Chiltern

7 - 8 March 2015

Our next stop was a birdwatching spot, so we had a definite plan when we left Khancoban. We followed the Murray Valley Highway through to Tallangatta where we stopped for coffee and cake (delicious) at the local bakery, and some supplies. We also drove down to the lake - which is quite low and little more than a few ponds. Tallangata is just off the highway and worth the 1km drive in for a break.

From there we drove on to Wodonga and were directed to a lovely park for lunch. Belvoir Park is on a lake with a walking track that looks like it goes all the way around. There are picnic tables, BBQs and toilets. Seating and picnic areas are provided all along the path. There is also an enclosed a dog "off leash" area away from the main picnic park.

Ducks and geese roam the area and despite the signs prohibiting feeding the birds many families were doing just that - and then trying to chase them away when they crowded for more.

After fueling up, we drove down the Hume Freeway to Chiltern - a small town, founded on mining. The Chiltern - Mt Pilot National Park is a well known birdwatching spot, so that was our first stop. We spent a short while at Honeyeater Picnic Area which is on Cyanide Road and is beside an old dam. Mick met a fellow bird photographer who provided some local knowledge. Birdos are generally a friendly lot.

We moved on to set up camp at the local caravan park, then to the Visitor Information Centre where we obtained a map to another birding spot - No. 2 Dam. Another nice spot with a walk to a hide. The dam level is quite low so the hide is a long way from the water, but is well maintained.

Crested Shrike-tit

Barking Owl on the No. 2 Dam walk.

We made a fairly early start on Sunday and returned to Honeyeater Picnic Area for the morning. After a picnic morning tea we hit the road again. We had learned that this was a long weekend in Victoria so were not surprised when we saw how crowded it was in Rutherglen - just up the road. We stumbled upon local produce markets that were just starting to pack up, but headed in for a look anyway. There was an excellent array of yummy goodies. Due to lack of space we settled for some home made pasta and sauce, as well as local strawberries which were sweet and juicy (and tasted just like strawberries should).