I thought this trip would be much like many others. I would get in the car, we would drive to our camp site, set up, drink, sleep, then drive some more. We might even see some amazing things along the way, if I was awake at the time to see them…
When I found out we were heading to Haunted Stream, I was more than just a little surprised, especially as Jason was leading the trip. I have never been to Haunted Stream before, and most likely this is because Jason refuses to go there as a result of what happened to him last time they camped there.
15 years ago, Jason and Warren, and no doubt a few others, spent the night at a camp ground along Haunted Stream, a location known for it’s rich history of gold miners and convicts who were sent there to build roads. The trip was great until Jason heard the footsteps of a chain gang in the middle of the night, followed by his tent lighting up and an apparition appearing before him. Jason thought he must have been dreaming, however the next day Warren confirmed it happened to him too. Since then, Jason has refused to stay there. So, as I said, when I found out we were heading to Haunted Stream on Halloween I was more than surprised.
There were not many on the trip; B2, Cheryl, David, Chantal, Xavier, Jason and myself. We started off in Bairnsdale on Friday night. As Saturday was B2’s 60th Birthday, we wished him happy birthday and began our journey through Lakes Entrance and Orbost and up the Deddick Trail. We drove up some good tracks – I even had a drive. We found an amazing camp ground, which was lucky as they were few and far between, and had amazing birthday cake.
On the Sunday we continued along the Deddick Trail and drove further than our maps, so Cheryl came in handy with her GPS and navigating skills. We found a set of 4 old huts, which we stayed in for the night. It was great to enjoy a campfire while under the balcony staying dry.
On the Monday we drove to King Casslis mine via the old coach road which was built by convicts. At the old gold mining site we had some lunch and took a look at the old machinery and mines there. After lunch we got into some slippery tracks, which led to B2 to doing a double line pull and David winching as well. An hour later, we were on our way. Perfect timing to allow Xavier to have some lunch and have a good poo explosion, which was conveniently cleaned up before David came back from helping B2. Coincidence? I think not.
On the Monday night we drove down into Haunted stream track where we found another gorgeous camp ground near the river. I thought it was a good time to have a shower, however for some reason, both B2 and David’s showers did not want to work… strange that happened on Halloween… at Haunted Stream…. If you think this is where the ghost story starts, you are wrong. We had a great dinner, good laughs and that was it. Nothing scary happened. Nothing.
On Tuesday, we continued along the Haunted Stream Track through a few boggy river crossings when we came across a massive tree across the track which ended in a 3 point turn after much chainsaw action. Then we headed out into Bruthen, had lunch in Bairnsdale and headed home.
So it turns out, there is nothing scary about Haunted Stream on Halloween. Well, not any more…
By Casey May