Day 8 - Sat 15th Jan - Pemberton

Our first real adventure, we haven't got a booking for the night and are just planning to take pot luck somewhere near the Big Brook Dam. We trek deep into the forest and it just feels like it is closing in around us.  We hope we are heading in the right direction as with "Big Bertha" behind us, turning around in the forest is not going to be easy.  After 8 km of gravel we come upon a camping area with a few tents and caravans and one long drop, beautiful!!!

So we are "at one with nature" !!!  The kids immediately make friends with the kids next door while we are setting up, then it is off to the the Big Brook Dam for a swim. What an amazing back drop.  The dam is massive and the trees come right up to the edge and their reflection lines the edge of the dam.
After a quick swim we go for a drive and have a look at the Gloucester Tree.  "Health and Safety" have certainly missed this one, as it looks about as safe as it did 30 years ago.  On the way back to camp we call into the "Hidden River Estate", a lovely little winery with a fantastic playground for the kids, a beautiful view and restaurant.  Unfortunately they are shutting up for the day, but not before they allow us to taste their wines and the owners happily sit with us and chat for about an hour.  What a lovely couple and staff.  They give the kids food to feed the horse and we feel like we could sit and talk with them all arvo.  Back to camp to cook tea on the open fire and take notes from the seasoned campers who are camped next to us.