Mornington Peninsula Week Away – March 2019
To commence the week, approximately 40 walkers and family shared a social BBQ on Sunday evening at the Kangerong Caravan Park, Dromana.
Day 1
Walks for the trekkers, hikers and Ramblers groups were in the Greens Bush and Cape Schanck areas.
Jack Laidlaw lead the trekkers on the 15 km walk from Baldry Crossing to Cape Schanck Light House (1859). We were faced with all weather conditions, rain, hail, gales and sunshine. Bushlands with lovely “black boys” and banksia trees. Kangaroos sunbathing on the hills added to the wonderful scenery.
All walking groups finished the day with a hot drink at the newly refurbish RACV Cape Schanck resort.
Day 2
The hikers and ramblers walking groups tackled the Red Hill to Merricks rail trail with the trekkers walking from Dromana up to Arthurs Seat State Park (including McLaren Dam, the Kings Waterfall circuit and the Seawinds Gardens
falling over the orange rock)
Day 3
All groups spent a relaxed day with shorter walks around Sorrento to understand local history, the “life of the rich and famous” and breathtaking views of Port Phillip Bay.
Walks included the Millionaires Walk (to see opulent “summer mansions” overlooking the bay), the Sorrento – Portsea Artists Trail (which aims “to bring famous artist’s works to life by positioning images of the paintings as close as possible to the scene viewed by the artist”) and visiting the site of the first white settlement in Victoria. We were lucky enough to as well to see natures wonders (a dolphin display), sampling lunch in Sorrento main street cafes and some getting retail therapy (for those willing to miss the afternoon settlement walk).
Afternoon tea at the Sorrento Back Beach for the ramblers and Dromana for the trekkers and hikers.
The tradition Thursday evening dinner was enjoyed by all at the Dromana Hotel.
Day 5
The final day of the week away was to Coolart Homestead and Wetlands. Unfortunately, the homestead was closed for renovations and the wetland were in dire need of some water, however the three groups combined to walk around the lovely wetland trails with a walk over to the Merricks Beach.
Thanks to Julie Williams, Jack and Sue Laidlaw and Richard and Mary Habgood for organising the week away and Sue Cox for the week away report.
