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 Topic: A Trip to the Seaside.
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13/5/2015 at 6:23am
Location: Melbourne Australia
Outfit: Windsor Rapid Off Road Van + tents
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Hi all,
Here is a short report from a weekend trip that Jen and I did to Walkerville, which is on the shores of Waratah Bay about a 2.5 hrs drive south east of Melbourne. Often overlooked as a holiday destination for close by is Wilsons Promontory National Park, it is worth a visit in its own right as you’ll see there is plenty to do, it has history and some beautiful landforms nearby to keep the photographer and tourist busy. We spent 3 days there, camping in the Walkerville Foreshore Caravan Park which is ideally located as a base to explore all that this part of Victoria has to offer.
The Cape Liptrap Coastal Reserve protects the historic and natural features of the area and this lighthouse which is 93 metres above the water line, was built of concrete in 1951 replacing a corroding steel structure that had been erected around the turn of the century.
Our campsite was right on the shoreline and had lovely views looking east across Waratah Bay towards the Prom.
A walk south along the beach from the caravan park brings you to these historic Limestone Kilns. The first kilns were constructed in 1878 after the discovery of limestone in the area in 1875. This Limestone was shipped to Melbourne and was mostly used in the construction industry.
The kilns were closed in 1926 due to reduced demand, high transportation costs and the replacement of lime by cement.
A bit further along the beach there are some rugged outcrops that jut out into the bay.
On our way back to our camp, we took a walking track up and over a headland that gave views across the bay, and also brought us to the historic Walkerville Cemetery.
The next day we took a short drive around to Sandy Point and Shallow Inlet. The inlet is separated from Bass Straight by a narrow neck of sand (Isthmus) that gives protection to the Inlet, and allows kite surfers, yachts and land surfers the opportunity to experience ideal conditions for their particular pursuits. I believe that the World water speed record for a catamaran was achieved here a few years previous by the Macquarie Speed Sailing Team, which was just under 100 kph.
We strolled across an eerie but beautiful landscape to the shores of Bass Strait.
Looking further to the east the rugged mountain ranges of the Prom can be seen in the distance.
By the time we had made our way back to our car the land yachts had set up and were doing their thing. Quite a spectacular scene as they “sailed” by us very close. This is possibly the only kind of sailing that I could do, without throwing up everywhere! But then again!!
Land Yachts can reach speeds of 120 kph, the world record for a land yacht is an incredible 203 kphs!!
The earliest known use of land yachts was in Ancient Egypt, where they were apparently built for leisure. The Chinese had "wind-driven carriages" since the 6th century AD, and a vessel which could carry up to thirty people was described in Texts from that time.
Back at camp the calm of the evening soon descended upon us and with the sounds of a gentle sea, the sky lit up, heralding the near end of another lovely short break from the rigours of a hectic life that was only a few hours away in Melbourne.
Looking east from our camp, and then west towards the setting sun.
Col.
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The worst day above ground, is a whole lot better than the best one under it. Live life to the fullest while you can.
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