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Port Lincoln SA 2025
  • McDermotts Travel Oz

Port Lincoln SA 2025

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  • Trip start
    December 27, 2024
  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler
    Iconic Big Merino, Goulburn

    Gunning NSW

    December 27, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    With the joy of Christmas now behind us, we’re finally packed and on the road for the start of our ‘Amazing Road Trip’. Ultimate destination: Port Lincoln SA to cage dive with Great White Sharks! 🦈 More on that in about a week’s time…

    After a whirlwind past couple of days, I’m pretty sure we’ve packed everything we don’t need and forgotten everything we do - but at least we have Anthony’s new 'Insta 360' action camera so he can film the shark that attacks from behind 😆🤦🏽‍♀️

    Tonight we’re simply making a bit of ground to take the edge off our next leg to Griffith - hence our overnight free camp at Gunning Showgrounds. It’s actually quite lovely, a decent number of vans parked beside the scattering of Oak trees, all peacefully enjoying happy hour on a glorious summer evening.

    A short walk down the historic main street confirmed the pub would not be open for dinner 😢 Ham sandwiches it is! I guess we can’t begrudge them their three nights off a year.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler
    Griffith Tourist ParkTribute to local anti-drugs campaigner Donald Mackay

    Griffith NSW

    December 28, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Remind me for future not to plan a road trip that coincides with a Test Match 🤦🏽‍♀️ I have a new found appreciation for ‘watching’ cricket. At least the commentary was entertaining, “Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! He should not be going into that (India's) dressing room - he should be going into the other dressing room!” (Sunil Gavaskar, commentating for India) 😆 #australiavsindia

    Today’s travels took us through the Hilltops Region of NSW and the historic towns of Harden, Temora and Barellan to name just a few.

    Tonight we’re in the heart of the Riverina Region in the other notable Walter Burley Griffin designed town - Griffith. My town planning nerdometer is running hot 🤓

    With its central roundabouts, Griffith’s radial plan echoes the famous design for Canberra. However, it lacks the flair and focus of our Nation’s Capital. In fact, apart from looking at a map, you wouldn’t recognise the iconic Burley Griffin design. Sadly a bit underwhelming. In fairness to Walter, in their ‘wisdom’ the transport planners of the time built the railway station nowhere near the planned commercial centre, meaning development attracted to that location compromising much of the original town plan! Seems not much has changed in the bureaucracy 🤔🤦🏽‍♀️

    After briefly exploring around town we enjoyed a ‘wine flight’ at the famed Calabria Family Wines before a lovely dinner at Little Italy - perfectly complimented by a Calabrian Cabernet Sauvignon we’d acquired earlier 😋

    Fun Facts: Griffith emerged out of the construction of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area in the early years of the twentieth century. Consequently, the area surrounding the town is a major producer of rice, citrus, stone fruits, vegetables, wheat, cotton, wool, eggs and canola. Amusingly all of the gherkins used by McDonald's are also grown in the district.

    Inevitably Griffith has also had strong associations with marijuana growing. In the 1970s the activities of the 'Griffith mafioso' reached such a level that local anti-drugs campaigner Donald Mackay mysteriously disappeared, presumed murdered.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler
    Murrumbidgee River, Hay NSWApex River Beach, Mildura

    Mildura VIC

    December 29, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    This morning we left Griffith and headed towards Mildura, criss-crossing the Murrumbidgee River as we went.

    We’ve enjoyed the random Christmas displays at farm gates and along fence lines. Some people are so creative with hay bales and old tractor tyres.

    The MUX’s electronic stability control system earned its keep today as we traversed the mighty Hay Plains. Without any trees to give a heads-up to wind conditions our 20-foot sail was challenged on a few occasions by surprise little gusts and big oncoming road trains. I’m pleased to say both car and driver handled the conditions skillfully, sparing my nerves.

    Tonight we’re at the beautiful Apex River Beach Tourist Park camped under the shade of a grand old River Red Gum. We have a prime site directly opposite the beach - and who doesn’t love a beach with a tree on it 🥰

    We enjoyed a perfect afternoon in the Murray River, Anthony and Dan even swam to NSW and back, before retiring with happy hour and a lazy dinner at the van, followed by Die Hard on the ‘big’ screen.

    Fun Facts: Although it is approximately 880 km from the mouth of the Murray River, the township of Mildura is only 50 m above sea-level. It is also the cultural and economic centre of the region known as 'Sunraysia', which supplies 98% of Australia's dried grapes, 74% of its table grapes, 24% of the nation's citrus fruit, and 23% of its olives.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler

    Wentworth NSW

    December 30, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    This morning our planned and pre-booked tour out to the World Heritage Mungo National Park was cancelled due it being too hot! A bit disappointing considering it’s only 35 degrees 😆

    The NP is the home of Mungo Man and Mungo Lady, the planet’s oldest ritual burials, and of course the Mungo lunette (aka ‘Walls of China’) claimed to be one of the most spectacular outback landscapes in NSW. We’ll just have to add it to the list of places to come back to on another trip 🙄

    Instead, we spent the morning in town stocking up on fresh supplies before heading out to Wentworth to see the confluence of the Murray and Darling Rivers. In its heyday (circa 1890s) the Wentworth Wharf, sadly now demolished, was the busiest port in NSW after Sydney and Newcastle. Who knew?

    Given we couldn’t get out to Australia’s equivalent of Death Valley, we decided to brave possibly the second hottest place in the district - the Perry Sandhills! We had been here previously in 2017 so knew what we were in for yet proceeded anyway. We’re clearly insane 🤪

    After ‘conquering’ the biggest sandhill (some of us faster than others) and emptying half of it back out of our shoes, we retreated back to the caravan park and ultimately the river, for a well deserved and much needed swim and wash.

    Fun Fact: Bob Hawke launched his Environmental Statement Policy in Wentworth in July 1989 by planting ten red gums as part of his billion-tree program. A true "whatever happened to" political moment. At least the trees are still there...for now.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler

    New Year’s Eve

    December 31, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Another cracking day in Mildura. We started with a lazy coffee and breakfast at the MAC cafe (Mildura Arts Centre) before checking out the galleries and historic Rio Vista, arguably Mildura’s most important heritage building. Originally home to the Chaffey family who were pioneers of inland irrigation, it is a beautifully preserved example of Queen Anne architecture with no expense spared on exotic woods, Lincrusta wallpapers and handpainted stained glass windows.

    Next up, we explored along the river front before heading back to the van for lunch and a lazy afternoon of beach cricket in the Murray 🏏

    And of course in the countdown to midnight we celebrated New Year's Eve Mildura style - being entertained at the caravan park by DJ ‘Dad-Bod’ (we’re not sure of his actual name). He had both kinds of music - Country and Western! (and a bit of Bon Jovi) 😜🤠

    Altogether a great way to end 2024 with family and besties. Bring on the New Year xx    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler

    Dhungala VIC

    January 1 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    This morning we checked out the historic Psyche Bend Pumps, the original irrigation pumps installed in 1888 to supply water from the Murray to the Mildura Irrigation District and reportedly the oldest pump configuration of its type in the world. We were fortunate to be able to see them in operation - something that apparently only happens four times a year! The volunteer’s commentary was interesting as was the pump, once it eventually kicked into action.

    This afternoon, following a short detour to K-Mart for pool noodles, we enjoyed a lazy float down the river, drink in hand, waving to passers by in their fancy watercraft. I estimate we drifted about 500m before bailing at the last boat ramp before the bend of no return 😆 Float, drift, bail, repeat! An entirely pleasant way to spend a hot summer’s afternoon.

    To end our time in Mildura we enjoyed dinner at the picturesque Mildura Golf Resort before returning to the vans to prepare for an early departure in the morning.

    Note: Dhungala is the Indigenous name for the mighty waterway known today as the Murray River.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler

    Nuriootpa SA

    January 2 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    After a restful and relaxing few days parked up in Mildura over New Year’s, we’re back on the road heading west. Destination: Barossa Valley.

    We made good time (gaining half an hour as we crossed the state border certainly helped), arriving at the BIG4 Barossa Valley in time for lunch. This place is impressive. We have a lovely spacious ensuite site with an enormous double shower! With the added ‘bonus’ of being right next to the field where the South Australian cricket team will be playing Victoria in a day or two. The team themselves are staying in the cabin opposite us! If it’s not Test Cricket it’s State County Cricket 🤦🏽‍♀️

    Dan, Helen, Anthony and I made tracks to Penfolds for the afternoon where we tasted some of Barossa’s finest, including the famous Grange Hermitage - Australia's most admired red wine🍷😋

    We also checked out the nearby Elderton Wines - a tough act to follow after the Grange. More to explore tomorrow…    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler

    Barossa Valley SA

    January 3 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Vineyards, wineries and cellar doors as far as the eye can see!

    We started the day in Tanunda exploring the main street. A couple of coffees and famous Browns Barossa Donuts later, we headed to St Hugo’s for a private tasting. Definitely a good way to start our Barossa adventure. A few Cabernet Sauvignons later and we were off to find our next experience.

    Back in Tanunda we capitalised on a hot tip from Dan’s sommelier friend with a visit to Brothers at War Cellar Door. This was perhaps the find of the day, so many great tastings. We’re now amongst the newest members of Fight Club (but we won’t talk about that) and all going well should have a half dozen bottles of their finest waiting for us when we return home to Sydney.

    For lunch we headed out to Seppeltsfield Winery where we enjoyed a light meal under the shade of some majestic old gum trees before settling in for another tasting, including some lesser known varieties - Vermentino & Nero d’Avola. We still came away with a Shiraz LOL 😁 #wheninthebarossa

    Moving on, we visited Two Hands Cellar Door for yet another tasting, including a fantastic single vineyard Waterfall Block Shiraz to rival Penfolds’ Baby Grange 😋

    Last but not least we stopped in at Seppeltsfield Road Distillery to sample their award winning Shiraz Gin. The guy serving us was a genuine salesman and we walked away with some new favourites.

    In fairness to the kids, the remainder of the afternoon was spent back at the van and in the pool and games room where a highly competitive family ping-pong tournament ensued while we waited for our bolognaise dinner to defrost. Who knew Lachie had such a killer shot!

    Fun Fact: During the Great Depression, the Seppelt family supported local families by employing them to plant date palms from the Adelaide Botanical Gardens. They provided food and shelter until regular work was available. About 2,000 date palms were planted, with those along Seppeltsfield Road affectionally named ‘The Avenue of Hopes and Dreams’.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler
    Semaphore Beach

    Adelaide SA

    January 4 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 28 °C

    Happy birthday Lachlan!

    A special breakfast of scrambled eggs and ham, followed by birthday surprises for the newest 14 year old. A cracking way to start the day 🥰

    Today we ventured into Adelaide City, starting in Rundle Mall and ending up at Semaphore Beach where we enjoyed a refreshing swim, even if we did have to walk half a kilometre offshore to find waist deep water (turns out only naive interstaters attempt to swim at low tide 😂)

    We ended the day with a birthday dinner at the Semaphore Hotel and sunset stroll along the jetty.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler

    Port Lincoln SA

    January 5 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Technically it’s only 288 km to Port Lincoln yet we’ll cover more than 630 km by road today to get up and around the Spencer Gulf.

    A slow travel morning zig-zagging our way cross country through the pretty Clare Valley towards Port Augusta, enduring yet another Test Match radio broadcast 🤦🏽‍♀️ At least the Aussies secured the series win to take back the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade. Poor Steve Smith though, falling one agonising run short of 10,000 test runs! LOL I sound like a cricket fan 🤓

    Beyond Port Augusta our interest picked up as we covered new ground on the Lincoln Highway heading down the east coast of the Eyre Peninsula. We stopped at Whyalla for lunch and fuel and to check out the impressive circular jetty - the only one of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Apparently the unique design was chosen by the community to attract fishers, walkers and sightseers. It worked - we duly wandered out to the end and back 😊

    As we roll into Port Lincoln and find our way to the Port Lincoln tourist Park this evening the sky has clouded over and a light shower is falling. Hopefully it will be short lived. We’re channeling “positive vibes” for tomorrow’s highly anticipated shark dive 🤞🏼    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler
    The only shark sighted this trip 😢1

    Neptune Islands SA

    January 6 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    Shark cage dive day! I still can’t believe I agreed to this ridiculous experience.

    A very early start had us at the Marina by 6:30 am ready to board Calypso Star Charters for the three hour journey out to North Neptune Island, a known loitering ground for Great White Sharks 🦈

    After an adrenaline pumping ride out to the island we squeezed into full body 7mm wetsuits and braved the Southern Ocean in anticipation of encountering the predators of the deep. It was a unique experience, being fully immersed in a cage face-to-face with hundreds of giant trevally and kingfish just a few metres below the surface. The addition of burley caused quite the spectacle, though sadly not even a 500m tuna oil slick could lure the sharks on this occasion 🥺

    We consoled ourselves with the excitement of the wild ride and the fine sunny weather we were blessed with for the day. The estimated 2.5m swell, heightened by onshore southerly winds, sent waves crashing over the top deck of the boat as it lurched between the crest of each wave. The kids held prime position at the bridge with a very tolerant skipper 😆

    The return trip running with the swell was much calmer, yet equally exciting with a couple of cheeky dolphins porpoising alongside the boat. Pretty cool to watch.

    Although for now the Great White Sharks remain illusive, happily none of us were affected by seasickness (unlike many others on board) and we were genuinely able to enjoy the day for what it was. “Positive vibes” for the win!

    We celebrated/commiserated our shark dive day with dinner at the Grand Tasman Hotel, followed by a warming glass of peanut butter whiskey back at the vans - it's beanie wearing cold in Port Lincoln tonight!    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler
    1Coffin BayPort Lincoln Tourist Park

    Coffin Bay SA

    January 7 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    This morning we made the half hour drive west of Port Lincoln to the isolated yet beautifully scenic town of Coffin Bay, which is internationally famous for its ‘Coffin Bay Oysters’. In actual fact, we learnt they are Pacific Oysters originally imported from Japan and Tasmania. Who knew?

    After finding our way to Oysters HQ we redefined fashion by dressing in waders and walking out to a small pontoon set amongst the oyster leases where we learnt about oyster farming and growing, and crucially how to shuck and enjoy eating oysters. Turns out Josh is a bit of a pro!

    It was a fun experience, sitting with our legs in the water, sipping sparkling wine and sucking back some of the creamiest fresh oysters we’ve ever tasted. However, the highlight of the experience was without a doubt the impressive fresh seafood platter that followed the shucking experience back in the restaurant. It was unlike any other we’ve had with a huge variety of fresh (nothing fried) seafood and superb presentation. It was delicious 😋 South Australia and the Eyre Peninsula is definitely living up to its reputation as the seafood capital of Australia.

    Back at the caravan park we enjoyed an afternoon at the beach before relaxing into a lazy cook ourselves dinner.

    Fun fact: Coffin Bay was named by Matthew Flinders after his friend the naval officer, Sir Isaac Coffin, who helped him when he was preparing to sail to Australia. His cat's name was Trim.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler
    Fishery Bay1

    Lincoln National Park SA

    January 8 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    We enjoyed a lazy start today, exploring the main street of town before indulging in brunch at L'Anse French Cafe and Croissantarie. They claimed to serve the best croissants in the State and they weren’t wrong! 😋

    With full bellies we headed off to explore the Lincoln National Park and the local “favourite beach” - Fishery Bay. Again the reality lived up to the hype. It was spectacular and to top it off we were joined by a small but inquisitive pod of dolphins swimming just a few feet away from us in the crystal clear water. A truly special experience.

    The boys were disappointed we didn’t drive onto the beach like many others, but after watching a few more experienced looking vehicles get bogged in the soft sand exiting the beach ‘we’ made the call to stay parked on the hard ground. Nevertheless, we enjoyed happy hour on the beach at the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula.

    Back in town, Dan and Anthony stopped for a tasting paddle at Jump Ship Brewery while the kids completed a competitive game of Ticket to Ride. Helen and I enjoyed the other kind of board game - the one where you put meat and cheese on a board with some fruit and crackers too. We’re good at that one. 😊    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler
    1
    Lucky Bay General StoreSpencer Gulf Searoad Ferry

    Spencer Gulf SA

    January 9 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Farewell Port Lincoln, it’s been amazing.

    We said in 2023 when we visited Streaky Bay on our return from WA that we would one day love to return to the Eyre Peninsula to explore its full glory. You can’t say we don’t keep our word…

    Sadly our star attraction, the Great White Sharks, were a no show. However, the lovely towns, beautiful scenery and crystal clear beaches (not to mention the amazing seafood) ensured the journey was still worthwhile. We’re even seriously contemplating how and when we might get back here again for a second attempt at diving WITH the sharks 🦈🤷🏻‍♀️

    We started our return trip east this morning, heading back up the Lincoln Highway as far as Lucky Bay where we fronted the queue to board the Spencer Gulf Searoad Ferry to Wallaroo. While not a timesaving detour we were all grateful to halve the drive time for today’s trip to Hahndorf and avoid a further repeat of Port Augusta. A very relaxing way to travel 😊

    After negotiating our way through Adelaide’s peak hour traffic (akin to Sydney on a Sunday morning), we found our way up the hills to the fabulous Discovery Park Hahndorf. We have a picturesque drive through slab site where Dan, Helen, Anthony and I enjoyed happy hour while the boys played a round of putt-putt, followed by an after dinner swim.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler

    Hahndorf SA

    January 10 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    Today we relived a fond memory from our 2017 road trip, indulging in not one but two German platters at the Hahndorf Inn. The huge pork knuckles, schnitzels, kranskies, ribs, meatballs, sauerkraut, potato salad, pretzels, mash and pickles were no match for hungry McDermotts! We conquered effortlessly 😋

    We also perused the main street with its eclectic offerings of German fare. It was as pretty as we remembered with its beautiful established trees and historic buildings.

    Fun Fact: As Australia's oldest German town, Hahndorf experienced intense anti-German feelings during World War I and the name was changed to Ambleside by a 1917 Act of Parliament. It wasn’t until the 1935 Nomenclature Act that the town was allowed to return to Hahndorf.    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler

    McLaren Vale SA

    January 10 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    This afternoon Dan, Helen, Anthony and I ventured into the beautiful McLaren Vale Region, while the kids stayed back and enjoyed the pool, putt-putt and other on-site activities at the caravan park.

    After finding our way to the highly recommended Samuel’s Gorge Winery we settled in around an old wine barrel under the shade of a big outdoor umbrella to enjoy the tastings. The Piñata chilled white was a good way to start but the heroes were of course the reds and we came away again with a standout Grenache and Shiraz. We love discovering little known gems.

    Next door we also checked out Chapel Hill Wines. It was fancy but felt more commercial and didn’t appeal to us as much.

    Back at the vans we enjoyed a lazy dinner of cheese, crackers, kranskies and an amazing cherry pie (thanks Helen) followed by a ridiculous game of ‘Dumb Questions’ where we all learnt way too much about each other 😆    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler
    Valley Lake, Mount GambierBlue Lake, Mt Gambier

    Limestone Coast SA

    January 11 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    On the move again today exploring along the Limestone Coast towards Mt Gambier. A pretty drive with Lake Alexandrina on one side, where the mighty Murray River filters out to sea, and pink salt lakes on the other.

    We stopped for lunch in Kingston SE, home of Larry the giant lobster 🦞 At over 17m tall, 15m long and 13m wide, it did make an impressive entry statement. Of course, we posed for a 'shellfie' with the crust-see attraction before moving on. #dadjoke 🤦🏽‍♀️

    At the seafood co-op in town the real deal did look impressive, but at $185 each we settled for the local fish and chips instead. Afterwards we walked along the jetty for as far as our senses could bare before retreating to the relative fresh air of the car, which says a lot after 16 days of travel with three teenage boys 🥴

    By mid afternoon we rolled into Mt Gambier, which we learnt is South Australia’s second largest city. Who would have guessed? Happily, we’re 6,000 years too late for the last volcanic eruption - although it’s not really that long ago in the scheme of things and they tell us it is only dormant 😳

    After settling in at Pine Country Tourist Park, we headed into town for some essential supplies. The town is beautiful boasting many elegant historic homes and buildings. Disappointingly we discovered you can’t actually swim in either of the lakes in town. Although very picturesque and clearly enjoyed by boaters, the signage advised that swimming was not recommended. We therefore spent the afternoon exploring around the recreation precinct before returning for dinner at the vans.

    Did I mention it’s cold tonight 🥶    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler
    Umpherston Sinkhole, Mt Gambier
    Cave GardenFound the PenguinsBrowne BayLittle Blue Lake

    Mt Gambier SA

    January 12 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Today we explored the geological wonders of Mount Gambier, including the underground garden of Eden at Umpherston Sinkhole, Cave Garden, and dazzling sapphire waters of the famed Blue Lake. Apparently, it only turns blue in November each year and by summer’s end returns to an uninspiring grey colour. We feel fortunate to have seen it at its best!

    It's quite bizarre how the town has evolved around the various sinkholes, lakes and caves, which are quite literally in the middle of the main street.

    As the day warmed up we headed south to Port McDonnell to explore the highlights of this part of the Limestone Coast. We started at Cape Northumberland, the southernmost point of South Australia, before heading east to find the locally recommended swimming spot at Browne Bay. It was a lovely unspoilt beach with beautiful clear turquoise water. To the boys’ delight we joined the parade of 4WDs on the beach. Whilst still not my comfort zone, I have to admit it did save us carrying a lot of gear and made a good wind break for when we returned from the surf 😁

    On the way back to Mt Gambier we detoured via Ewens Ponds, a series of three water-filled limestone sinkholes. From the viewing platform they were a bit underwhelming. Turns out you need a permit to swim/dive the reed-lined ponds.

    Finally we made it to the highlight of the day - Little Blue Lake, a fabulously unique experience, jumping off the 4m high cliff surrounds into the ‘bottomless’ crystal clear fresh water of the sinkhole. The signs said the water was a constant 12 degrees so we were prepared for chill-shock, but happily it was much warmer and we enjoyed a good hour or so in the refreshing water.

    As we sit out at the vans tonight wrapped in our blankets and beanies, red wine in hand, we’re graced with the sweet sounds of Mt Gambier from the paddock next door - “Moo” 🐮😁    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler
    Favourite Son... 🤔😊

    Coonawarra SA

    January 13 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    They say a good day starts with good coffee and ends with good wine… Today was a good day 😊

    After a (not) quick coffee stop at the Metro Bakery in Mt Gambier (credit though to their sourdough loaf) we headed north towards the wine growing region of Coonawarra, famed for its age-worthy reds and strip of terra rossa ('red soil') – one of the most valuable patches of earth in Australian wine🍷

    Our first stop was at Parker Estate, a relative newcomer to the region but a strong contender nonetheless. The kids entertained themselves playing poker on the lawn out front, much to the amusement of staff 😆

    Next up we tasted the offerings at Hollick Estate, a boutique winery renowned for its high-quality wines from both Coonawarra and nearby Wrattonbully. This was a definite winner and our favourite of the day, so much so that we’re now a ‘Friend of Hollick’ and a case of their finest heavier after signing up for their member's deal!

    For lunch we chanced Brand’s Laira cellar door. It had been recommended for their lunch platters, which were good, but after two cracking starts we were uninspired by their wines.

    We promptly moved on to Majella Wines, another excellent recommendation from Dan’s sommelier friend. The friendly and informative service adding to the experience.

    Back at the van the boys enjoyed a good old fashioned water fight before heading to dinner at Mac’s Hotel, where I enjoyed a Majella rosé while Anthony and Dan tried a dessert beer 🤪🍻    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler
    Mt Sturgeon11

    Echuca VIC

    January 14 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    We couldn’t leave Mt Gambier without trying ScRoll Queen - apparently it’s a Victorian/South Australian thing. A warm savoury scroll served as breakfast while the sweet ones were saved for lunch. I sense a business opportunity in NSW - Yum!

    After crowd sourcing some route info and confirming the recent bushfires were under control, we took the scenic route to the south of the Grampians, a striking mountain range rising out of the middle of sheep and cow paddocks. They definitely made for an impressive backdrop to our travels.

    The route had us zig zagging our way across country Victoria connecting the dots between small towns. In contrast to South Australia most of the dots actually warrant their place on the map with pretty leafy main streets and stately heritage buildings. We stopped for lunch at Ararat under a shady tree with a friendly free range chicken - right outside the hospital for the criminally insane. A perfect photo opportunity, even if J Ward was closed for intakes 🤪

    Somewhere after Ararat our GPS had a conniption sending us on a series of sub-optimal backroads through parts of Victoria we never knew we needed to see!

    At the mercy of the navigator, we eventually rolled into Echuca around 4:30 pm where the awesome NRMA Echuca Holiday Park will be our home for the next three nights. I’m getting Mildura vibes - it’s still 30 degrees at 10:00 pm!    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler

    Murray River NSW

    January 15 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Today was a real mixed bag of experiences. This morning we explored the Port of Echuca, a living monument to the 1870s when it was the third largest port in Australia, outside Sydney and Melbourne. We even took an authentic paddlesteamer cruise down the river aboard the Pevensy with its original steam engine just as it would have been in ye olden days.

    The historic wharf itself is impressive, towering approximately 10m above the waterline with multiple deck options to accommodate the changing river levels. It originally extended 332m in length in the 1880s but was reconstructed in later years following realignment of the river.

    On returning to the vans we were confronted by an unknown stank, until we discovered the caravan park was conducting free camel rides right next to our campsites. What else were we to do but join the fun - just “don’t bring me down Bruce” 😆🐫

    This afternoon Anthony and the boys hired e-bikes and headed out to the confluence of the Campaspe and Murray Rivers before crossing back over the bridge into NSW to check out Moama Beach. Interestingly, we learnt that following Federation the State border was set at the high water mark on the Victorian side, hence the river itself is technically wholly within NSW.

    We ended the day with dinner at the Shamrock Hotel ☘️ It’s the home of 101 Parmas including the ‘Parmageddon’, a monster 5-stack parma of Biblical proportions where you can win an “I survived Parmageddon” t-shirt if you finish the entire offering. Sensibly we didn’t try, though there’s a possibility one of us may have survived 😝 @Josh    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler

    Moama NSW

    January 16 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    After a much needed sleep in, we slowly found our way to the iconic Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum on the outskirts of Echuca, showcasing an eclectic collection of memorabilia from beer cans and all things beer, to old Aussie household items, old petrol bowsers, a Coca Cola collection, old farm machinery, a car shed and even a partially restored WW1 canon.

    The introductory tour by owner and self professed lunatic Neil Thomas was entertaining with quirky stories and audience participation. The kids learnt the truth about pokie machines experiencing first hand the unlikely chances of winning - except for Josh who somehow defied the odds 🤦🏽‍♀️ Apparently the one old demonstration machine, despite daily activity, hasn’t paid out a jackpot in the past 20 years!

    Among the 20,000 odd beer cans from Australia and around the world, we did giggle at the Tennent’s Lager Lovelies range from the 1960s and 1970s. The evocative cans remain one of the most popular promotional campaigns of all time, combining sex appeal with beer in a way that has never been matched - and hopefully never will! I did have to wonder if it was just a coincidence that my name appeared twice 🫢😉

    It was a truly unique tourist attraction rated No. 1 on TripAdvisor 🤨 Plus did I mention I found both how to manage men and the key to happiness 😁 #wheninechuca

    We spent the afternoon at Moama Beach, a lovely recreation reserve on the NSW side of the Murray River, before celebrating our last night in the twin border towns at the American Hotel where ironically we had one of the best Aussie beef steaks of the trip!    Read more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler

    Thong Tree VIC

    January 16 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 21 °C

    We’ve previously painted a rock on the Port Macquarie breakwall, now under the cover of darkness we’ve added to the Thong Tree on the Echuca River Walk.

    Thanks to Josh for donating his old blowouts. It doesn’t get more Aussie than that! #mcdermottstraveloz #leavingourmarkRead more

  • McDermotts Travel OzPort Lincoln SA 2025Traveler

    Gundagai NSW

    January 17 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    On the road to Gundagai… we stopped at the quaint little heritage town of Rutherglen to round out our tour of east coast wine regions. This trip, we’ve now covered the Riverina, Barossa, Clare Valley, McLaren Vale, Coonawarra and Rutherglen Regions. Mmm😋🍷

    Just a quick stop this time at two of the most identifiable wineries - DeBortoli Estate and Campbells Wines, the latter being a trip down memory lane for Dan and Helen who celebrated Claire’s arrival with a bottle of their ‘Liquid Gold’ over 16 years ago xx

    For lunch we checked out Parker Pies in the main street of Rutherglen. Although not cheap, we all agreed they were possibly the best pies we’ve had anywhere in the country, or at least on par with Mt Barker Bakery in WA. So good, we definitely recommend if passing through 😋

    Tonight we’re at Gundagai Tourist Park in an undercover drive-through ensuite site. It’s a bit of a novelty, kind of like camping in a carport, though I have to admit not very outdoorsy. In our defense we booked it when they were predicting the supercell that smashed the east coast two nights ago. It would have been perfect in a storm, but happily our run of ideal summer weather continues. “Positive vibes” to the end.

    We ended the night with Dan’s Amazing Road Trip ‘Have You Been Paying Attention’ quiz where we all recounted our favourite experiences.    Read more

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