Self-drive Touring to Gariwerd – by The Grampians
08 Feb 2023
A self-drive tour would give our members - East Malvern Combined Probus Club -an opportunity to see some of Victoria with friends.
This trip meant each car/driver was responsible for their own journey but we’d provide friendship throughout the holiday. We met every evening for happy hour before proceeding to dinner at one of the local restaurants/bistros. The trip organiser with the help of a sub-committee devised an itinerary – four nights -providing freedom of choice in options most days.
Accommodation was booked and paid for before departure using the Club’s SQUARE system. After many months of organising the trip, we hit the road on Monday the 14th November. Drivers set off at different times and arrived at our destination the Halls Gap Motel, The Pinnacles.
The weather was overcast with some light rain throughout our time away. This was not a major deterrent as most members were happy to be on a holiday and made sure they enjoyed themselves, regardless.
Tuesday was our day of free choice. Some went walking along the trails and Lake Fyans and Lake Bellfield. Others went to Ararat to visit the Old Jail or the Chinese Museum.
Wednesday morning, we gathered and drove to Murtoa to visit the Stick Shed. The Stick Shed was built in 1941 as emergency grain storage and was constructed of 560 unmilled mountain ash poles. The shed spans five Olympic swimming pools and has been dubbed the cathedral of the Wimmera. We then took the short drive down the road to Wood’s Museum. Both places were very interesting, and many said we could have stayed longer at the museum, but we were on a timetable. Next stop was Rupanyup where you could see the painted silos. Then we travelled back to Stawell to the Gift Hotel for a lovely three course lunch. After lunch we visited the “Gift” museum. This was of great interest to many members who had relatives who were involved in the Stawell Gift race.
The day ended with us playing Bingo in the motel conference room.
On Thursday, drivers chose one of the many routes provided to get to Dunkeld for lunch at the “Old Bakery” or other places of choice. Many members visited the Arboretum and enjoyed the walk amongst the old giants of the area, with stunning views of Mt Sturgeon. Some chose to visit the Old Museum, another take on our past and how people lived and played in the area.
Once again members could choose the route back to Halls Gap where we enjoyed the happy hour before going to the Kookaburra Bistro for our last evening meal of our trip.
After dinner our guest speaker regaled us about the extraordinary services provided by the Royal Flying Doctors Service.
Back to our rooms to pack for an early departure in the morning.
All arrived back in Melbourne safely after a fun self- drive holiday with friends.
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