MEMBER TRIP REPORT
Trip Detail
Day 1 – Monday 8 th February This was arrival day for most , having travelled various distances from various parts of Melbourne . Upon arrival , people then spent time setting up , greeting other people as they arrived and socializing . We took up all eight positions opposite the amenity block , probably the best positioned sites in the park in relation to the amenity block . The sites were all large sites , catering for the larger caravans within the group and providing the smaller caravans and camper trailers ample room to spread out . Jokingly , the lady at reception said that for the duration of our stay they would rename Parrot Pde , where our sites were , Pajero Pde , ( they didn ’ t though ) a nice thought and appreciative of our past patronage .
“ The group spread out along eight sites ”
Day 2 – Tuesday Morning 9 th February The day started just before 9:00 in the morning . After a quick vehicle check led by our expert Laurie Findlay we headed into the north of the Grampians National Park and settled into the pattern for the week with Brian and Sue up front and Laurie and Chris as Charlie . Sue and Chris did a wonderful job of keeping everyone informed with extremely clear radio communication . First stop was the Heatherlie Quarry that operated between 1864 and the mid 1980 ’ s . Many artefacts remain on site as a reminder of days past . Sandstone from Heatherlie Quarry was used in many public buildings in Stawell and Melbourne including Victoria ’ s Parliament House . Occasionally , rock is still sourced from the quarry for repairs and replacements . Unfortunately , the quarry site has no toilets , so it was decided to back-track a few short kilometres to the Plantation Campground picnic area for morning tea and to make good use of the toilets there . We then continued north along Mt . Zero road turning onto Coppermine Track for some more interesting driving and panoramic views to the east , finishing at the Hollow Mountain Carpark . A short walk took us to Gulgurn Manja Shelter . This was a shallow cave filled with indigenous artwork and sweeping views out to the north-west . A short drive down the road took us to Mount Zero Picnic area where we stopped for lunch .
Peter and Wendy Watkins . 1926