Toora – did they really do all that?!?!

18 Apr 2023

Just how much can 40 members of the Probus Club of Mount Eliza Central do in a week?? 

A lot!

Eat, drink, walk, explore, play games.  Heading to their base at the Toora Tourist Park in South Gippsland on a Sunday afternoon, travellers were met with hot cross buns on arrival, served in the tourist park’s community centre.  Then followed happy hour, dinner at their leisure in their respective cabins or vans, and an evening of playing cards or rumicub.  In fact, every day they enjoyed happy hour, games and trivial pursuit after dinner. 

Monday, the Probians visited the nearby village of Fish Creek for lunch at the impressive art deco hotel, and for a wander around its fascinating, unique shops - many with local products.  Some also popped into Foster on the way back to camp. 

Tuesday saw them at Port Welshpool, walking the extremely long pier just shy of 1 km.  The pristine waters were dotted with stingrays rather large flounders, and swans.  A sight to see.  On to Yarram for lunch, some chose the bowling club, others dined at one of the many town cafes. The Probus members found doing the mural walk to be enjoyable and impressive, and even spied a major mural on the town’s water tower as a WIP (Work in Progress).  Sausage sizzle back at Toora that night, a Pancake brekky one morning and pizza another night.  Phew! 

A visit to Wilsons Promontory followed and they split up to enjoy some of the many accessible walks, despite the rain.  The sea, vistas, bird life and more: what an amazing and special place!

Yet another day they headed to Port Albert, visiting the unique and extremely interesting and well-presented Maritime Museum, followed again by food – yes, fish and chips at the fabulous Fish and Chippery over the water. Then on to Agnes falls and more short walks, followed by the Toora windfarm.

There’s more! One day some members played bowls at Foster Bowling Club, experiencing the welcoming by Foster Locals.  Others explored Meeniyan, another fascinating town with a great variety of art, clothing, shops, deli, and bakeries.  Then on to the Gurney Cider outlet to sample and purchase their product.  The Probians report that Gurney’s Scrumpy is scrumptious! 

Saturday morning, the last day in Toora – some members played klop, while others walked down to the town, visited the fortnightly trash and treasure market at the Lions Club, and explored other fascinating and exciting second-hand stores and art galleries.  The coffee and food at the café across the road from the Toora Tourist Park was just great and was frequented by some of travellers. 

To culminate, they all enjoyed a delicious meal in the convivial atmosphere of the Toora Pub.  Lois apologises to those members who wanted the lamb shank, as she ordered the last one (and remarks, “it was delicious.”) 

Sunday, they all packed up and headed home, with memories of a great and fun week.