Beechworth 2026

This was the second trip with Gran on her stay with us. We first stopped at Glenrowan to watch the Ned Kelly animatronic display at KellyGang, which was great. We then headed to Wangaratta, where we stayed for a couple of nights. Saying that, most of the time we were spent in Beechworth, where we visited the old goal where Ned spent many a year. It was once again a great small break with great meals and fantastic sights to see. I can highly recommend this part of the world, and it was great to spend time with my mom.

Jail time

Shepperton with Gran

Gran came to visit a few months after my father's passing to spend time with the kids. On our first short break, we went to Shepperton to visit the car museum. It was the only reason, really, to go there, as the place is a bit of a dump. On the way we stopped in Seymor to look at the Vietnam veterans commemorative walk before stopping in Nagambie for lunch, the home of Black Cavier.

Cars and more cars

Paynesville with Dave and Sam

We headed off to Paynesville again to scratch the itch, but this time with some friends. We finally stopped at Old Gippstown Heritage Park to have a look, and we were blown away. We then left for Bairnsdale to see the local markets before we headed to Paynesville to see the koalas and enjoy dinner at Sardines.

Getting a smack

We booked months ago to visit a mate I work with to experience the Blues on Broadbeach Festival, which happens each year. We stayed at a mate's place, who has a fantastic apartment on the beach. We spent the time exploring the local area and even took a trip down to Byron Bay. Besides the festival, Georgie wanted to visit the Mud Brick Herb Cottage, which was the only online supplier that provided dried herbs during the scamdemic. By chance an 80s new wave band (Mi-Sex) was playing at the Cooly, so we decided to drop in. It was a great break, and hopefully the boys will join us next time. LOVE THE PLACE

The Cooly

Go-Karts in Meeniyan

2026 just ticked over, and we decided to head back to Meeniyan to see a few things we missed the last time. The first thing was hitting the go-kart track in Stony Creek, where I realised that an extra 23 kg does not help your cause. 

After that, we mosied down to Foster, where we learnt about the history at the local museum before eating lunch at the fantastic Gurneys' Cidery.

From there, we returned to Fish Creek to check out some of the things we had missed. After that, we returned to Meeniyan to check into our motel, drink a few beers at the local hotel and eat dinner at a fantastic (and rustic) Italian restaurant.

Fun times