Coming out of the Alpine Country and back into the real world I was greeted by an onslaught of traffic. Trailers, caravans, Winnebago, motor homes, bikers and everyone sporting a boat.. Or a Dog (V.C.R.T.)

This fire hut is amazing, big circular house with a central fire place and seating all around the walls.

Imogen and I were pretty gross after being out bush for a while however, Imo was heading back to Melbourne and all I wanted was a park with a good hot shower, washing machines and WIFI. Everything was booked solid! Nada…Nothing…ZIP!

The ladies at the Information shop in Mansfield rang everywhere; even Bonnie Doon was Packed to the Rafters… or was it The Castle?

Finally scored a few nights at a beautiful riverside park in Yea and the campground had super gorgeous facilities including spacious grassed shady sites, excellent camp kitchens, fire hut, lounge areas, pool and permanent and annual residents to party with for NY. There was also an impending heat wave (scoff scoff) and Victoria was definitely “on the move” so I decided to stay put for New Years celebrations! Yay in Yea!! I even tried a couple of resolutions.

JEEZTHATDIDNOTWORKATALLLLLL

The 1.5 hour drive to Kyneton took me about 5 hours to traverse. It was probably one of the very best drives so far, taking all the little tiny back roads and tracks across country and stopping for the most precious things like an echidna crossing the road, collect pine cones as if a five year old or just to smell the hay. Had to stop and get directions a lot; the old road maps don’t cut it and I should invest in a GPS one day!

I was totally in my element the whole way, inspired by country and it was like Victoria really is “the Garden State”.

I want to live here!!

My timing was impeccable as Lani, Imo, Matisse and Elspeth met me at the Botanical Gardens in Kyneton, and we all headed to “the Tram’ our Airbnb in Laureston for the New Year. What a cool little set up with a cottage, fire pit, butterfly gardens and lots of sheds and caravans. The kids were in heaven switching on the fairy lights, having concerts and exploring the pine tree dotted property.

Imogen’s car can go anywhere and what a perfect start to the year perusing this beautiful location; frequenting cafes and country roads, gin distillery, lavender farm, the Convent, natural springs, train rides and stopping for photos at every conceivable opportunity.

Lani makes absolutely beasty Gin and Tonics, to accompany our scrabble matches and shithead games, and the girls just played for hours in and around the tram. Proper holiday look!!!

Thanks LanDogg and Midgimo for the best time!

A big, happy, creative and productive New Year to YOU all………….. 2019 is sure to be a celebration!!

Footnote; V.C.R.T. ~ Victorian Child Replacement Therapy

Seriously everyone owns a dog, can travel with them almost anywhere and treat them like their babes. All spaces have facilities for our four legged friends.