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Eyre Peninsula SA 2026
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Eyre Peninsula SA 2026

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  • Trip start
    December 28, 2025
    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!

    It does have a faint Groundhog Day quality to it: same general destination and planned shark dive experience as last year. 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 OzEyre Peninsula SA 2026Traveler

    Wellington Caves NSW

    December 28, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    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 🤦🏽‍♀️

    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 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

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    11

    Fossils & Cathedral

    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

    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 Glen 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 siting cool enjoying happy hour under our outdoor aircon misting hose.

    AWe 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
    Roadside lunch stop, west of WilcanniaRubber Ducky overtaking

    Broken Hill NSW

    December 31, 2025 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 26 °C

    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
    #lostThe cute nd quirky things you find in the middle of nowhere

    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

    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

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    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 Peterbourough 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 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 Finders odessy 😋    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzEyre Peninsula SA 2026Traveler
    Ryan, our sacrificial depth tester

    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

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    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

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    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

    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 Minnnipa 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 of it 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. Maybe next time...    Read more

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    Elliston SA

    January 8 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 21 °C

    Happily, after a shuttle mission and fortunate encounter with an agreeable mechanic who repaired the punctured tyre in Wudinna, we’ve all made it safely to beautiful Elliston and are enjoying a very civilised 27 degree afternoon by the sea.

    It’s a great pleasure to be back on the coast and out of yesterday’s complexities at Minnipa. That said, full credit to our hosts at the Minnipa Hotel who could not have been kinder or more accommodating while everything else did its best to be memorable for the wrong reasons.

    Upon arrival at the Waterloo Caravan Park Elliston we were delayed getting onto our site because the owner’s cat was stuck in a tree. In a move inspired by Dumb and Dumber, he tried coaxing it down with the fire hose. Of course the now wet ‘Pussy’ (yes that was her actual name) responded by relocating to the absolute top of the tree and refusing to move. Apparently she’s been there for four days already. We’re now awaiting the inevitable meeeooowww, followed by thud, around midnight 😐

    This afternoon we embraced the true spirit of summer holidays with a lazy beach session in Waterloo Bay just across from the caravan park. A few classic catches, jumping off the pontoon and a lot of relaxing - minimal effort for maximum satisfaction. Just how we like it.

    We’re now enjoying happy hour at the vans, followed by a casual stroll to the headland before dinner. This is living. We’re back in our happy place 🥰    Read more

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    Eyre Peninsula SA

    January 9 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 22 °C

    We spent the morning exploring the rugged highlights of the western side of the Eyre Peninsula, starting at the Talia Caves, including the Woolshed and The Tub. We timed our visit to coincide with low tide so we could scramble down into them for a closer look. The drive out there (and back) was an adventure in itself with relentless corrugations - a real tighten the bra straps kind of ride 😝

    Next stop was the small township of Venus Bay, which was picturesque and quietly charming. Unfortunately, our timing coincided with a generator failure at the only shop, meaning no cold drinks and no snacks for us.

    So we continued on to Port Kenny, where we learned that just because a place has a sign pointing to it does not mean you should go there. It smelled terrible and gave strong “past its prime” energy. Definitely on the list of places we never need to return to.

    Somewhere we would return to however, was Walkers Rock just north of Elliston, a stunning sweep of beach reminiscent of Lucky Bay in WA, if not for its reputation as the site of a fatal shark attack in 2023.

    Back in Elliston, we again enjoyed a delightful afternoon at the beach, followed by a scenic coastal drive around the Anxious Bay loop road (sans kids), admiring the randomly placed sculptures dotted along the headland. A lovely way to finish our time on the west coast of Eyre.    Read more

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    Port Lincoln SA

    January 10 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 19 °C

    We were in no hurry to leave Elliston this morning, so enjoyed a lazy start. Dan and Helen on the other hand departed early to get their compromised tyre checked out and replaced in Port Lincoln.

    As we rolled into Port Lincoln around lunchtime, it was once again (as last year) cold, windy and cloudy. Clearly we’re developing a reputation with the weather gods, but we’re channeling positive vibes for brighter skies over the next few days.

    After setting up at the Port Lincoln Tourist Park on a waterfront ensuite site, we headed into town to stock up on groceries, before finishing the afternoon with a tasting at Boston Bay Wines. We came away with a bottle of ‘Great White’ sauvignon blanc - hopefully a good omen for Monday’s cage dive🤞🏼

    Dan and Anthony made a final stop at the Port Lincoln Brewing Co. before we all headed to dinner at the Boston Hotel with its superb outdoor area overlooking Boston Bay.

    P.S. The cat was still stubbornly stuck in the tree as we pulled away from Elliston this morning. Hopefully it sorts itself out sooner rather than later, it’s coming on a week now!    Read more

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    Coffin Bay SA

    January 11 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Another flawless, sun-drenched day on the Eyre. Nature is really showing off for us.

    Today we headed back to Oysters HQ in picturesque Coffin Bay to relive one of our trip highlights from last year - an amazing local seafood platter. While the seafood was still excellent (how could you go wrong in the seafood capital of Australia), unfortunately this year’s version lacked the wow factor of last year’s effort. Apparently the place has changed hands recently, which may explain the different approach. Notwithstanding, it was still a lovely relaxing spot for lunch overlooking the bay. The kids enjoyed fish and chips and ice creams from the takeaway up the road 😁

    Post lunch indulgence we moved on to explore Coffin Bay NP, including Golden Island - easily one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve been to anywhere. Unfortunately, it was so windy the car was gently rocking while parked! Hence, while swimming was theoretically possible it would have been practically absurd as sand was already infiltrating every crevice of our existence.

    So we sensibly moved on to spend the afternoon at one of Port Lincoln’s signature establishments - Jump Ship Brewery, where Dan and Anth sampled a tasting paddle and Helen and I enjoyed a very civilised sparkling rosé. A perfect wind down (or up) in preparation for shark day tomorrow 🧐

    P.S. Coffin Bay remains my favourite place on the Eyre Peninsula. I would happily return at any time, except for the minor detail that it’s a really long way from absolutely anywhere else!    Read more

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    North Neptune Island SA

    January 12 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Today was one of those days we’ll be talking about for years. We cage dived with Great White Sharks and it was fantastic!

    In the lead up to this trip we’d been jokingly mocking Dan about his “statistically most probable” day to see sharks, based on analysis of the past 10 years of data. After all, there hadn’t been a sighting since 11 December 2025… until today! Somehow he picked it - what were the chances? Turns out we should’ve trusted the data and the power of positive vibes.

    It was a much calmer three hour boat ride out to North Neptune Island compared to last year, which meant we could get up close to the smaller islands along the way to watch sea lions laze about and playful dolphins surf our bow wave.

    Our first turn in the dive cage was unremarkable. No sharks. Not even a frenzy of fish when the burley went in. We resigned ourselves to another no-shark expedition, until… a giant 3.7 m male Great White appeared out of nowhere, putting on an unforgettable show! Everyone quickly regrouped and cycled back into the cage.

    The shark was calm, curious and completely unbothered by us, everything we’re taught Great Whites are not, as he cruised beneath and around the boat. And he hung around for ages, circling, retreating and returning on repeat. Both in the water and on the boat we were afforded an extraordinary up-close encounter with one of the ocean’s most powerful creatures. And as if that wasn’t enough, a school of bluefin tuna and kingfish decided to join the party.

    The highlight came when the boys were in the cage and the shark breached, swallowing the bait that had been thrown out, revealing its jaws and teeth in all their raw, awe-inspiring glory. And in a rare moment of perfect timing, I managed to capture it from above. Something we could never have planned and will never forget.

    A fantastic bucket list day was topped off with a succulent Chinese meal and the bottle of Boston Bay ‘Great White’ sauvignon blanc we acquired in anticipation two days ago. Turns out it was a good omen 😁    Read more

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    Clare SA

    January 13 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    It was a long travel day today. Although only 335 km as the crow flies from Port Lincoln to Clare, we covered more than 530 km by road as our planned crossing of the Spencer Gulf on the SeaRoad Ferry was cancelled due to urgent maintenance!

    We stopped briefly on route at Harry’s Homemade Fine Foods just south of Port Augusta hoping for a bite for lunch, but promptly moved on when we realised the signature offerings were pickled prawns and ‘humpalicious’ camel milk 🤢😳

    After arriving in Clare and setting up at the Discovery Park on a spacious drive through site, the boys hit the pool and basketball court while Dan, Helen, Anth and I sampled some of the regions’s finest fruit juices starting at Claymore Wines, where we came away with a yummy ‘Joshua Tree’ riesling, followed by Mitchel’s Cellar Door, where we grabbed a bargain case of cleanskin rosé - which upon opening later in the evening turned out to be dry reds! 🤦🏽‍♀️    Read more

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    Mildura VIC

    January 14 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    A lazy start leaving Clare following breakfast at the local bakery with its tripod cat before hitting the road once again heading east.

    We dutifully pulled in at the quarantine checkpoint to surrender our contraband fruit and vegies like responsible citizens. With a bit more forethought, we should have had salad for dinner again last night and avoided the whole situation. Instead, we stood on the side of the road and hastily scoffed a punnet of qukes. Waste not, want not, we say.

    We made a strategic stop in Renmark at 23rd Street Distillery to sample the local produce (raspberry and finger lime gin for the win!) followed by a sophisticated sandwich lunch by the river.

    After eventually rolling into Mildura (no thanks to the very fresh L driver we got stuck behind for way too many kms), we checked in at Apex River Beach Caravan Park and immediately committed to the afternoon’s main event: floating on the Murray.

    Last year we were floating novices with only improvised pool noodles. This year we upgraded the experience to luxury craft. We were the envy of beachgoers, drifting past like we were starring in a low-budget lifestyle commercial: living the dream in ‘Tropical North Victoria’ 😁 An entirely pleasant way to spend a summer afternoon and evening: relaxed and refreshed. Exactly as planned.    Read more

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    Mungo NP NSW

    January 15 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 32 °C

    After the disappointment of last year’s tour attempt being cancelled, today we were excited to be up before daybreak to make the 1.5 hour drive out to the World Heritage listed Mungo National Park, where we joined a local guide for a tour of the Mungo Lunettes - a truly remarkable outback landscape, a bit like the Pinnacles in WA but with more of a surface of the moon vibe.

    Along the way we learned about Mungo Man and Mungo Lady, both ancient Aboriginal remains discovered at Lake Mungo and among the oldest human remains in the world, dating back over 40,000 years. Their stories reveal remarkable cultural practices and rituals, including Mungo Lady’s cremation and Mungo Man’s ochre burial.

    Happily, the road out to the visitor centre had been recently upgraded, which meant the 86 km of corrugated dirt track we’d been mentally preparing for was reduced to just 44 km of fairly decent driving - save for a 3 km stretch where even the NPWS felt compelled to warn of ‘rough conditions’.

    The early start was worth it, but definitely only because of the tour. If not part of a tour group you can only access the boardwalk viewing platform, which barely scratches the surface of how incredible the landscape really is.

    The rest of the day was spent floating at the river, before dinner at the Mildura Brewery Pub (home of the Mallee Brewing Co.). A definite winner and fabulous way to end our repeat visit to Mildura 😊    Read more

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    Pink bottom clouds, a feature of the outback sky

    Swan Hill VIC

    January 16 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    “Before the dollar, and before the pill, we went to a rock dance in Swan Hill.” Lol… John Williamson (and Spotify) have a lot to answer for 😆

    But first, we made a quick stop on route at Lake Tyrrell, a giant salt pan that looks like it belongs in a sci-fi film. Interestingly, the name 'Tyrrell' is derived from the local Wergaia word for 'sky', the Boorong Aboriginal people of the area being distinguished for their interest in star-lore. It was fascinatingly scenic until a mini bus of tourists rolled in with cameras and selfie sticks invading the view - our queue to move on.

    On arrival in Swan Hill we checked in at the BIG 4 Riverside Caravan Park and scored a prime riverfront site. It’s a great park with café, basketball court, ice cream cart, swimming pool and even on-site food trucks serving dinner.

    While the river behind our van looked inviting for a swim, two steps in we discovered shin deep mud with the consistency of wet concrete so we made the swift and dignified decision to retreat to the pool.

    Later in the afternoon, Dan, Helen, Anthony and I ventured out to Brown Snake Brewery & Distillery in Murraydale (technically in NSW) before finishing with a lovely Thai meal at Java Spice in Swan Hill’s town centre. The décor was authentic - even the rafters had been imported from Bali, which feels like a very committed choice for a regional restaurant. We’d definitely recommend it.

    Meanwhile, the boys enjoyed the Mexican offerings from the Hangry Monkeys food truck back at the park, washed down with a side of milkshakes and basketball 🏀 🤢

    Back at the van, we all entertained ourselves hand-feeding the ducks that gathered behind our site. Who knew ducks came with such a wide range of personalities? Some are polite. Some are bold. Some are clearly running on pure entitlement!

    Now as we attempt to relax watching the sun set over the river, we’re being serenaded by a full symphony of screeching corellas. Ah the serenity 😆🤦🏽‍♀️    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzEyre Peninsula SA 2026Traveler

    Pioneer Settlement VIC

    January 17 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Today we explored Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement for a glimpse of what life was like in a regional Australian town in the 1800s. The whole area is set up like an old townscape, with historic buildings and machinery throughout.

    The highlights of our visit were the rope making and butter making demonstrations. The rope making demo was a simple but fascinating look at how rope was traditionally twisted and formed by hand using basic tools and steady technique. Ryan got to experience 'rope surfing' as the twine twisted together and it was interesting to see that when it was let go, it didn’t unfurl because of the opposing twist directions. The butter making demo was just as engaging, with the kids having a turn at churning cream into butter and learning how normal these kinds of tasks were in everyday life back then. The best part was sampling the end result with fresh damper.

    We also enjoyed rides around the settlement in both an old-fashioned car and a horse drawn omnibus. Plus we came away with a lucky (aka “positive vibes”) horseshoe with our initials stamped onto it.

    Tonight we headed back to the Pioneer Settlement to experience the 'Heartbeat of the Murray' show, a 360 degree light, laser, water, fire, sound and special effects presentation telling the story of the Murray. It was a multimedia spectacle that transported us back 30 million years, before travelling forward through time to the Murray River as we know it today. Although shorter than expected, it was definitely a unique experience and well worth the detour to Swan Hill.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzEyre Peninsula SA 2026Traveler

    Wagga Wagga NSW

    January 18 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 25 °C

    As we made our way cross country from Swan Hill to Wagga Wagga we rolled through a few regional towns that were new to us.

    At Deniliquin we stopped for fuel at a classic 1950s style servo diner that felt like stepping back in time. We also chanced Josh’s Bakehouse which naturally we had to stop for pies and thick shakes. Good job Josh, my pie was great!

    Moving on through Jerrilderie and Lockhart we arrived at Wagga Wagga by early afternoon, where we checked in at Horseshoe Tourist Park in Cartwright Hill after discovering the Big 4 was fully booked. It’s a worthy overnight stop - nothing fancy, but simple, clean and doing the job. We’ve got a spacious drive-through site, while Dan and Helen managed to score the only ensuite site. We're just opposite and about as close as you can get to the main amenities so everyone’s winning 👍

    We spent the afternoon swimming in the Murrumbidgee River at Wagga Wagga City Beach where it was noticeably colder than the Murray River and much faster flowing as well. It would’ve been the perfect spot to have brought the float lounges!

    Ironically, after making our way back into NSW after almost three weeks, we ended the day with dinner at the Victorian Hotel on the main street of Wagga Wagga. The steaks and red wine were great, but the schnittys not so much. Still, it was a lovely way to finish off our last night on the road.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzEyre Peninsula SA 2026Traveler

    Home Sweet Home

    January 19 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    We made an early departure from Wagga Wagga and hit the road heading home.

    We stopped briefly in Gundagai at the ‘Coffee Peddler’ and reportedly at the oldest continuously operating bakery in Australia. The coffee was advertised as “the best between Sydney and Melbourne” but I’m not sure who’s judging as it was seriously overpriced and, while not terrible, average at best. The bread in comparison was worthy of its longevity.

    By the time we hit Goulburn we’d found the first rain of our whole trip, along with the unwelcoming return of east coast weather - a chilly 16 degrees.

    All up, this trip has been a winner. Big skies, beautiful weather, long open roads and the kind of scenery that has you constantly pulling over to “take a photo”. Most of all, we’re grateful for the laughs, the memories and good friends along for the ride. Now it’s time to unpack the chaos and start planning the next adventure.

    P.S. I do love a country town main street where you can literally park a caravan. Meanwhile back home I’ve done two full laps of the local Woolies carpark just to find a spot to grab one bottle of milk 😬    Read more

    Trip end
    January 19, 2026
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