Old buildings at Mount Greenock, Talbot & Red Lion

Gosh, this being busy thing is becoming a habit isn’t it? A month since my last post?? It’s almost like I HAVE been able to shut up! That’s rarer than an Australian Prime Minister putting in a full term so make the most of it – it probably won’t last. 

Actually, it definitely won’t last because I’m here now.

This is not a bank

I decided one day that I would like to find some old ruins to photograph and where better to look for such things but the very nifty Google Earth which pointed me in the direction of Central Victoria because that's where lots of old things are.

And so it was that I found myself at the Mount Greenock Geological Scenic Reserve (which is not particularly scenic) eating a sandwich and contemplating whether or not I should walk up said mount. I was fully intending to until a close inspection through my camera's viewfinder made me decide it was a bad idea because the hill was crawling with bulls. After a few seconds of picturing my demise and ensuing death certificate noting 'death by being chased, gored and stomped on by bulls', I decided I'd just go find these ruins instead.

So, one set of ruins done - might as well head into Talbot. I had no real idea what to expect here. I thought I might be in and out in 15 minutes. I was delighted to find it almost empty of cars and people but with a bunch of great looking buildings, many of which have been turned into residences. I did have a chat with a couple of locals (I know right - me, being social - who knew?!?) including a lady who had bought one of the old commercial businesses many years ago when it was in an unlivable state and turned it into a fantastic property that set the benchmark for other renos.

A quick look at the railway station (just because I love long lines that go to nothing) before a pit stop at  another unidentified ruin on the way out of Talbot...

...and then on to the original destination of the ruins of the old Greenoch Park Hotel in Red Lion. This is just dying for someone to come along and turn it into a beautiful old country pub. 

And then, just because you've made it all the way to the end of this post (and I wasn't in a hurry to go home), you can have this picture of the Pioneer Memorial Tower at Bristol Hill. The tower was built during the Great Depression and looks out over the town of Maryborough. And yes, I did walk up it. I'm getting better with stairs now.

You're welcome.

Sure, it looks like it's only 4 steps...