Millie,
a dragon, an elephant and other things… Photos & Words by Ken Roberts Sometimes you don’t have to stray too far from home to find wonderful places to go. I’ve lived all of my life in Gippsland and though I’ve travelled around the world I have always been so glad to return to this beautiful region.
Millie and I decided to return to places we already knew and see the new developments that had occurred. I grew up going to these favourite local haunts on lazy summer days with my family. Such memories! The whole family, and cousins, would head off early with cars packed to the hilt with enough supplies to last all day and we’d usually stay until the sun was going down. They were times when only local people really knew of these gems and so there were no crowds at all. The passing of time has changed that and facilities have been provided to enhance the experiences of visitors. Only a few kilometers out of the charming hamlet of Briagolong signs lead you to The Quarry Reserve. In the mid 1800’s this site on the Freestone Creek was used as a Quarry and several buildings in the area were constructed with its stone. No longer a quarry, for over 60 years a committee of local residents have managed and improved the site. Not only does it have an ideal swimming hole but there are toilet facilities, an undercover barbecue shelter and fantastic playground. I remember as kids it was a “safe” place to explore and discover the bush. Its still the same now but with enhancements. The gentle flowing creek can be a torrent when heavy rain sends water down from the catchment. Millie and I wandered around, explored and found the waterfall that is usually only a trickle when the water is lower. As we visited mid week the place was empty save for one camping couple who had ventured across from the other side of Melbourne and “found” this place online. They were glowing in their praise and said it was one of the best sites they had been to. I think we take it for granted living so near places like this and how easy it is to be in the bush within just a short drive. Mills and I hopped in the car and travelled further up the Freestone Creek to the equally impressive and somewhat spectacular location of the Blue Pool.
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gippsland lifestyle winter ����
