buchan
 

 

 

Stonehenge
(Click on images to enlarge)

The Easter Holidays are one of the traditional times when Australians venture off on their last summer holiday before the long wait for Christmas. Camping, whether it be at the beach, in the desert or in the country, is always a favourite way of enjoying the last long weekend of the summer.

 

 

Stonehenge Farm Stay Camping Park is located only a short drive from Buchan, but it might as well be 100km away, situated as it is in a peaceful valley well away from traffic and tourists. The fact that it's pet friendly means that the family pooch can enjoy the holidays as well. And it's run by perhaps the friendliest owners you could ever meet.

We didn't really find out where the name came from, but it is certainly well represented by its own unique icon, created by a somewhat unusual group of around 500 revelers a few years ago, while celebrating the Summer Solstice. Make of it what you will.

 

 

 

Stonehenge offers the usual camping amenities in very pleasant surroundings, but it also offers things for young and old to do around the farm.

The locals are friendly and various other neighbours often drop in to see what this new group of people are on about.

 

 

 

 

 

Of course it doesn't hurt that there is an abundance of tasty food in the area that makes the place attractive for other happy campers as well.

 

 

 

 

With magnificent oak trees providing spreading shade and acorns, it becomes a favourite feasting place for these colourful critters.

Walking around the farm one comes across some interesting sites. A rather unique museum is also located on the farm.

 

 

 

 

One can almost see this old tree remnant saying 'Pssst, come over here' as you walk past and then going into a joyful dance because someone has noticed it.

 

 

 

 

 

Maybe it's something in the air, or perhaps there are still remnants of that Summer Solstice group pervading the farm.

Not overly far away is the famous and beautiful Snowy River and a little further on McKillop's Bridge, built over 70 years ago, yet still in pretty good shape.

 

 

 

The drive to McKillop's Bridge is through some rugged and very attractive country and it pays to take one's time, so that you get to appreciate all that is on show.

 

 

 

If only it were warmer, as the waters of the Snowy River were very inviting when the sun came out.

 

 

 Much closer to home; however, are the famous Buchan Caves. The entire area is riddled with limestone caves, but the most famous are the Fairy Caves and the Royal Caves.

 

 

 

 

While these caves may not be as large as some found elsewhere in the world, the displays are nonetheless quite impressive.

 

 

 

 

There are even opportunities to go wild caving, if one likes to crawl in small spaces and wade through icy cold underground rivers.

 

 

But as the evening approaches, it's good to get back to camp and relax, but there's still much to see and do before the sun finally sets.

 

 

 

 

Objects and scenes begin to take on a new look and a peace and quiet descends over the valley.

 

 

 

 

One can even imagine what the folk who built the odd Stonehenge felt while they were celebrating away, those few years now past.

As the 'Golden Hour' moves along, rich tones and delicate plays of light and shadow emerge on the land.

 

 

 

 

 

 

No matter where you look, there's something impressive to see. The light and shadow changes rapidly, and when taking photos there's not a lot of time to stand around thinking about your shots.

 

 

 

 

And some poetic license is always permitted.

 

Others are also taking in the last remnants of sunlight, some perhaps pondering how to catch those slippery eels that just seem to get away...

 

 

 

 

 

...and others just seem to be pondering.

 

 

The sun gives its last splash of light and twilight rapidly turns into night.

 

 

 

 

 

As the moon rises in response, it almost sounds like chanting and music is coming from afar. Maybe we'll find out next time, as this is one place worth visiting again and for a bit longer than just four days.