Port Fairy with Dave and Sam

We hooked up with our good mates Dave and Sam for another small getaway. The destination was Port Fairy, but we spent most of the time in Warrnambool. The weather on the day was rotten but good enough to have some lunch and to explore the wharf in Port Fairy. On arrival at the hotel (thanks for moving us, Dave), we made the last session of the hot springs, which was super relaxing. The next day was jam-packed with a visit to the Flagstaff Hill Maritime Village, followed closely by the Warrnambool Botanic Gardens. So many stops to stare at our amazing coastline were not wasted... Early morning sun really does put a smile on your face. 

Looking forward to the next adventure.

Port Fairy

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

New Year Golf

Happy new year, all.

We started the new year with a game of golf at the Royal Sward where Martin sucked so bad that I demolished him, which is not the norm, I'll have you know. I'll put it down to a late night for the boys and a bit of luck on my side. After golf we went for a pho at Le Feu before coming home to unload. We decided to pop down to The Epson in Mordy with Mom for an overpriced cocktail on the terrace before going back home to enjoy the fantastic weather.

A bad day at the office