BEVERLEYSomewhere in the great outdoors  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.  The shy, elusive eastern rosella Picnic tables at the start of the track allow a well-earned refuel before taking a walk along the river. It is picturesque with beautiful eucalyptus trees and the sounds of birds watching us, less us watching them. A kookaburra’s laughter followed us along the track but we couldn’t find its perch high in the gum trees. We were a bit fascinated with the butterflies - large and pretty when their wings were open, but camouflaged like a dead leaf otherwise. We saw a group of four eastern rosellas and in the distance an azure kingfisher but it was too far away to get a decent photograph. There was a lonely coot perched on a log island but otherwise not much evidence of water birds. At one point something breached the river water and slapped back down heavily giving us a view of many ripples in the water. Our assumption was that it was a Murray Cod given its apparent size by the sound and eddies. Walking back to the car we were entranced by the pepper trees along the track which apparently were planted in 1898 - and still going strong. They provided a lovely avenue of green leaves and muted red peppers which when crushed between the fingers had a a powerful and authentic scent. We are based at the Mary Ann Road Garden Cottage, just outside Echuca. We've stayed here before and recommend it highly. The cottage is very comfortable and well-appointed, and very quiet with some local birds around. There is often a pretty spectacular sunset over the back paddock too! 
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