Beautiful sunshine as we head towards Lake Hindmash, 280klm west into Victoria.
We arrive early afternoon, via Keith, Bordertown, and Nhill. We take a look at Lake Hindmarsh, which is Victoria’s largest freshwater lake. The lake is not often full, and receives most of its water from the Wimmera River. The lake is flat and shallow, (max depth just over 3 mtrs). The wetlands of this region are significant, but it has at times been empty for many years.
After looking around we decided not to stay and moved to a free camp on the Wimmera River, next to Jeparit Golf Club
Jeparit
Jeparit is a quaint little rural town on the borders of the Southern Mallee and the Wimmera regions with a predominant farming sector featuring cropping, grazing, and running stock of sheep and some cattle.
The town is the birthplace of Australia’s legendary Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies. He was Australia’s longest serving Prime Minister, 1939-1941 and 1949-1966, keeping the top job for over 18 years. Some regard him as Australia’s greatest leader.
After long hot and dry summers and under bright sunshine, it looks a little barren, with many homes and shops requiring maintenance. But the population is only 350. It is not on any main roads between towns, so probably suffers from lack of tourists.
The free camping on the Wimmera River is beautiful and peaceful, only a 1klm walk to the main street, opposite the golf club.
We were the only ones by the river, so some trepidation of vulnerability, but not the site, which we loved. Cut up some fallen wood, lighted a fire, warm day, balmy night, could not be better. Local wildlife emerges from its slumber to commence the night shift. A local possum and a Tawny Frogmouth, passing through.
Old wooden bridge from a bygone era
Hopetoun
Back in familiar lands, another warm day, traveling 80klm north west to Lake Lascelles.
Free camping at it’s best. Long Neck Turtle, paddle boarder, The View
A walk to the local for a meal and drink
Enjoying the setting sun 
And the rising Moon
