Genoa Peak and Mallacoota

I slept in on Monday and got a late start out of Merimbula. I drove down to town and had a lovely french toast breakfast at the Waterfront Cafe, the best restaurant in town. I spent a little time on the internet before finally getting back on the road. My destination today was just over the border into Victoria. The drive on the Princes Highway was only 60 km, but the windy hills through the forests made the scenic trip longer.

Near the small town of Genoa, there is the mountain Genoa Peak that is part of Croajingolong National Park. I left the Prince Highway and drove 7 km down a dirt road to reach the entrance of a hiking trail to the top of Genoa Peak. There were no other people around, so I was all by myself as I parked the car and began hiking up the trail. It was 1.5 km to the top of the peak, but I moved quickly and made good time. Along the way I saw a large bird that looked almost like a peacock that ran away when I approached. It was a good trail up the mountain and when I was nearing the top the trail markers guided me along as the forest became rock. At the top I had to climb a series of small ladders to reach the top of a large rock formation. The peak was a small area fenced in to prevent any falling. The view at the top was absolutely unbelievable. I've seen some great views so far on this trip and this one was right up there with the Blue Mountains. Genoa Peak is a solitary peak reaching 1607 feet from the valley floor. I could see for miles stretching to many mountains off in the distance and to the south the ocean. At the peak I felt really solitary as if there was no one else in the world. I had brought with me a snack and enjoyed it as I took in the view. The hike back was quick and I was soon back at the car and back on the road.

I left the Princes Highway and drove south down through Croajingolong National Park to the small seaside town of Mallacoota. This was a smaller town than Merimbula. I had a reservation at the Mallacoota Motor Inn, a charming little motel near town. The proprietor was a jolly old retiree that was thoroughly Australian. He used all the favorite Aussie phrases and was quite a a character. At check in he gave me my key and the remote control for the tv because he says otherwise they have a tendency to walk off by accident. I asked for dinner suggestions and he said my options were "the Bistro, the Bistro, and the Bistro," meaning there was one restaurant in town this time of year only open from 6-8pm. The sun was setting so I drive down to town and watching the sun set over the inlet. Then, I went to the Bistro for dinner and had grilled fish and chips that were excellent. When I returned to the motel I borrowed a few DVDs from the front desk and I got cozy in my room and watched movies. It was a pleasant slow day on the road to Melbourne.

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