Merimbula trip

10 Dec 2013

The Combined Probus Club of Maroondah recently enjoyed a fabulous trip to Merimbula and the surrounding areas.

The weather was perfect – blue skies and sunshine after a cold Melbourne winter. The seas were a brilliant blue, and we saw whales frolicking close to the coast on their journey, graceful dolphins, and seals sunning themselves on rocks and then we had the taste sensations of fresh oysters from Pambula Lake, cheeses from Central Tilba and some delightful wines.

At Eden the group boarded a cruise boat for a two-hour cruise around Twofold Bay, which covers an area of about 30 square kilometres and is one of the deepest natural harbours in the world. It comprises two bays, Nullica and Calle Calle. Rosalind Butt of Cat–Balou Cruises gave an excellent commentary during the cruise about the wharf area, and the main type of fishing, which is trawling.

As the boat passed each point of interest, Boydtown Beach and Boydtown, Kiah Inlet, Edrom Lodge, members were informed about the people involved, Ben Boyd, the Davidson family and John Logan. They were also told about the whales and the history of whaling in the area. There is also an excellent Whaling Museum, home of the skeleton of Tom the Killer whale.

An interesting building in the Ben Boyd National Park was the lighthouse built by Boyd, but it never guided a ship to port!

A visit to Bega, Cobargo and Central Tilba was another highlight, especially to the Tilba ABC Cheese Factory, now back in the hands of local people and providing local employment. The cheeses are excellent.

Central Tilba is an interesting village with a lot of history and delightful shops!

The group also visited Tathra and the spectacular beach at Pambula. The rock formations and the blue seas are stunningly beautiful. The Sapphire Coast is well named!