We free camped on the opposite side of the
river from the town – allows dogs – expect nothing except space, and plenty of
it (and we were there Oz Day weekend). Toilets are a short drive over the
bridge so do not despair – as was a playground – club, pub, general store and
post office.
Tooleybuc has a population of 250 in the
township, and services the surrounding area of 5000. Industry is cereal crops
and orchards (plenty of places to get fresh seasonal fruit after you leave Swan
Hill). Wineries a-plenty and ‘boutique tourism operations’ who maybe should
promote themselves as we found none of them???
The river was refreshing for a dip (once
you got through the Murray mud). We saw (and felt) plenty of fish, and there
was plenty of fisher-people on the banks and in boats looking for them.
We took a drive to Kyalite – consisting of
a pub and caravan park a fishing and boating destination – again with free
camping on the other side of the river from the town. This looks nice, but if
you don’t fish not much to do.
Lucky Phil at the general store, was
probably nicer to locals. The hotel served nice food, but took forever (we had
takeaway). The township itself is beautiful. Great park and play area for the
kidlets (mine wouldn’t leave), walkways winding around the river, picnic areas,
boat ramp and clean toilets.
The gardens in the township showed that the
community took great pride in their town – and plenty of people stopped on
their way through to use the toilets, play in the playground and have a picnic.
To us Tooleybuc was a great getaway – we
stayed for 3 nights and had 2 full days exploring. We relaxed and recharged
after a busy end of year and Christmas period – ready to start our 2016 energised.
You may find it a useful stopover to another destination.
This is our second time camping on the
Murray and we have always found it quiet, peaceful and recharging – probably
the effect of consistently flowing water.