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McDermotts Travel Oz
McDermotts Travel Oz

McDermotts Travel Oz

We haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on our list. Read more🇦🇺Sydney
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  • McDermotts Travel OzEyre Peninsula SA 2026Traveler

    Minnipa SA

    January 7 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 43 °C

    In years to come, today will be a story we retell with humour and laugh about. But for now… not so much.

    It was already 43 degrees at 10 am as we departed our beautiful waterfront site in Whyalla to voluntarily drive straight into an inland heatwave. We’re clearly insane!

    Our intended itinerary was to spend an off-grid night at Pildappa Rock, but given the conditions we pivoted and headed instead for the nearby Minnipa Hotel where electricity, air conditioning and a cool-ish pub exist, all luxuries we suddenly feel deeply entitled to.

    On route we stopped at Kimba marking halfway across Australia. We all posed for the obligatory photo before taking refuge from the heat in the roadhouse, where we enjoyed a lunch break that was longer than necessary but entirely justified.

    Back on the highway, the car informed us it was now 47 degrees outside 🥵

    After arriving in Minnipa (apparently famous for its ‘concrete crappa’) and setting up behind the pub we took a short drive out to Tharkulda Rock (pronounced ‘charcoal dah’), as recommended by a local who, in hindsight, was disproportionately proud of it. We were politely underwhelmed.

    Hence we promptly returned to the pub where, upon discovering it receives only two TV channels, neither of which featured the cricket, even I conceded the best available option was listening to the cricket on the radio, in the air-conditioned car, parked under a big shady tree 🤦🏽‍♀️

    This afternoon we braved the heat to check out the region’s premier attraction and the reason we’re in this place at all, Pildappa Rock - think a mini Uluru meets Wave Rock, but with fewer people and more flies. Some people claim it’s better than the big ones - they’re delusional. It was somewhat interesting… right up until trouble struck. Dan and Helen got a flat tyre, which wouldn’t be so bad except that the spare is a space saver and entirely unsuitable for towing 😳

    With tyre preservation the clear priority, we limped back to the Minnipa Hotel where we’re now stuck formulating a plan involving repairs, replacements and getting the hell out of here! We’re crossing our fingers the mechanic at Wudinna is on duty tomorrow and able to assist🤞🏼

    But every cloud has a silver lining - Josh won $500 on the pokies while waiting for dinner 😂🍀

    P.S. You know you’re properly in the outback, and that it’s a casual 47 degrees, when the pub skips the glass entirely and serves your drink straight in a stubby holder - labelled and misspelled in permanent marker no less. Bush efficiency at its absolute finest 🍺

    P.P.S. In the rock’s defence, our appreciation was hampered by the tyre drama and heatwave conditions, which both in part meant we didn’t make the climb to experience an amazing sunset overlooking the Gawler Ranges - kinda why we came. Maybe next time...    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzEyre Peninsula SA 2026Traveler

    Whyalla SA

    January 6 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Only a short travel day today, cruising through Port Augusta (or “Augutta” if you want to sound local) and on to Whyalla.

    After checking in at the Foreshore Caravan Park on a spectalur waterfront site we headed back into town to visit the Whyalla Maritime Museum featuring the HMAS Whyalla, the first modern warship built in 1941 in South Australia. We were lucky to be able to explore throughout the ship despite today’s 37 degree heat, as we were told tomorrow it would be deathly hot and tours wouldn’t run.

    We spent a lazy afternoon in the cool waters of the Spencer Gulf watching the locals backflip off the jetty, until a cheeky crab decided my foot looked delicious and went in for a nibble. I now have the story (and scar) to prove it 🦀

    Dinner was a winner at the Eyre Hotel where Josh and Ryan effortlessly devoured the Tuesday special - 3kgs of chicken wings!

    Tonight we’re enjoying sitting outside our vans, soaking up a beautiful sunset. In fact so perfect that even my sparkling rosé is colour coordinated with the view. Honestly, if this isn’t living, I don’t know what is. Cheers 🥂    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzEyre Peninsula SA 2026Traveler

    Ikara Wilpena Pound SA

    January 5 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Today we headed out early to explore Wilpena Pound, making the most of the (slightly) cooler part of the day.

    The Pound, also known as Ikara (meaning meeting place), is a massive natural amphitheatre, a bit like a giant crater, roughly 8km by 17km in size, formed by enormous geological pressures hundreds of millions of years ago. In the 1800s, European settlers used it as a giant natural sheep yard by guiding them through a narrow gap where they were neatly contained by the surrounding hills, proving the landscape to be both beautiful and practical.

    Frustratingly, the shuttle bus to the start of the Wangarra Lookout walk wasn’t running today (despite the website advertising daily services), which gave us the unexpected bonus of a 2.5 km warm-up walk. We strolled out past the Hills Homestead before climbing up to the lookout, where we were rewarded with a sensational panoramic vista across the Pound.

    On the walk back, we stopped to watch an emu cooling off in a large puddle, living his best life until we arrived to ruin the mood. For a split second, we thought Ryan was about to be disciplined for disturbing the peace and we all prepared for an emu evading sprint, but thankfully no chase eventuated, no dignity was lost, and Old Man Emu returned to his leisurely soak, clearly deciding we were not worth the effort.

    After our 9 km Wilpena hike we were all very happy to return to the vans for a relaxing afternoon in the pool, followed by happy hour and dinner watching the cricket in the relative cool of the camp kitchen.

    Tonight for something different we headed into Quorn for the Silo Light Show - a series of short films celebrating the history and culture of the Flinders Ranges projected onto the side of two giant grain silos. We brought our own comfy chairs and snacks and set up front and centre for the best viewing experience. It was fabulous, far exceeding my expectations. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone passing through.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzEyre Peninsula SA 2026Traveler

    Flinders Ranges SA

    January 4 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    A slower start with a cooked breakfast to celebrate our newest 15 year old - Happy birthday Lachlan! 🥳

    Lachie is loving that his birthday coincides with the first day of the the Sydney Ashes Test Match and a day of driving, affording plenty of time to listen to the action on ABC radio 🤦🏽‍♀️

    Today we explored the Flinders Ranges, following the Bunyeroo/Brachina Gorge Scenic Drive to Razorback Lookout and onwards to Blinman. A bit of excitement along the way with a water crossing requiring 4WD (or the might of the Kia Carnival in Dan and Helen’s case). Thanks to Ryan for being our sacrificial depth tester before proceeding!

    Razorback Lookout was spectacular and a must do if coming to this part of the country. You could literally see and discern each layer of earth and how the Range has been pushed up by geological forces over time. The Gorge by contrast was an oasis offering a change of scenery and vegetation hosting some cute local wildlife.

    Back on the highway we made a quick detour to the Wall of China before arriving at the North Blinman Hotel (SA’s highest pub) just in time for lunch. The boys and I opted for their signature Big Pub Pie, while Anth went with the Himalayan Kangaroo Schnitzel, which the barman took great delight in translating as “him-a-laying” on the side of the road 🤦🏽‍♀️ While it was delicious, some things you just can’t unhear or taste. Additionally, we all sampled a Quandong Pie for dessert - unexpectedly delicious 😋

    Unfortunately the historic Blinman Mine was closed due to staff shortages, which was disappointing having come this far.

    Back at the caravan we continued Lachie’s birthday celebration with cake and happy hour, before enjoying a lazy afternoon in the pool leading into dinner.

    An altogether fabulous day.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzEyre Peninsula SA 2026Traveler
    111

    Hawker SA

    January 3 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    My all salad dinner last night was universally unpopular as we prepared for this morning’s early border crossing into SA. That said we did cruise through with only a lemon to surrender.

    Happily, it seems the road has been repaved since we last travelled this route. I remember the stretch from Broken Hill to the border as some of the worst in the state, but this time it was, dare I say, almost acceptable.

    We stopped to replenish fresh supplies in Peterborough and had hoped to find a bakery or pie shop, or anything, for lunch. Nothing! All closed, except Foodland. DIY sandwiches in the park it is.

    After a spot of sunny rain and a few outback dust devils, we rolled into Hawker Caravan Park around 3 pm. This will be our home for the next few nights as we explore this part of the Flinders Ranges.

    Tonight we treated ourselves to dinner at the Woolshed Restaurant at Rawnsley Park Station. While the exterior reflects its pastoral history, the menu showcased high-quality South Australian produce to rival any hatted restaurant. Anthony and I shared a delicious lamb tasting plate, while the boys devoured slow-cooked lamb shanks and an Angus sirloin. It was fantastic, not only the food but the setting as well. We’d highly recommend it to everyone. A great way to start our Flinders odyssey 😋    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzEyre Peninsula SA 2026Traveler

    Silverton NSW

    January 2 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    Today we ventured out to the near-ghost town of Silverton, exploring the iconic Mad Max Museum, wandering through local artists’ studios and galleries, and enjoying lunch at the legendary Silverton Hotel.

    A few souvenirs later, including some John Dynon signed prints and donkey socks, we made our way to the Mundi Mundi Lookout, taking in sweeping views across the seemingly endless Mundi Mundi Plains, an expanse so vast you can almost see the curvature of the earth.

    Back in Broken Hill, at the boys’ request we snuck in a cheeky afternoon milkshake at Bell’s Milk Bar, reportedly Australia’s longest running diner and a favourite from our last visit in 2023.

    And finally, parents’ choice: happy hour at The Palace Hotel, with its eclectic history of hosting presidents, international royalty and legendary entertainers - plus of course the setting for the iconic Aussie movie Priscilla Queen of the Desert, with scenes filmed within its distinctive, mural-covered interiors. Some of us fit right in LOL 😜    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzEyre Peninsula SA 2026Traveler
    #lost

    Kinchega NP NSW

    January 1 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Given everything in town was shut for New Year’s Day we headed out to Menindee to explore the outback oasis that is Kinchega National Park.

    First stop: the quirky settlement of Sunset Strip on the northern edge of Lake Menindee. Established in the 1960s as a holiday escape for Broken Hill locals with boats and fishing rods, it’s now home to a grand total of 42 people and their pub! Clearly neither building inspectors nor the BCA have a role to play in ‘the Strip’ but the locals appear fiercely proud of their ramshackle abodes all the same.

    Next stop: Menindee, known as the first town on the Darling River and famous for its significant Menindee Lakes system and rich Indigenous and explorer history, including as the last European outpost for the ill-fated Burke & Wills expedition.

    Inside the National Park we explored the ruins of the Old Kinchega Homestead, once the headquarters of one of Australia’s largest sheep stations, before finishing at the mighty Kinchega Woolshed, which in its heyday saw up to 80,000 sheep shorn in a single season, with bales floated down the Darling River from the port of Menindee to markets in Adelaide.

    Leaving the NP we took the ‘scenic’ route back to Broken Hill via the Cawndilla Channel (approx 53km in the wrong direction) but pretty all the same 🤦🏽‍♀️ Who knew pelicans were so prevalent in the outback!

    We finished an epic day with sunset at the Living Desert Sculpture Park with its sweeping views back over Broken Hill 🌅    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzEyre Peninsula SA 2026Traveler
    Rubber Ducky overtaking

    Broken Hill NSW

    December 31, 2025 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 26 °C

    I spy with my little eye… Nothing for the next 456 km!

    After a short stop at Cobar’s finest coffee shop (you know it’s the place to be when the local law enforcement were all out for their morning brew too) we hit the road heading west: destination Broken Hill.

    The drive offered few highlights, unless you count goats. Plenty of goats. Also the occasional emu and kangaroos, the latter mostly in the form of road kill. Goats, by contrast, appear to possess a basic sense of self preservation, sensibly vacating the roadway at the sound of an approaching vehicle. Kangaroos evidently tend to do the opposite, hopping directly into danger. If only they could move backwards instead of having to go around 🤦🏽‍♀️

    The impact of the feral goats is unmistakable with the so-called ‘umbrella’ trees stripped bare at goat height, with only a forlorn upper canopy surviving beyond their reach.

    After a quick set up at Broken Hill Tourist Park we made tracks for Pro Hart’s gallery, before returning for a refreshing swim and relaxing happy hour 🍻🥂

    And of course in the countdown to midnight we headed into town for the local NYE party hosted by Broken Hill City Council in Sturt Park. It’s time like these you realise you’re city entitled when the performer asks “who’s from a farm” and his first song is titled “No working during drinking hours” LOL 😂 #theytriedhard

    Happy New Year! 🥳    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzEyre Peninsula SA 2026Traveler

    Cobar NSW

    December 30, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C

    An uneventful travel day for us, arriving in Cobar by early afternoon. The boys are already salivating tonight’s mining town pub meal at the Great Western Hotel.

    Our route here took us through Dubbo, Narromine (where we stopped for the obligatory photo with the Glenn McGrath statue) and Nyngan, again stopping to pose for a pic with the Big Bogan. Turns out the ancillary bogans (aka the McDermott boys) have grown bigger since our last visit in 2021 😆

    Surprisingly the Cobar Caravan Park is as busy as we’ve ever seen it across our three previous visits. Who knew summer road-tripping in the outback was actually a thing? We’d assumed only mad men, McDermotts and Giffneys would be brave, or foolish, enough to attempt it.

    It’s a scorching 39 degrees, but thanks to Anth’s creative plumbing we’re sitting cool enjoying happy hour under our outdoor aircon misting hose.

    We made a quick detour to Fort Bourke Hill Lookout for some mine gazing before retreating to the pub for dinner. You know you’re an out-of-towner when you have to describe your request for a bottle of rosé as “the pink one”, and Josh’s ask for a midi of beer was automatically poured in a schooner glass because “what’s that?” 🤣🤦🏽‍♀️    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzEyre Peninsula SA 2026Traveler
    1

    Wiradjuri Country NSW

    December 29, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    This morning we toured the Wellington Caves site, starting with an educational fossil dig 🧐, followed by a tour of Cathedral and Thunder Caves.

    The fossil discovery lab was an interesting experience as we indulged our inner palaeontologist while nodding thoughtfully at explanations we mostly translated as “this is very old and very important.” A bit like Indiana Jones, minus the boulders, snakes and personal heroics 😆

    The Cathedral Cave was a pleasantly cool respite, complete with some great acoustic properties. Josh stepped up to lead a gutsy rendition of Advance Australia Fair to demonstrate the finer resonance, before we literally felt the sound as the tour group collectively beat their chests in the Thunder Cave.

    This afternoon, Anthony and the boys played a round at the adjacent golf course. For $55 all up including green fees, club hire and a golf cart between the four of them, they have declared Wellington Golf Course the best ever. Or maybe it was because Ryan (almost) landed a hole in one! #easilypleased 😁    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzEyre Peninsula SA 2026Traveler

    Wellington Caves NSW

    December 28, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    We made a slow start and an even slower run over the mountains, finally making it to our first stop at Wellington Caves around 4 pm. I think we’ve scored one of the best sites in the park: spacious, shady, and with our own picnic table. Perfect for our first holiday happy hour 🍻🥂

    The kids enjoyed time in the air conditioned games room, followed by a round of ‘Worst Case Scenario’, while Dan, Helen, Anthony and I explored the Japanese Garden and celebrated a belated Happy Christmas! 🎄    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzEyre Peninsula SA 2026Traveler

    Ready to Roll

    December 28, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    We’re ready to roll on our Jaws2 road trip!

    This time last year we visited Port Lincoln with the express goal of cage diving with Great White Sharks. As the sharks missed the memo that time, we’re stubbornly heading back to cash in Calypso Star's "see sharks" guarantee 🤦🏽‍♀️ It does have a faint Groundhog Day quality to it: same general destination and planned shark dive experience. But this time we’re mixing things up, because nothing says adventure like convincing yourself a slightly different route makes it a whole new experience 😁

    Port Lincoln here we come, again…    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzMacMasters Beach Winter 2025Traveler

    Terrigal NSW

    July 10, 2025 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    How to maximise $5 each (no change given) at the Terrigal lolly shop (I can confirm not a cent was wasted!) followed by how many teenagers does it take to build a basketball ring? 😆

  • McDermotts Travel OzMacMasters Beach Winter 2025Traveler

    Copacobana NSW

    July 9, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Whale watching at Captain Cook lookout. A lovely afternoon walk along the beach and up one very steep hill. Happily at least five whales entertained us as reward for our exertion 🐳

  • McDermotts Travel OzEaster - Anzac 2025Traveler

    One Mile Beach NSW

    April 25, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Anzac Day xx

    Sadly a wet morning kept us indoors. But our veterans were front of mind as always on this special day.

    As the morning matured into a sunny day we headed for One Mile Beach, with a short detour up Gan Gan Lookout.

    The beach was fabulous with consistent waves providing just the right amount of excitement without any current. We spent a good few hours enjoying the last of summer.

    Returning to the vans our happy hour rolled into dinner, followed by some star gazing as the lights went out.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzEaster - Anzac 2025Traveler

    Fingal Bay NSW

    April 24, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Loving the last days of ‘summer’ 🤩

    After a cooked breakfast, the skies cleared and we headed to Fingal Bay one of our favourite beaches. After an energetic swim, Dan, Helen, Anthony and I walked the length of the beach out the the spit and back before heading back to the van for a late lunch and quiet afternoon.

    Later in the evening us adults walked down to Zenith in Shoal Bay for a fire a cooked seafood platter, whilst the kids got takeaway pizza and ate in the park opposite. Nice that were can trust them to look after themselves now.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzEaster - Anzac 2025Traveler

    Coffs Harbour NSW

    April 22, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Having anticipated rain we headed to Coffs Harbour for the day expecting to find indoor activities, but happily it turned out BOM was wrong so we pivoted to check out the good old Big Banana (again).

    After finally reaching the front of the queue, then waiting some more for a red bellied black to snake to be cleared from the track, we rode the short and somewhat slow toboggan down the hill. Definitely no comparison to the thrilling Thredbo slide!

    An iconic frozen choc coated banana later and we were off to explore the marina jetty and Fisherman’s Co-op for lunch, before the boys hit their way through 150 golf balls at the local driving range.

    To finish our stay in the Nambucca Valley we took advantage of schnitzel night at the Nambucca RSL Club.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzEaster - Anzac 2025Traveler

    Urunga, Bellingen & Dorrigo NSW

    April 20, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Happy Easter 🐣

    After a cooked breakfast and an obligatory Easter egg hunt (never too old) we headed for brunch at the Old Butter Factory in Bellingen. I highly recommend the scones, but no so much the watermelon juice.

    After a quick sqiz through town, we headed on up the road, the bit the hadn’t washed down the hill, to Dorrigo where we explored the Rainforest Centre and iconic skywalk. Unlike our 2018 attempt, this time the skies were clear and we could see out over the canopy. Actually somewhat underwhelming.

    Next up we quickly checked out Dangar Falls before heading back down the mountain to Urunga where we stopped for a refreshing swim at the new Lido - it would have been good at a higher tide. Nevertheless the boys had fun and we wandered out the 800m boardwalk past the breakwall, through the mangroves and out to the ‘elephant graveyard’, a washed up collection of driftwood on the beach front.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzEaster - Anzac 2025Traveler

    Valla Beach NSW

    April 18, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    Nostalgia much!

    It’s been 30+ years since I’ve been here, and apart from some new subdivisions heading in and more permanent park residents, Valla Beach Resort is still very much as I remember from a kid.

    After a quick set up we headed over the ‘new’ footbridge to the beach - only to discover enormous 4+ metre waves barrelling into shore. The constant RFS aerial patrol confirmed swimming was not an option!

    Instead, a leisurely stroll along the beach to the lagoon entrance, where we enjoyed a swim and explored the rocky outcrop at Valla Beach.

    We ended a genuinely Good Friday with fish and chips at Nambucca Heads.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzEaster - Anzac 2025Traveler

    Buladelah NSW

    April 17, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Escaping Sydney before the masses tomorrow!

    After a bit of traffic congestion to get out of Sydney, we found our way to free camping (well, cheap camping) at Buladelah Showgrounds, with dinner at the Bowling Club next door. A great little overnight stop.Read more

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