Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
this motor inn has typical motel rooms and two large family rooms, one sleep-
ing five the other seven. Suites are also large and come with a Jacuzzi. All rooms
overlook the 27-hole golf course, where a round of golf costs A$20 (US$13).
736 Logan Rd., Albury, NSW 2640. & 02/6025 8233. Fax 02/6040 4999. humegolfmotel@primus.com.au.
25 units. A$82 (US$53) double; A$90 (US$59) family room; A$115 (US$75) suite. Extra person A$10
(US$6.50). AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: Heated outdoor pool; golf course on the premises; babysitting; coin-op
laundry; dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms. In room:A/C, TV, kitchen, minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron.
4 The Southeast Coast
The Princes Highway wanders down the coast from Sydney just past Eden, and
then darts across into Victoria, passing through the logging town of Orbost, and
then dipping down toward Lakes Entrance. The highway continues to the
southwest, swooping in an arch to Melbourne.
This region's most interesting sights are Wilsons Promontory National Park,
and—to a lesser extent—the Snowy River National Park.
WILSONS PROMONTORY NATIONAL PARK
200km (124 miles) SE of Melbourne
“The Prom,” as it's called, is Victoria's best-loved national park. Dipping down
into Bass Strait, the park—named after a prominent London businessman—
marks the southernmost point on Australia's mainland. It's thought to once have
been joined to Tasmania by a land bridge. The best time to visit the park is from
late September to early December, when all the bush flowers are in bloom.
Visitors come here for the spectacular granite mountains, the thick forests and
vast plains, and some of the country's best beaches. Wildlife abounds in the
park, including plenty of koalas, kangaroos, wallabies, possums, echidnas, wom-
bats, and emus. You can hand-feed crimson rosellas at the capital of the Prom,
Tidal River, but you'll find little more here than the national park's Tourist
Information Centre ( & 1800/350 552 in Australia, or 03/5680 9555) and
camping and motor-home grounds. There are plenty of trails leading off into the
mountains: Following the longer trails can turn into a 2- or 3-day excursion,
though shorter day hikes are possible. One of the best trails is the 1-hour Mt.
Oberon walk, which starts from the Mt. Oberon parking lot and offers superb
views. Visitors also rave about the Squeaky Beach Nature Walk, a 1 1 2 -hour walk
from Tidal River to the next bay and back.
There are some 30 beaches, some of which are easily accessible. Norman's
Beach in Tidal River is the most popular, and it's the only one recommended for
swimming. No snorkeling or lifeguards are at these beaches, but they're gorgeous.
ENTRY FEES Park entry costs A$9 (US$5.90) for cars, which you pay at
the park entrance gate, 30km (19 miles) north of Tidal River. The gate is open
24 hours, but if you arrive late and the collection station is closed, pay the fol-
lowing morning at Tidal River.
GETTING THERE From Melbourne, take the South Gippsland Highway
(B440), turning south at Meeniyan and again at Fish Creek or Foster. The route
is well signposted. Tidal River is 30km (19 miles) inside the park boundary.
There's no public transportation to the park. You can, however, take the V/Line
bus from Melbourne to Foster (fare: A$21/US$14), which is 60km (37 miles)
north of the park. In Foster, you can stay at the Foster Backpackers Hostel,
17 Pioneer St., Foster, VIC 3960 ( & 03/5682 2614 ). It's basically a private home
with a few spare rooms; the two doubles cost A$44 (US$29), and dorm beds go
 
Search WWH ::




Custom Search