Posts Tagged ‘Lakes Entrance’

Australian Capital Territory – a place with artistic flair

The drive north from Lakes Entrance in Victoria was a hard slog in some places, especially in a campervan. It’s about a five-hour drive but, funnily enough, the time just seemed to fly by.  There isn’t a lot to stop and see along the way, but a myriad of surprises awaits in Quenbeayan!

Did you know that Quenbeayan is one of Australia’s biggest art towns? We certainly didn’t! This part of Australia is home to some of our most talented artists. We went to the Bilk Workshop and The Artists Shed. You can even taken in a few art classes which run three or four times a week. Who knows, you may just have a hidden talent ready to be unearthed … though I certainly didn’t. So, if it’s art you love, Quenbeayen is definitely the place for you.  There are loads of art galleries and tucked away little studios all waiting to be explored. We were there in Autumn which made it all the more picturesque. Pack a picnic, stroll through the galleries and studios and make sure you have lunch along the riverbank because you won’t be disappointed.

Of course, Quenbeayan is the neighbour of our capital city, but don’t think you need to go into Canberra, as there is absolutely everything you will need right there in Quenbeayen – including indoor kids’ play centres, great restaurants and all the everyday services you need.

Go on, what are you waiting for? Especially those of you who live within driving distance, short or long! Go now, because Quenbeayan is a must-see place.

PETER “SPIDA” EVERITT

The Great Australian Doorstep Series 2 is now showing on the How To channel on Foxtel (Australia).

Melbourne to Lakes Entrance

We decided to check out our own “doorstep” and spent a few days looking around the Dandenongs, within an hour’s drive from Melbourne’s CBD. It’s a leisurely cruise in the campervan, too, with loads of great sites as you wind your way up these hills east of the city. It’s such a beautiful place in Autumn. You just have to go to the Cuckoo Restaurant, it’s a damn good day out. Great food and very entertaining.  We parked the vehicle and took the Puffing Billy (pictured) up there – a place I haven’t been since I was 7. You forget what is right on your doorstep, you really do.

A grand entrance

Then we headed off to Lakes Entrance, which is an easy drive, nice open roads, flat and perfect for just cruising along. Lakes Entrance is so under-rated. Only four hours drive from Melbourne, it’s an easy weekend getaway with so much to do. We went fishing, didn’t catch anything; there are little boats you can hire and drive yourself (anyone can do it if I can!). If fishing’s not your thing, you can just cruise the waterways and check out the nice homes. The ocean beach is quite something and we were lucky enough to see whales. Well, my wife Sheree did, I didn’t have my glasses on. And as for the restaurants, well, what can I say. We ate out nearly every night with so many different types of restaurants and food flavours to choose from. It’s a really relaxing cruisy place. Will definitely be going back.

PETER “SPIDA” EVERITT