TRAVELS WITH KINGDEANO ADVENTURES
In the afternoon, we headed to the lookout at the summit of Mount Leura. Whether you drive or hike, the view is worth it. On a clear day, you can see the local extinct volcanos, with peaks like Mt Noorat, Mt Elephant, Mt Kurweeton, and Mt Meningoort scattered across the landscape. We learned on this town visit that the volcanic plains that stretch from Camperdown to the South Australian town of Mt Gambier are the third-largest volcanic plains in the world. Unfortunately, as the weather had turned, we got caught in a bit of rain, so the view was more mist than mountains for us from Mount Leura – but still atmospheric and interesting, nevertheless.
For the night, we stayed at Lakes and Craters Holiday Park, set perfectly between Lake Bullen Merri and Lake Gnotuk. Our powered site gave us beautiful views, and the new facilities made our stay comfortable. And with our dog with us, the park was pet-friendly.
Our favourite discovery was the volunteer-run botanical gardens at the end of the park. We took our morning coffee on a stroll through the gardens and met one of the volunteers who shared that they had been working on the gardens for more than 20 years. It was stunning – a peaceful mix of native and exotic plants, walking paths, and views over the crater lakes. Twyla loved it too. Even if you’ re not staying at the park, the gardens are open for day visitors and are worth a visit – you just need to drive through the caravan park.
The yellow canola fields didn’ t lead us to the Emerald City, but they brought us to something just as magical – a town with green rolling hills, rich history, and a heartwarming charm that makes you feel right at home. Next time you’ re looking for an adventure in Oz, consider Camperdown.
+ MORE FROM KINGDEANO!
94 \