Zeally Bay@Torquay (My rating B)

On a warm Saturday (28'C), we went to Zeally Bay at Torquay to 'chill out'.

Why Zeally Bay?  Partially because it's offleash till Dec 1, partially because there're toilet facilities near the beach, partially because beaches on Great Ocean Road are my favourites, partially because Torquay is my favourite town along Great Ocean Road, partially because..................

Why is Zeally Bay rated B only?  All because the offleash period is from May to Nov.  Where do I go when Summer Heat comes?  The Beach Winner goes..... on great ocean road, a bit further down the Anglesea, with toilet facilities, will announce the name when summer heat comes. :-)

 

(Look Right)

 

(and Look Left)

 

(Here's Zeally Bay, ample car park, from Council Website)

 

(This is what PURPLE means, from Council Website)

Hepburn Regional Park (my rating A)

Hepburn Regional Park is in Hepburn,  near Daylesford, about 1.5hrs drive from Melbourne City.

Most of people think about springs and SPA resorts when hearing "Hepburn" or "Daylesford", yes, Daylesford is "SPA centre of Australia", but SPA isn't the only thing Hepburn/Daylesford can offer,  Hepburn Regional Park is a big GREEN area, offering many walking tracks. (Dogs are expected to be on-leash)

 

 (Yes, Hepburn Regional Park features springs as well)

We parked at the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve, and walked to Argyle Spring and back. It took us about 2 hrs return, including rest and refreshment.  There is a bench half way to Argyle Spring, but  Mum found some 'informal' resting spots - fallen tree logs along the track.

 

(Sign at the car park, the car park is roomy)

 

(the walk we did today, map from Park Victoria website)

The walk itself was relaxing, refreshing and satisfying.  even though no heartbreaking view.  We had many chances to study the plants, and trees, and birds.  We also met Little Jonny and Miss Minne, 2 funny cute "creepy" crawlings like caterpillars.

 

 (Little Jonny)

(Miss Minnie)

In my opinion, the walk requires reasonable fitness, as there're numerous steps: natural ones and man-made ones.  Thanks to the walking stick, Mum managed the steps and slopes.

There're quite some spiky plants throughout the track, guess it's the way the plants protect themselves.  You might want to wear long pants and long sleeve tops to avoid the cuts.

  

(These plants are very popular in this park, mind your bare skin)

As the ground is very uneven, a pair of proper hiking boots would be really helpful.

 

(Walking Track)

When we were there, we saw quite a few trees uprooted (or fallen), and also heard the trees cracking.  It's always a good idea to have the ears wide open, for the enjoyment of birds chipping, and potential danger of the trees falling.

 

(Broken Tree Trunk)

 

(Sign on the back back to car park)

Suggest you to go to Daylesford Visitor Centre to get a copy of the map.  The staff there are very helpful and friendly.  The visitor centre is located at 98 Vincent St, Daylesford.