A seaside holiday
13 Mar 2015
In early February, 40 members from Combined Probus Club of Syndal in Victoria visited the Bellarine Peninsula, where they stayed in caravans and cabins at the Big 4 Caravan Park at Marcus Hill.
Although the Park is on the Bellarine Highway approximately 10km from Queenscliff, it proved an ideal location, as Queenscliff, Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Torquay, Geelong and other interesting places were all within easy driving distance.
The cabins were of a high standard, grounds expansive and well maintained. The indoor pool, barbecues and indoor kitchen/dining room were all well used for relaxation and evening Happy Hours.
The park management kindly provided welcome ‘nibbles’ the first evening. We then adjourned to the park meeting room for a lovely spit roast dinner.
Next morning, we boarded a bus provided by the park and spent the day touring seaside villages on the Peninsula. This took us to our morning tea spot in Drysdale, Café Zoo, then through Portarlington, Indented Head, St Leonards and onto Queenscliff prior to lunch at the Queenscliff Tennis and Bowling Club with lovely views over ‘The Rip’. We were driven back to camp through Ocean Grove by mid-afternoon.
Tuesday commenced with a planned morning tea at Jack Rabbit Winery, which gave us delightful expansive views over Corio Bay, Avalon Airport and around the coast to Melbourne city landscape. Members spent the remainder of the day exploring the peninsula and relaxing at the park, before proceeding to Clifton Hills Golf Club Bistro for a truly inspiring Parma night.
Wednesday was another free day where people visited various places on the Peninsula. Many met at Ocean Grove Bowling Club for a private dinner with drinks courtesy of the Park management.
The following day was free, with a planned lunch at Van Loons nursery café. After lunch, twelve of our group enjoyed an imaginative 18-hole mini golf game. Our evening Happy Hour was followed by a BBQ in the covered camp kitchen. This was attended by the park owner Tim, with his youngest son and we were able to thank them for their hospitality and generosity.
Friday was ‘pack-up’ time and departure for home. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable week with plenty of opportunities to socialise with other club members in true Probus fashion.
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