Drive from Bairnsdale to Eden, with a few diversions

14th February 2018

Our motel package included breakfast, so we fronted up for a continental breakfast before getting back in the car and heading off in the direction of Eden. As we checked out, it became clear that the motel owner had stuffed up our golf booking, he apologised profusely and we just got over it.

The drive through Lakes Entrance is always pretty and it wasn't long before we were back on the highway making good time, with the odd "road works" delay. As we crossed over the Snowy River, we decided we were not in a hurry and turned off to follow the river to the sea, to see where it entered the ocean.

Arriving in the town of Marlo, we were at the mouth of the Snowy. It is a very pretty spot and the local wildlife is very curious.

The mouth of the Snowy River

Marlo Jetty

A seal came to visit us at the jetty, probably in search of food

From Marlo we headed on to Cann River, and then Eden, arriving at around 12.30pm. Initially we went up to the lookout, which gives a great view of Twofold Bay. There is a bit of activity in the bay which we later find out is a project extending the breakwall to accommodate cruise ships tying up alongside.

The woodchip mill on the southern side of the bay looks like it is still running strong

A Police boat is heading out to sea

Looking out over the northern entrance to Twofold Bay

It was lunch time, so we headed down to the port area to get something to eat, with a clear bias towards a nice feed of mussels from the local mussel farms.

Naturally mussels are on the menu everywhere, so we had no problem getting some. After lunch we went for a walk out along the pier to see what was happening.

The working pier at Eden

Long line fishermen bating their hooks with squid

There area lot of tugs here from various states, maybe for maintenance

Work is under way to extend the breakwater by 110m to accommodate Cruise Ships

Having stretched our legs, and with a full stomach, we headed on to our final destination for the night, Narooma. There is a strong cold front running through SE Victoria and it is beginning to catch up with us, with winds becoming very strong and gale force forecast for coastal areas later this afternoon.

When we arrived at Narooma, it was blowing hard, with the beginning of the arrival of the front.  It is also very hot, around 37 C.

Our motel is well located on the high side of the highway in the middle of town, has great views, and a swimming pool. Surprisingly, the car park is full when we arrived at around 2.30pm. We checked in, and as part of the process were advised that the restaurant was booked out, but we could opt for the earliest available table, which we declined. It is , of course, Valentines Day, and we are not totally sure whether this is the reason the restaurant is booked out (it is probably one of the top restaurants in town with a great view).

View from our room

Not realising that Narooma was so full of romantics, and that Valentines Day would have such a huge impact on restaurant bookings, we wandered off after an afternoon rest to find a suitable romantic spot  with spectacular views.

After much research we found the perfect spot.

And how good is the view

The meal was good and the view spectacular. A number of other young couples, like ourselves, seemed to be enjoying the food and scenery, possibly also having missed out on a booking at a "fine dining" restaurant.