THE spring weather delivered exactly as promised when members of the Combined Probus Club of Whittlesea boarded their coach and headed down the National Highway M80 to Geelong in mid-November. The day’s itinerary featured a visit to the eclectic Amazing Mill Markets, a stop at Moorabool Valley Chocolate, and a buffet lunch at a local hotel, a schedule that proved as enjoyable as it was varied.
As the group travelled along the M80, they crossed Hovell Creek, prompting memories of the region’s early explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell, who reached Corio Bay in 1824 after a long overland trek. One traveller recalled a humorous moment of modern-day “reunion” when a Hume’s Concrete truck once ended up in the creek many years ago.
The Amazing Mill Markets, known for leasing space to hundreds of stallholders, lived up to its reputation for variety. With vintage clothing, furniture, memorabilia, jewellery, books, collectables and antiques on display, there was “something for everyone.”
While most visitors proved to be more “tyre kickers” than buyers, the browsing was lively and some were still exploring when it was time to reboard the coach for lunch. Along the way, the group noted the transformation of the once-iconic Ford factory area, now dominated by large warehouses and outlet barns.
In the afternoon, the tour moved to Moorabool Valley Chocolate, which began in a humble farmhouse kitchen in 2005 and has since expanded into a dedicated production space with specialised machines for moulding, spinning and enrobing. Visitors enjoyed watching chocolatiers at work and sampling an enticing range of treats, including the popular Solid Ruby Chocolate Footprints Bar.
During lunch, President Marje and her husband Kevin shared that the following day marked their Ruby Anniversary, 55 years of marriage, prompting speculation about whether the Mill Markets’ ruby-themed jewellery might inspire a surprise gift.
The journey home gave everyone time to reflect on a full and satisfying day, and to observe, once again, the peak-hour challenges of the Western Ring Road, where lane discipline and indicator use remain optional for some drivers.
