Today was quite a big journey and therefore it was agreed that an earlier start was needed. Everyone was away by 8am although we only made it to the
main street of Swan Hill.
We had originally planned going to Lake Boga for breakfast however thanks to some last minute research by Richard T we discovered the Lake Boga Café, in spite of its very impressive website, had gone in to receivership. A quick rethink and breakfast was taken at two café’s in the main street of Swan Hill. A quick fuel stop for some of the vehicles, then off to the Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum.
Lake Boga was a secret inland repair base and landing site during WW2 for a variety of Flying Boats including the magnificent Catalina. It is about the only thing in Lake Boga these days but is well worth the effort of a visit. Unfortunately we could only spend about an hour there but could easily have spent 2 or 3 hours. We heard that plans are afoot to expand the museum with further exhibits and accommodation which will make it an even more impressive destination. Since 2008, tourism figures have increased from about 3,000 visitors per year to 20,000 per year and increasing. This is great especially for Lake Boga as one of a large number of struggling rural communities.
We had originally planned going to Lake Boga for breakfast however thanks to some last minute research by Richard T we discovered the Lake Boga Café, in spite of its very impressive website, had gone in to receivership. A quick rethink and breakfast was taken at two café’s in the main street of Swan Hill. A quick fuel stop for some of the vehicles, then off to the Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum.
Lake Boga was a secret inland repair base and landing site during WW2 for a variety of Flying Boats including the magnificent Catalina. It is about the only thing in Lake Boga these days but is well worth the effort of a visit. Unfortunately we could only spend about an hour there but could easily have spent 2 or 3 hours. We heard that plans are afoot to expand the museum with further exhibits and accommodation which will make it an even more impressive destination. Since 2008, tourism figures have increased from about 3,000 visitors per year to 20,000 per year and increasing. This is great especially for Lake Boga as one of a large number of struggling rural communities.
From here we hit the road in earnest travelling down the Stuart highway to Kerang then Bendigo and then via the McIvor and the Northern Highway to Wallan. We left the group in Wallan as it is easier to skirt the city via Kinglake and Yarra Glen to get home. It was quite a chilly drive and we reached home in the dark. We were grateful for a hot shower and hot cup of tea.
The end of another Great Alvis Adventure. Many thanks to all for your wonderful company and unforgettable memories.
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| Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum |
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| 12/50's with Lake Boga in the background |
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| The huge Catalina flying boat |
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| View down the Catalina, it has bulk heads like a ship so flooded compartments can be closed off |
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| Inside the still operational radio bunker. |
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| Mike B photographs Lake Boga |
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| Todd's Speed 20 on the road |
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| Passing truck become a wind hazard as well |
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| Open road on outskirts of Bendigo |
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| The weather fines up but the wind makes driving very difficult |
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| Quick stop to lower hoods before the ferocious wind removes them |
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| How many people does it take to put down one Alvis 12/50 hood? |
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