Weekender - Eildon

The Sunday Age

Sunday November 19, 2006

PAUL EDWARDS

There should be a measurement of water volume called a Sydarb - whenever the size of a lake is described it is inevitably compared with Sydney Harbour. For instance, Lake Argyll in Western Australia is 15 Sydarbs, while our own Lake Eildon is a mighty six - or it would be if it were full.

It is a long time since the plains at Bonny Doon were filled with water but, even though the lake is currently at less than 20 per cent capacity, it is still a wonderful spot for a late spring getaway.

There's more than enough water for skiing and fishing and you can comfortably take a boat as far as Howqua, Big River and beyond.

As soon as the school holidays arrive, all the accommodation around the lake and the Alexandra region will start to fill up. Right now, there could be some bargain price beds.

While water activities are the main attraction, the Eildon region has much more to offer, from the exquisite brewery at Jamieson (5777 0515) to the food and produce stores tucked into the interesting streetscape of Alexandra.

And there are even some positive aspects of the low water mark - the lake is warmer than when it's full, much of the shoreline is now well grassed and the receding waters have uncovered several historic farmsteads.

But we'd still like some rain, please.

WHERE IS IT?

Eildon is usually approached along the Maroondah Highway through the Black Spur forest. Less than two hours from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

SEE AND DO

Hiring a houseboat can be a hilarious way of exploring the lake. Just remember, they're not good at accelerating, steering and braking, and if you have trouble parking in Collins Street, you'll have even more difficulty up here.

Get out into the bush of the Eildon National Park. There are magnificent views from mountaintop lookouts along Skyline Road and excellent picnic/camping spots in Lake Eildon National Park.

If you want to visit Jamieson and explore this cute little town, take the road less travelled - the skyscraping drive across Mount Torbreck.

See the timber tramway at Alexandra to gain an understanding of what the district was about a century ago.

Enjoy fishing in the Eildon pondage and Lake Eildon. If you really want a fish and they just won't oblige, visit a local trout farm.

HUNGRY?

The region has a growing reputation for produce and wine; eateries take pride in using local raw materials.

Mount Pleasant Hotel, Alexandra (5772 1083) has excellent pub grub in a traditional setting. Stonelea Country Estate at Acheron (stonelea.com.au) is a Victorian Tourism Award winning venue, with licensed restaurant and bar.

The Yarck Pub (5773 4226) has a good beer garden and a fine menu. Taste of Eildon (5774 2642) is a nice little cafe with a produce store and gift section.

The Golden Trout is an old favourite, right in the heart of Eildon - bistro meals overlooking the water (5774 2508).

TIRED?

The Old Convent, Alexandra (5772 3220) is 100 years old, now operating as a B&B. Athlone Cottages (athlonecountry cottages.com.au) has three cottages and a dam for fly fishing.

Idlewild Park farm accommodation (5772 1178) is a farm-stay, two-bedroom cottage. Rudawe Lodge B&B is on the waterfront, suitable for family groups (cute.com.au/rudawe). Jerusalem Creek Marina has the works - boatels, houseboat moorings, campsites, a store, fishing tackle and bait (jerusalemcreekmarina.com.au)

BEFORE YOU GO

Alexandra visitor centre. Freecall 1800 652 298. -- Paul Edwards

© 2006 The Sunday Age

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