Recently I drove to Corryong and back to scan a heap of photos and documents which had been collected by my (late) first cousin which had become the property of his son on his death. It turned out there were 614 family photos and about 200 family documents – quite a trove, so as you might imagine it took some time to copy them.
Apart from the important family member catch-up though, maybe the best part of the trip for an ultralight hiker was ‘discovering’ the amazing road from Benambra to Corryong (112 km – 67 of it well-formed gravel) which I had never driven before.
We will be back to explore this hidden Gippsland gem again and again I suspect. There are no doubt other outstanding tracks off to the sides (and much bush to explore) but the section along the Gibbo River itself is just astounding with many brilliant bush-camping spots – plus trout fishing!
A family reunion in the Corryong Hotel – excellent meals.
Mt Bogong,
I went in my reliable old Discovery.
Gibbo River (from the bridge) canoeable with a little more water than this I would expect.
One of many interesting camping spots, ‘Doctor’s Flat’.
The ‘Doctor’s’ fireplace.
A vast forest of oaks where the Gibbo flow into the Dartmouth Dam.
The amazing Benambra store – excellent fish and chips & etc.
Main street Benambra – what an astonishing place. Worth many visits.
Some of the work ahead of me laid out on the floor.
I did manage to scan the originals of many interesting historical family photos though. For example, this photo of my grandfather George Jones and my grandmother Pauline Sanlaville’s wedding in 1901
An infant photo of my father Lawrence Jones c 1917.
An interesting photo (c 1900) of my great grandfather Marius Sanlaville (left) with a Hunter valley railway bridge he was building. It looks like the bridge at Paterson.
A c1924 photo of my grandmother Pauline Sanlaville and my uncle, Basil Jones outside their house in Roberts St Tenambit.
A photo c 1890 of my great grandmother Emeline (Mills) Sanlaville and (presumably) her daughter Pauline, my grandmother.
Plus many, many more. A very worthwhile trip, not least though for me for the ‘discovery’ of the fabulous Gibbo River.
Dr Searls’ hut was my grandfathers. He was based in Bairnsdale and use the hut for fishing whilst also visiting patents between Bairnsdale and Corryong. The property was compulsory acquired following the 2003 bushfires. We are allowed to keep the sign there to recognise it is the final resting place of quite a few family and friends.
Wow John. An interesting piece of history. The ‘Dept of Many Names’ burned down a hut belonging to the uncle of a friend of mine along there years ago. Cheers, Steve.
Hi John,
My name is Mark Poustie. My mother, Elizabeth Poustie, nee Vanner passsed away earlier this year at 95. Mums mother was Eileen Braniff from Corryong. Mums father was Herbert Vanner. He was postmaster at Corryong where he met Eileen. They moved arounnd a bit and just before w.w 2 they moved to Bairnsdale where Herb became friends with fellow fisherman, your grandfather, Dr Searl. I have heard about Dr Searls hut all my life. Mum used to often tell of happy times a child holidaying there. I am typing out Mums handwritten life story and came across mention of Dr Searl and the hut so googled out of curiosity and thus discovered you. Here is a short extract from Mums life story…
“It was during the war that we started to holiday at Dr Searls hut on Mt Gibbo – a spot beyond Omeo and about halfway to Corryong. Dr Searl was our family doctor in Bairnsdale and became interested in fishing through my father. We loved our annual holidays – played outside for hours; made little hurdles out of posts and rode stick horses over them; played cricket; fished and swam in the Gibbo river- almost too cold for more than five minutes – really a creek with shallow rapids and deep holes. It was just beautiful.
We were able to get milk and butter from a goat farm about 2 miles away. We children walked there regularly for supplies – no “bad men” about those days. Of course, the Braniff’s came across from Corryong each year and always brought meat, eggs, jam and other goodies – fantastic days. “
Fascinating Mark.
Hi,
I fish and hunt around the Gibbo and can tell you the river holds amazing trout and also has macquarie perch which is great for the species. The deer are also very big up there and the best part is there are very few people around. It is really worth exploring as it really is a hidden gem.
Thanks for that Richard. I will be going back. Several deer crossed the road as I drove it in broad day;light,but mostly I just adored those lovely camping spots. Maybe when there is a bit more water I will try pack-rafting it too. Cheers, Steve.
Hi ,
I just wanted to drop a quick note to say thank you for sharing such a heartfelt memory. It really resonated with me and brought back some of my own fond memories. Your writing has a way of capturing those special moments, and I truly appreciate that.
Thanks again for taking the time to share this story. It’s always a pleasure reading your blog.
Best regards,
Jaseph
Thank You Jaseph.