Sun brightens the way

By Kath Gannaway
HOLIDAY fever hit Warburton on the weekend with the first burst of real summer weather.
While holiday-makers at the local caravan park took to the Yarra to cool down, day trippers hit the shops, cafes and walking tracks along the river.
The Pederson families and friends from Mt Evelyn and Gippsland, regulars at the caravan park, mounted a mass raft attack on the Yarra while Mornington Peninsular teens Connor Thompson, Tyler Parkinson and sister Natalie said Warburton and the river was their perfect tree-change holiday.
“We live near the beach and it’s just fantastic to be up here with the mountains and the river,” Natalie said.
The locally-made pies and freedom were a big attraction for another group of Mornington residents who were camping on the river’s edge.
“It something different for us,” said spokeswoman Emma.
“It’s nice and quiet, the people are really friendly and you can just walk down the street without any parents.”
“And, they have the best pies ever at Gotta Be Sweet,” added Michael.
Warburton local Bert Sanders provided an unexpected holiday moment when he took his donkeys Francesca and Edward for a meet and greet down the main street on Sunday.
The donkeys are local celebrities with regular appearances at Christmas festivities including carols by candlelight and a gig for the Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne’s Christmas event.
“They love the socialising and it’s great fun for kids who like to have a pat,” said Bert.