It was a bit of a wake up for a group of eight Probians when they alighted from the little plane into a windy 16 degrees at Currie on King Island. After settling into our home for the next three nights, we set off to sightsee on the way to our welcome dinner at the Wild Harvest Restaurant, on the southern coast at Grassy.
What a welcome! – four amazing courses – scallops, stuffed quail, porterhouse steak and finishing with a perfect panna cotta all served in front of a blazing log fire.
Over the next two days we visited many amazing vistas, saw how kelp was treated for the overseas market, tasted yummy cheeses at King Island Dairy, discovered that Manuka honey can make a great facial, and learnt about the over 80 shipwrecks off the treacherous coastline.
Cape Wickham Golf Course (number three in Australia for difficulty?) was another luncheon spot offering spectacular views of ocean, rocks, fairways and the tallest lighthouse in the southern hemisphere.
After suffering a bone-jarring ride over an almost non-existent track to the southernmost tip of Stokes Point, we returned to a superbly fresh local crayfish lunch. A typical day on King Island.
On to Melbourne with more delicious food offerings, sightseeing on the Mornington Peninsula, and a beautiful trip along the Black Spur of towering mountain ash trees. Along with majestic scenery, the Yarra ranges offered Bruno’s quirky sculpture garden, and Steavenson’s Falls … and of course more food.
Our farewell dinner was memorable, mainly for such a happy group swapping stories and eating even more delicious Italian food.