The group set off at 8.30 from Allan’s place, with Nick driving the bus. (Thanks Nick for once again giving up Grand Final weekend to support the club.) Heather and Edena, Helen and Sally drove independently. Stephanie and Geoff had taken an extra day, and gone to St Arnaud on Thursday. Allan, who, along with Kelly, had planned the trip, was unable to attend. We kept him posted with regular Facebook updates.
Loaded up and ready to go
All aboard!
Kara Kara Winery was the first stop, which a pause to hear about the Goldfields wine district, check out the wines, and make a few discreet purchases.
Stephen and Steve (his dad, who founded the vineyards)
Try before you buy
Some happy customers
After a quick settle in at the St Arnaud Caravan Park, it was off to lunch. The bakery had run out of food, but the alternative, a newly opened cafe, The Dabbling Duck, was excellent.

Lunch at the Dabbling Duck
A 20km tour of St Arnaud, including the Wax Gardens, bush lookout, steam engine and Love Cottage (a National Trust property and the oldest miner’s hut still standing) gave the legs a stretch after the long bus ride. Some (your author included) whinged about the loose gravel, but the bushland and lookout were worth the angst. Early wildflowers were spotted by those ‘with eyes to see’ in the Wax Gardens.
Gentleman Kelly holds the gate at the Wax Gardent
The Wax Gardens
Grevillea
The fast walkers
Egg and Bacon
Wax-lipped orchid (there were hundreds)
Gravel alert
St Arnaud Lookout
St Arnaud from the lookout
steam engine
David is ever ready
Edena and Maida at Love Cottage
Statue at Love Cottage
Love cottage
Margy and Kevin
Pensive digger at Love Cottage
Mural in St Arnaud main Street
Dinner was at the St Arnaud Sportsman’s Club.
Nick