Murray Kulkyne

On the way to the Murray Kulkyne Park near Wemen we explored some of the less accessible areas of the Murray River just above Piangle / Toolybuc to Boundary Bend. I was struck by the vast amount of water that is being extracted from the river. As far as 4x4 tracks go there were some quite challenging sections of muddy billabong crossings and I would not tackle with just one vehicle even though I have a winch etc. After heavy rain this would be a very difficult route. I did find a really good camping spot near Gundagai Bend that had a good clear camping area, a deep hole in the river adjacent and potential bush boat launching. Well worth a revisit. The Murray Kulkyne Park is along the Murray River and below and borders the larger Hattah Kulkyne National Park which extends from near Wemen almost to Mildura / Colignan.

Entry along an irrigation channel to the River Track

Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2D @ ISO 200, 35mm f8, 1/320 sec

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 The large pump rising the river water to the channel

Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2D @ ISO 200, 35mm f8, 1/250 sec

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 Great camping / fishing spot

Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 280, 11mm f16, 1/80 sec

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 There are lots of these pump batteries along the Murray

Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 250, 11mm f16, 1/80 sec

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Exiting the River Track near Narrung 

Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 280, 11mm f18, 1/80 sec

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Baaaa Ha Ha !! says Hermione.

Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 800, 11mm f18, 1/80 sec

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Community Bank Opening

 I had the opportunity to attend the opening of the Daylesford Community Bank branch for the Bendigo Bank this week. The branch is owned and run by the community with the banking infrastructure supplied by the Bendigo Bank with a 50/50 profit share arrangement. Profits are then channeled back into the community through grants decided by the local owners or board to football clubs or other community enterprises. I was inspired by the huge community support and the stories told at the opening of how the town has struggled to get adequate banking services. Many years of hard work by dedicated locals has resulted in a bank that is owned by them and is one of almost 300 Bendigo community bank branches. It was inspiring for me as I work for this organisation.

 iPhone 4

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iPhone 4

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iPhone 4

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iPhone 4

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Family, Chocolate, Yabbies and Pizza

Nikon D300, Nikkor 105mm Macro f2.8 @ ISO 1600, 105mm f5.6, 1/40 sec

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 Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2D @ ISO 280, 35mm f2.8, 1/80 sec

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 Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2D @ ISO 1600, 35mm f8, 1/80 sec

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Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2D @ ISO 1600, 35mm f8, 1/15 sec

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 Nikon D300, Nikkor 18-200 f3.5-5.6  @ ISO 800, 62mm f4.8, 1/60 sec

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Nikon D300, Nikkor 70-200  2.8 @ ISO 200, 102mm f2.8, 1/100 sec

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Easter 2012

King River Valley

The King River in Victoria is a tributary of the Ovens River and ultimately flows into the Murray River. The King Valley is a beautiful picturesque high country spot and is a cool climate wine grape growing area. I was surprised at how many extensive vineyards are located here. The King River and Lake William Hovell (one of the prettiest lakes in Victoria) are crystal clear waters that offer excellent trout fishing (I'm told) . The lake has day visiting facilities, fishing from small boats and from the bank is allowed. Camping is not. With a four wheel drive  you can explore the upper King River past Lake William Hovell or tackle The Buckland Spur track. Next time I plan to tackle the Upper King River track and catch some wild trout. I settled for a camp near Cheshunt right on the river, it was a great spot hidden away and not well sign posted. See it here - Cheshunt King River Camp

 Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 200, 11mm f16, 1/125 sec

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 Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 200, 11mm f2.8, 1/2500 sec

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Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 1600, 16mm f22, 2 sec

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 Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 720, 11mm f8, 1/80 sec

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 Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 1600, 16mm f22, 1 sec

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 Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 450, 11mm f16, 1/80 sec

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 Nikon D300, Tokina 11-16 f2.8 @ ISO 200, 11mm f16, 1/160 sec

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Mulwala State Forest NSW

Mulwala State Forest on the NSW side of the Murray River was a nice change from the barren and almost camp site free desert of Lake Hume. Here at Hinces Beach was great camping place despite it having been flooded recently. There were tens of Murray Cod heads pinned to a tree at the rivers edge (more than half must have been under the legal size) but I did not get more than a nibble.

 Nikon D300, Nikkor 70-200  2.8 @ ISO 640, 70mm f8, 1/80 sec

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 Nikon D300, Nikkor 70-200  2.8 @ ISO 800, 200mm f8, 1/80 sec

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Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2D @ ISO 560, 35mm f8, 1/80 sec

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Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2D @ ISO 640, 35mm f8, 1/80 sec

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Nikon D300, Nikkor 35mm f2D @ ISO 1600, 35mm f8, 1/40 sec

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