Brigadoon Cottages

As per the previous post, our Caravan is now stuck at Warragul, East of Melbourne.  We broke down when we were 1/2 hour short of our destination - Brigadoon Cottages (which is run by Ed and Michelle).  Originally, we were going to stay in our caravan at Brigadoon because all the cottages were already booked, but as luck would have it, someone cancelled their booking at the last minute - which freed up a cottage for us to stay in.

Ed and Michelle were soooooo kind to us and made us feel so welcome - this was really appreciated in our 'time of need'.  The Cottages are so beautiful.  We stayed at Tullamore Cottage which is perfect for a family.

Outside Tullamore at Brigadoon Cottages

We needed to travel to Warragul every day to speak with the Caravan Repairer (to talk through the issues with the van, and find a solution that we would be happy with to fix it).  So staying 1/2 hour up the road from Warragul at the cottages was just perfect.  We ended up staying with Ed and Michelle for 4 nights which was absolutely divine.

Mike caught the Flu (which Liz had 2 weeks prior), and it turned into a bad case of Man Flu :)   Mike was feeling pretty wiped out for two or three days, but some Nana naps and a few restful days hanging around the cottages was perfect to help get better - along with copious amounts of Panadine!

The kids loved all the wide open space around the cottages and even 'helped' with some chores before getting a wheel burrow ride (Thanks Ed!) 

The kids enjoying the wide open spaces

'Helping' Ed with the chores!

Wheel burrow Ride with Ed!

We thoroughly enjoyed our 4 nights with Ed and Michelle staying in luxury in the cottages and we all felt refreshed after our stay.

     When we first got the Caravan, we signed up to NRMA's "Premium Care" roadside assistance package so that in the 'unlikely event' that the van needed towing, it would be covered by NRMA.  Well, luck favours the prepared and sure enough when we broke down, NRMA organised all the towing.  What we didn't realise was that NRMA also give up to $3,000 benefits on things like Car Hire, Accommodation and other things.

So after our 4 nights with Ed and Michelle, NRMA organised 2 nights accommodation in Neerim South (not too far out of Warragul).  We had a bit of time and so we thought we'd go and have a look at Thomson Dam and Walhalla (an old Gold Mining town outside of Moe).  We had a great look around the Dam and Walhalla, including a short 4WD from the dam to Walhalla.

Overlooking the Thomson Dam Wall

Walhalla Bandstand

When it was time to head to our next stop at Neerim South Caravan Park, we let Navman choose the way - BIG Mistake!  Even though Navman was not set to 'Shortest Path', it still chose a route which took us through a state forest, and then onto a very hairy 4WD track.  After multiple 'tense' moments in the car, we got to an extremely steep descent which was a final hurdle to get us to a 'good road'.  With Liz and the kids out of the car, Mike took Bruiser very carefully down the "Lizard's Lament" track, and we made it down quite easily - but it was a very interesting experience, especially since all our recovery gear was in the caravan. 

This picture doesn't do the hill any justice!

Nonetheless we made it safely to our next stop at Neerim South Caravan Park, where we stayed in a cabin for 2 nights.

Neerim Sth Caravan Park Cabin