The 38th ‘Mini’ Reunion of my Crooked Man’s 77th HMAS Leeuwin Clarke Division, saw us visit Warracknabeal in country Victoria, Australia. A typical country town, population around 2,000, but great hospitality, history and fun. Much of the weekend was spent around ‘The Beer Bench’ facing the Yarriambiack Creek, BBQ and Beers, the boys shared great memories and us WAGS did the same. We did tour the local area and visited the Pink Lake near Dimboola.

The pink colour of the water comes from a pigment secreted by microscopic algae. The intensity of the pink varies with the amount of water in the lake. When the lake is drier more light is reflected from the white crystallized salt reducing the impact of the pink.

We also visited Minyip, the local Hotel may be familiar to many, who used to watch the Australian TV series, ‘The Flying Doctors’ as it was used as the local Coopers Crossing pub.

Soon to be featured in the movie, ‘The Dry’ starring Eric Bana.

We then visited the Victoria Hotel in Dimboola for a fascinating trip into the past with decor and curisosities aplenty, as well as a good lunch. We gathered as a group for a photo on the iconic verandah.

Isn’t she beautiful?