Today we decided to explore further other little towns in the area. We passed through Latrobe again, and onwards to Railton, the town of topiary. This is a tiny sleepy town of one street, but a wide open street scattered with various creatures carved out of trees. A few years ago the local Rotary club decided to promote topiary in the town, and it took off with a vengeance.

On every street corner were trees twisted into interesting shapes. There were elephants, bulls, trains, and even a boxing kangaroo. In one field was a whole collection of various wildlife, a veritable menagerie in green.

As well as the topiary there was a little country craft shop. This was real local crafts - ladies knitting and crocheting in their homes, jams and chutneys, handmade jewelery, a smattering of patchwork. Really authentic and down to earth, at down to earth prices also.

We then moved on to the next town, Sheffield, the town of murals. Many years ago some townspeople decided to paint murals on some of the walls, reflecting the local landscape, the local people, and the history of the town. This became so popular that now almost every vertical surface in town is covered with paintings. And every year they have a nationwide competition with a varying theme to pick out the best artists to add to the fray. Very entertaining to walk around town and take it all in.

In the tourist info centre were two ladies who were very friendly and enthusiastic. They told us all about the town's history and the mural competition. And then they quizzed us on where we had been, and gave us many suggestions on where else to go, and the must-do's in every town.

On the way back we passed through Latrobe again, and checked out a couple of shops that had been shut yesterday. We discovered a wood working artist who had a very delicate hand, and we really liked his work. So we commissioned a sign saying "Hope Cottage", as a house warming present for our friends who had just bought a country cottage. Will have to come to Latrobe again in a few days to pick it up. Nice to have a good excuse.