South Oz & Beyond

A 125-day adventure by Gary Read more

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South Oz & Beyond Traveler
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Victor Harbour
April 17, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
Beautiful day in Victor Harbour and just over an hours drive from Adelaide. Walked out on the causeway jetty to Granite Island and then ventured to Port Elliott which is almost a suburb of Victor Harbour. Had a great drive to Rapid Bay via Port Jervis where the ferry leaves for Kangaroo Island. Very hilly and winding road. Impressed with camp ground at Rapid Bay. On the foreshore and only $12.50 per night. Called into Smiling Samoyed Brewery to be greeted by a couple of samoyeds and a cold frothy. Last day and we took a return trip on the Cockle Steam Train to Goolwa. Also visited the Victor Harbor golf course and regretted not having time to play it after reading sign on first hole with an endorsement from my namesake.Read more
TravelerWe'll have to put that on our "to do" list. Weather looks good too!
4/17/23Reply
TravelerThe beach shot was of Port Elliott which is about 5ks to the east of Victor Harbour but is almost a suburb of Victor Harbour. A bit quieter. Great weather today but a bit of rain expected in the next day or so.
4/17/23Reply
TravelerGaz
4/19/23Reply
TravelerThe horse pulling that cart at Victor Harbor has been doing that for years now. He must be almost as ancient as you😄
4/19/23Reply
TravelerI can still pull a good crowd!
4/19/23Reply
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South Oz & Beyond Traveler
Robe
April 22, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C
Travelled via the Coorong which Lloydy and I were reliably informed meant " near water" by the bus driver who was taking us to the start of our bike ride from Robe to Torquay 5 years ago. It actually means long narrow neck to depict the long narrow inland lakes that run parallel to the coast.What is spooky is I got a call from Bicycle Network about future rides within a couple of hours of being in Robe having not heard from them for the last 5 years. Robe is a nice coastal town with a number of coastal walks. Good caravan site on the lake.Read more
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South Oz & Beyond Traveler
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Mt Gambier
April 23, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
Short drive from Robe via Beachport. Beachport is a really nice little coastal town. Caravan Park overlooks the Blue Lake in Mt Gambier. Discovered how to do panoramic photos so will be new toy for a while.Did a couple of walks around Blue Lake and Valley Lake. You can see Julie broke the law- not once but twice. I haven't seen such a disregard for the law since Lloydy broke the " no fluffing in the tent rule" on our last fishing trip.Read more
Traveler Lawbreaker
4/24/23Reply
TravelerEssential ingredient to minimise mosquitoes apparently Gaz
4/24/23Reply
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South Oz & Beyond Traveler
Port Fairy
April 26, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C
Easy drive from Mt Gambier via Portland. Nice little coastal town that was the rest day for the Gt Vic ride a few years ago. Drove along western end of Gt Ocean Rd to see 12 ( actually about 4 now) apostles, London Bridge ( which has fallen down) with lunch at Port Campbell.Surprisingly good day given the amount of rain overnight. Managed to play golf at Port Fairy Links course which is rated in the top 100 courses in Oz. Went to Koroit for the Irish Festival and enjoyed a few pints of Guiness.Read more
TravelerJon Sanders left Albany sailing today on his way to Portland then to Bundaberg
5/11/23Reply
TravelerI hope you didn't miss another anniversary dinner, Trev!
5/11/23Reply
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South Oz & Beyond Traveler
The Grampians
May 1, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C
Staying at Halls Gap in the heart of the Grampians. Came via Dunkeld where we saw a shop specialising in Kiwi match making. Pretty crazy weather expected but have found Rock Paper Scissors Brewery so should be able to survive. Walked up to the Pinnacles which was spectacular and enjoyed a nice stout at the top.Read more
TravelerRock Paper Scissors, is that where you got your flat tyres Gaz
5/2/23Reply
TravelerNo. I don't think the brewery was here when we did our ride. It's in the middle of town. The hotel where i got the punctures is just out of town - a short ride but a long run!
5/2/23Reply
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South Oz & Beyond Traveler
Clare
May 6, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C
A little cold with 0 degrees overnight. Went to Clare historical society and found records for great grandparents who had land in Clare. Tracked down grave in Spring Farm Methodist cemetary. Lunch at Mr Mick's and doing Riesling Cycle Trail today. Still cold but managing to get out. Had nice lunch at Watervale Hotel on bike ride and also enjoyed a few wines @ Good Catholic Girls winery and Crabtree. Also went to historic copper mining town Burra.Read more
TravelerThat's too cold for my liking! How many times dis you boil the kettle just to get warm. 🥶😆
5/6/23Reply
TravelerAircon has been on heat cycle even with Julies in built heating system
5/8/23Reply
TravelerGreat that you were able to locate your great grandparents grave.
5/7/23Reply
TravelerVery lucky as only went to historical society in last hour it was opened for the week.
5/8/23Reply
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South Oz & Beyond Traveler
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Coober Pedy
May 12, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 19 °C
Interesting town- not much ground that hasn't been mined to some extent. Travelled via Woomera- Australia's answer to Rocket Boy. Did two underground mine tours. Drove to Moon Plains ( not a tree in sight) and watched the sunset over the Breakaways. Went to both the Catholic and Serbian underground churches and had a bit more holy water to finish the day.Read more
Rod SermonLooks like you are both having a ball
5/11/23Reply
Traveler Typical! 😆
5/11/23Reply
TravelerYeah you two, your trip is looking great 👌
5/11/23Reply
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South Oz & Beyond Traveler
Uluru
May 15, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C
Travelled from Coober Pedy and camped at Agnes Ck. Arrived at Yalara and finally after 40 years of marriage Julie's got the big rock she was chasing! Watched the sunset at Uluru last night and then walked 10.5km around the base today. Visited the Olgas and saw the sun set.Did a couple of walks at the Olgas- Walla Gorge and Valley of the winds- walking through the Valley of the winds reminded me of the last time I played pool with Lloyd- there were definitely a couple of "foul" shots that night!Read more
TravelerLooks Awesome!
5/16/23Reply
Rod SermonGreat spot. Love the rock.👍👍
5/17/23Reply
Travelergary we had a laugh at your comment. the big rock xo
5/18/23Reply
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South Oz & Beyond Traveler
Kings Canyon
May 19, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C
Lovely area and caravan park is right on doorstep of Kings Canyon. They have a sunset bar with live music so enjoyable start. Walked to Kathleen Springs and doing the rim walk of Kings Canyon tommorrow. The walk around Kings Canyon rim was about 7.2km long and it took us 3.5 has including lunch. Started at 9am and the wind kept the temp down and the flies away. It would have to be one of the better walks I have done. Absolutely stunning views.Read more
TravelerWe loved Kings Canyon!
5/18/23Reply
Travelerlooks lovely.
5/18/23Reply
TravelerAside from the obvious natural beauty of the gorges the facilities at the resort are excellent and a bit more laid back than Uluru. Live music whilst watching the sunset over the ranges whilst enjoying a cold frothie- can't get any better than that!
5/18/23Reply
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South Oz & Beyond Traveler
Alice Springs
May 21, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 13 °C
After getting info of recent grading of the Meereenie loop road we set off the Alice via Hermannsburg. Not quite a highway as described and it certainly had its moments but we survived the 140ks of gravel with a bit of dust, a couple of loose screws and the cooker knows coming off. Particularly amused by the 44 gal. drums either side of a very tight corner- on one side it said " Take um foot off" and after "Put um back down". Not sure it was worth the 200km we saved but done anyhow. Julie not overly impressed by the dust in the van. Park put on pancakes next morning and after we set off up the Glen Helen Scenic Drive that covers the Western MacDonnell ranges. 350km travelled but absolutely magnificent scenery.Travelled out to Ross River and the East MacDonnell ranges. Nowhere near as good as the western side but some nice spots. Took Julie on a real 4wd experience via creek beds to a rock pool- very rough!Read more
TravelerMagnificent colours. Well worth losing your knobs Gaz! 🤣🤣🤣🤣
5/21/23Reply
TravelerI'm not sure Julie was as impressed after an hour of cleaning the inside of the caravan but I agree the West MacDonnell ranges are magnificent. Doing the eastern ranges tommorrow
5/21/23Reply
TravelerMinus the caravan, I assume!
5/21/23Reply
TravelerYes. I think that might end up with me losing more than my knobs!
5/21/23Reply
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South Oz & Beyond Traveler
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Daly Waters
May 24, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
500k drive to Daly Waters from Devils Marbles where we camped last night - I wondered where they went when I lost them! Staying just behind pub and have pre ordered their beef and barra for tonight. Finally a temp over 25 deg. Had dinner at pub and a few drinks watching live music. Got a visit from the local goat in the beer garden- goats lie!Read more
Traveler Love your hat Jules! Holiday looks fab. Can't wait to hear all about it.
5/25/23Reply
Traveler I think that goat likes you
5/25/23Reply
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South Oz & Beyond Traveler
Bitter Springs
May 25, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
Staying at Bitter Springs just north of Mataranka and only 500m from the Springs. Springs are crystal clear and a constant 34 deg.C and swimming area is about 100m with a gentle current taking you from one end to the other. We were in the water for well over an hour and a half and came out with a few more wrinkles than we went in with- well at least rates my story!!Read more
Traveler34C sounds real good
5/25/23Reply
TravelerSprings look wonderful
5/26/23Reply
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South Oz & Beyond Traveler
Katherine
May 26, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C
Started day with dip at Mataranka Thermal pool before heading off to Katherine. Staying at Big 4 caravan park right near low level crossing and Katherine thermal pool. Pool marginally cooler than Mataranka but still 32deg. The upper pool at Edith Falls was magnificent-water was refreshing but surprisingly not that cold. On the way home we saw a rodeo happening in showground so stopped for a beer and a look. Did a great 3 gorge cruise up Katherine Gorge with a fresh swim in the waterfall.Read more
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South Oz & Beyond Traveler
Litchfield National Park
May 30, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C
Did a quick trip out to have a look at Florence Falls and a swim at Buley Rock hole. Last time I was here was in 1990 with the kids and the road was gravel but don't remember the road traversing hilly areas so nicer surface but terrible alignment. Big day- started day with swim at Florence Falls, went to Wangi Falls but currently closed to swimming because of water levels, Tolerance Falls and really great waterhole ( Tjaetaba Falls) at upper level of Green Ant creek. Did some 4wd to get to Lost City- found it it's over here!Read more
TravelerLovely spot Litchfield
5/30/23Reply
TravelerI agree. There's still a couple of spots that haven't fully opened yet but there still is plenty to do
5/30/23Reply
TravelerGee Gaz, nearly all of the swimming holes that you are in look identical to the ones we were in last year,and plenty of water as well.
5/31/23Reply
TravelerApparently it has taken a full wet season to fill the rock pools up since you were last in them! The upper pool (Tjaetaba Falls) was my favourite as well although the Buley rockpools were good as well.
5/31/23Reply
TravelerI think our favorite was Green Ant Hill, upper level. We have been there twice and would certainly go again,however,you wouldn't want to go over the edge
5/31/23Reply
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South Oz & Beyond Traveler
Darwin
June 1, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C
Arrived at Darwin via a swim at Berry Springs and a counter lunch at the Humpty Doo pub. Had dinner at Mingil Beach sunset markets.Big 2nd day - drove to see rock carvings by Japanese artist Mitsuaki Tanabe then jumping crocodiles, Fogg Dam and Howard Springs where there were massive barra and turtles in " no fishing" area. Visited the RFDS and Darwin bombing museum at Stokes wharf and have fantastic virtual reality goggles to show Japanese bombing of Darwin. I might see if I can get a pair that shows the Eagles winning a game. Had seafood buffet at Cullen Bay last night with army band playing music on foreshore.. Decided to stay at Pine Ck on first night out of Darwin and went into Umbawarra Gorge and had a swim in a rock pool.- had it to ourselves apart from the crocs!Read more
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South Oz & Beyond Traveler
Kununurra
June 13, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C
A couple of days to replenish stocks after NT. Was going to Emma Gorge but Julie got gastro so stayed around town. Went to Mirrama ( Hidden Valley) and managed a game of golf as the course was next door. Nice site right near Lake. Enroute to Derby stayed at Mimbi Caves camp-site and did cave tour which was very good before another stop at Ellendale Lake. Went over Fitzroy Xing causeway with new bridge under construction just downstream.Read more
TravelerHope Jules ok sending love and hugs xx
6/11/23Reply
TravelerHope you are on the mend Jules. Nothing worse when you are travelling and relying on public toilets.
6/11/23Reply
TravelerNot good Jules, get better quickly,as we have a big event happening soon.
6/13/23Reply
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South Oz & Beyond Traveler
Broome
June 19, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 24 °C
After a couple of days at Derby where we caught up with Gerry and Heather,played scroungers, saw the sunset at Mark Nortel's sculptures and bought a painting from a very talented aboriginal girl, Sarah Amy. Did a great sunset tour incorporating snub nosed dolphins. Horizontal Falls and the Buccaneer Archapelago were spectacular.Read more
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South Oz & Beyond Traveler
Onslow
July 4, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Spending a week in Onslow after short stints in Barn Hill, Port Hedland and 40 Mile.in keeping with old farts holiday we had a roll up at the bowling green and free games of pool whilst enjoying a couple of cold frothies ( discounted of course!). Lucky to catch a aboriginal band from Port Hedland who were in town for NAIDOC week as we staggered home so encouraged us to have a few more drinks and a bit of a knees up. Got copious amount of oysters off the old jetty and what we thought would be an easy exercise to shuck them ended up with numerous blows with a hammer and prying open with knife whilst getting eaten by sand flies Ended up with just meat which were mixed in with Kilpatrick concoction which were surprisingly goodRead more
TravelerCheck out the fishing for me Gaz
6/29/23Reply
TravelerUnfortunately its been blowing everyday we've been here so not many boats going out. Should clear after weekend
6/30/23Reply
TravelerThanks Gaz, spending the weekend there before Denham. Plan B is the Beadon 😏 or is that Plan A ?
6/30/23Reply
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Ashburton River
July 6, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 20 °C
Staying a couple of nights on the Ashburton River near Old Onslow township before heading south into the cold. Very busy but got a great spot on the river.
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South Oz & Beyond Traveler
Home
July 15, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C
Arrived home after a wet night in Sandy Cape. Went via Horrocks which was a really nice little coastal town. Been a great holiday but it's nice to be back.
TravelerWe are just about to start our holiday
7/14/23Reply
TravelerNarrogin next Thursday, York Friday night, boys town then dongara, Kalbarri, monkey Mia then a station starting with W then back home again, away for 4 weeks
7/14/23Reply
TravelerSounds good Trev. We'll be off again on 30 July for 2 weeks in Denham with Kelly and Eva
7/15/23Reply
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Trip end
July 14, 2023