Last of the Houseboat week in Mildura


After turning around at Karadoc we ventured downstream revisiting sites and berths that we experienced on the way up. The return voyage was very relaxing and we all were more at ease. We cruised our way to Trentham Estate winery again berthing there for the evening and a special fried rice dinner. Dinner that evening was to be Special Fried Rice, quite a challenge without a Wok but we got it sorted. Just before dinner Ros landed our first worthy fish, a beautiful Golden Perch. It was over 450mm long and very plump so made a spectacular entre' before the rice dish. So tender and sweet! Well done Ros. However, we berthed between Mallee Cliffs and Bonnie Doone for lunch. Soon after lunch the men were looking for the wreck of the Susan Barge near pole 904 to no avail. By now most of the ladies had become expert "Twitchers" spotting all Mallee bird species along the way.  
Next morning we headed off down stream heading to Gol Gol hoping to get a berth at the Gol Gol Hotel which was packed out on the upstream voyage. Most alighted and walked up to the Cafe Store for some potatoes and an icecream for Judy who was keeping watch on Barbados 103. We then returned via the Gol Gol Hotel to secure our berth for the evening by being hotel patrons.  Gol Gol certainly proved to be the place of a wildlife sanctuary. 
The bird life and fish were testament to this.

At Gol Gol Graeme launched and christened his inflatable kayak and went for a lovely paddle. Which he repeated at Malibu Marina. well done!

Before departing in the morning another 4 fish were caught but were quite disappointing as they were Carp. all were humanely spent to try and eradicate them from our lovely Murray River. After lunch we continued downstream passing the houseboat berth at Malibu Marina and venturing into the Mildura public berth where we berthed with ease to take a stroll around the river front park lands and partake of coffee in Cafe 1904 at the Mildura Rowing Club. 

On departure we ventured a little more downstream toward the Mildura weir and then returned to the Malibu Marina to berth for dinner and then departure from the houseboat in the morning. The berthing was easier said than done as every attempt was thwarted by the current, having increased since departure, sweeping the stern down stream at the last minute. Eventually the berth was made and secured with some crew needing a strong stiff drink! Following this we settled in for the last night with Roast Chicken and baked vegetables.
In the morning we packed up and distributed left over food and soon departed. with Ainesley, Ros, Judy and Graeme staying on in Mildura for a while and Dallas and I heading off to Adelaide. A great relaxing holiday thanks to all!!

 Videos are to be produced and added to this post soon.
Sheep grazing and drinking on the Murray River banks

The red cliffs at Red Cliffs

The Golden Perch

Golden Perch prepared for Dinner

A rough sketch of the Golden Perch, not the lower jaw
protruding beyond the upper jaw. As well, a non typical
 fish tail but rounded! 

A very proud Ros Smith




Ros at the wheel

Colours on the banks near Bonnie Doone

Ainesley at the wheel

A Whistling Kite

An Egret landing on the banks at Gol Gol

Another brilliant sunset on the River Murray



A flock of Pelicans in flight near the wildlife sanctury

A Pelican fishing at Gol Gol





Moon rise at Goll Gol

Some of the bird life on the river

Pelicans in flight

A Pelican on the river at Malibu Marina

Mildura oarsmen training near Mildura

The dinner cruise returning at 2200hrs.

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