Day 3: Leongatha & Turtons Falls

Kilometres: 82km

Diesel: $0

Food: $47.73

Ice: $0

Again we awoke at Bass Valley Campground. As the sound of rain hit the trees around us we got straight on the road and headed to Leongatha. We found a park and settled in for a few hours, blogging, eating and utilising their bathrooms. Most importantly though we began to get organised for our upcoming hike.

We had a few bits and pieces to gather so hit the shops of Leongatha (aka The Gatha) and were pleasantly surprised by the offerings of Aldi and Target Country. You know it’s a great place when there’s a Target Country.

Chris had chosen Turtons Creek Falls Campsite because it was as close as a free campsite could get us to Wilson’s Prom, where we would embark on a three day hike the following day. As we drove down the gravel hill into the campsite our eyes widened. Baby waterfalls studded a bubbling brook and trees stood ready to have a slackline strung between. There was level ground, wide open spaces and nobody else in sight. There was however one thing missing. Phone reception. Having told Mum I’d speak to her later today, this would prove troublesome. We cooked up a quick veggie burger lunch then headed back up the gravel hill in search of some coverage.

Not far down the road we got a little distracted. Waterfalls. Bigger ones. We parked up, deserting our mission to contact my poor mother, and climbed down to Turton Falls. The stepped waterfall meant we could easily climb to the bottom and Chris enjoyed getting his old, familiar long-exposures happening.

The mission continued, we reunited with Veruca and kept on down the winding, gravel roads. Ferns lined either side of the road and the only other vehicles in sight were those in search of 4WD tracks. Eventually we came across some reception, did what we needed to and sped back towards our campsite, eager to arrive in time for an afternoon enjoying the beauty of it. As we rolled along this beautiful road I couldn’t help but put our Take A Back Road anthem back on, even at the risk of it being overplayed by Day 3.

The afternoon was spent rotating between slacklining, guitar playing, eating, yoga and handstands. Top that off with a bath in the river and we were as fresh as daisies (it’s all relative) and ready for an early night.