Earlier in the week, I ventured out to Daylesford.

Daylesford is one of the Mineral Hot Spring regions in Victoria.

I knew and loved this place when I lived here and was excited to get back. It was a long way out.

Here’s the thing. I had a lovely day, but I was exhausted by the time I got back into the city.

Now I remember why I started overnighters in the first place. The switch from vast nature to stifling concrete jungle is really disorienting.

First stop was Sailor Falls.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I know I’ve been spoilt from the waterfalls in the tropics but – Victorian waterfalls are really dire.

Although there was only a trickle of water, the surrounds were captivating.
Unfortunately the track to the mineral pool was closed due to storm damage, but I still enjoyed frolicking the stairs.

Next stop was Wombat Flat Mineral Spring.

There was a lovely track that leads around the lake, but no mineral pools for swimming.

A few meters in, the pollen started getting to me and I was effectively walking around the lake in tears. My left eye swelled to the point of protrusion and I was not having a good time.

I was delighted at the opportunity to try the mineral water straight from the spring.

I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t this. It was simply mineral water, like what you get at the supermarket. But I remember I don‘t get mineral water. I like my water flat.

I went into town and found a cafe (Himalayan Cafe) that had heaps of vegan and vegetarian options. I was really surprised to find such variety in a small town.

After lunch, I wasn’t ready to return to the city lights just yet, so I ventured out to Mount Franklin.

This would be a fabulous place to go camping and I’ve put it on my list for next year.

There is a dirt road track that takes you on a loop through the bush. There isn’t really a view or anything on the way, but it’s a nice nature immersion walk.

I saw an echidna! First time in years.

The second half of the track took you down the side of the mountain. It was awesome. Totally eery and exhilarating. I felt safe, because I could see bits of the campsite off to the side, but you are totally in the thick of it.

You don’t come across trees so close together often in NSW/VIC… I got an idea!!

It’s really the perfect spot to sling the hammock and rest.

Being in the thick of nature like this fills me with so much joy. There is an immense calmness in the surrounds and it seeps into your cells.

After about 10 or 15 minutes, one of the ropes came undone and the hammock fell to the ground, calmness interruptus.

It’s a rude awakening and I don’t think you can really come back from that. I sullenly returned to the car and back to the city limits.

I’m not really adjusting to being in Victoria and honestly, I’m scared to death of going to Tasmania.

I’m trying to remember it’s only short term and I’m at the helm – I need to go back so I can repack the car and offload some of the stuff I don’t use. Also if I don’t earn some money soon, I will be going nowhere fast.

Until next time.