Murrindindi Reserve - Day 24

Lynette had told us that Trentham Falls was worth a visit, so this was the first stop. A short walk led to a viewing platform of one of the highest falls in the region, tumbling over ancient basalt. It was certainly stunning. 

Trentham Falls

Rocks downstream from the falls

The rural countryside was green and picturesque through Woodend, Newham, Lancefield and Kilmore, where we stopped to shop at Aldi & Coles, and had lunch in a town park. We set the GPS for Kinglake, and went to see Mason's Falls in the National Park. We had been in this area only days before it exploded in Feb 2009 with a terrible bushfire, but had been unable to camp as we arrived after 9pm, and the gates were closed.. The trees have recovered to some extend, but still the blackened skeletons of many tower above the new growth. Mason's Falls were a lovely set of falls over stepped hard mudstone. 

A lovely moth on one of the signs

Mason's Falls

The top of Mason's Falls

Red bracket fungi

A beetle conference

Scars of the fire

As we were turning to go to another section of park, right in town, I saw the National Parks office and we stopped to get information. The two rangers told me that the only camping spot in the park, Gum Tree Camp, was closed, but if I was looking for a place, then they recommended Murrindindi Reserve, which was only $7 per vehicle for the night. It is well set up for camping with six campgrounds along the river, and two of them suitable for caravans. We chose a spot then shifted twice until we were in one we were happy with (due to towering blackened trees). There are lovely little Blue Fairy Wrens, and another tiny insect-eating bird family flitting around the campsite entertaining us. 

The river is behind us

Darryl was happy as he had a challenge: someone had lost a lure across the river, and he was trying to retrieve it without having to go into the freezing cold water. Of course, he was finally successful, but it kept him occupied for quite some time.