July / August 2011
We had some great guests this month who stayed with their happy Lab, The Fonz. This is what they had to say. “Such a gorgeous spot, we tired the dogs out on the beach and ourselves as well. Thank you for such an awesome dog friendly place to go, I wish there were more. We love the art work, books, treasures and everything else that makes this place feel like a home. We’d love to come back again.” Georgia, Jarrod, Colin and the Fonz.

Endangered Hooded Plovers getting protection along Wye River and Separation Creek beaches. Photo G. Ehmke, Shorebirds.

It’s the Hooded Plover which is extinct in NSW and in Queensland. Only 400 remain in Victoria, many along our wonderful part of the Great Ocean Road.

Protecting cute little endangered Hooded Plover chicks on Wye River and Separation Creek beaches. Photo GORCC.

Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC)has just won an award for protecting these birds long the coast – well done folks. Committee teams fence off breeding areas and install signs along the coast informing visitors about these endangered birds. With this sort of care we hope the little birds have a good future here in our coastal villages.

Wow, four whales spotted playing offshore at Fairhaven from the Split Point Lighthouse about 800 metres offshore. They are splashing and breaching, heading towards Lorne and Wye River.

Yes whale season gets better and better. Today the Visitors Information Centre told us there were whales along Lorne and also near Cape Otway Light house. People were able to get good sightings with the naked eye.

La Bimba's truffle meals at Apollo Bay are a 30 minute drive from Treetops Wye River.

Had a yummy truffle pasta at La Bimba’s in Apollo Bay yesterday. The owners there, Steven Earl and Mikhiala Slade  found a truffle goldmine when they bought their a 36-hectare farm in the Otways a few years ago. They do about 3 or 4 truffle dishes and the season lasts till late August. La Bimba is also great for coffee and other meals and is a spectacular 30 minute drive along the wild coast from Treetops Wye River accommodation.

Dave Sharry and Richie Ludbrook at their fabulous Wye River General Cafe. We love it! Photo The Age, Eddie Jim.

Our fabulous local cafe, the Wye General, was written up by The Age again last week. At this time of the year we enjoy the wood fire and the spicy soups with baker Pip’s sensational sourdough, oh and don’t forget the latte, creamy and coffeelicious.

Famous Sam the koala who was rescued during Victorian bushfires in Feb 2009.

So there’ s a Senate inquiry into Koalas which are definitely our favorite local wildlife. Here at Wye River and Treetops Wye River accommodation we’ve got lots of koalas in comparison to years ago when we first came here. We see at least one every day and sometimes as many as two or three. And of course George, our local resident has become an icon here at Treetops, as much a drawcard for our guests as our fabulous location in the trees overlooking Wye River beach.

But in many parts of Oz the picture is different, and the koala is under threat for due to habitat destruction, fragmentation of forests, bushfires, feral and domestic animals, climate change and in-breeding. Whew! The inquiry will report next month – I’m keen to see many recommendations for how we can continue to protect these beautiful and unique animals.

Back for our second Treetops visit, last time was in summer. Not sure which is better. Treetops in winter is quiet and we enjoyed the fire, in summer there are more people but we sit on the deck. Just have to come twice a year! Dogs are well rested after their many naps. Thanks, Graham and Jules.