
We pass through our first township, Cann River, without a stop and continue towards Orbost, a picturesque old town as so many Victorian townships are. We stop for a comfort break, take a short walk uptown then move the rig to a riverside park where Evi makes a wrap for lunch, settled by a cider, of course.
Lakes Entrance, originally we had intended to spend a few days in this water encompassed fishing town, however, time is against us and so we stop for a brief walk along the marina and one of the strip shopping areas then off again. Not for the first time we make a resolution to revisit here another journey.
By the time we get to Bairnsdale we have decided to camp here the night as the drive to Melbourne is just over 3 hours and mainly on dual roads, a breeze. Bairnsdale is the economic and cultural centre of the Gippsland region, well known for its dairy, wool and timber industry. It is really a small city offering all the private and government services required. It is very historical with many Heritage listed buildings as well as vineyards, wineries, breweries and distilleries.
We camped at the NRMA Riverside Caravan Park, almost empty at this time, and spent the afternoon walking through the shopping area and stocking up the pantry (and cellar). Roscoe also made a booking for the next morning at a tyre centre to have the caravan tyres rotated before we head off to Tasmania.
Australia. Dust, Fire, Flood & Pandemic 