Exploring the Hidden Gems : Roving Victoria's best kept secrets

Our odyssey has taken us into north-west Victoria to do some photography and bird-watching at some hidden gem sites. We also created a special video production for YouTube, but more on that later.

Terrick Terrick National Park

This 4,000 hectare park is located around 225km north-west of Melbourne. It has a lovely, quiet campground full of birdlife, nestled at the base of Terrick Mountain which is a large granite mound with sweeping views of the surrounding grassy plains in all directions. This was our base as we explored the granite outcrops and cypress pine forests of the National Park, visited the surrounding plains and explored part of the majestic Murray River valley system.

Around the campsite and nearby woodlands, we spotted a variety of birds including Rufous Whistler, Australian Ringneck, Red-rumped Parrot, Red-capped Robin, Hooded Robin, White-plumed Honeyeater, Black-chinned Honeyeater, Grey Shrike-thrush, Diamond Firetail Finch, Laughing Kookaburra, Peaceful Dove, Southern Whiteface, Willy Wagtail, Tree Martin, Brown Treecreeper, Striated Pardalote, White-browed Babbler, and White-winged Chough. The Treecreepers were particularly numerous around the campsite and endlessly entertaining.

Camping made easy

Our trusty Offline Domino Camper Trailer proved, once again, that it was the best choice for what we both wanted out of our Odyssey experience.. Not only is the camp set-up , versatile, simple and easy, other features such as the plumbed in gas, diesel hot water system, ensuite shower, large fridge/freezer, storage space, queen bed and built in solar panels make camping easy and comfortable, for both short and longer-term stays.

Kow (Ghow) Swamp

Kow Swamp is a large and beautiful freshwater wetland just north of Terrick Terrick that is used for water storage and irrigation but also provides a protected habitat for a vast array of bird and animal life. It forms part of the Murray River system. The drowned trees create a stunning landscape as raptors swirl overhead and waterbirds birds swim and fish in the shallow reed beds.

Kow Swamp is also an archaeological site which has produced human skeletal remains dating from the late Pleistocene, over 10,000 years ago and is an important site for the Yorta Yorta people.

Patho Plains

The park and its surrounding grassland and farmland hold a wide selection of birds of prey. We spotted several species, including some majestic wedge-tail eagles.

Video Production

Just recently, we have set up channel for A Stace Odyssey on YouTube. Our aim is to make some short video clips with voice-overs to describe the places of interest that we visit as a supplement to our blogs. Hopefully, we will inspire others to see and appreciate the natural beauty of Australia and experience some of the 'off the beaten track' places that we visit.

Please view the Terrick Terrick video by clicking on the link below, like it and subscribe!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGM9u1B5-0I

The social media icons are found at the top right hand corner of the website if you wish to view any other videos that we have created on YouTube.

Next up - the South Australian coast, Kangaroo Island and Naracoorte.