A Taste for Adventure

Posted on by Miriam

Hands up who loves adventure or wants a taste of it?

A couple of weeks ago I had an article published in the latest issue of Caravan and Motorhome on Tour. It’s always exciting to see my stories in print, especially when it’s a place close to my heart (and stomach) and this one was no exception.

Let me immerse you in the beauty and deliciousness of the King Valley.

Relaxing on the banks of Lake William Hovell

The King Valley is about three hours from Melbourne. It’s a gorgeous place, a place to wonder at a sky full of stars at night. A place to explore local legends on the Ned Kelly Trail, to indulge in local produce and sip fine wine or maybe to simply relax and savour the views.

Camp with a view

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We pitched our camper at Gentle Annie Caravan Park , which overlooks the pristine King River. We’ve stayed here twice and loved it, there’s such a peaceful vibe. My tip: book early in peak season or better yet, go in off-peak times and you’ll likely have the place to yourself.

Not far away, 14km north of Whitfield, there’s free camping at Eli Cutting Reserve, equally picturesque although it can get busy in peak periods.

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Wherever you camp in the King Valley region you’re bound to find your piece of bliss. This truly is a place of lush beauty and there’s plenty of rugged off the beaten tracks to explore.

If you want to ramp up the action a tad, drive up to Mount Cobbler for a bit of scenic four wheel driving. On the way you’ll pass the picturesque Lake William Hovell (perfect for a summer dip) and see the impressive Dandongadale Falls.

Pull up a chair and cheers

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Nothing beats a camp fired meal cooked over the coals, but if you want a break from cooking, there’s some top places to enjoy a meal in nearby Whitfield.

The Whitty Cafe offers a friendly welcome, a cosy, almost quirky atmosphere, fantastic coffee and generous, good old fashioned country food.  And if you like reading, the books are free too.

Down the road the Mountain View Hotel is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. This old boozer dates back to the 1860s and is set amongst gorgeous gardens, a perfect spot to enjoy an alfresco drink on a balmy summers day.

Sample a drop or three

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This area is like a mini Italy with 25 Italian wineries ready to welcome you to their cellar doors. At Chrismont winery I met owner Jo and the bubbly Linda at their picturesque cellar door and immediately knew I was somewhere special.  If you want to treat yourself I’d suggest booking a table in this classy Italian restaurant which sits regally on a hill overlooking the Black Ranges.

img_7310Beer drinkers don’t miss out in the King Valley either. The King River brewery is the perfect place to sample a value paddle of four ales with a delicious pizza.

I’m not a big beer drinker but I had a great time, the atmosphere is fun, welcoming and warm, especially in winter with a big log fire burning. Now before you think the King Valley is just about vino and beer think again.

Take a hike

Underneath Paradise Falls
On top of the world at Powers Lookout

There are some gorgeous walks in the King Valley.

Powers Lookout is a must do before hitting Whitfield. Named after the notorious 1860s bushranger Harry Powers, who reputedly lead Ned Kelly to a life of crime, this infamous Ned Kelly “hideout” offers some amazing walks and views over the Alpine National Park.

Don’t miss the picturesque and aptly named Paradise Falls. Even when there’s not a lot of water flowing this place is heavenly. As you walk underneath the sheer rock face of the cliffs, with the spray of water tantalising you, it’s pure magic.

Follow the gourmet trail

Fancy a taste for gin
The Dairy Factory at Mohu
Tasting at Milawa mustards

Aside from the pristine landscape there’s warmth, hospitality and sumptuous gourmet delights for every taste in the nearby Milawa region.

From olives in the olive shop, cheese heaven at the Milawa Cheese Company, gin, pastries and mouth watering milawa mustards there’s enough treats for the most delicious picnic.

By the time we left our car fridge was full so I think we did our part supporting local producers.

Hospitality is the key

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Meeting locals at the Whitty Cafe

We visited the King Valley during the week of Australia Day in January and fell in love with it. In November it comes alive again with the Dolce Vita festival.

The King Valley, much like the people who live there, has a wonderful way of wrapping it’s arms around you in a huge warm embrace, making you feel like a part of the family.

It offers magnificent scenery, wonderful camping and plenty of opportunities to soak up the ambience and, yes. stock up the pantry.

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Have a wonderful day and keep seeking out those beautiful places, people and produce that is everywhere.

Life is beautiful and sweet, wherever we are, if we just keep our eyes open and embrace it.

Happy travels and keep enjoying the journey.

In light and love.

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88 thoughts on “A Taste for Adventure”

  5. Wow how exciting to get a post published in print! I’d have it framed on my wall! This looks like such a wonderful area Miriam. Are you doing any more camper traveling soon? Hope all is well!

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    1. Thanks Nicole, all well here. Nothing too big on the horizon at the moment however there’s always a few shorter weekend trips that we spontaneously take. Keeps life interesting.

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  12. Some more places I need to check out. Sounds like an area we need to do some walking. Do another check perche ho trovato qualiche sbagli. All good here, ‘cept I got the dreaded cough. going around. So the break hasn’t gone quite the way I planned. x

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  13. Wonderful post! Beer, wine, cafes, restaurants, camping and hiking? Result. Plus the Ned Kelly connection – I read True History of the Kelly Gang by Peter Carey (?) years ago (I think that was the title) and loved it. Not the Heath Ledger movie though, even though he was a good actor…
    Cheers, Miriam!

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  14. Congrats on your publication!! It looks like you had an amazing time. And if that first food picture is of your own BBQ you definitely do it better than I’m used to. (Us stupid Americans and our burgers and hot dogs haha.) I just got my first level Sommelier license so the wine tasting is right up my alley! I’m entering all of this into my future travel log. Thank you!

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    1. Thanks Alissa. And yes, that first picture is most definitely a typical one of our bbqs. We don’t do things by half when we camp, that’s half the fun! Enjoy that wine tasting. 🙂🍷

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  17. Miriam, you are an engaging writer Miriam, and obviously many other people think so. Love the areas that you explore and relax in.

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  18. Oh, Miriam, all of that looks like pure bliss and magic! What an amazing adventure that must have been. I do like beer so that that brewery would be one of my happy places! I love reading about your trips, makes me happy and as always, inspires me to get out there and see the world. Have a fantastic weekend, and keep being beautiful, you!! xo

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    1. Hi Tanya, yes I’ve no doubt you’d love the brewery at King Valley, not to mention everything else there. Just one more place to take you when you come out here one day! 😃 Thanks beautiful and you have a fabulous weekend too. xo

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  19. Well, first–congrats on getting your work in print! That’s exciting 🙂 and also I’ve never heard of this place, but it sounds magical. I love all of your photos! and also, I’m kind of enamored by places that have free books for guests. It’s such a small thing, but a beautiful gesture… and wineries! Yes, yes, and more yes. Happy travels to you, lovely to be here today 🙂

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    1. Thanks Charlotte, I agree about the free books, it’s such a nice touch. The owner puts out all his second hand books and just lets you read and even take them home if you find one you fancy. I picked up an awesome Wayne Dyer book. Cheers and happy travels to you too 🙂

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  20. Why oh why does it have to be so far away?! You make this sound so tempting I long to visit.

    Congratulations on a superb article – it is fantastic; interesting, informative and fascinating. The personal angle interwoven with those all important factual elements and contacts. A treat to read. Hope you’re still celebrating! ❤️🌺😀

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    1. Thanks so much Annika, such a lovely comment. I’m not exactly still celebrating though I do feel incredibly blessed and grateful. Wishing you a wonderful weekend xx 😊

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  22. Great to see your article pubished, Miriam. You always make me want to get out and discover what is beyond Brisbane. King’s Valley has so much to offer and not far from Melbourne. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your travelling 🙂

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  28. I enjoy discovering your part of the world through your writing. Your article is full of meaningful information combined with human interest. Great read. Now I have to add King Valley to my list of places to-go. By the way, congrats. I know how nice it is to see your work published. Thanks for sharing.

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  30. King Valley is such a beautiful part of Victoria. The wineries are something else and Milawa is a great spot to pick up some gourmet treats.
    It’s wonderful to see your publications, Miriam. Good on you, you so deserve the recognition. Xx

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  31. Truly delightful and it sounds like you’re own trip to ‘little Italy’ with those olive groves, red wine and pizza… Dolce Vita too – sounds amazing! Well done Miri for what looks to be a wonderful article – that double page photo spread looks fabulous!!

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  32. Congrats on a great article Miriam. What a topic, one of our favourite areas. I always crank up a bit of opera when we’re in the King Valley it just had such an Italian ambience. And Gentle Annie, such a friendly quirky spot right on the river. The lake will have to go on our wish list for future exploration.

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    1. Thanks so much! Why am I not surprised it’s one of your favourite areas too. Such a great spot but yes, if you go back, do check out the lake, it’s gorgeous.
      Have a great week. 🙂

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  33. Pingback: Tuesday Photo Challenge – Round Up 117 – Dutch goes the Photo!

  35. Loved your descriptive words as you explore Kings Valley what a wonderful name to start with, And a BIG congratulations on your publication of that article.. 🙂 Wonderful!! 🙂
    Happy Camping! and travelling and meeting and greeting such lovely people along the way 😀 But then Like attracks Like! 🙂 Much love to you dear Miriam.. ENOY!

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  37. This is wonderful! I’d never heard of it before and you do a fabulous job of enticing us all there! I want to go …! However I’m going on my own adventure on Tuesday, cycling through France so I can’t come at the moment, but it’s on my bucket list, that’s for sure! Great post! Katie x

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