Konted's Make My Day 2: fishing

Tuesday, 27 January 2015

Trout Fishing at Mount Dandenong

Trout Fishing at Mount Dandenong

Tucked deep at Mount Dandenong, among tall Eucalypt trees and lovely ferns, is a farm where one can spend his free time fishing trout and salmon. It is a big farm that is reached through a narrow road that veers from the winding principal road. One drives past ranches where champion horses are bred and lush green meadows where cows and sheep graze. Mount Dandenong is about an hour drive from Melbourne's Central Business District.

The main road at Macclesfield, Mt. Dandenong

The narrow road leading to the farm

The farm is a 7-minute drive from the main road.

You won't get lost as you will see this signage near the road.

At Australian Rainbow Trout Farm, there is a lake where catching fish is more challenging. A little harder to catch. The lake is relatively large. But there are several ponds that are filled with Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Atlantic Salmon and Golden Rainbow Trout. Catching trout or salmon is easier. Fishing rods with baits are available at the farm at no extra cost. And a bucket is given where fish caught are kept.

The serene lake at the farm

All family members are engaged in fishing at the lake. Family bonding time.

A little harder to catch fish at the lake

One of the many ponds at the Australian Rainbow Trout Farm in Mt. Dandenong

It is easier to catch fish at the ponds as they are filled with trout.

The Golden Rainbow Trout is a variant of the Rainbow Trout. It is much bigger than the regular Rainbow Trout.

You don't wait long to catch a fish

You pay more for Golden Rainbow Trout as it is most likely to be heavier than the regular Rainbow Trout.

The Atlantic Salmon is called "the king of fish".

No one is allowed to fish here as it is the farm's stock pond.

Filled with trout

Free use of fishing rods

Cardinal rule

Boy catches rainbow trout in 5 minutes.

Rainbow Trout

Easy does it.

Show it, show it !!

The one that almost got away

More fishing rods with baits

After spending some time fishing and catching the desired fish, the fish are weighed, cleaned, filleted or prepared for shashimi. Trout need not be scaled. There is no charge for cleaning. A minimal amount is asked when fish are filleted or prepared in a special way. Waiting time is about 10 minutes except when there is an unusual number of farm guests.

Guidelines

Waiting for their fish to be weighed and cleaned and sliced.

Waiting time for trout to be cleaned and sliced is about 10 minutes.

Highly skilled

The picnic ground

Free use of tables, benches and grills

Getting it ready for cooking after being cleaned at the fishout section.

Some butter needed

Flattop grill

Getting ready

My catch

Phoenix's catch

Maximus' catch

Shrimps to go with the trout

Buttered Mushrooms, tomatoes and onions

Condiments

There is a picnic ground at the Australian Rainbow Trout Farm. Picnic tables and benches are spread out with cooking grills in strategic areas. They are free of charge. Wrapped in aluminum foil, cleaned fish are then cooked. Guests do their own cooking. In any way they want. They partake of freshly caught, freshly cooked and generously served trout and salmon. A truly rewarding experience.

- Konted

Two kangaroos making a sudden appearance at the park.

Friendly one

Giant chicken

The gray with white dots on their way to their cages.

Mini golf

Enough parking slots at the farm

Time to go home

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Sunday, 18 January 2015

Mordialloc: Building Classic Boats Since the 1800s

I had reached the farthest point of the Sandringham Line. It was time to try the Frankston Line which travels south of the City of Melbourne. I was standing at Platform #7 at Flinders Street Station early one morning. Of all the many suburbs that the train passes through, I initially picked the seaside village of Mordialloc.

Flinders Street Station's Platform #7

Train bound for the City of Frankston

Stopping at Mordialloc Train Station

The Nepean Highway runs through the village of Mordialloc

Clock tower along Nepean Highway

Vintage howitzer

Mordialloc's business center

Delicious burgers

Souvlaki is a Greek dish consisting of meat grilled on a skewer.

Wine bar along the national road

Two young cyclists take a rest.

Popular bar & restaurant in Mordialloc

The word Mordialloc is derived from the native name moordy yalloc which literally means muddy creek. And this creek, clean by any standard, flows to Port Phillip Bay. Docked at Mordialloc Creek are small classic boats. The village of Mordialloc, since the 1800s, has been known for building small wooden boats that are seaworthy and durable enough to last for many years.

Mordialloc Creek

Classic wooden boats are berthed at Mordialloc Creek.

Mordialloc boats are made of wood.

Classic boats made in Mordialloc are guaranteed to be seaworrthy.

Enough space for fishing

Mordialloc has been known to make quality boats since the 1800s.

With full cabin and comfortable seats

Mordialloc Creek flows to Port Phillip Bay

Jetski drives out of Mordialloc Creek to the deep waters of Port Phillip Bay.

Mordialloc is also famous for its soft, sandy beach. It is one of the most popular beaches of the State of Victoria. There is a pier where one can go fishing. One may pitch tent at the foreshore. At the Reserve are pergolas, tables and benches for picnic goers. There is a big playground for kids. And there is a restaurant overlooking the blue waters of the bay.

Mordialloc Beach

Bay trail used by joggers and promenaders

Mordialloc Pier

Pier has strong foundation.

Long boardwalk

Taking a break

Dome tent

Sunbathing and relaxing

To Port Phillip Bay for fishing

Speed boat about to dock at Mordialloc Creek

Harley Davidson parked at the reserve near the foreshore

Pergola at the reserve of Mordialloc

Band rotunda

Children's playground near the beach

Restaurant with a good view of the bay

On my way back to the train station, I chanced upon a barber shop. It was the first and only barber shop I have seen in Victoria. I wanted to have my hair trimmed but it was closed for the day. I thought then that I had to sport a long hair till I find one real barber shop. Or make do with the unisex shop at St. Albans. Then I heard the warning bells of an approaching train. It was the Frankston train heading back to the city. Quickly I ran and quickly I grasped my myki card, with my back pack hooked on my right shoulder.

- Konted