Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

[roverdriver]

If you have not already done so, you might like to read Part 1 of this little saga. It can be found here-

http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/forum/phpbb/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=18371

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Awaking early on the Monday morning, we quickly packed up, loaded the car and set off. Many years ago, we had lived about 25 miles from Ballarat, so were familiar with most things to see in the town, but there is one new that we stopped to see.

That feature is a memorial to all of Australia's P.O.W.'s in all wars from as far back as the Boer War. We don't know of any other recognition of P.O.W.'s.



The names are etched onto polished black granite-



After a satisfying wander at the Memorial, we set off aiming for the town of Ararat, but chose to use the 'old' highway in order to drive under the Memorial Arch and along Ballarat's Avenue Of Honour.





The Avenue was the first of its kind in Australia, and possibly in the world. It was started by the staff of a local garment manufacturer with the 'Lucas Girls' raising money in various ways, including making and selling dolls made from scraps and off-cuts left over from their work. The Avenue was started in 1916. Each tree represents a person from Ballarat and district that served in WW1. By the end of the war the avenue stretched for about 22 kilometers and had 3912 trees. Over the years some trees have died, but replacements are soon planted in their place, as shown in the photograph.

Arriving in Ararat, we sought directions to an Aboriginal site known as 'Bunjil's Shelter'.



A huge slab of rock, leaning against another creates a natural shelter.



Nearby is the painting-



We found the area quite fascinating with the surrounding tumbled rocks. It seemed to have a magical aura about it.





We set off again to stop at Hall's Gap, a town set at the foot of a range known as The Grampians. Wew hoped to view some other Aboriginal sites complete with rock paintings, but alas, found out that those sites were now closed. We therefore only had the drive to look forward to.



From Halls Gap we set off up and over the range on winding road. It was interesting to see the re-growth of the native trees recovering from fierce bushfires of two summers ago.



Over the ranges, then onto straighter but still 'C' grade roads for a fairly fast run, rejoining the Western Highway at Horsham. This area is a vast plain where the predominant agriculture is grain growing and sheep farming. The plain is broken by the Grampians and ahead, past Horsham, Mount Arapiles, so we headed that way, passing through the quaint settlement of Natimuk on the way.



The view from the top of Mount Arapiles is breathtaking, as the shear cliff drops away below.





We returned to Horsham to spend the night, and had a short walk along the Wimmera River at sunset.



We covered just 206 miles for the day, and regrettably saw no other historic cars on the journey. Perhaps tomorrow will be different!

Part 3 and the conclusion can be found here-

http://www.oldclassiccar.co.uk/forum/phpbb/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?p=140792#140792
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Dane- roverdriver but not a Viking.

[Ashley]

Great to see that wonderful old Rover, more landscapes including the car please. Your stories are absolutely fascinating btw.

[Rick]

[peter scott]

Thanks for posting Dane.

Your travelogues are always interesting and full of nice photos.

Peter
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https://www.nostalgiatech.co.uk
1939 SS Jaguar 2 1/2 litre saloon

[Ronniej]

Thanks for taking the trouble to share the highlights of your trip with us.
The memorial to PoWs is very interesting, I don't think I have ever seen such a thing and perhaps we have forgotten a great many who may have spent years in dreadful conditions.
I have a friend who is a keen amateur military historian, I must ask him if he knows of anything similar.
The story about the aboriginal shelter is also fascinating.

Thanks again,

Ronnie Johnston,
Scotland.