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Around Oz 2023-24
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  • Tanya Simmons

Around Oz 2023-24

An open-ended adventure by Tanya Read more
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  • 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

    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

    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

    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

    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

    The Bend-Motor Sports Park

    January 26, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 21 °C

    Not been major racing fans. We didn't realise that The Bend was the heart of Motor Sports in SA. Went to have a look at it was listed as the main attraction in Tailem Bend. We're we in
    for a treat.

    We couldn't have timed our visit any better. There was a group of drivers having a practice day. Such a friendly group. We were welcomed into pit lane and work areas to stroll around. You could picture what it would be like on a major race day.

    Told to make sure we went up to the Skydeck where we would get a view of the whole track.

    Not to forget all the beautiful cars on show in the Welcome Centre.

    One of the drivers we chatted to informed us that the local caravan park charges $250 per night when the V8s are racing.

    A one in a life time experience for us. You next know what adventure is just down the road when travelling.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Tailem Bend

    Jan 25–27, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Camping at the Tailem Bend Football Club. Poured rain all afternoon on yesterday. I blame old Brian for it. He told us it was going to rain and it did ☔️.
    We had the pleasure of meeting old & young Brian here. Old Brian turns 92 on the April 8th. He was an amazing gentleman, very passionate about his local football club. Plus, was very spritely for his age. Was chasing 100s of Corellas off the oval. Amazing they did not come back.
    Young (not that young) Brian, also an active member of the club, has 2 great grandchildren due on the 9th February... from 2 separate granddaughters. Lovely to meet and chat to interesting locals.

    We didn't really do much on the town. It wasn't one of the prettiest towns we visited. But the old railway station was the best building.

    We did have an amazing time at The Bend Motor Sports Park.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Goolwa Barrage

    January 24, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    My favourite place while visiting this area had to be the Goolwa Barrages.

    " The Goolwa Barrages comprise five barrage structures in the channels separating Lake Alexandrina from the sea at the mouth of the River Murray and the Coorong in South Australia. They were constructed principally to reduce salinity levels in the lower reaches of the River Murray, Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert, but also to stabilise the river level, for both upstream irrigation and pumping."

    The seals the live here were delightful. Such fun watching them playing. Was also thrilled at the birdlife here. Spotted some Great Crested Grebe. First time I have seen them.

    Plus, it's a very pretty picnic spot. Ticked a lot of boxes for me.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Trams & Trains

    January 22, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    We were in tourist mode while in Victor Harbour. Did the horse-drawn tram over the courseway to Granite Is. We could have walked across, but it was much more fun to hitch a ride. Was beautiful on the island. It's very easy to see how it got its name. Didn't do the whole walk around as I was having a bad knee day. But I did tackle the stairs to check out the veiw.

    The next day, we had a rest day as my knee was worse. We were going to go on the Cockle Train. An old steam train that runs between Goolwa and Victor Harbour. Temperature was in the high 30s, so the train was not running. Went to the movies instead. We saw One Life, which we really enjoyed. The extra bargain it was much cooler in the A/C.

     Luckily, the next day was much cooler. Had a fun trip. It runs along the coastline as you approach Victor Harbour.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Port Elliot

    Jan 18–23, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    The Tour Down Under rolled into Port Elliot on Friday. Walked into town to watch. Was a great opportunity to see something we would otherwise never do. I think every motorcycle cop in SA was here. There seemed to be dozens of them coming through before the riders. The local steam train would have been a fun way to come down for the race for spectators out of town. Easier than finding a carpark, plus it was stopped not far from the finish line.

    The next day, we decided to drive up the coast. Find a good swimming beach and have a picnic. Didn't quite work out. Did find a beach to swim. They were either really rocky or very dangerous. We ended up at Javis Bay, where the boat goes over to Kangaroo Island. Was a lovely drive through some very pretty country.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Greenock

    Jan 17–18, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Just an overnight stop. Had a parcel sent here to pick up. The owner of the Post Office is from Brisbane. Moved here last year.

    Very pretty little town...I remembered to take my phone when we walked up the the post office. So I have photos( unlike our last camp) Much cooler today. Have my flannelette shirt on. Crazy weather.

    Camped at the local oval here. Not very flat, but a nice outlook.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Bungaree Station

    January 16, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 34 °C

    We spent a hot, but very enjoyable afternoon exploring Bungaree Station. Clare Valley. What a pleasure to be able to wander around this magnificent property. The audio post scattered around gave a fascinating insight to life on the property.

    The story of Bungaree Station begins on Christmas Day 1841, when our ancestor, George C Hawker and his brothers, James and Charles, selected this as the site for their "head station". They had purchased 2000 ewes from NSW, and on advice of the explorer, Edward John Eyre, went looking for sufficient good land along the Hutt River. They found "good drinkable water at a depth of 8 feet and plenty of it" and named the property “Bungaree”, after the aboriginal name for the area.

    Bungaree became the headquarters of one of Australia’s most successful sheep flocks, running 100,000 merino sheep at a time when the country was said to "ride on the sheep’s back". With over 50 staff and their families living on the property, Bungaree soon resembled a small village, with its own Store, School, District Council Chambers, Blacksmith Shop and Church, as well as the Woolshed, Shearers Quarters, Homestead, Manager's House and other staff cottages.
    The property remains the home of the 4th, 5th and 6th generations of the Hawker family. George and Sally Hawker have handed over the reins for the day-to-day management of the farming activities to their son Edward, while their daughter Vicky manages the hospitality business with her husband Mark Stewart.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Sevenhill Winery

    January 16, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    Revisiting Clare today. Last time we did do a lot of wine tasting. We decided not to do so this visit. But we did return to Sevenhill Winery. Such a beautiful place. Well worth a visit to explore the underground cellars, stunning church and beautiful grounds.

    The first winery in the Clare Valley, Sevenhill Cellars was established by Jesuits in 1851 to produce sacramental wine. Today, the award-winning cellar door offers a diverse range of table wines that are highly regarded throughout Australia and overseas. Outside, the park-like grounds provide an ideal picnic spot and play space for families or visitors can explore the many spiritual and historical sites, including the underground cellar, the stately St Aloysius’ Church and its crypt or the surrounding vineyards, which are some of the oldest in the region. Sevenhill Cellars is a short ride from the region's renowned Riesling Trail and a place you can spend several enjoyable hours.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Blyth/Clare

    Jan 15–17, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Sorry no photos...was meltingly hot on arrival. Did go for a late afternoon walk, but forgot to take my phone.

    We mainly camped here as we wanted to do a couple of things in Clare ... see Sevenhill Winery & Bungaree Station posts. Clare is not an RV friendly town. Blyth is only a short drive into Clare. An interesting little town. No supermarket, but has a cinema and an escape room. Free camped at the local oval. Watched the locals practise batting and bowling in the cricket nets.Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Ardrossan

    Jan 14–16, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Our last camp on the Yorke Peninsula. Ardrossan is on the east coast. We free camped here at the RV site. Ardrossan is known for its Blue Swimmer Crab fishing ... of which there were lots of people fishing for them off the local jetty and the beaches. Its dolomite mines and the factory that produced the famous Australian stump jump plough. It is also where 7 sperm whales beached a number of years ago. There is a beautiful memorial to them.

    It was the first place we visited that didn't have crystal clear waters. I assume it was from the red cliffs.

    We enjoyed our afternoon walk around. There are so many beautiful old homes, with stunning gardens. As in most of SA homes don't have any lawns. The remembrance garden was a lovely stop, with it almost 100 yo pine. We could easily walk under its lower branches. It was a very pretty town to visit.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Wauraltee

    Jan 9–13, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    I don't think there are many places you can camp legally on the beach anymore. What a treat. There had to be over 60 vans and camper trailers along the beach at any given time. The water here was actually warmish for the first time. Only 1 high and low tide every 24hrs. Something to do with the Southern and Pacific Oceans meeting.

    It's a wonderful summer holiday spot. Plus, it's free. If you camp up behind the dunes, it's council land. They charge you $20 per night. The beach camping in crown land no changes.

    Spent lots of time swimming and walking the beach. Would have stayed longer, but the winds were picking up again over the weekend. Not so pleasant on the beach with gale force winds.

    Very pleased with our old van and car. Pulled out of the softer sand without a problem. Not like next to us. 8 Max tracks. 3 men with shovels to get their off-road van out.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Emus @ Innes NP

    January 8, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    As we were leaving Innes NP for the day, we came across this family of emus.

    Not worried by our car at all. Was lovely to sit and watch them.

    Once the female emu lays her eggs, she leaves them for the male to hatch and raise.Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Innes National Park

    January 8, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    What a wonderful day we had exploring Innes National Park. Starting out at the Stenhouse Bay Jetty. The site of an old gypsum mine. I love seeing the local history of places. We did the 2k walk across the cliff and through the coastal heath. You can see Kangaroo Island in the distance from here

    Then on to the Cape Spencer Lighthouse. With more magnificent views. A family of strange Asians thought it was a perfectly good idea to climb through the safety fence with their 3 tiny children and stand on the edge of the cliffs to get photos. Regardless of the many signs warning not to.

    The wreck of the Ethel was our next stop. A beautiful beach down many steps to get to it. Sadly, a boy was killed by a shark here last week. We didn't go down just admired the view from the platform. Not much of the wreck still visible.

     The West Cape Lighthouse was our next stop. Had our picnic lunch looking out over Dolphin Bay. Then did the walk out to the Lighthouse. Was a rough rocky walk, worth it for the veiws.

    Then, down to Shell Beach. It's a great little sheltered beach area. There are a few fishing huts down here still being used. Lots of cars with boat trailers on the beach. We had a little paddle in the water.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Stingrays of Point Turton

    January 7, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    What a charming spot. We enjoyed watching the stingrays by the jetty. The photos show just how crystal clear the waters are. There is a great area to swim between the jetty and the breakwater for the boat ramp. The boats were lined up to come in. We assume because very nasty weather was forecast for the afternoon.Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Minlaton - Red Devil

    January 6, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 24 °C

    We passed through Minlaton on the way to Warooka. Stopped and checked out the Red Devil and story about the local WWI flying ace Captain Harry Butler. It's so interesting. It's amazing the things you find out when travelling.Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Warooka

    Jan 6–9, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    We camped 3 night at the oval here. Was a great base while exploring the lower part of the Yorke Peninsula.

    Was rainning most of our first day exploring. Drove down the coast to Point Turton. Which was a lovely spot. See separate post. Then, on to Corny Point. We're going to have a picnic lunch at the Lighthouse. The sun had finally come out, but was blowing a gale and really cold. We decided to head back to the van from here as they were forecasting server thunder storms for the afternoon... which didn't happen. But did rain again.

    The next day was lovely. We drove down to Innes National Park. See separate post.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Pt Victoria

    Jan 3–6, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    Port Victoria is a small town on the Yorke Peninsula. We are camped at the sports oval.

    Visited the Jetty. Was very windy and cold. Can't believe it was stinking hot the day before. But that's just how it is down here, so we have been told. Drove up to Rifle Butt Beach. Would be a nice place for a swim if the days warm up again.

     We drive up to Wauraltree the next day to check out the camping. You can camp on the beach for free it's crown land. If you camp behind the dunes, it's $20 per night. Council land. Lots of vans camped up along the beach... hardly any behind the dunes. After taking a drive along the beach, we decided we would come down here to camp in a few days once the current rain has passed.
    Continued on to Port Rickaby. What a pretty spot. Had our picnic lunch at the jetty. Then, on to Barkers Rock, an other spot, you can free camp on the beach. Drove along Bluff beach to Browns Point along Bluff Beach. Browns Point was a surprise. It is a tiny area with some very expensive homes. Must say they had a lovely spot with stunning veiws.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Moonta Mines

    January 3, 2024 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    After doing the train ride in the morning we were going to go back and explore the old mine site. Was so hot we just ended up lazing around the van.

    We did go out and explore the next morning before heading to Port Victoria. One of the advantages of not staying in a van park. No time you have to be out by. Was a much cooler day, was very pleasant strolling around. We even did the walk up to the top of one of the tailings heap. I think the path up was the original one from mining days. Visited one of the churches still doing services on a Sunday. It was mandatory for the miners and their families to attend at least one service on a Sunday.

    Was very interesting and well worth the visit.    Read more

  • Tanya SimmonsAround Oz 2023-24Traveler

    Moonta

    Dec 31–Jan 3, 2024 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 22 °C

    We are currently travelling down the Yorke Peninsula. For some reason, we have bypassed it on past trips.

    We really enjoyed our stay at Moonta (know as Little Cornwell.) After all the Cornish miners bought out to mine copper here). Stayed at the RV site. Was packed out over the New Year. It is a very popular tourist spot.

    NYE was spent at Wallaroo (photo 1,2 &3), about 20 minutes from Moonta. Another very nice town. They had the copper smelters here. The chimney in photo is the only one left. Enjoyed the early fireworks. First time in years, we have done something for NYE.

    Went down to the waterfront early NYD for a swim. We had driven down yesterday afternoon. The whole area was packed out. So went home. Much nicer this morning. Enjoyed a walk on the jetty and a refreshing swim. Paid to go down before breakfast. The crowds where rolling in as we were leaving. Also visited the jetty at Port Hughes in the afternoon. A two jetty day 😄.

    The next day, we did the mine train tour. Luckily, we had booked for the first run of the day. Turned out a stinker. The train tour was great. We learnt about the copper mining in the area. The stunning stone building in the last photo was the school for the miners' children. The 10 to 14 year olds worked a 10 hour day, then went to school in the evening.
    We went to the Cornish bakery for lunch. Had a Cornish pasty...was yum.    Read more

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