Whitfield

17 – 19 March 2023

We arrived at the caravan park in Whitfield and were set up in time for lunch, but once again we were in a site without much shade. Because we were staying a couple of nights we put up the awning which helped in the middle of the day. Whitfield seems to be the heart of the King Valley Wine Region so I was keen to sample some of the local product. With a winery just across the road from the caravan park, this would certainly be possible.

It was another hot day, so later in the afternoon we went for a walk to explore the small village. We found King Valley Fine Foods and bought some pesto, mushroom tapenade and a pasta sauce. We also discovered a community centre with a heap of books which were free to take. I found one by a favourite author so took it with me.

On Saturday morning we decided to drive in to Mansfield. Mansfield is the gateway to the Mount Buller ski-fields and was surprisingly busy for a Saturday in autumn. We wandered around the shops and found a café to have lunch before driving home. The drive took just under an hour through the mountains with some spectacular views along the way.

The roundabout on the main street of Mansfield

We made it home in time to go to Dal Zotto Winery, just across the road from the caravan park. They offer a tasting of their NV Prosecco, and 6 other wines of your choosing, for $10. Mick came with me to keep me company but didn’t partake. I tried most of the whites and a rose before deciding to purchase some Prosecco, Pinot Grigio and Rosata.

Staying the weekend in Whitfield was pleasant but the caravan park was way too busy and very noisy with several large groups socialising loudly until very late in the night. If we were ever to return we would definitely make it a week night.

Edi Cutting Campground

16 – 17 March 2023

We left the Winton Wetlands and drove back through Glenrowan before making a quick stop in Moyhu, then on to Edi Cutting which is a free campground on the King River. Once again we were set up by lunchtime, and once again we had to chase the shade. There were lots of birds around, and the campground wasn’t too busy when we arrived, but it did start to fill up as the afternoon moved on.

King River at Edi Cutting

We had thought that this would probably be a popular spot, especially on weekends, so planned for just an overnighter. There are toilets and some firepits, but no other infrastructure. The campground looks to be well maintained and very well used with lots of caravans arriving late on Friday afternoon.

Our next destination was to be Whitfield which is only 10 minutes down the road, so we took out time in the morning having a cooked breakfast, followed by some time by the river chasing birds. Edi Cutting is definitely worth a look, especially mid-week.