Volunteers unearth Loddon Valley
Published on 04 December 2019
Volunteers and staff from the Loddon Visitor Information Centre recently took part in a Familiarisation Tour through the southern part of the region, to ensure they have fully developed their knowledge of the area and to promote team building and friendship.
The Loddon Visitor Information Centre boasts an enthusiastic team who promote the Loddon Valley and wider region to visitors and residents by providing information and visitor services. Volunteers are well supported to carry out their duties and this includes a familiarisation tour that enhances their knowledge and ability to cater for the thousands of visitors to walk through the doors of the Visitor Centre every year.
First stop on the tour was the charmingly rustic Rostrata Country House. This working farm at Murphy’s Creek near Tarnagulla offers relaxing farm-stay accommodation in the heart of the Golden Triangle. Hosts Colin and Dorothy Silke have continued the legacy of generations of Silkes farming at Murphy’s Flat. The homestead at Rostrata was built in 1904 by Colin’s grandfather and offers the perfection location for a secluded country getaway, a nostalgic high tea or an evening of stargazing under the clear wide skies.
Moving on to explore the Tarnagulla Community Centre, morning tea was enjoyed at the Tarnagulla Café. Local chef Justine has been putting Tarnagulla on the foodies’ map since she brought her wealth of experience to the Café earlier this year. Justine and her team prepare fresh stylish wholesome food and provide a welcoming country atmosphere.
The volunteers enjoyed a delicious selection of cakes and slices, including gluten free, before travelling on to the Laanecoorie Lakeside Caravan Park. Situated on the banks of the Laanecoorie Reservoir, the park offers direct access to a range of outdoor activities including fishing, cycling, walking, bird watching and water play. All types of accommodation are offered including cabins and powered and unpowered sites.
The nearby Laanecoorie reserve and boat ramp, located on the bank of the red gum-lined Loddon River, gives visitors access to the Laanecoorie Canoe Trail. The trail leads through naturally formed mazes which offer an opportunity to explore hidden beaches and gentle rapids above the Laanecoorie Dam wall.
Passing through Arnold and then Newbridge, which is another picturesque town on the banks of the Loddon River, the tour arrived at Bridgewater for lunch at the Bridgewater Hotel. With new owners and a revamped menu, the hotel is breathing new life into the dining and social scene at Bridgewater and features local wine and produce.
After a satisfying lunch, the final stop for the day was Bridgwater’s newest treasure – the Secret Platypus Gallery. The shop and gallery specialises in wearable art such as clothing and bags featuring hand-screen prints and lino prints made by women artists from Bridgewater and Aboriginal women artists from Babbarra Women’s Centre, Injalak Arts and Tiwi Island, Northern Territory. Artworks from the Sister7 Gallery in Darwin are available in store at Bridgewater as well as artworks and crafts by local women artists.
For owner Linda Watson, her combined loves of dress-making, art, the Bridgewater area and her passion for human rights and Indigenous women’s art has culminated in the gallery, which offers something totally unique to the area.
Long-time residents and experienced Visitor Information Centre volunteers Wendy and Lance Ward found the trip very worthwhile and eye-opening.
“The trip was an excellent insight into what is available for visitors on the southern side of the Shire. It opened my eyes to the possibilities of what people can expect when we recommend that they go there.”
“Seeing the places through tourist eyes added an extra dimension.”
“The food at the Tarnagulla Café was really good and it was wonderful to talk to the person who had actually made the food, and chat about cooking tips and ideas.”