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  • Duncan Grant

South Australia

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  • Duncan GrantSouth AustraliaDuncan Grant

    Jamestown

    March 19, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    Jamestown, birth place of the Aussie icon, R M Williams and home to the big battery.
    The agricultural based town is siuated 3 hours from Adelaide. The town is set amongst gums, often laiden with noisy cockatoos.There are many typical old stone buildings.We visited the interpretive display in honour of R M Williams. Born in Jamestown 24 th May 1908, living with his family on a nearby farm till the family moved to 5 Percy St Prospect when he was 12. This address was where he established himself as the mecca for bushman.
    A mosaic themed town name greets you in the main street. It displays sheep with gumboots on. The china pieces making the boots are donated heirloom pieces from locals, the boots a tribute to R M. and his famous boots and saying " step up boots and all "
    We visited the nearby Bundaleer forest, established in 1875. It was known as " the birth place of Australian forestry " being the first plantation in Australia where a diversity of exotic and native timbers were planted in a bid to find the most suitable plantation tree for the area.
    Jamestown has recently gained attention by the renewable energy source, the Hornsdale wind turbines and storage battery system. Whilst the energy storage area is off limits , situated in a paddock approx 1 km from the road, we could park near some of the many turbines and see sheep happily graze nearby.
    After our Jamestown stop it was time to pack up and head home, planning our next adventure on the way.    Read more

  • Duncan GrantSouth AustraliaDuncan Grant

    Eastern Eyre Peninsula

    March 18, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    We drove down the eastern coastal region of the Eyre Peninsula finding the northern part to be mostly open pastoral country. Low shrubbery including blue bush and salt bush, ideal sheep grazing country. Further south, evidence of cropping prevailed, eventually leading to large paddocks, now currently stubble, silos and small towns.
    Using Tumby Bay as our base, we ventured out finding an area of pristine coastlines, large national parks and marine parks, history, agriculture and fishing and even more fishing.
    One example of its history was the anchor of a ship , the Lady Kinnaird. She was loaded with a cargo of wheat leaving Port Pirie 19th January 1880, when she ran into a storm causing her to hit rocks at midnight on 20th January,. The crew were saved but the boat broke up.
    The grand old Franklin Hotel is an example of some of the beautiful old buildings over the Peninsula.
    The Eyre Peninsula, even though a small part of Australia is certainly a ideal place to visit. The coastline is never too far, open spaces to discover, bigger towns to enjoy dining and shopping or you can simply sleep out under the magnificent stars it's all there. We will have to start planning a trip to discover the Western region 👍    Read more

  • Duncan GrantSouth AustraliaDuncan Grant

    Coffin Bay National Park

    March 15, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Situated on the western tip of Lower Eyre Peninsula, 45 kms from Port Lincolin, this idyllic little town is surrounded by sea and national parks. It is famous for fantastic seafood, notably Coffin Bay oysters. Duncan happily volunteered to just see how good they were but needed the full dozen to decide !
    The town was named after Sir Isaac Coffin, a friend of explorer Matthew Flinders.
    And Duncan's decision re how good the oysters were ? He may need to repeat the experience several times over in the future to really make up his mind. 😁    Read more

  • Duncan GrantSouth AustraliaDuncan Grant

    Tumby Bay

    March 15, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 26 °C

    Tumby Bay is a relaxed yet well appointed little seaside town. We decided to use the town as our base in exploring the region. It boasts a 10 km stretch of white sandy beach, with the towns foreshore kept neat and tidy. There are well kept lawns, shade areas and children's playground. There is year round fishing, boating, sailing, and sightseeing. There is a long jetty where people are frequently seen casting a line. The jetty is home to the Leafy Sea Dragon colony but you would need to dive to see them.
    Nearby is the Sir Joseph Banks Group of Islands, a breeding ground for a large variety of sea birds, seals, dolphins and fish.
    Tumby also gave us some glorious sunrises to kick start are day.
    The Tumby Bay hotel was another favourite spot serving up some delicious evening meals for us to savor. It was built in 1904 by a wealthy pastoralist, initially single story, it later had the second story added in 1909. This was achieved by jacking up the roof, building layer by layer, hauling limestone to build the upper level, the roof then being lowered and secured in position.    Read more

  • Duncan GrantSouth AustraliaDuncan Grant
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    Port Lincoln

    March 15, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Situated on Boston Bay, one of the largest protected natural harbours in the world, in fact three times the size of Sydney Harbour. The natural deep water harbour makes Port Lincoln attractive to large bulk carriers.
    Port Lincoln is also known as the " Seafood capital of Australia " where you can enjoy mouth watering seafood, as well as interact with the amazing sea life from cage diving with the Great Whites, to watching playful Australian sea lions. The town is the ideal base from which to explore the scenic coastline and beaches, and enjoy a myriad of experiences including sailing, scuba diving, kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, fishing or if the fish aren't biting there are plenty of galleries, museums, shops and restaurants to pass the time.
    The foreshore is also home to a life size bronzed statue of the famous mare , Melbourne Cup three time winner Makybe Diva. The mare owned by Tony Santic, who was a local tuna fisherman. We took Mawson along and let him experience sitting on the super mare.
    The mosaic couch is a peaceful contemplation, conversation and connection artwork. Mawson Sat himself down waiting to experience the scerenity.    Read more

  • Duncan GrantSouth AustraliaDuncan Grant

    Whyalla

    March 12, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Whyalla is located on the western shore of the upper Spencer Gulf on the Eyre Peninsula and is 385 kms northwest of Adelaide. The town has a substantial industrial base providing mining, engineering and steel services.
    We spent an extremely windy afternoon which lasted into the evening staying into the next day. The gale which was blowing certainly made it difficult to sleep as our van was on a site directly off the foreshore. We did manage some sightseeing without being blown off the face of the earth.
    Matthew Flinders first navigated the north Spencer Gulf in 1802, followed by Frenchman Louis-Claude Freycinet in 1803, these famous explorers are remembered in contemporary sculptures of the pair.
    The foreshore has recreational areas and is linked to the Ada Ryan gardens for everyone to enjoy. Along the foreshore is a sculpture of a stainless steel globe of the world honouring the multicultural heritage of the town and also a diver , an acknowledgement of humans and nature interacting . Little Mawson was up close and personal with the diver. In town is a steel artwork honouring the Henry Lawson story of the Loaded Dog. Made of thousands of pieces of small steel rods it makes a wonderful exhibit.
    One little structure we saw looked nothing other than a high rise Hobit house, looking rather funny we thought.    Read more

  • Duncan GrantSouth AustraliaDuncan Grant

    Yorke Peninsular Northern End

    March 11, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    Two things there are plenty of on the York Peninsula are large cropped paddocks and anglers !
    The towns are mostly small, sleepy even a little tired looking, most boasting some beautiful old limestone buildings, usually pubs !
    The town of Minlaton, today known as the ' Barley Capital of the World ' was an exception. The town was bright and tidy, colourful flower beds, trees, picnic areas and a playground all added to the picture.
    The town of Edithburg, more southern end of the peninsula, was home to a tidal swimming pool, great concept but certainly no competition to the tidal pool at Manly.
    Another feature was the Wattle Point wind farm, in fact wind farms are prevalent all over South Australia.
    Mining once dominated the area. One famous town was Moonta. Patrick Ryan, a shepherd, discovered copper in the mouth of a wombat burrow in This discovery lead to the formation of the Moonta Mining Company. The area is maintained by the National Trust, the train line and tunnel leading to Ryan's waste dump still present.    Read more

  • Duncan GrantSouth AustraliaDuncan Grant

    Wot's in a Name !

    March 11, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 2 °C

    Whilst visiting the York Peninsula we found these special names :
    Port Julia a special reference to our second daughter. Wool Bay made us think of our farming days and our bond to the wool industry. It's name refers to the location where wool was loaded onto boats after being rolled through a gap in the cliffs that was wide enough to roll a bale through down onto the beach.
    Gym beach: the ultimate workout destination.
    Tiddy Widdy Beach : thought it sounded a little bit Benny Hill.
    Pine Point : The name of our farm in NSW.
    Ryan's shaft : we'll let you make up your own mind. ( Ange was a Ryan )    Read more

  • Duncan GrantSouth AustraliaDuncan Grant

    Wallaroo - Copper Coast

    March 11, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    Wallaroo was once a bustling mining town, which mined, smeltered and delivered copper and other metals to the world. Today it is a popular holiday town. Situated approx 160 kms from Adelaide, it now has a multimillion dollar marina with family recreation in mind. Boating, paddle boarding, windsurfing, sailing and swimming all popular. There is a pontoon on the foreshore to take the plunge from or simply swim in the shallows from the beach.
    There is a deep sea port and is home to the Spencer Gulf prawn fleet. Grain silo's and ship loading facilities are present.
    Just out of town, we saw a magnificent tree in flower. We believe the tree to be a Sweet Acacia, with it dense large yellow flowers and red nuts it truly was a magnificent site.    Read more

  • Duncan GrantSouth AustraliaDuncan Grant

    Yorke Peninsula - Southern end

    March 10, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    On an extremely hot March Saturday , reaching 38 degrees, we drove to the Southern York Peninsula. We had both expected to find the town's bigger with more facilities but instead we found sleepy fishing town's with endless supply of holiday rentals, beach shacks, all mixed with some upmarket two story homes. We had both expected to find Marion Bay bigger with a nice park and somewhere to have a swim but really it's a fishing village. We spent most of the day exploring Innes National Park, staying mostly in the car due to the heat, and jumping out to check the designated photo stops. There was some great coastline to view but cliff faces and no shade made a day at the beach a little less inviting. Innes National Park is what is known as York's big toe. The peninsula is really shaped like someone's right lower leg -knee to toe. The park gives you the opportunity to gaze over the beautiful ocean and see some stunning coastal views with the coast being protected by the Southern Spencer Gulf Marine Park.Read more

  • Duncan GrantSouth AustraliaDuncan Grant

    McLaren Vale

    March 8, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    McLaren Vale is a 45min drive from Adelaide and has an abundance of wineries, cafes and restaurants. It's signature wine is Shiraz and at McLaren Vale you can see spectacular scenery where the vines meet the sea. One of the areas newest draw cards is the d'Arenberg Cube, costing over $13 million to build, this glass structure amongst the vines, is set to become one of Australia's most notable food and wine experiences. It offers a variety of sensory rooms to give you a new appreciation and perspective on wine tasting.
    Zerella winery was a favourite, a smaller winery run by several generations of an Italian family. During our tasting we were lucky enough to meet 91 year old Frank, a model for what living on a Mediterranean diet can do , a small man , but stood perfectly straight unaided with a mind a sharp as a tack. There was a great picture of Frank and his grandson on the iron wall at the tasting bar.
    We also stocked up on a few tasty supplies from Romeo's grocery, this store has won awards as a top grocer, there were tasting plates of cheese and other yummy things, even a special cheese room which looked fantastic.    Read more

  • Duncan GrantSouth AustraliaDuncan Grant
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    Fleurieu Peninsula

    March 8, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    The Fleurieu Peninsula has a stunning landscape of rolling hills, farmland, national parks, and vineyards, fringed on both sides by sandy white beaches and a rugged coastline of burnt orange cliffs.
    We stopped off at Maslin Beach , beautiful clear water and beside the car park was a great kids playground, and also fitness equipment , with a lovely grassed area and a drinking water fountain and a doggie water bowl !!!
    A really nice spot but not much shade.
    Next we stopped at Moana beach, great little spot. Modern surf life saving club, a great little cafe which stays open till late so we decided we would buy some dinner and sit on the beach to watch the sunset. We spent a few hours at Mclaren Vale before returning to watch the sunset.    Read more

  • Duncan GrantSouth AustraliaDuncan Grant
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    Robe

    March 4, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Robe was founded in 1846 and was a prosperous tall ship port in its heyday, and enjoyed even then as a holiday spot. Still claiming a popular vote with tourists it retaines heritage charm and appeal with beautifully restored old buildings, rugged coastlines and stunning beaches, including Long Beach where you can take a drive onto the beach. On the shores of Guichen Bay, this charming seaside town offers sumptuous seafood, local wines, coastal walks, water sports, pubs, cafes, fashion boutiques and art galleries.
    Cape Dombeys' most striking feature is the tall red and white striped Obelisk which makes a striking stand defying the rough weather on decaying limestone cliffs. It original white colour changed to the red and white striped to make visibility easier, up to 20 kms on a clear day. The Obelisk was used to store rockets which were fired to distressed ships, carrying life lines and baskets for bringing passengers ashore. 30 shipwrecks occurring in Guichen Bay in 1853 alone.    Read more

  • Duncan GrantSouth AustraliaDuncan Grant

    Coonawarra

    March 4, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Coonawarra - Australia's red wine centre can be found several minutes from Penola. Taking its name from the Aboriginal word "honeysuckle" it is a famous strip of rich, red terra rossa soil sitting atop deep limestone beds has given rise to many of the nation's finest drops, with a worldwide reputation for unique flavour and quality. Cabernet Sauvignon has become the region's signature drop. The region contains 25 cellar doors, all within 10 mins' drive of one another.
    Coonawarra was a spot that Duncan spent a lot of time exploring in his youth He remembers going to the weekly dances at the Memorial Hall and also a young romance with a girl who would later become a Miss Australia - the road that passed her house has now been named after her - Tricia Reschie Rd.
    We visited the little house situated along the main road where the Grants made their home whilst the farmhouse at "Angus Downs" was established. The old house has seen its day, but it still had an apple tree in the front yard which had ripe apples falling unpicked to the ground. Angela was more than happy to take advantage of the situation and fill a bag full to munch on whilst holidaying.    Read more

  • Duncan GrantSouth AustraliaDuncan Grant

    Penola

    March 3, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    We spent our first night at Penola-a town approximately 390 kms south of Adelaide and 424 kms west of Melbourne.
    Penola is best known for its association with Mary MacKillop, Australia's first Catholic saint, who lived and worked in the area.
    Duncan and his family spent several years in the area living and farming at a property they named " Angus Downs ", where they farmed beef and sheep. Wal and Lorna had purchased a large area of natural bush to develop into a functioning farm, initially living near the town and later Wal building a farm house for the family.
    We stopped off at Duncan's primary school at Penola- established in1855 and today is a well maintained school, he rememberd playing in the school yard with friends.
    We took some time to drive around the town giving Duncan the joy of remembering buildings and stories of his youth. He remembers well attending the local St Mary's Anglican church so he took young Mawson along to learn about being a good boy.
    Visitors to the town will find a lively range of cafes, galleries, art and crafts. Nearby is the famous Coonawarra wine region and for those wanting something different you can hire a bike from Penola and ride to the wineries.    Read more

  • Duncan GrantSouth AustraliaDuncan Grant

    Maaoupe

    March 3, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    We took a short trip out to the small hamlet of Maaoupe, the area where Wal and Lorna purchased the property they named "Angus Downs". This land was uncleared with no house but the growing family managed to establish themselves there for approximately ten or so years. Duncan went to a little school at Maacoupe which is the current site of the fire station. Duncan also had the joy of owning his first horse , which was named Francis , and can remember galloping flat out across the swamps and sand hills. We passed Pollards road which lead to his friend, Alex's home and he recalls often riding Francis over to enjoy riding with him. Near Maacoupe lived Lynette, his first flame. The property was named " By The Way" and still is so named today. Our last joy was a sign post near the site of the old school which ironically had Ryan Tracker Road on it -must have been in the crystal ball as many years later fell in love with his last flame Angela Ryan.Read more

  • Duncan GrantSouth AustraliaDuncan Grant

    Drysdale

    March 2, 2018 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    All packed and ready to roll !!

    However , as we opened the caravan door to
    put the last supplies and clothing inside , we
    found an attempt had been made overnight
    to prise the door open and gain entry to the
    van.
    We found that the mechanism that secures
    the outer door to the inner flyers door had
    been damaged and did not secure them
    properly so we proceeded with caution only
    to be alerted by a road worker that the door
    had opened.
    We had some elastic straps which held the
    doors closed till they could be fixed.

    Despite this we made good time to Penola
    our first stop.    Read more

    Trip start
    March 2, 2018
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