Away to Wombat

They say it is your friends who make your world – and, really, I couldn’t agree more.

Some of the best memories I have from my time in Australia are from Sale, Maffra, and Wombat – three teeny, tiny, towns south-east of Melbourne.

It was there that my friend Bree, from Uni, introduced me to some of the craziest people I have ever met: Willie, Doug, Grim, Brad, Amac, Maddog, and Veggie.

My fellow North American travel companions and I arrived on a Friday night and were immediately greeted with vodka, porn, and hunting rifles – Now, I know what you’re thinking: Accident waiting to happen. Normally, I would have thought so too; however, as it turns out – these, along with a striking flannel shirt – are the main ingredients in roo hunting.

Eight of us piled into the back to a pick-up truck and headed, off road, to the back of Brad’s family farm. It was close to midnight at this point, but the fields were well lit by a full moon and sky full of stars.

As we sat waiting for something to happen – a heard of wild kangaroos rose up over a hill like a flock of birds, about a kilometre away. They were just silhouettes in the moonlight, but their distinct shape and movement made it clear what they were.

Our silence was quickly broken by a shot fired from the gun. Waisting no time, we quickly drove us over to where the heard once was. Finding our kill, the boys immediately skinned the kangaroo and removed whatever meat was useful to them. Although it left me a little shaken, it was a true skill.

I haven’t been hunting since – I’m not sure it’s quite for me, but this was one experience I am so glad I had. It allowed me to live a day in a completely different lifestyle – where kangaroo hunting with your best mates is the norm, while making new friends and having a damn good time.

I went up to this area of Australia several more times during the year – and each visit was nothing short of insane, memorable, and – often – hilarious. This past May, Willie, Brad, Grim, and Bree came for a visit to Toronto, allowing me to show them my neck of the woods.

Although the only shots I could provide were those at the bar – I think they appreciated how we roll in the great white north just as much as I loved being a part of their world down under.

Destination Nutsell:

Flight: A quick train ride northbound: round trip $16
Accom: Free! It pays to have amazing friends
Highlights: Australian wildlife (kangaroos, wombats, and more!), new friends, crazy moments, too much to drink, and the delicious spring roll from that place in downtown Sale.