Malua has travelled in may waterways around the world from the high seas of the southern ocean to the canals of France and also the brown waters of the inter-coastal waterways (ICW) of the east coast of the USA. Maybe the most amazing waterway was the Hudson River flowing down the shores of Manhattan where we stayed opposite 48 St for almost a month. Now this last location was right in the bustle and noise of down town New York so to set off up the placid water ways of the Victorian Gippsland Lakes was what Denny and I needed.
The passage westwards up the entrance area is quite easy and very well buoyed. We entered the Bancroft Bay which opens up to a wide lake and headed for the northern shore and Chinaman's Creek. Here we stayed the night and the following day exploring the creek and the surrounding bush land - a bit different to downtown Manhattan or even Lyon.
Next day up the anchor which was covered in mud and off to the local pub at Metung for a drink and some food. This is a great place to walk along the shore and look into the many holiday homes overlooking the water.
Where to next? Well you dont have to look for a weather window or even consider the swell or wind. It is just cast off the lines and off one goes to the next destination which in our case was Paynesville.
We pulled alongside and tied up to a very accessible dock and walked the water front before preparing one of the gourmet meals Malua is famous for. No French truffles and Brest chicken at the local market here but still good food.
I unpacked my folding bicycle and rode to the local marina and boatyard. Only to find it was up a creek and not easy to access or to find a local motel so Lakes Entrance was a good choice.
After a long walk on Raymonds Island we returned to Malua and a good sleep. Next day it was off to the upper reaches of the lakes into Duck Bay and the bush surrounds. Unfortunately it rained and rained for a few days so we were constrained from doing any long walks but did see a few tracks. All well signposted and easy to follow - where has the adventure gone in the modern world?
It was now time to head back to Paynesville and towards Lakes Entrance. No planning required just up anchor or in this case let go the mooring line and point the bow along the track to the next waypoint and there you go - we are on passage.
We stopped at Paynesville for a few provisions and at Metung for an evening G&T then head back to Lakes Entrance. The water outflow was with us and we made quick time back to our spot at Lakes Entrance waterfront along with the fishing fleet.
Thankfully our VW Golf was still in the parking spot we had left it next to a few fisherman's vehicles who had also gone to sea - quite a relief.
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