Happy new year 2016: Grampians & back to Cairns.

The Balconies, can you spot me. 

New years day: 

Worked  at Branxholme again and visited some  nearby  lakes after that,  2nd Jan, back working near Branxholme, same farm, then we had 3 days off, so headed up to  "The Grampians", another must to see if you go to Victoria. found 2 dams, Halls Gap town, lookouts, balconys, waterfalls, had a swim.
Awesome place and great views Found a camp in the bush the first night. Cold this morning, misty looked like rain, but clear and sunny at top of The Grampians, what a great view, cold again at night. 

2nd day at The Grampians, walked the Wonderland Track,  which goes through the awesome Grand Canyon, Sundial Track, and visited Bunjil, the Aboriginal Rock Art near  The Grampians.  Bunjil is said to be the creator provider and protector of the natural world providing for all. He is depicted here with his two dingos, when his works where finished he transformed into an eagle and remains in the sky today, watching over his work. 

Once again you need to visit this place tp see the art work, it's not something that you can show adequately in a photo. 

 What a great place to see and discover there is heaps more to see with lots of 4X4 tracks also, will have to come back one day.

 Headed out through Yarram Gap to & down through Victoria valley, to a fresh water lake, where we made camp, even had a long drop toilet.

On the way back we dropped in to visit the Lava Tubes at Byaduk,  these are awesome, also well worth a visit and you can actually climb down into one.  There was no ducks available to buy, very misleading named town, I thought we could by-a-duk. 

Back to the house  ready to fly back north to Cairns tomorrow.  What a great visit trip to Victoria, had the opportunity to work on some farms and check out the tourist spots as well. thanks Mum & Dad.
My shoes finally gave up  after all the walking we did all over Great Britain, Europe, Queensland including Cape York & Victoria, so I chucked them out, just jandals till I get back to my truck, hopefully jet star want drill me over my footwear. Got work boots up at Cairns.

Back to Cairns: Dropped at the train station in town, train to Melbourne, caught up with Aaron for a beer, I  went to school with him at Kaikohe, New Zealand, Bus to airport, plane to Cairns, taxi to truck, drive to Dans & Simon's at Koah.

Victoria visit  all over. back to north Queensland to look for work, hopefully boss from last year will call soon and I can go to Thursday Island to do the air com units there- that will be awesome.

First sight of the Grampians, nearly went home because it looked like rain and zero visibility. 

we actually drove up through the clouds, amazing view at the top, Boroka lookout. 

I've been there too! Boroka lookout. 

A map of Grampians to get your bearings

Reed lookout, 360 views. 

Reed fire watch tower, tough job sitting in Air con looking at this panorama. 

Another view from Reed lookout. 

Lake Wartook in the distance. 

Standing on one balcony, with one either side, there are more inaccessible ones further along. 

First waterfall below lake Wartook, where I found a secret track away from the crowds. 

Second waterfall below Wartook.  

My own private waterfall, time for a swim. 

Top view of Mackenzie Falls, A LOT of stairs. 

Bush camp Near Boreang. 

Near Sundail lookout 

On the track to Sundail. 

So many different rocks, this one looks like a pregnant lady laying down. 

And this one, a Bandicoot. 

Sundial lookout

Grand Canyon

Looking up Grand Canyon

Looking down Grand Canyon

The stairs down into the Canyon. 

Grand Canyon 

View from the top of Grand Canyon. 

Bunjil rock art site. 

Grampians

Camp in Victoria Valley, my room has a good view. 

Freshwater lake camp, Victoria Valley. 

Lava caves at Byaduk. 

Inside the cave, mind the bats. 

Collapsed lava tubes. 

Another cave opening, no duk to by. 

The original farm estate house. 

The disused college

River Red Gums. These are everywhere, incredibly gnarly, huge and old gums, reminds me of the ancient oaks in England. 

Here's Melbourne, where I met up with my school mate Aaron before his waka meet. Happened to be right near the train station.  

Southern Cross Train station

Back in Cairns, breakfast at Clifton beach, fresh coconuts and mangoes.