Brighton Beach heads to Swan Hill

12 Mar 2013

Last October, 20 members travelled to Swan Hill to look at the attractions of this northern city. Comfortable motel accommodation contributed to a very happy and enjoyable 4-day stay. 

On the night of our arrival we attended a sound and light show at the Pioneer Settlement. A transporter provided a comfortable way of viewing the Settlement at night.

The next morning a local guide boarded our coach and showed us the attractions of this flourishing city.

Returning to the Settlement we had the services of a knowledgeable guide who gave us an extensive commentary, with a large amount of humour, while travelling around on the transporter.

He explained how the Settlement captures the period in the Mallee from 1830 to 1930 and pointed out many features in the complex of interest that we would not have appreciated without his explanations.

After lunch at the Bakery, we enjoyed a cruise up the Murray River on the Pyap paddle steamer. A casual look at the exhibitions completed the day at the Pioneer Settlement.

The next day we drove to Lake Boga and visited the Catalina Flying Boat Museum situated on the banks of the lake. The Museum is established in a large purpose-built hanger which houses a full size Catalina aircraft together with a large display of well documented authentic war memorabilia.

Our next visit was to the Sharlea Ultra Fine Wool enterprise. Fine wool is produced from Saxon Merino sheep. The flock has been reduced to a few because of the lack of demand of this type of wool usually sold to Italy, Korea and Japan for the production of high quality suits and garments. The property now caters for Bed and Breakfast clients who use the lake for boating sports in the warmer weather.

A pheasant farm was our next stop. Situated 15 kilometres from Swan Hill, the property is well established for the production of young chicks sold to interstate breeders. A large flock of peacocks also provided a colourful picture.

We were able to enter a walk-in aviary and feed and admire multi coloured birds.

A short stop at Syd’s shed gave us a look at some of the many skills of this man.

His collection of antiques of various items including motorbikes brought back memories of the group.

Thursday was our departure day and with some sadness we left the city and drove back along the highway to Bendigo where we made our last stop for an enjoyable lunch.