TODAY -

Lake Eildon reckons

Chingshang *

Recent weeks have been very hectic for me as I have been busy exploring some of the most enchanting natural spots of Victoria. In fact I am getting out the best of Victorian beauty exploiting my rare semester break.

This time I am very lucky as I have a good company to Mr Arijit Ghosh, an Australian Bengali who is another adventure bug always enthusiastic about venturing into new areas, getting firsthand knowledge of the people and places. He is a sort of globe trotter who have lived in different parts of the world and now settled happily in Australia.

His idea of seeing new places and understanding new environment is simply marvellous for any amateur traveller. He owned a powerful old model Ford Falcon that makes our visiting off the bitten track places a breeze.

Scenic Lake view


In the beginning I was very much interested in visiting those much publicised and oft quoted tourist spots of Victoria like Great Ocean Route, Grampians, Phillip island, Mt Buller, and Sovereign hill and so on. Of late my enthusiasm in visiting those places has been diminishing slowly. This may be because of the fact that I have been enjoying visiting lesser known places with maximum return. But I wish I am almost there someday.

It is not at all a big deal as I can go to these places whenever I feel like visiting. There are adequate facilities to take me there. However visiting to lesser known places needed sort of planning and a great mental makeup which I would always love to do. This time I have had the great fortune to visit different places of varying settings in two to three weeks time.

Some of the places that I have visited and I would love to share experiences will definitely include Werribee Gorge, Merrimu Reservoir, Lerderderg State Park, Maroondah Reservoir and Lake Eildon National park. Particular focus have been made in this write up only to Lake Eildon National park areas as each area that I have visited offers different scopes to straighten to capture its distinct entity.

Scenic Lake view


Lake Eildon National park is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers alike. The multiplicity of different natural settings it offers to visitors is simply mindboggling. In fact visitors are spoilt by choice.

There are so many options for visitors to enjoy their time here including bushwalking, boating, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, swimming, waterskiing, mountain bike riding, camping or one just can sit back and enjoy the rich native wildlife. Lake Eildon National Park is located 145 kms away in the north east of Melbourne, almost a two hour drive from the city centre.

We started off quite early in the morning thinking that we could spend a sizable amount of time in the park area exploring its different facets. But to get out of the city towards this side is little more time consuming. The ever busy Maroondah Highway forms like a bottleneck and the movement of the traffic flow was in fact annoying.

We took about one hour to release ourselves from the city loop. But once you are out of the city, you are directly fall in the lap of nature at its best. The scenic drive amidst rolling hills and dales on the way to Lake Eildon was bewitchingly beautiful. Lake Eildon is perfectly nestled in the foothills of the Great Australian Alpine Ranges providing endless plethora of rich flora and fauna for everyone to experience. Indeed we were very lucky as we had the great opportune to enjoy the whole experience on a clear sunny day.

Scenic hill and valley view


The first stop we had on our journey towards Lake Eildon was at Healesville, a small beautiful town known for its famed wineries. We bought some provisions from Coles supermarket and had our breakfast here as this is the only large town after which there is hardly any shop on the way.

This town is sort of an outpost demarcating hills and valleys. From here the road slowly climbs leaps and bounds to serpentine corners offering great views of the surrounding areas. We took a little diversion to spend some time in Maroondah Reservoir, a beautiful storage dam located along the way. Nicely sculpted gardens with adequate parking lot greeted us to explore the area. We spent about half an hour here till we further our journey.

Now as the journey progresses we are in the ultimate mountain highway. The road is flanked closely by huge and tall red gum trees. But the mountain road is creamy smooth with abundant road safety rules being displayed at all the appropriate corners and turns. This constantly reminds me of the great significance of good mountain roads in the efficient movement of men and materials.

In fact I was thinking of the great benefits that we could reap provided the road connecting Imphal and Dimapur or Imphal and Jiribam is sealed to this standard which I see here vividly in my eyes.

I have travelled umpteen numbers of times in Imphal to Guwahati road by bus during my college days and I could still feel the bumps and bruises from so many physical and emotional disturbances faced during those ordeals. Of course people will think I am crazy as this could be felt by anyone who sees better things in life.

But the truth is this is a reality that could be achieved easily with a focus and concerted efforts from the concerned departments. I was thinking very seriously why can't we spend, say, almost a year or so devoting our time and resources to NH39 and NH53 fully making it world class highways. That's true, people will think otherwise because we are dogged by so many other problems also.

All the problems of the state could not be solved in one go. Hence we need to prioritise and by prioritising the National Highways of the state, Manipur could stand tall in all walks of life because Highways could bring a multiplier effect to different sectors of the economy. Everyone knows our state has immense potential in terms of its location, naturally talented people, rich cultural heritage and what not, if not for mineral resources.

It's high time to bring our potentials to productive advantage. So what do we need? Of course answer lies in building Infrastructures. Sorry folks I am loitering too much in this article and not concentrating on the intended purpose. Well that s what happens always if you try to speak the truth you are left alone in many cases. But you still need to dare to dream of the best.

This part of the forest around Healesville was burnt down during the great Victorian Bushfire tragedy in February. We still could feel and smell the aftermath of that historic event as we drive through the forest. By the time we reach Lake Eildon the natural settings have taken a totally different outlook.

The views of the vast expanse of blue water bodies wedged between mountains were just jaw dropping. The different views that one can enjoys from the lookout point in the Dam site are exhilarating. Evermore are the beautiful alpine meadows in an around the mountains surrounding Lake Eildon.

Different areas of the lake are easily accessible as there are many dedicated picnic spots and boat ramps. But as the lake is in the mountains, approaches to lake entrances are far and wide. You need to travel in vehicles to explore. Otherwise it is not just possible or it will take several days to enjoy the area.

One of the greatest benefits, for me, coming to Lake Eildon National park is to watch Kangaroos in their natural habitat from very close ranges. They are just exotic animals. We had a really good time in taking videos and photos of these animals and their beautiful habitat.

But as the time flies by we had to bid farewell to Lake Eildon and call it a day, a memorable day. Hence we left Lake Eildon and reached the hustle and bustle of Melbourne city at around 9 pm. The memories of those little moments we have had in the Lake areas definitely worth a lifetime and they are going to be vivid and alive forever.



Check out the photo gallery on this report here.




* Chingshang, a Graduate student at University of Melbourne, contributes regularly to e-pao.net. The writer can be contacted at rockm(at)rediffmail(dot)com . This article was webcasted on November 29 2010.

* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Beating of the Retreat #2 : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2024 : Timeline
  • We did Overcome: Mayhem of Month of May
  • Training on mushroom at Potshagbam
  • Famous female Mathematicians in India
  • Disinformation campaign thengnare
  • Human trafficking puts humanity to shame
  • Licypriya meets Italy PM & Pope Francis
  • HSLC (Class X) 2024 : Full Result
  • HSLC 2024 : Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Private Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Aided Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Govt Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2024 : Comparative Statement
  • Combined Defence Services Exam 2024
  • Good show in Class X exams
  • Downplaying the crisis
  • Birth Centenary of Jananeta Irabat, 1996 : #3
  • Reviving Lamphelpat : Conservation : Gallery
  • Commemorate Naga Plesbicite Day 1951 #1
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Hojai
  • The Power of Poppy - 32 :: Poem
  • Insights from CUET-UG Counselling
  • International Day for Biological Diversity
  • Unseen force at work: Time to unravel it
  • Sheikh Hasina's revelation
  • The Vanishing Meitei Tribe
  • Building career in defence & strategic study
  • Why example of model code of conduct ?
  • Ownership of responsibility
  • Will pressure mount on key players in NE
  • How to save your foot after an accident
  • Children Camp @JNMDA Imphal #3 : Gallery
  • Education Fair @Imphal #1 : Gallery
  • Project Associate @ CSE, Assam Univ
  • Understanding schizophrenia
  • Advancement in Multi Objective Optimization
  • When will women in voter list increase ?
  • Making 2 plus 2 is equal to 5
  • Changing face of drug menace
  • Scientist of Manipur: Jayanta Manoharmayum
  • 25 yrs since Atal Vajpayee visit to RIMS
  • 4 Lakhs donated to support (L) Maipak Family
  • Clarification: Guwahati Meet on Humanitarian
  • Start UPSC prep after 12th for success
  • Tips to avoid melting makeup in summer
  • Giving a big solid push to ST demand
  • Time to come clean
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba: 1 occasion, 2 narratives #3
  • Khongjom Day @Khebaching #2 : Gallery
  • A year of hostilities
  • Licypriya Kangujam to travel to Italy
  • Declining moral standards in public life
  • Healthy democracy with independent media
  • Why endangered species matter to us
  • Significant Guwahati meeting : 1st visible step
  • The Pallel story
  • Aftermath of ferocious hailstorm #2 : Gallery
  • Ukhrul: Climate change grip on water supply
  • Commemoration of World Eld's Deer Day
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Hiyanglam
  • Dance of democracy, a miracle in making !
  • Learn to look 10/20/30 years hence
  • The zero FIR, zero lesson
  • 'Ishanou' Selection @ Cannes #1: Gallery
  • MOU signed: MTI-HUB & KIIT-TBI & SAbF
  • Lament of the Mourning Choir :: Poem
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Wabagai
  • RSS-BJP fracas
  • Trials for Canoe Slalom World Cup
  • Poser from a villager says it all Kamjong
  • The cover-up effort
  • Birth Centenary of Jananeta Irabat, 1996 : #2
  • Manipuri women in the arena of politics
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Assam
  • Aimee Baruah at red carpet of Cannes
  • National Defence Academy Exam 2024
  • How digital media changed communications
  • Manipur stands scandalised
  • All eyes on UP battle
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #32: Download
  • Riots to a shrine- Ram Mandir of Ayodhya
  • Handle with care. F.R.I.E.N.D.S inside!
  • The Power of Poppy - 31 :: Poem
  • Celebrate the journey !
  • Career counselling : A life guidance tool
  • Scientist of Manipur: Amom Ruhikanta
  • Conspiracy, thy name is Kuki !
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Thounaojam
  • Ket Meth New Album "Ghost Stories"
  • World Hypertension Day
  • International Day of Families
  • Let the rule of law prevail
  • When donation becomes obligatory demand
  • Tourism of Manipur through Gastronomy
  • Beyond Eternity :: Poem
  • Patriarch subjugation on women
  • Celebrate Manipuri Cinema shine at Cannes
  • Training on cultivation of various mushroom
  • Transformative impact of Ayurveda & Yoga
  • War for over a year : Delhi is answerable
  • The logic behind illogical chargesheet
  • Preserving Thang-Ta :: Rare Photos
  • Regarding Human Rights Situation in Manipur
  • World Hypertension Day 2024
  • Article 355 of Constitution of India #3
  • Disinformation campaign touba thengnarey
  • Deeply mourn the demise of Oja Biren Lamba
  • Water Mimosa for sustainable development
  • Publicity drives of educational institutions
  • ED's revolutionary move!!!
  • Malemnganbi Laishram : Science Topper
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #2: Gallery
  • Thokchom Sheityajit : Arts Topper
  • Aiena Naorem : Commerce Topper
  • AISSE 2024 Exam Result- RKM Imphal
  • Gold, new world currency !
  • Milk for hair and skin
  • Of illegal immigrants & the larger picture
  • The missive from Kamjong
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Science Topper
  • HSE 2024 : Subject Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2024 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2024 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Science Full Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Arts Full Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Commerce Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Arts Topper
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Commerce Topper
  • Sezo Ringa- Debut Music Video "Revival"
  • Journalism - A thrilling career #2
  • After Class XII where? The eternal question
  • Entry of Arvind Kejriwal
  • Birth Centenary of Jananeta Irabat, 1996 : #1
  • Our nurses, our future: Power of care
  • Screenplay Writing course concluded
  • Workshop on IP & Patent Filing held
  • Let there be less Politics in Sports
  • Sam Pitroda is absolutely white
  • Motherhood: Soul & spirit of family & society
  • Time has come to criminalise ecocide
  • Meiteis, a disappearing community in Manipur
  • World Bamboo Congress @Taiwan : Gallery
  • Ima Manipur should smile more
  • 2nd National Lok Adalat at High Court
  • The Power of Poppy - 30 :: Poem
  • Army impact on Tamphasana Wushu odyssey
  • Aftermath of ferocious hailstorm #1 : Gallery
  • "Dynamic library service" :: Book Rvw
  • Radio E-pao: Manipuri Film OST (130+ song)
  • Artificial Intelligence & Environment
  • Article 355 of Constitution of India #2
  • Integrated Farming Systems for farmers #4
  • Delhi's stand after 1 year of clash
  • A new type of terrorism
  • Scientist of Manipur: Waikhom Vishwanath
  • SRF, JRF, RA @ Assam University
  • The Bleeding River :: Poem
  • Executive Meeting of WMC Assam Unit
  • Journalism - A thrilling career #1
  • Raising the call to replace Minister
  • A storm in a political teacup
  • Cheirao-chingkaba @ Chinga : Gallery
  • Happy Mother's Day
  • Empowering hill communities via U-Mangra
  • African Swine Fever
  • Free Training on Mushroom at Nagamapal
  • Harshit Dhingaun recieves award from Korea
  • Look for ways to restore normalcy
  • The danger of last kicks of a dying horse
  • Preserving Thang-Ta traditions
  • Resolving ST issue by democratic process
  • Top 5 songs to awaken your inner patriot
  • Project Assistant @ Manipur University
  • Leishemba Sanajaoba conferred Doctorate
  • Double tragedy: No time for red-tapism
  • A Youtuber called Dhruv
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing : Full Book
  • 174th Anniv Maharaj Narasingh #2 : Gallery
  • Challenges in Healthcare in rural Manipur
  • A salute to leadership quality of PM Modi
  • Career in press for freedom of expression
  • One day after devastating hailstorm
  • Understanding the suffering of others
  • A ferocious hailstorm @Imphal : Gallery
  • Article 355 of Constitution of India #1
  • Integrated Farming Systems for farmers #3
  • Election gossip & rumours
  • 'Melodic Minds' Tour in Guwahati
  • Leaving a trail of destruction
  • Political see-saw
  • A brand-new Scientific discovery
  • In memoriam of the happiness we shared !
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #5
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Sekmaijin
  • Oh Motherland :: Poem
  • Animal life should be treated with dignity
  • '365 Days of Chin-Kuki Aggression' : Gallery
  • Renaissance of politics in our youth
  • TB & tobacco co-epidemics in Indonesia
  • The Power of Poppy - 29 :: Poem
  • Advanced Charging Infrastructure in NE
  • Lessons learnt in the last one year
  • True colour of politics
  • World Heritage Day @ MU : Gallery
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Kakwa
  • Joint Combing Operations in Jiribam
  • Reboot PSUs for jobs: Task for new Govt
  • Ayurvedic remedies to keep healthy eyes
  • May 3, 2023 to May 3, 2024
  • One year of crisis, and what next ?
  • Scientist of Manipur: Nongmaithem Rajmuhon
  • Whither social justice & work for women?
  • Taiwan to enhancing economic ties with India
  • Integrated Farming Systems for farmers #2
  • Athoubasingi Numit #2 : Gallery
  • Privilege trap of While Male Meitei
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #4
  • 'Chizami Model' working in Gujarat ?
  • Racing towards the one year mark
  • On misattribution & falsifying history
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing #15 :: Book
  • May Calendar for Year 2024 : Tools
  • National Science Teacher workshop
  • Scientists of Manipur : Laishram Ladu Singh
  • Lok Sabha polls in Manipur #2 : Gallery
  • Id-ul-Fitr @Hatta #2 : Gallery
  • Workshop @ NSU Manipur : Gallery
  • Children Camp @JNMDA Imphal #2 : Gallery
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #2 : Gallery
  • Scientists of Manipur : Laitonjam Warjeet
  • Community seed bank @Umathel : Gallery
  • Athoubasingi Numit #1 : Gallery
  • Scientists of Manipur : Ngangkham Nimai
  • Kenedy Khuman (Singer) : Gallery
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet
  • List of Kings of Manipur: 33 - 1984 AD