We finally rolled off the ferry and back onto solid ground at Geelong Inner Harbour. The sail across the strait wasn't too bad in the end, though I have to admit I didn't have the easiest time of it. Every time I tried to lie down, the movement in the swell made things a bit interesting, so I spent a fair bit of the trip just watching the horizon. Lisa, on the other hand, managed to sleep through most of it. I don’t know how she does it, but I was certainly glad once we were back on the "big island." As much as we loved our time in Tassie, there’s a familiar comfort in being back on mainland roads.
We didn't waste much time getting moving, eventually pulling into Campbells Creek for a quick stop to stretch our legs. It’s a quiet little place with plenty of history tucked into the corners, but what really caught my eye were the trees. The autumn colours are out in full force, and the way the light hits those deep oranges and yellows makes the whole town feel incredibly warm and inviting.
After a good wander, we pushed on towards Bendigo. We’ve set ourselves up at the Notley Camping Area, which is a great little free camp about 15 km north of the city. It’s exactly the kind of spot we enjoy—plenty of space, surrounded by gums, and a real sense of peace once you get the levelers down and the chairs out. We’re planning on staying here for a few days to just soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the slower pace.
Once we’d settled in, we noticed a track heading off into the bush right from the edge of the campsite. We decided to head out for a bit of a look-see before the sun started to dip too low. It’s a lovely bit of scrub, and we found the start of the Frogmouth Loop Walk. It’s only about 1.3 km, so it was just the right length for a late afternoon stroll to get the blood pumping again after a day of transit. There’s nothing quite like the smell of the Australian bush to make you feel like you're properly back home.
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