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On our arrival at the Southern Highlands, we strayed with a short stay near the small and very English village of Exeter...we even saw a croquet match on our first spin through the village! This time we chose a farm stay, and the landscape did not disappoint: lush rolling hills, replete with resident kangaroos!
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 Narrandera is north of Deniliquin and we went via Jerilderie, keen to see some of the bushranger heritage connected with Ned Kelly.
 What a great day - we started a day with Philip Maher at 7.30 at the Island Sanctuary close to the centre of town. Philip is a true expert – even so, he was a great tutor for two novices in the birdwatching department.
 Deniliquin is an easy drive from Echuca, once again via Mathoura. It has a population of about eight thousand, about half the size of Echuca. It's also at the junction of the Riverina, so lots of local produce, and agriculture (especially a great merino heritage).
 A quick half hour drive north of Echuca and we were at the small town of Mathoura. the Reed Beds bird hide, a serious construction with a wide view over the wetlands on one side, and the forest on the other.
The Kyabram Fauna Park is delightful with lots of open space and free ranging animals, and some great walk in aviaries large enough to have the birds flying freely. There is also an extensive wetland area with a viewing tower.
 The first pitstop on the way from Melbourne to Echuca was Elmore where we explored the Campaspe River Walking track just five minutes walk from the town centre.
 If you're a visitor to Melbourne, it's good to know that the Botanic Gardens are walking distance from the CBD. We frequent the north east corner, known as Long Island, for bell miners, waterbirds, and the occasional Nanking night heron (not on duty today!).
 Braeside Park is a large environmental park (295 hectares) south of Melbourne, and includes wetlands, heathlands and red gum woodlands. We just made our first (and not our last!) visit.
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