On the Grapevine

Joining approximately 450 club members from all over Melbourne Dulcie discovered very quickly whether travelling on her own or in convoy with other club members that “life’s an adventure not to be missed!”

Travelling is not exactly new to this woman as she travelled extensively in her job with Laminex over a period of 25 years, both within Australia and overseas until she retired in 2020.

Yet the real catalyst for a life change came in 2008 after 10 family members and friends had passed away, providing the jolt she needed to get out there, see the country and enjoy her life.

Dulcie investigated a motor home which seemed like a sensible idea with all the comforts of home, however as much of her travels are on corrugated roads the motor home proved far too noisy, so that idea was shelved.

Next came a Toyota Prado and Dulcie joined the Toyota Landcruiser Club of Australia —Victoria branch, completed a drivers awareness course at club headquarters in Yarck (60km from Mansfield) and to coin a phrase, the rest is history.

Dulcie regularly sets off on a new adventure in her fully equipped 4WD Prado containing a specially fitted 140 litre fuel tank, towing a Cub Escape Camper trailer, complete with two fridges, solar panels, diesel heater and every other mod con.

In 2012 Dulcie did a club trip from Birdsville across to Poeppels Corner — situated on the borders of NT/Queensland/SA. Heading then to Alice Springs, Uluru and the old Ghan track to Oodnadatta then down the track to Arkaroola, Broken Hill, Mildura and home again.

Since then, this adventurous woman has experienced some of Australia’s most beautiful and spectacular locations such as the Bungle Bungles, Home Valley Pentecost River, Five River Lookout at Wyndham and travelled along the Strezlecki Track, QAA line and KI line in the Simpsons Desert, Hay River Track, Mereenie Loop, Old Andago and Oodnadatta Tracks to name just a few!

A single woman, she is not daunted by travelling on her own and will generally make camp at least 30km away from a town.

“I am happy to travel alone as well as in convoy with club members, some of whom I have met previously. It really is the wonderment of all the places you see, Australia is such a truly magnificent country,” she said.

“Having purchased a new home in Cobram late last year, once it is fully complete I will be heading for the Eyre Peninsula.” said Dulcie. This part of South Australia offers spectacular coastal scenery, some of Australia’s finest seafood and unique experiences such as swimming with sea lions.

Marked down on her calendar for the future is also a game of golf across the Nullarbor Plain (an area of 200,000km) from Ceduna to Kalgoorlie or vice versa. “Would love to do that,” added Dulcie.

There are so many places yet to visit and undoubtedly Dulcie will leave no stone unturned in her determination to see it all.

Outback campers like Dulcie who are keen on off-road experiences are undoubtedly rewarded for their adventurous spirit every day they spend travelling about this amazing country of remarkable diversity.

COBRAM’S GRAND CENTRAL HOTEL REOPENS

After a somewhat uncertain future created for business owners by COVID-19 restrictions, the Grand Central Hotel in Cobram has stood somewhat forlornly awaiting its future.

Well, the news is all good. Two brothers and their partners plus a cousin and her partner have moved from Melbourne and brought with them wide-ranging skills and talents to take over the lease of the old but much-loved hotel that enjoys prime position in town.

A big decision yes, particularly as none of them have run a hotel previously, but the six know each other well and each will have specific areas and tasks within the business.

Ricky and Sandra Miller have four sons, all of whom live with the family at the hotel, one is entering his third year as an apprentice in the kitchen with mum Sandra, another will be a full-time bar manager while two younger siblings attend school at Cobram Secondary College.

Luke Miller and partner Sarah Mithen and cousin Brenda Virgona and Sean Williams together with Sandra’s husband Ricky will slot in wherever needed, keeping an eye on the running of the hotel, attending to the books and ensuring that the community is well catered to and orders and bookings are up-to-date.

The team has given the hotel a remarkable makeover, particularly in the expansive public bar and sports area plus the dining room adjacent to the kitchen. So too, the newly refurbished and fully enclosed beer garden which is easily accessed from the sports bar and definitely a place the young people will love with live music planned.

Access to the hotel is through the café at the front of the building while you can access the public bar and dining area through the café or side doors.

The cosy café serves a variety of hot and cold snacks, sandwiches, toasties and slices with coffee and tea. Or you might prefer a beer or a glass of wine while seated on the couch. The choice is yours and it’s open from 10am until 2 pm daily.

Meals in the bistro are available from 5pm until 8.30pm and offer a range of tasty dishes including chicken parmigiana, delicious gourmet hamburgers including southern fried chicken, chicken schnitzel burgers and lots more. The menu will alter as time goes by as Sandra gains a greater understanding of what the people of Cobram and district are seeking when they dine out. She certainly has the talent, for previously she was a chef at Cerberus Naval Base.

They are a happy team at the Grand Central Hotel determined to make customers feel welcome, so why not drop by and introduce yourselves. Perhaps enjoy a quiet drink and stay on for a meal, the hotel certainly has a good vibe.

Groups and dinner meetings can be catered for so call in today and chat to the team about your requirements. One thing is certain that whoever you speak with at the Grand Central Hotel will be able to give you a definitive answer to your inquiry.