The Fezzant Creak Rambler: Big Trip 2026(1) Day 2

Previous readers to my blog will be aware that I put a lot of effort into planning for these road trips. Time to leave, estimated time for food breaks, suggested place to eat, who’s driving and when and ETA for the final destination for the night are all some of the things on my daily itineraries. It started as a necessary part of our family travels as the more nervous of our group would be assured I knew what was going on. More recently it was to assure Lesley that I wasn’t attempting the impossible on my trips. Besides, planning a trip is part of fun!

Somewhere along the way, sometimes in the second week, I’ll end up referring to these daily itineraries as nothing more than mere suggestions, and just play it by ear.

We sort of did that today.

The itinerary showed us leaving Echuca at 9:30am. I suggested to Nick the previous night that we leave at 9:00am and grab some breakfast in Echuca. We ended up leaving Echuca at 9:15am and ate breakfast in another town.

I’m starting to cop some heat for my pie reviews. Something about pies not being healthy, and making poor life choices for a body that should be looking after itself.

Yes, pies are not the healthiest choices that I could make.

Breakfast consisted of a pie at Brereton’s Bakery in Nathalia (review below).

Nathalia doesn’t seem to have much on offer, though it did like showing off its favourite son, Richmond superstar of the seventies (and coach for two years), Francis Bourke. Mind you, the town of Yea still tries to get mileage out of it being the birthplace of Olympic equestrian champion, Bill Roycroft (though I note that Wikipedia actually has his place of birth as Melbourne not Yea, and that he grew up in Flowerdale.)

The next stop was Tocumwal, however before that I had to visit one of Australia’s lesser known big things the Big Strawberry in Koonoomoo.

Maybe not that big

There was a sign there leading to the town of Mywee. (Ho Ho! I should have taken a photo.)

We had a short break in Tocumwal where we admired the mighty Murray, and were annoyed by the dozens of corellas (I think), screeching up the place.

Lunch was going to be in Yarrawonga, but we decided to push forward to Corowa and have lunch there.

After lunch we found our accommodation for the night (Corowa Bindaree Holiday Park has great two bedroom units).

Before we had a break for the afternoon I decided we should visit somewhere to buy presents for those of the family still at home. Corowa Distillery was that place.

Fun fact 1: It also makes chocolate. The same family owns both this chocolate factory as well as the one in Junee.

Fun fact 2: You cannot sample all the whiskies on offer and expect to drive away sober. Pick carefully (No, I did not sample all the whiskies. I behaved myself.)

Fun fact 3: Nick sampled a whisky as well. I wasn't expecting that.

Tea tonight was at the Australian Hotel. I loved the Art Décor feel however it had seen better days. Apart from stick tables the interior was well kept.