We started the day at the Paynesville Ferry shelter and took the 200 metre trip on a ferry to reach Raymond Island.
The ferry is a chain drawn punt and runs continuously throughout the day. The 1.2 km Koala trail needs to be walked at a leisurely pace because… after a short time you will see a koala! There are significant numbers to ensure sightings. Sleeping, awake, with baby – they are easily spotted.
There was much “looking up” and neck stretching around the circuit. Our group saw many Koalas. The walk back to the ferry was along a boardwalk. There were boats and yachts moored and houses with water views, mother swan protecting her babies and birds everywhere enjoying the harmony of the island. Our ride on the ferry back to the “mainland” was followed by morning tea and a regroup.
The sunset Cove walking track was the next adventure for the day. This walk extends on a track from the Paynesville shops at the Progress Jetty along the foreshore for about 3km. The group enjoyed the views of the lake and the stunning homes that sit on it. We stopped the end – Jones Rd to have our lunch. Red alert, red alert – mosquitos, descend like the great plague. Some were so big, they could have carried off the people not just their lunch. Aerogard was shared but offered no resistance. Packing up in a frenzy to make our way back along the trail to a place where the wind blew and the mosquitos could not land. Success – lunch and peace. The walk finished back at the shops and our afternoon was free to pursue other adventures of our choosing.
Bev Piper