The Road to Canberra

Last Sunday we sailed on the Spirit of Tasmania to Port Melbourne, one of the smoothest crossings we have ever had. We spent two nights in Warrnambool with its long shapely breakwall and wonderful coastal scenery, and visited the former Fletcher Jones factory which now houses an enormous antique and collectables market.

On our way to Bendigo we stopped in at beautiful Daylesford to once again spend time at The Mill Markets, always a pleasure, and have some lunch. Bendigo highlights included the stunning Botanical Gardens and lovely aviary, the iconic Bendigo Pottery and just for Jim, Power Grunt Hobbies.

The fabulous Shamrock Hotel drew us back for a second dinner, the food was that good. And we spent a day in the beautiful Macedon Ranges visiting the historic village of Malmsley, Woodend and Kyneton, where we had coffee at the trendy Duck Duck Goose and Larder.

One of many beautiful birds in the aviary, but what is it? 

The stunning Bendigo Botanical Gardens

Last night we were in Albury where various models of Chryslers lined the streets for a rally and the pub and restaurant scene was really hopping. We departed this morning for Canberra. It has been an interesting drive so far and the weather has been amazing. But like everyone else we have been following the latest on COVID-19 with great interest.

We managed to buy the last two large containers of hand sanitiser at a Chemists Warehouse and have visited several supermarkets to find them devoid of toilet rolls, paper towels, baby wipes, flour, sugar, pasta and disinfectant. Along the way we have managed to find what we need and we are being extra vigilant in sanitising our hands, often, and cleaning down handles and surfaces in hotel rooms, whilst generally keeping clear of crowds.

We sail on the Spirit on 23 March - we hope...