FREEDOM CAMP OF THE MONTH
Did you know that Rochester , Vic , has a freedom camp in town ? Best of all , there are views to platypus silo art ! In fact , Rochester is a handy base to tour the silo art trail near here , not to mention the local wineries !
Set on the banks of the Campaspe River , Rochester was hit hard by floods prior to our visit last year . Only 20 minutes south of Echuca and two hours north of Melbourne , we highly recommend a visit .
Stop in to see the friendly volunteers at the information centre . You ’ ll find it at the train station , which is also the location of a unique sports museum .
There is a history trail around town that you can follow . You ’ ll even find another big platypus – this time , a wood carving . It is also where you ’ ll find the official water point for travellers . In fact , the town has wood carvings everywhere .
My favourite carving was the library book tree . If you are camped up , it is only a few metres away , over the railway line . As well as a sweet book swap , Rotary Park has toilets and a playground , both very conveniently located to the free camp .
You can also check out the Opperman Gardens and murals , not to mention the public art and story along Iddles Lane .
However , it is the silo art that takes pride of place in Rochester . Two threatened local species – the azure kingfisher and the wristwinged squirrel glider – were painted on silos in 2018 , while a duck-billed platypus was painted on a third silo in 2022 . Other silos are found in nearby Colbinabbin and Picola .
Tip : Make sure you park on the correct side if you are planning to overnight at Rochester Silo Stop . Stays are up to 48 hours but there are two caravan parks in town and there are loads of lovely freedom camps in the area .
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