Departed Canberra this morning after spending the weekend catching up with family. We have been here quite a few times and so this visit did not visit the many tourist attractions Canberra has to offer. We did however have coffee at the Telstra Tower on Black Mountain and enjoyed the 360 degree view of the capital. The hills were hazy however, with a clear sky the view was still breathtaking. We could see where the pine forests had burnt during the bush fires a few years ago and there is now a system of re-planting going on. Our son informed us that they are now planting fire retardant trees instead of more pines.
Driving south along the Monaro Highway we passed through Cooma and Bombala. These towns are on the edge of the great high country of our alps. We took the time to stock up the cupboard at the Woolies supermarket in Cooma before heading off and more climbing of hills. The highway was busy with motorbikes coming towards us from the racing held at Phillip Island on the weekend.
Leaving Cooma we drove through rolling hills that were covered in grass but there were no trees. These are the Monaro treeless plains and were quite a contrast to the heavy forests to come.
After Bombala we drive through state forest (Bondi State Forest if you please). It seemed a strange name for a forest down here close to the Victorian border. Beautiful tall pine trees either side of the road finally gave way to Australian bush. Tall trees and thick scrub with numerous creek and river crossings passed us by as we were able to breathe in the bush smells that came our way.
Herds of dairy cattle were quietly grazing on lush green grass fields. Maybe they were irrigated from the river close by or maybe it was simply the type of grass growing in all the fields. Later in the day we saw the cows waiting patiently at the various dairies for their turn to be milked.
Crossing into Victoria we headed down the mountain towards Cann River which linked us to the Princes Highway. Topping up with gas we turn right and start heading towards Melbourne. We decided to stop and free camp at Newmeralla Rest Area just west of Orbost. We have a grassy site with frogs croaking in the pond behind us and toilets just along the path. What more could we ask for?
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