Day 3 in  Swan Hill we decided to investigate some of the smaller municipal towns up to Robinvale where we planned to have lunch and return via Ouyen. About a third of the way into the trip we saw a sign - 115 kms to Mildura - oops we were travelling the same road we would to travelling on tomorrow!! So we did a cross country turn at Tooleytuc to Manangatang where we found this abandoned station and a stopover for travellers who could use power, toilets and even a shower for a small donation.

Yes there was already 5 caravans parked there! We had lunch there and spoke with a man from Bendigo whose wife was on the phone trying to see if she could get Newstart Allowance as she was too young to retire but wanted to keep travelling with her recently retired husband, and he told us you only pay the donation if you get asked! Shame on you! These townships surrounding Swan Hill are part of the "Mallee Country" and have their own unique characters and identity. Very picturesque villages of Beverford, Nyah & Piangil all part of the Heart of the Murray. We were tempted with Fruit and Vegetable stalls all along the drive but unfortunately as we were soon to be crossing the border with strict rules on not to carry these items under threat of heavy fines.