Bonegilla

We arrived a Bonegilla and were surprised to hear that Lake Hume was down by 67%. Not sure why as our friend David was here in October 2023 and the dam was full to capacity. The lake is at it peak when it laps up to the wall in front of the caravan park.

The Bonegilla Migrant Experience relives the stories and experiences of migrants following WWII when displaced peoples mostly from across Europe came to Australia seeking a better life.

Block 19 is the only section out of 24 blocks that has been returned to a museum like experience for visitors to wonder around and see how conditions were for those who made the journey south.

From 1947 to 1971 the army camp was transformed into a arrivals camp for more than 300,000 migrants who stayed at Bonegilla to learn English and be allocated jobs. Around 7,000 people where housed in the camp at any one time.

Beechworth

The trees are putting on a pretty spectacular show up here in the high country now that autumn has arrived.

We took a drive to the nearly Woolshed Falls and Beechworth Cascades which were significant during the gold rush era.

Woolshed Falls

Beechworth Cascades

Back in Beechworth we did a walking tours of the Old Gaol and the history of Ned Kelly in the area. He of course spent time in the gaol and his presence is reknown in the area.

Some of the buildings in town date back to 1852 when the gold rush was on.

And finally we took a drive to nearby Stanley lookout. From here on a clear day you can see Mt Buffalo and Mt Kosciusko – but not today. It was nevertheless a lovely view.

Next stop Bright for a few days.