Day 2

First steps into Victoria

Although still cloudy, the morning in Merimbula was at least dry. After a quick photo outside our first floor motel room we checked-out and drove into town looking for breakfast.

We were fortunate to find a table at our first choice Waterfront Cafe and enjoyed a various of the menu items. Thus fortified we took advantage of the dry weather and headed out to the boardwalk alongside the lake – a favourite stroll from our visit last year.

After refuelling with diesel we left Merimbula and headed south towards the Victorian border. Passing familiar Eden and Boydstown, we then entered the unfamiliar as we followed the Princes Highway south. Catherine guessing most closely the time that we would cross the State border.

With only a 3 1/2 hour drive needed today we added an extension to our route and diverted to Mallacoota, the most easterly point in Victoria. Infamous for the beach evacuations needed during the 2020 bushfires, there was no chance of a repeat today. Instead we ‘enjoyed’ a walk in the showers and enjoyed the antics of the numerous pelicans. After a picnic lunch we retraced our route back to the Princes Highway and followed it to the west.

We stopped at Cann River, a small town in the Tamboon State Forest. Eschewing regular treats like coffee, we were instead tempted by the delights of the Lolly Shop. Suitably cheered, we continued with our wet drive. We stopped at Oboist and visited tourist information, housed in a traditional wooden ‘slab’ hut. Having picked up a very useful leaflet (but leaving the displayed Canberra 2019 brochure) we returned to the car for the final drive into Bairnsdale.

The Bairnsdale Town Central Motel was a comfortable base and after a short break we ventured out to Main St looking for food. Guided by internet recommendations we walked a long way down the street to a closed restaurant before returning via a Pizza restaurant. Instead of the traditional restaurant service we were served pizzas in cardboard boxes!

After all that excitement, we retired early, ready for a longer drive tomorrow.