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Around Oz 2023-24
  • Tanya Simmons
  • Tanya Simmons

Around Oz 2023-24

An open-ended adventure by Tanya Read more
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  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Granite Rocks Car Park

    Jan 27–28, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 19 °C

    We pulled into this pretty free camp on the beach for an overnight stay. We were heading to Kingston SE but didn't need to be there till Monday to pick up some mail.

    Would have been a nice stay for a couple of days if the weather was better. Very windy, cold, and rainy.Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Kingston SE

    Jan 28–31, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    What a great town. We mainly stopped here to pick up some mail. The RV site was excellent. Just across the road from the water. No swimming was a bit cold, plus a great white has been spotted hanging around.

    We just chilled out here. Got some deep cleaning done in the van, plus a much need haircut for me.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Robe

    January 31, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    We only stopped here for a cuppa and a look around. It's a very nice town...but not particularly RV friendly. Would have spent a couple of days here if they had a cheaper camping option.

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Mount Gambier - Lakes

    Feb 1–4, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    We are revisiting Mount Gambier... spent time here on our first trip to SA. Oh, so long ago. It's a very pretty town with lots of green spaces.

    Camped at the showgrounds again. Same as last time.

    Explored the lakes today.
    The Blue Lake is stunning. Last time, we did the hike right around. Feeling a bit lazy 😴 so drove around instead.

    I do love the Rook Wall & Lookout. Looks like something out of an old castle. The veiw over the Blue Lake is great.

    Then, down to Valley Lake & Conservation Park. Beautiful parkland here. Plus, the conservation park is nice to stroll through. Spotted so sweet wallabies.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Mount Gambier - Cave Gardens

    February 2, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    On day 2, we revisited the Cave Garden and Umpherston Sinkhole. Both are amazing.

    There is normally a night light show at the Cave Garden, but it was not running due to technical problems. One of the other sinkholes was closed. Have a tidy up.

    The van got a new set of tyres while we were here.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Carpenter Rocks

    Feb 3–5, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Have had a couple of nice days at Carpenter Rocks. Camped at Admella Reserve. Massive grassy area across the road from the beach.

    Had some lovely walks along the beach. Not warm enough to swim. Drove out to the Lighthouse. Had a yummy fish and chip dinner from the local store.

    There was a very pretty pink seaweed washed up on the beach. Hadn't seen it before. Apparently, it's the preferred seaweed to feed to cattle. Constantly learning new things.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Eight Mile Creek

    Feb 5–7, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    We free camped here overnight on our way to Portland Vic.
    Was a nice grassy spot, sheltered from the wind. You could camp on either side of the creek. A short stroll to the beach. Unfortunately, the beach was a bit yuck. Lots of dead Wobbygong sharks everywhere. Plus, the beach was thick with seaweed. Made for a very smelly mess. They think the sharks died after the massive rain falls recently in the area. The fresh water washing into the sea from the creek lowered the salinity.

    The other interesting thing was a massive flock of black swans. Over 60. Have never seen them on the open oeacn before

    Didn't take any photos. Forgot to take my photo when we checked out the beach...wasn't keen to go back down.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Portland

    Feb 6–10, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    We have crossed over into Victoria...our 5th state.

    Currently in Portland. Free camping at the RV site. Very nice.

    Had a drive along the coastline this afternoon. I was very excited to find a Gannet colony. The only one on mainland Australia. Plus, it breeding season, so they are here. Even more exciting ... we are doing a free tour of the colony with the rangers. So get to go inside the gated area and get up close.

    There is a stunning Lighthouse out on Cape Nelson. With all the charming workers cottages. These can be rented out. There is even a nice coffee shop.

    It is a very nice town with lots of lovely old buildings.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Portland Cable Trams

    February 7, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Not only do we have a great free camp at Portland, but it is next to the cable trams. You can see our van through the gateway
    Had a fun and informative tour on board this morning. Even spotted a koala.

    The museum was well worth a look as well. There is no extra charge to have a look.

    Graham was extra excited as he found $20    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Treloar Rose Farm - Portland

    February 7, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    I was in Rose Heaven here. What a beautiful place to just stroll around and smell the roses 🌹

    We stopped at the strawberry farm as well. The best strawberries we have had for years. So full of flavour. An added plus. They make their own ice cream...yum.Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Point Danger Gannet Colony

    February 7, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    We were very lucky to be here at the same time as the Gannets. What a treat to be able to veiw them up close. Such elegant birds. They have a wing span of 2 metres. And mate for life. Around 25 years. There were a number of chicks still here they are usually all gone by the end of March.

    Not forgetting the red belly black snake that crossed our path.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Cape Bridgewater

    February 8, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Did the short drive from Portland to Cape Bridgewater today. What a stunning spot.

    ✔️ best beach we have seen in a while. Even if it was too cold to swim.
    ✔️ fantastic walk to the Petrified Forest and Blowholes.
    ✔️ Bridgewater lakes. A short drive inland. It's a very pretty spot to paddle a canoe, swim, or picnic. Had a large group of school children arrive at the same time as us.
    ✔️ Tarragal Caves near the lakes. Was a very steep climb up. But a great veiw. We keep forgetting we aren't as agile as we used to be. Took it very slow coming down.
    🦭 you can also veiw a seal colony at Cape Bridgewater. As it's a 2.5 hr walk with a high leave of fitness required. We decided maybe not for us.

    An excellent day out 😊    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Sawpit Campground @ Narrawong

    Feb 10–12, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    We spent 2 nights free camping at Sawpit, 20ks east of Portland. It's a great camping spot. Was amazed you could have a fire.

    Did the walk that was supposed to take you to a look out. Pitiful signage. Never found the lookout, but it was a nice walk.Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Portland

    Feb 13–15, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 21 °C

    Back to Portland for 2 nights. We are a bit smitten with this area. There is so much to see and do. Did the drive out on the jetty. Was great you can park up and fish from your car.
    Visited the Botanical Gardens. The dahlias were magnificent. The gardens were lovely to stroll around.
    Had to go back to the Strawberry Farm to stock up. And visited the local koala.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Great Ocean Road

    Feb 17–19, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    On the road again. Dropped into revisit some of the stunning scenery along the GOR on the way to our camp for the next 2 nights at Princetown Recreational Park. Have a powered site here. The first time in ages. Roast for dinner 🍽 😋. As we can break out the airfryer.

    Bay of Islands
    The Grotto
    London Bridge    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Great Ocean Road continued

    February 17, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Had a fantastic day revisiting the Western end of the Great Ocean Road today. Started grey and cloudy. Then the sun broke through to a lovely day

    We started going down to the beach at Gibson's Steps. We didn't do this when we were here years ago... it was wet and windy. I'm so
    pleased we did it this time.

    Then, just up the road to the 12 Apostles.

    On to Port Campbell for lunch and a stroll. We stayed in the van park here last time. It's a very pretty spot with a nice swimming beach.

    We left our favourite Lock Ard Gorge till last. When we were here last, you could go down steps to the Gorge. These are now closed off as in a dangerous condition. Lock Ard Gorge is the sight of a tragic ship wreck. Only 2 survivors. A young lad and girl. They washed through the narrow entrance to the Gorge and up onto the beach. The young lad climbed the cliffs to find help.

    The only downside to this beautiful area is the bus loads of visitors. We are no longer used to crowds. My tolerance for people that block up areas taking 100s of selfies is at all time low. Have become a grumpy old woman.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Meredith Park

    Feb 19–28, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Free camping at Meredith Park just east of Colac for 2 nights. It's a lovely spot on Colac Lake.
    Just finished setting up, and a squadron of pelicans drifted past. What a lovely welcome.
    Checked out the windmill park at Beeac just up the road.
    Had a nice stroll around the Botanical Gardens in Colac. Down the far end of the lake where we camped. We can see the light down here at night from the campground. We also visited the very impressive war memorial in Colac.

    Off to Geelong this morning. Then, over to Tassie on Friday.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Geelong

    February 21, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    We really didn't do much while in Geelong waiting to board the Spirit of Tasmania. The days were incredibly hot. Spent most of the time in the van with the A/C on full.

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Geelong to Devonport

    February 23, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Heading to state #6

    An early start Friday morning to board the Spirit of Tasmania. The new terminal at Geelong is very nice. Plus seemed a lot more organised than the old one.
    The day trip over was excellent. A little swell after we left Port Phillip. Enjoyed doing the trip during the day. Not that you see much beside the ocean. Travelled down to Railton after we disembarked. Love free camp area.

    Just ducked back up to Devonport the next day to shop. We were keen to go to the Farmers Market at the showgrounds to pick up fresh vegies. Where very disappointed. Only one stand with a few sad look veggies. Mostly just food and coffee vans. Back to woolies to shop.

    We did a quick drive up to the Lighthouse and a walk around while in town. Feeling a bit tired so headed back to the van for a restful afternoon.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Railton

    Feb 23–27, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Spending our first few nights at a Railton. At great free camp area and jump off to explore.

    Railton is known for its fun topiary down the main street.

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Narawntapu National Park

    February 25, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    Our first Tassie NP. The fees here are so reasonable. $38 for a years pass.

    Was a beautiful farm land and forests to arrive at our destination. Picked up some honey on the way home. Just missed out on the new potatoes fresh from the farm.

    Did the bird hide walk at the NP. So much wildlife. Spotted our first Tassie Devil. To fast to get a photo. Adorable Pademelon wallabies everywhere.

    Then, down for a walk along Bakers Beach. An excellent walking beach.
    A picnic lunch at Griffiths Point up the east end of the beach.

    The days have been fantastic so far.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Tasmanian Arboretum

    February 26, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Another beautiful day in Tassie. Having a great time heading out exploring.

    Today was the Tasmania Arboretum. So lovely just strolling around enjoying the sunshine. No luck spotting any platypus in the lake. There is some living there and can often be spotted during the day.

    On the way home, we picked up some local cider and fruit and veg. Granny Smith's for 50c a kilo. Apple crumble for dessert.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Dasher Falls

    February 27, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    A good little walk. A bit steep in places. Would be magnificent after some heavy rain.

    Luckily, we had google maps and no signs.

    Visited a Berry farm on the way back. Yummy raspberry and blueberries.Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Honeycomb Campground

    Feb 28–Mar 5, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Moved camp today. Free camping in the Mole Creek Karst National Park. Not far from Mole Creek.

    Explored a couple of caves at the camp site this afternoon. Feeling very adventurous. The creek ran through both caves, so a bit of paddling was required. No sign posts are maps anywhere. Just had to wing it.

    Had a well-earned hot cross bun and coffee when we made it back to camp.    Read more

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