Corner Inlet at its sparkling best

Articles supplied directly by the Mirror. Therefore, the page numbers this article refer to the Mirror newspaper.

IT NEVER rains but it pours. So the saying goes, and so has been the story of sodden Victoria of late, South Gippsland included. After seven years or so when it never – or hardly ever – rained, south-east Australia has been swamped with the tropical weather patterns of Queensland, complete with flooding rains and clinging humidity. On the bright side, it has left this particular corner of the world – the Corner Inlet district – looking its sparkling best, with lush green growth in abundance and creeks, rivers and waterfalls (Agnes Falls, for one) in spectacular full flow.

Despite its superb natural attractions, South Gippsland has long been overlooked as a destination. Now more and more people are discovering it, choosing to holiday here or, in many cases, opting for a ‘sea change’ and making their homes in its green hills or coastal villages. The Paul family, pictured below, are among the new residents. Read all about the life they have made for themselves on an organic biodynamic farm at Fish Creek in our farmers’ market feature on page 8. Another ‘sea changer,’ Carolyn Compston, tells her story in ‘South Gippsland…an amazing place to live’ on page 18.

In recent years, the Foster district has introduced a biennial festival to celebrate all that is good about living here, from food and wine to art and theatre. There are details about next April’s Prom Coast Seachange Festival, including The Great Southern Portrait Prize, which will be a part of it, on page 19.

Coming up first, though, is a range of activities to keep everyone entertained through the summer. Read, on page 24, all about the Prom Coast Summer Festival (including Sea Days at Port Welshpool), which after a launch tonight at the old ferry terminal in Port Welshpool runs from Friday (December 31) to Sunday (January 2) at Port Welshpool, Welshpool and Toora.

Through January, CoastCare has a host of ‘Summer by the Sea’ activities on the go at local beaches, from rockpool rambles and snorkeling to sunset strolls and wildlife discovery tours. Details are on pages 20 to 21.

The Alf Willder Memorial Junior Fishing Competition takes place at Port Franklin on Sunday – for information as to how to join in see page 9.

History buffs will be fascinated to read the account by local historian Cheryl Glowrey of the early days of tourism in Corner Inlet (pages 22 to 23) and, on page 9, enjoy a foretaste of Neil Everitt’s soon-to-be-published history of the fishing village of Port Franklin.

There is history and much more to be enjoyed in the three-page feature (pages 15 to 17) on Port Albert, home of the award-winning Gippsland Regional Maritime Museum – and the best fish and chips in the country!

All this and more – 36 pages worth – should keep you informed and entertained until the next issue of The Mirror comes out on January 12. That’s right – The Mirror staff are having a little break. There will be no paper in the first week of January, but we will be back, after a well-earned rest, on January 7, in time to bring you the first issue of the year on January 12. In the meantime, happy holidays, happy new year and happy reading!

Comments are closed.