With a very loose and fluid plan in mind we found ourselves in Beechworth. We’d expected school holidays over had expected things to be quiet but little did we realize to truth of Autumn in this neck of the wood. Compounded by the fact Easter and ANZAC Day were falling within the same week and being so close to NSW and the school holidays not having finished there it was still very busy and we could only get an unpowered site.
But it all worked out beautifully. Pulling up right next to a water tap and with our new solar configuration we had nae bother being off grid and ended up staying 4 nights. Situated amongst the autumn trees, on spacious sites and being allowed to have a camp fire made this place magic.
ANZAC day was a corker of a day with clear blue sky’s. We walked into Beechworth to explore the town and take in the history of Australia first and only outlaws, the Kelly Gang. We did a fabulous tour of the Beechworth Goal where Ned, his mother and Harry Power served time. It was fascinating due the the long operation history of the prison, (1864 – 2004, 140 yrs). The guide was super passionate and proud of the history which also makes for and engaging journey through its history.
From there we visited the War Memorial, all freshly laid with wreaths to pay our respects and reflect on the day. Lest we Forget.
Next it was a short work of the old court house and Ned Kelly Vaults. Both did a great job of taking you back to the day and telling the story, myths and legends of the Kelly family, Kelly gang and pioneers of the time.
The following day we made our way to Bright for lunch with Lois (Dad’s cousin), and to take in the delights of this quant little town. However we weren’t the only ones. Bright holds an Autumn festival and comes to life for a week, and this happened to be the week. The town hosts an amazing array of deciduous trees which have put Bright on the map at this time of year.
It was wonderful to see Lois again and just lovely to be immersed in the season of autumn which has never really been a feature growing up the Perth. A beautiful day followed by a clear and crisp evening and night by the fire, and the best Fish n Chips we have come across in Australia and EVER really.
It’s a big claim but was easy to make. Entirely gluten free, tasty grilled Barra, melt in your mouth calamari, crunchy and moorish cauliflower fritters, crisp chips and perfect potato cake. And unlike every other fish and chips i’ve ever eaten I didn’t feel that blah fat drench feeling in my mouth or tummy. The Aging Frog Fish Bar in Beechworth is a total winner winner fish dinner!
Our final day we were going to hire bikes (as we no longer have ours with us), but in the end a day around the van is what everyone really needed. There is brilliant cycling around these parts. Again our lack of research had us unprepared and we missed this opportunity but we have loved every minute of our stay here. Seeing the kids play in the autumn leaves building nests and pretending to be birds all afternoon was priceless and free!
Another one of my favorite spots! It’s a long list.