Thursday 15 Dec – Sunday 18 Dec – “Big Lake, Big smoke, Big day out…”

Once we sorted out where everything was being packed away, now that we had the canoes, we were on the road to Lake Macquarie, near Newcastle.  Once again – we did not have a definite plan of where we were going to stay, however, our plans changed from a camp close to beach to a camp on the lake, so we could paddle, paddle, paddle!

After negotiating my way around the west of Sydney, (Can’t simply bypass via freeways – still have to ply your way through pennant hills built up area on sydney’s notorious narrow 3 lane carriageways) we were on the road up to the central coast, where we pulled up at the Belmont pines camping ground.   This is a council run park and it is immaculate and run the way a park should be.   It’s located on a ‘pimple’ of land that juts out into the lake and we snagged a primo sheltered spot right on lakes edge – perfect.    Tell you what – we have been jagging some good spots lately….it pays to just wing it a bit when travelling, and that’s exactly what we’ve been doing since leaving Sth Oz a month ago.

We caught up with friends and went out on the lake in their boat for a look around, beached at a sand island for lunch before heading ‘home’.

That same day, Karen went to the shops for some supplies while I stayed back with the boys.    Then – ‘the phonecall’….   ‘Honey – someone’s just run into the back of me – the other cars a mess!”      Hmmmm – stay calm ‘are you ok…’    good.  ‘Is the ute ok….’  (heart pumping now…)    “yeah – there’s some damage”     By now, I’m not dealing with vagueness too well…..

Anyway, it’s all sorted with cops & insurance, and the damage is minimal  -  the rear bar on the ute is quite solid and not plastic, and saved major panel and light damage, so can be repaired when we get back to Cairns.  The other car (Suzuki swift) was a tow away job (insert evil laugh here)….

Sunday saw us take advantage of the Sydney public transport network by doing the ‘family funday Sunday’ where, for $2-50 each, we could ride trains, trams, ferries etc all day.   Soooo,  we trained into Sydney on the intercity (2hrs, tram to darling harbour, have pancakes for lunch, then ferry around to circular quay, then Manly ferry return trip, train back into town, tram around to Darling harbour for an early tea before the train trip back to Lake Macquarie.     I thing we got our $10 worth out of Sydney transit!    Slept well that night!

(photos coming....)

Wednesday 7th Dec – Thursday 15h Dec – “Where shall we go?????”

After Canberra we started researching NSW and realised we just did not have enough time to see and do all we wanted so we decided to head to the south east coast as we had heard many times it was a beautiful spot.  Picking anywhere, we ended up at a council park right on the beach at a small town called Dalmeny.  Prime spot, however, the weather was a little windy and cold.  The beach right at our door steps and too cold to boogie board, even for the boys in their wetsuits.  Great place to just relax and enjoy the view which is exactly what we did.  We only stayed 2 nights and then moved on up north.

Did we find another gem?  With the “Camp 6” book on my lap, we drove off while I started researching.  Not knowing where we should head I spotted this campsite on a river in the book located in Kangaroo Valley in the Southern Highlands – and once again we were told by someone that the Southern Highlands is a beautiful area.  Once we left the coast road, I think both Mark and I were so unsure what we were doing.  The road to Kangaroo Valley was steep, windy and narrow with 15km or hairpin corners.  At one corner we almost had to do a 3 point turn with the camper in tow.  Mark could not take the grin off his face.  We ended up at the Bendeela Camp Reserve on the Kangaroo river just a few k’s out of Kangaroo Valley.  It was a free camp and a prime spot.  We loved it there so much we stayed 6 nights, complete with resident wombats coming out every night – The buggers would get under the camper and scratch their backs on the axle and door step and shake the whole show…. 

We used Bendeela as a base camp and spent our days ticky touring around to all the cute little towns and markets in the local area.  And each day Mark was so excited because it did not matter which direction or road we took we had to travel over a narrow, winding range.  I think one of the best drives (without camper on tow) was the Macquarie Pass.  Boys just thought all the 15km hairpin turns were great and the “Brown Fudge Fridge” we found at a drive way in the middle of the range selling homemade fudge you just die for.  It literally was a self-service fridge parked at the end of a driveway in the rainforest.  What a brilliant idea!!!

The weather did not hold out for us on 2 days rainwise, however, it did not ruin our stay.  on one of the wet days, we decided to take the 2 and a half our train trip from Kiama to Sydney – along the coast - and go ‘shopping’ in the big smoke.  First time the boys have ever been into Sydney city centre and what a great time to go just before Christmas – with all the Xmas decs out and window displays.  We didn’t really shop – we just went for the train ride.

As usual, we were chatting away to other campers, and were quizzing one bloke about some canoes he just bought. Turns out he was put onto them by someone else camping, so we ended up making a trip in to Unanderra to get a canoe at a great price  Well, the boys could both go in it and manage it really well, so we debated about getting another so that I could go out with them…Another trip later, and we now have 2 canoes and with a bit of shuffling around, carry one on the camper and one on the ute.

(photos coming....)

Friday 2nd Dec – Wednesday 7th Dec – “Where our Tax Money Goes…”

What other city should we visit next then the capital city of Australia – a city we have never been to.  Even though it is the capital the population there is only about 300 000 and our choice of van parks was not wide.  We went to the only van park in the city “Canberra Motor Village” which was costly for what it was, however it was central.  And we knew our days here would just be jam packed as there is so much to see and do.  So the list for the next few days was

Ø      Questacon

Ø      Cockington Green Gardens

Ø      Australia Institute of Sport

Ø      Australian War Memorial

Ø      Parliament House

Ø      High Court

Ø      Australian Royal Mint

Ø      National Museum of Australia

Ø      Government House

Ø      Canberra Centre shopping mall

Ø      Old Bus Depot Markets

So we had just over 4 days to fit all this in and all the museums and buildings close at 5pm.  With some careful planning we were able to do it.  Sylvia, Mark’s Mum, joined us on Saturday – her first visit to Canberra as well.  So now our Jayco was sleeping 5.  Cosy and warm was good because the nights got down to a minimum of 4 degrees.

So all about Canberra.  We can now see where our tax payer’s dollars have gone to.  This city is immaculate, with no money spared in all the national buildings along with the most immaculate gardens.  The boys just loved Questacon – in one day they learnt they probably learnt as much as they would in about 7 years of science and so did Mark and I.  It was brilliant!!!  So great we went back a second day – helped Mark and I to retain what we had learnt through revision. 

The Old Bus Depot Markets was a great place to indulge.  You walk in and before you know someone is putting a tasting sample of whatever they are selling in your hands- olives (more olives), homemade dips, fudges, salad dressings, sauces, more fudge, - you name it, it was there.  Luckily we only have a camper with limited space otherwise I would have spent a fortune.

Then we went and tried out our sporting talents at the Australia Institute of Sport.  I think we will stick to our day jobs – oh that’s right – we don’t have one at the moment.  It was interesting to see the facilities for our sporting stars.  I think the boys were just so amazed, totally different to their local soccer club or running track at school.

Museums are museums.  You have go to be there to read all about it to get the drift.  And we didn’t find any money at the Australian Royal Mint.  The boys thought it was not quite right where you had to pay $3 to make your own $1 coin.  How does that work???????

So that was our whirlwind trip of Canberra!

(photos coming....)

Monday 28th Nov – Friday 2nd Dec - "A Little Gem"

(Karens blog)

After exploring Echuca we headed to somewhere????  We looked at the map and thought perhaps a place near Wodonga could be good (weather wise anyway….) So we drove on.  I did a bit of research in all the brochures I had at my feet in the car still had no clue where to camp.  I was not feeling the best so when we drove into a little town called Rutherglen, about 200kms east of Echuca, I just wanted to stop.  We found the caravan park sign, followed it and came to “A Little Gem” – a cute little van park called “The Rutherglen Caravan & Tourist Park” right on a little lake in a quaint little town and we got a  lake front spot in the park.  Perfect!

Tuesday 29^th Nov – time to clean, sort and wash and enjoy some quiet time and what better place to do this then right on a lake.  The boys were kept busy in the playground right next to the van park so all our tasks were done quickly. 

Wednesday 30^th Nov – time to have a look around so we spent half the day exploring the town of Beechworth and its surrounds.  Beechworth has a famous bakery called “the Beechworth Bakery” so of course we had to try some of its specialities (right up Mark’s alley).  Then I had a chance to look in some of the speciality shops and best of all, we found “the Beechworth Lolly Shop”, a British looking shop that totally confused the boys as there was so much to choose from.  And it had the most beautiful Christmas window display.   So at the end of the day there was a shop for everyone.

Once again our timing was just right.  We got back to our camper to find out that there was “The Christmas Markets and Shopping night” happening in the town tonight so off we trotted to see what bargains we could find.  The shops – a whole of about 8 – had discounts on but more importantly some of the local producers were showcasing their best and we picked up the most sweetest cherries for just $8.00 a kg so we were in cherry heaven.

Thursday 1^st Dec – we decided to stay another day because we just loved it at Rutherglen.  Today, we ventured to another part of the country side where we stumbled upon some wineries – as this area apparently has some of the best so we found out, sampled some fine wines &  local cheeses at All Saints Winery, Cofields & Indigo Cheese Co, chocolates at Corowa Whisky & Chocolate Factory.  And then, much to the boys’ delight, we visited Gooramadda Olives farm which is usually closed on Thursday however the owners invited us in anyway.  Well, lucky our “Red Roo” (Mark’s ute) stands out because before we knew it the little shop was filled with other people so it was a great day for sales for the olive farm owners.  The boys just loved it –now they know that olives grow on trees and there are more varities than just stuffed green and kalmata black ones.  We sampled tapenades, dukas and real cold pressed olive oil made right on the farm.  So now our camper is slowing filling up with lots of little deli treats to enjoy when we get home.

Friday 2^nd Dec- We had to move on from our little slice of heaven and step up the pace a bit, so it was off to Canberra…..

(photos coming..)

Friday 25th Nov – Monday 28th Nov – “The Gold Rush”

Friday 25^th Nov – time to look for gold so off to Ballarat we went all ready to seek our fortune and to freeze our ass’s off.  First though we had to take a detour into Geelong where the boys caught a glimpse of “Skilled Stadium” (the boys favourite Oz rules team home ground so we found out).  Now the big job of finding a reasonably priced van park in Ballarat.  After making lots of calls we settled for “Shady Acres” park which allowed pets but was not so kid friendly so we found out. The first words that came out of the managers mouth was “we don’t have any facilities for kids” and even the games room had a big sign on it “NOT FOR THOSE UNDER 10”.  He also advised that ‘we cater for dogs, not for kids’.  WTF?!  “yeah, whatever buddy” Anyway we ignored all the warnings, ensured the kids didn’t crap on the grass and set up!

Saturday 26^th Nov – our day in Sovereign Hill.  This we absolutely loved.  It was cold and wet the whole day which we felt was to our advantage as it kept the crowds away – and this it did.  The boys had their ponchos, we had our brollies and so it was a great day.  Mark and the boys went on the underground mine tour (another one), we all had a go at “olden-day” bowling (Scott called it), did a little panning, watched gold being poured and the rest of the day was spent exploring the village.  It was a great place and definitely worth the money.

Sunday 27^th Nov – typical Victorian weather.  The day started out wet then by lunch time our camper was all dried out and we were able to pack up.  Before heading off we had to check out the lake and gardens and go for a ride on the tram that only runs on weekends so to our luck, we just happen to be in Ballarat on Sunday.  The boys checked out the tramway museum as well.

We left Ballarat mid afternoon and headed north to Echuca, about 3 hrs away (as this was where the weather was going to be good according once again to Mark).  Our original plan was to go south-east, down to Lakes Entrance and along the coast but unfortunately the weather was not permitting this so plan B – head to Echuca and see what happens.  So we ended up bush camped on the Murray river about 5kms from Echuca.

Monday 28^th Nov – we spent the morning exploring Echuca.  The boys were cranky with us at first because they thought there would be nothing to do in Echuca but…..once they saw the paddle steamers – it all turned to fun.  Of course we had go have a ride on one so we chose “PS Pevensey” which happened to be the famous paddle steamer used in the mini-series “All the Rivers Run” and it was kept just like that so we sat on wool bales during our ride.  Scott of course was so fascinated that he spent his whole time going around the steamer trying to work out how it worked.  The wharf was good to see with the buildings kept just as they were back in steamer days.

So after Echuca…where to next? I guess Mark should just check out the weather first….

Sovereign hill township - a working 19th century gold rush town in Ballarat

Metal foundary

Making a real 24ct gold bar - $170k worth...

in school - 1854

Olden day bowling

watch out for the Shetland ponies draggin carts around

Boys didn't quite find enough gold to feed us that night!

Riding on a 100yr old Tram at Ballarat

A few hours later, bush camped on the Murray

Next morning on the Murray

 On the P.S Pevensey at the Murray River, Echuca

Monday 21st Nov – Friday 25th Nov – “Great Ocean Rd, Great Otway Park”

Well, after enjoying the serenity of Mortlake, the weather is right to go ….just right according to Mark – good wind level – no more gale warnings on the coast, no rain showers and an ok temperature, all was good to begin the “

Great Ocean Road

”.  This I had been looking forward to since starting the trip so I really hoped I was not going to be disappointed.  But first we had to do some kid stuff so we called into to Warrnambool to get some supplies and let the boys run loose at Lake Pertrobe playground and to also buy a portable fan heater for the camper.  Can you believe..no-one sells them this time of the year (dah!  It is still getting down to 4 degrees at night but the calender says it is almost summer so we don’t need to stock them any longer!!!!)  I guess we will just have to freeze!

It was after 3pm before we started along the famous coastal drive and conditions were perfect (according to Mark again – who is forever on his phone checking out the BOM site).  So today we did all those touristy things – saw the 12 “obstacles” (is what Trent called them), London Bridge, the Arch, Bay of Islands and the Grotto.  These were amazing although we had to battle with the tourist bus loads of Japanese to get some good photos. (Mark enjoys “bumping” into them on occasion…..)

I think, however, the boys were more amazed at the surf and were entertained by waiting to watch the big swell and the waves to follow.

Anyway after half a day (remember daylight saving so the sun does not go down until after 8pm) of driving and being a real tourist we had to set up camp…so once again the big decision.  We ended up settling in at the Aire West camp ground in the Otway NP – camping on a river bank with the sound of the ocean not far away.  It was quite a peaceful place until the mozzies came out.  So our plan to stay a few nights had changed by the end of the night.

Tuesday 22^nd Nov – weather was not looking the best so we were undecided what to do and if you know Victorian weather – it can change in just minutes.  Today we headed into Apollo Bay to visit the Info centre and get more brochures.  One thing we have found is there is a wealth of info for us tourists everywhere we go!  We then visited Cape Otway Light Station (lighthouse) and the multitude of wild Koalas in the trees on the way! By the time we finished checking out the Cape, the sun was out and we were able to pack up our camper and find a better spot to camp up for the night.  This time we headed into the highlands and set up camp at the Dandos in Otway NP, via some narrow winding dirt tracks, in fact, we wondered if we were on a road at some stages, much to Marks delight…There was a more conventional road to get there, but Mark had a route already picked out, and I suspect he sort of knew the type of route, but kept it to himself.

The highlands off the great ocean road were absolutely beautiful.

Wednesday 23^rd Nov – today was a day for “tiky-touring” and we decided to follow the food and wine lovers tourist route.  This took us to Colac, a great volcanic town, then Biregurra, Deans Marsh  and Forrest.  The berry farm at Deans Marsh was closed, Forrest was for sale (or the pub, café and lots else was) and Biregurra had a small speciality shop with fine foods that were definitely tourist prices.  All Mark and I wanted was a decent cup of coffee but we had no luck.  Anyway, the day was not wasted as the scenery was great.

Thursday 24^th Nov – we continued along the road to head to Anglesea for our next stop.  This part of the drive reminded us of going to Port Douglas although a lot longer.  So all of you up in NQ – appreciate what a scenic drive our local trip to Port is.  Again, every time we wanted to stop to try and take a great photo we were beaten by a tourist bus.  We arrived at Anglesea just on lunch, pulled up at the van park on the foreshore to charge up, wash & fill water tank. We then enjoyed the sun, sea sound and the little shops near by.  Of course the boys spent their time on the jumping pillow and in the games room playing table tennis !



The first stop on our ocean road trip - the ocean is slowly claiming the land

'London Bridge' - until recently, was connected to the mainland...

 Us at the 12 Apostles - maybe mum & dad will open their eyes next time....

 shoved past a jap tourist to get this shot of the 12 'obstacles' !

Driving along the eastern side of the great ocean road


 One of the many Koalas on the way out to Cape Otway lighthouse

 Mark & the boys up in the lighthouse

Our top looking rig, leaving the 'Aire west' camp area  - Cape Otway N.P.

 Our next camp in the hills in Cape Otway N.P (about an hour from Aire west)

 The boys cooking the 'buffet' dinner that night

They arranged the buffet, so they go through first...!



Monday 14th Nov – Sunday 20th Nov – Our Fourth State – “Big mountains & little towns”.

Monday 14^th November we left Adelaide around lunch time and headed down the Limstone Coast of S.A. toward Victoria.  We decided to follow the coast which we thought was the scenic drive with ocean views.  Well the map was deceiving – the road was quiet, rough and boring with no ocean view however we should be thankful we still had nice driving weather. As soon as we could, we headed inland to drive through the picturesque Coonawarra wine region. That night we pulled up at a free camp at the pine forestry area just south of Penola & 30kms north of S.A’s 2^nd largest town, Mt Gambier.

Tuesday 15^th Nov – we headed to Mt Gambier, tiky-toured around, went to see the Lakes – Blue & Valley – and then did a guided tour of the pump station at the Blue Lakes.  The colour of this lake was incredible, such a striking blue and apparently the colour gets more intense later in the summer.  This lake is the main water supply of Mt Gambier and its filtration system is natural underground limestone (so natural still does exist…not all chemical).  After Mt Gambier we headed 60kms nth east and crossed the border to Casterton in Victoria, a small country town where friends of mine Adele and Darren & family had moved to from Cairns 2 years ago.  Darren is the principal of the local Catholic school in the town which has just over 40 students enrolled with classes of around 14 students – heaven as a teacher I thought and the boys also thought that was be great. It was lovely to catch up with Adele and Darren and their kids over dinner and drinks and on Wednesday Adele showed me around the town (which only took about 20mins) and we indulged in the best coffee & cake in one of the local coffee shops (thank goodness Wednesday was one of the days it was open).  We all fell in love with the quaint little town and thought it would just be such a wonderful place to live (now I know why Adele moved there).  And you could buy a house for just $110 000!

After Casterton we headed to the Grampians and stayed in the hills until Friday 18^th November.  We camped 2 nights in the national park for just $14 a night – with long drop toilets and a bush shower (which was a corrugated iron cubicle and a bucket on a chain with a shower nozzle attached – some creative work of art we thought!), and kangaroos visiting us at night.  Well, there was no R&R in the Grampians for us as most would do.  We had one full day to see it all and that is exactly what we did.  Thursday was “get fit day” where we must have hiked to about 5 lookouts and water falls covering at least 6kms up and down.  And this was the day I overcame one of my biggest fears – the fear of height.  We did this amazing walk up to the “Pinnacle” – a rock ledge at the top of one of the peaks.  It was a 2km walk pretty much well straight up and I almost crapped myself when I got to the top.  At the end of the walk they expect you to go right out to this edge point about 1mtr wide (which is fenced or caged as we called it).  Mark and Scott just walked out there, took photos and enjoyed the magnificent view, Trent plucked up courage and walked out after and me…well crawling was the only way I could do it and even then it took a lot for me to stand up at the end.  The view was well worth it but next time I will just Google it as I am sure someone would have published photos on the net….this would save a lot of stress on my poor heart!!!!

For our last morning in the Grampians (Friday 18^th Nov) we decided not to hike, climb or sight see (not that our bodies weren’t weary or anything because we are now super fit), we just heard there was this great mini-golf course we had to try.  And it was probably one of the best we have played in.  The course was set through a beautiful garden that was challenging and showed our true talent.  Most holes were par 4 or 5 so you can just guess how many 8+ scores we made. Once we got to 8 shots we called it quits for that hole otherwise it would have taken us all day and we did not have all day as we knew storms were forecast for the afternoon.  Around lunch time we headed out of the Grampians towards….well we still had to decide because in every direction we looked there were black storm clouds.

So we drove through Stawell, picked up some supplies then headed to Ararat, then on to Lake Bolac keeping a close eye on the dark skies.  The radar at that stage was not looking good for Lake Bolac so we decided to move on.  Also the camp ground right on Lake Bolac was hosting “The Ultimate Camper Muster” where all the ‘ultimate’ brand camper trailers were, so of course Mark had to drive straight through it with our jayco on tow. (Probably been more places than them anyway.....). Funny that no-one jumped out to tell us to stay!!!!  So the next town was Mortlake (which was in tiny writing in our Camp 6 book).  We cruised on into the town, found the van park (which you could guess was not hard to find) and I just thought it was “gorgeous”.  The van park had a little lake at the entrance on one side with a rose garden on the other, lovely green grass and free washing and drying and only $22 a night, perfect for us to sit out the bad weather forecasted for the next few days.  And did I mention the caretaker just loved to have a chat – so he and Mark just hit it off.  Now the boys have been feeding their ducks, I have vegies from their garden and the boys have dug for worms in their garden to use for fish bait to fish in the lake.  The local town pub had a fire place and there was a really cute little coffee shop in the old convent house that home baked scones and cakes and the owner of the coffee shop just happens to be the sister of the caretaker…keeping it in the family and that tells you how small this town is.   Oh and the fireplace was needed on Saturday night.  I think the min was about 6 degrees and we don’t have heating in our little camper.  The boys just loved our stay because the town skate park was just next to the van park and each day the boys had it to themselves to ride their bikes on.  They definitely would not get his in Cairns.

So after 3 days of washing & drying every bit of clothing and linen I had we really have to head off again (even though Scott would love to buy a permanent van here).

Sigh....another 'Big'.  The Big Lobster (Kingston SE - Limestone Coast S.A)

The Blue lake at Mt Gambier (much thought went into naming this crater lake...)

Ummm......Marks Lookout......

McKenzie Falls in the Grampians

Family shot with 'the Balconies' just behind

Halls Gap township in the Grampians (from Boroka Lookout)

Well, it just looked like a big........

The Pinnacle lookout....would you go out there?

Yep, we did! (still working on Karen....)
Theres a photo of her crawling out somewhere...!!

Boys feeding the ducks at Mortlake.  We were camped just beyond the road in the background

 

Thursday 10th Nov – Monday 14th Nov – “Big City, Big 4, Big parade and Big to do”!

Thursday, and finally we  arrived in Adelaide.  The boys were so excited because we were staying at the “Big 4 Adelaide shores Caravan Park” – which had been recommended by lots we knew – and it was a great spot and a great park with lots for the boys to do (table tennis, jumping pillow, swimming pool which was too cold, a beach only a walk away, table tennis and did I mention table tennis – a new found sport the boys just love).   Oh and it was close to the airport so the boys were entertained by identifying the planes and watching the jet streams.  And for Karen, it was just a drive from Harbour town shopping centre. Being so close, Mark’s mum Sylvia decided to fly down and have a weekend with us.  So now we had five in our jayco – a real test for comfort and one we survived.

So now all set up what did we do.  Once again our timing was just perfect.  Adelaide’s Xmas Pageant was on Saturday so off we went at 7am to get a great spot (the pageant did not start until 9.30am) and it worked – the boys and Mark scored front row sitting on a gutter and for the boys it was just magic.  We had never seen a parade like it.  After that we visited Carrick House so Scott could see a mansion and then tiky-toured around the Adelaide hills visiting Hahndorf and other towns.  We found this a beautiful piece of country side that we have both decided we need to revisit it taking more time, and come back when stone fruits and cherries are in full season!!!!

Sunday 13^th November – Barossa valley here we come.  However first we had to do a deal with the boys and their patience so we took them to the Beach House in Glenelg.  So much fun – we paid $25 for each of the boys for 2 hours of non-stop fun going down water slides, riding bumper cars and playing on game alley machines.  They were running around like dogs on heat trying to get in as much as they could.  I think they went on the bumper cars about 8 times as they worked out this was the best value (and will never get this opp again to just ride and ride and ride).

So then we headed up to the Barossa, drove around, had lunch in one of the local pubs, visited Jacobs Creek Winery (which Mark’s uncle used to co-own years ago), and of course a little wine tasting as you do. Oh and I forgot, we went to Maggie Beer’s Farmshop – she makes a very tasty pate which we splurged on to have for dinner with some wine. Once again,  this is just beautiful countryside, however, our next visit will be without kids so we can enjoy the wineries more.  Kids just don’t understand why it is important to try before you buy and of course to them one vineyard looks just like another.

Monday morning (14^th Nov) grandma was back on the plane and we were off “on the road again”.  So that was our whirlwind trip of Adelaide – a city we loved and want to go back and visit with lots more time!



Set up at the flash park at Adelaide Shores - even had concrete 'patio'!

Biggest Xmas parade in the country..

Boys front row at the parade

Carrick House - interesting story behind it (Google it.....)

Carrick House Gardens

They even fight using dodgem cars!!! - Beach house, Glenelg

4 kids in a candy store!

Another 'big' pic - the big rocking horse.

Barossa Valley - typical scene...



Sun 6th Nov – Wed 9th Nov – “Yorke - another Peninsula”

We said our good byes to the Whites and set off again around lunchtime, headed all the way to the btm of Yorke Peninsula, bound for Innes National Park, about 4hrs drive away.  We took the less direct eastern route down, as we planned to come back up via Balgowan.

Well – how nice is the area down here!!

As usual, we scoped out all the camping areas in the park, before settling on Pandolowie bay to set up late in the day.  Getting used to the longer daylight hours down here and the weather is still being kind to us, although we had a storm skirt around us on the first night, with a little rain. The next day was spent exploring the area, and on Tuesday, we haeded back up the Peninsula, this time, up the west side, to the coastal town of Balgowan, about 2hrs away.

We called Lloyd & Chris, the couple that we had met back at the Blinman Pub (Flinders ranges) a couple of weeks back.  They are from Balgowan, and they wanted us to call in.

We knew the little caravan park was a good one, however, Lloyd & Chris had us stay at their house for 2 nights, which was just awesome.  They have a farm about 10kms away (wheat, barley, lentils) and the harvest season had just begun, so we spent a day on the farm, where we all learnt the Ins & outs of farming these crops. The boys and I had a session in the header (harvester) and checked out all the other’ boys toys’ machinery.

That night, we dined out (rare occurance) at the local pub in Maitland with our new friends (20kms inland from Balgowan, as Balgowan has not one shop!)



Pandolowie Bay, Innes National Park

Peek-a-boo camper...

Our first view across the sth bays of Innes - awesome!

Us in one of those bays....

'Shepards Hut' - available to stay in at one of the camp grounds in the park

Pandolowie Bay at dusk, from the top of a big sand dune (kids playground!)

More views across the park (pandolowie bay is the 2nd one up)

southern facing beach @ Innes - amazing blue in the sea..

The boys up in the header, doing the barley field

checking out the header hopper emptying out into the 'chaser bin'

Couldn't wipe the smiles off their faces!

Our digs at Balgowan (the lil suzi stockman is a cracka...)