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Sunshine Gypsies
  • Kat Noz
  • Kat Noz

Sunshine Gypsies

A 202-day adventure by Kat Read more
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  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    Hair-lifting gooood!

    Clare Valley & the Riesling trail

    April 6, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Left Adelaide and headed north Darwin way. The first stop was meant to be in Clare Valley. Initially planned for a quick break turned into a 2 days stay to give us time to roam around a few wineries on the infamous Riesling Trail (Shut the Door - amazing dry Grenache rose, Knappstein, Tim Adams - Andy loved their Shiraz!).

    Needless to say we were impressed and bought a few bottles to mark our last day drinking wine - for a few weeks at least.    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    Passed by Mount Renarkable on way to Wilpena Pound. Will make it a stop on our way back 💯
    Wirrabara silo artAustralian Ringneck

    Flinders Ranges

    April 7, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Arrived to Rawnsley Campground at sunset, after stopping to admire the Silo art at Wirrabara and passing through Mt Remarkable in the Southern Flinders. The pool was too cool for a swim in but there was a lot to see in the area.

    We spent the next day organising the van (Andy packing up his fishing stuff 😩) and in the evening we saw the beautiful sunset over the ranges from a nearby lookout..

    Day 2 - Waranga lookout

    Day 3 - the Wall of China, Blinman and the 4WD track through Parachilna, Brachilna and Bunyeroo gorges    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz

    Wangara Lookout hike

    April 9, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Our first proper hike! From Wilpena info centre (where we were lucky to meet Brucey the legend local who worked there and gave us his best local tips) to the Wangara lookout via the Hills homestead, a 4 hour track that tested the girls heat-tolerance as they pushed through the bush and rocky terrain to the beautiful lookout over the magical Wilpena Pound. Well worth the sweat and sore legs, especially if ice cream is awaiting.Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz

    Parachilna, Brachilna and Bunyeroo gorge

    April 10, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Started the day early attempting a mountain bike ride from the campsite which proved to be more tears than fun. After a quick breather we hopped into the car and went for a day trip to explore the rocky northern gorges via Blinman.

    The track to Parachilna via Glass gorge, then Brachilna and Bunyeroo, all rocky, colourful and stunning. We even spotted the rare Yellow footed rock wallaby, many feral goats, a frog (that Millie was playing with) and kangaroos (one up close). This drive was one of Andy’s favourites and a place we’d like to revisit in the wet season (if permitted).    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    This took us 8 hrs on the road and a but if damage to the vanLake Eyre South, the largest salt lake in Aus, the south lake currently filled.

    Marree - Oodnadatta track - Coober Pedy

    April 12, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    Left Wilpena and booked in for a stay at Coward Springs, a small date farming station on the Oodnadatta track near William creek. On our way we’ve realised the van fridge wasn’t cooling while we drove, not sure of the cause but definitely a problem for free camping. Change of plans and we stayed in Marree trying to work out the problem. We didn’t have much luck there so we decided to hit the road and head to Coober Pedy, hoping in a bigger place would find more help.

    The corrugation and 8 hr drive took quite a toll on the van (see some photos). No wonder we’d not seen many caravans on the road (it also only just opened up after all the floods in the earlier months). We definitely learned a few lessons from the Oodnadatta.

    We loved Coward Springs. The new owner dropped his harvesting work and came to serve us some date ice cream and sweets.

    William Creek, quick wedges at the outback roadhouse and off for the final (and longest) 2 hr stretch past the infamous dog fence and the flattest scenery we had so far seen (Mad Max filming). Finally, we made it to Coober Pedy!

    Night spent in caravan park cabin, so we can clean up the mess in the van and a short dip into the refreshing swimming pool. A big 24hrs and quite stressful for Andy who wanted us all be safe.    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    Such relief to see this sign after all the driving!Dip in CP community pool was the best thing that day.Underground gallery, one of many underground soaces we visited.The entry to our dugout room at Riba motel.Sunset and vuews from the Big Winch.Josephine's kangaroo orphanage visit.

    Coober Pedy

    April 13, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    Despite the heat, dust and flies we enjoyed this unique outback town. We found the people friendly, optimistic and interesting. We immersed ourselves in learning and experiencing all we could about opals, mining, underground living in an outback town.Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    The day we met and the girls got some colourful potch to keep from Norbert.
    Underground Serbian church.Lunch and great views at the Big Winch. Here, you get 2 lots of ribs in a meal!Fridge probkem diagnoses at its best! It was the auxiliary battery.Views from Riba campsiteFinally, learning some fossicking. 🥵Farewell 😢

    Norbert

    April 14, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 29 °C

    And then we met Norbert. Andy’s brother’s friend and a passionate opal seeker and adventurer. A top bloke, who showed us around town, connected us with the right people to help resolve car problems, explained all things opals and shared some of his incredible life stories over a few drinks at our campsite. For me, his company made Coober Pedy one of the best stops so far.Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    Millies bush cake. Pretty vanilicious!Waking up to a cool morning on Tuesday, finally- a milder week ahead!

    Marla & Kulgera

    April 15, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    An unplanned three nights at Kulgera Roadhouse, just across the Territory boarder. The car tyre got a puncture as we pulled into a free camp along the Stuart Hwy so we stayed the night at Marla Roadhouse instead and moved north to Kulgera the day after, using the spare tyre.

    Having the Easter long weekend ahead of us, we had to wait here till Tuesday in a hope that we can get a spare tyre replaced with a new one from Alice Springs, to avoid more issues on our way to Ayers Rock.

    Although we had some very hot days in the van, without any shade or activities, we enjoyed catching up on some downtime, hunting for some melted choc eggs, making a friend (Emily) and enjoying the happy hour in a typical outback bar.    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz

    Uluru and Kata Tjuta heli flight

    April 20, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Arrived to Ayers Rock campground well after sunset and so we didn’t get to see the Rock on our way in. First thing in the morning me and the girls got picked up for a heli flight to get the full views from up high.It was a shock to find myself in the presence of something so huge and majestic.. nothing I could have imagined, a feeling inside that has to be experienced and cannot be described in words.Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz

    Uluru base walk and fun run

    April 22, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    We headed for the Uluṟu base walk after watching the silent sunrise - it was a perfect, cooler day and the many sides of the Rock kept us going for close to 4 hours.

    The kids had a chill day the next day to recover, while Andy and I left in the morning for a run around the rock - again, a new experience for just us and a tick for Andy’s annual running event 😉😮😆.Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz

    Kings Canyon sunrise & Rim Walk

    April 25, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Early start from Ginty’s lookout on Anzac Day Monday - and so well worth it. We climbed up to the top to watch the sun break over the mighty rocks, had some lollies and ventured along the ever-changing rock cliffs. This was a gorgeous walk, plenty of colour and very few flies thanks to the early, windy start..

    A long day in the car followed until we reached Alice Springs, hoping that the worn car tyres can make it through. And they did!    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    Fossicking through some rocks from the Todd river bed
    Echidnas on the termite huntTwo brave bilbiesMunching malaCaptain Ringneck

    Alice Springs

    April 29, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    An extended stay in Alice to get the wheel alignment and new tyres sorted, get the bike tubes replaced and stock up on supplies allowed us to enjoy the hot days in the comforts of the Discovery holiday park.

    We visited the Reptile centre and learned many important things about snakes, lizards and the crocs; saw a few near-extinct Aussie marsupials at night in the AS Desert Park; I did a CrossFit sesh 🤪 and fed parrots 🦜 out of my hand. Andy got himself an Acura hat and belt (ready to blend in!). We also met Mary (my friend Leanne’s friend) for an amazing lunch and were impressed by AS Brewery around the corner. It was good to chill!    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    Simpsons Gap
    Spotting tge Black footed wallabyEllery Creek Big HoleThe Dolomite walkRazor sharp dolomite rock formationsOpal feverOrmison Gorge photo shoot 😉Lifeguard on duty

    West MacDonnell Ranges 30/4-1/5

    April 30, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Finally the car was all safe to drive and we headed to the West Macs! We stopped at Simpson’s Gap and Ellery Creek Big Hole, which ended up our overnight stop, to allow Andy to recover from a few dizzy episodes. And what a free camp - both girls instantly found opal in the rocks near the van. They braved into the waterhole on their inflatables and relaxed reading while Andy fossicked in the surrounding water beds.

    The next day started with a scenic Dolomite Loop walk (mainly enjoyed by me and Andy 😬) and pack up to move on to Ormisston Gorge. More splashing in the waterhole there, while Andy rested. We decided to head back to Alice to be on the safe side with Andy’s vertigo and enjoyed the AS Brewery food and vego meal at The Locals cafe one more time.

    Farewell Alice and see you soon Gemtree!    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz

    Gemtree fossicking

    May 4, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    We found a perfect place for (mainly Andy’s) newly found interest in fossicking at Gemtree, 2hrs north of Alice. Although fossicking in the hot sun, surrounded by sticky flies wasn’t easy to get through with two complaining kids, we found some zircons, garnets, green quartz and many other pretty and interesting stones during our stay. The girls found two new friends (Abby and Hollie), who were also travelling Aus (from Werribee!), and camped right next to us. We enjoyed our first proper camp fire, roasting marshmallows, baking bush oven cakes and feeding the loud rosellas. It was refreshing to have some time talking and playing cards with our neighbours and hopefully we see them again on our way up to Darwin.Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz

    Devil Marbles - Karlu Karlu

    May 6, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Arrived to Devil Marbles free camp after dark just to find our neighbours from Gemtree pitched a site away from us. It was a happy reunion!

    The next morning we packed up and walked with them around the Marbles, enjoying the cooler day (although super windy!) and amazing history of these rocks. The kids fully embraced their Harry Potter make believe game and joyfully hopped around the walking trail.Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    A looong (2km) walk forvtge girls to the so called waterhall.Andy's tasty roast pork and lamb enjoyed by everyone.The Station lookout, as flat as endlessToilet sign 😁Black kite? Heaps circling abive usHappy Mother's Day to all the awesome Mums!22Dunny heli 😆

    Banka Banka Station

    May 7, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    This cattle station had a great vibe from the start. The communal fire on both nights gave us a chance to chat with fellow travellers, enjoy a couple of drinks from the teeniest bar at 5-7pm and of course roast some crunchy marshmallows.

    On Saturday, we walked to the nearby (once) waterfall which hardly met our hopes for a splash while Andy put on a roast for us and the other family. The four girls then performed at the fireplace (a bit of acro!) and I enjoyed a late chat with a wonderful couple from Darwin at the crackling fireplace.

    Sunday was Mothers Day and we aimed to get to the infamous Daly Waters pub for lunch. Unfortunately they were only serving dinner that day 🙁. I enjoyed a special Bombay G&T, looked around the quirky relics and headed for Mataranka, 140km north.

    An unimpressive stop at the Pink Panther Roadhouse, once a place to be, was a quick one - just for a photo opportunity.    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    Next door to our camp we found a wonderful mango farm run by a Vietnamese couple. Oh mango smoothie!12Millie in her moment of inspiration.The township

    Bitter Springs

    May 9, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Two separate footprints for Mataranka as we took so many photos! We absolutely loved this lush area after spending weeks in the dry, desert lands. It was as if we suddenly arrived to Northern Queensland - clear springs, green palm trees and humidity in the air.

    We stayed at Bitter Springs campground for 2 nights and enjoyed floating downstream in the 35 degree springs, searching for water turtles, eating Vietnamese spring rolls and night walks watching frogs hop around us (and being watched by them in the camp bathrooms 👀).    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    A super cute Brahram calf Curry🥰Native Apostlebirds (grey jumpers) - sooo loud and ancient lookingOne if the worlds best whip cracker, Nathan Griggs, in full action at Mataranka HomesteadWalk to the Baruwei lookout - admiring many incredible survivor trees1Maybe we'll do this gorge cruise on way to WA?Millie is HOT! Not happy Jan 🥵

    Mataranka Springs and Little Roper camp

    May 12, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    We chose to stay on in the area and moved camp to Little Roper Stock camp, to experience Des’s small farm. He cooked up a delicious curry, which included Buffalo, let us feed his captive sugar gliders live worms and treated the girls with his (donut-like) Johnny cakes for breakfast. We swapped our diesel jerry can for water jerry with another travelling family and headed up to Katherine.Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz

    Manbulloo Homestead & Katherine Springs

    May 12, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    Just outside of Katherine, we stayed at a lovely, green cattle farm, enjoying live music, playing with other kids, feeding horses and a ride on the back of a yute to feed Brahma cows in the morning. We also patted two gorgeous buffalo (pets), which at 700kgs are far from fully grown (reaching 2.5t by the age of 5). Andy went fishing for barramundi and charebin the first time since leaving the coast - no luck but he saw a few crocs (freshwater 😅).

    The next day we enjoyed Katherine Springs (personally, I wasn’t that impressed 🙁) and stocking up on supplies. This was a really lovely stay.    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz

    Edith Falls, Nitmiluk NP

    May 14, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    Arrived to Edith Falls late afternoon for a 2-night waterfall experience.

    The next day, before it heated up I took the Leliyn loop walk to the upper falls - a gorgeous short track well worth the views! Andy went fossicking and we indulged swimming around the falls. It was the only place we could be comfortable in the heat of the day! Later we had a crunchy picnic in the park and then back in the waterfalls until late afternoon.

    We hiked up to the upper pools for a swim the next day to freshen up before heading to Pine Creek to look for special stones (where Andy found petrified wood & hematite 🧐). There we stayed overnight at Lazy Lizard, the girls enjoyed the swimming pool, Andy fossicked and we had a chilled night talking to our neighbours on motorbikes, and about our travels so far.

    We can’t believe we’ll be in Darwin later this week!    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz
    Say hi to Zeus!Millie at work, drilling the legs downBanyan tree live music stageThe incredible banyan tree used as a stage

    Litchfield NP 1/2

    May 16, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    A night at Banyan Tree CP, 2 x at Florence Falls - plenty of swimming for us but still a lot of sites closed due to high water levels as the season has only just started.

    1/2 footprints
    Banyan Tree had the best free-roaming animals, including horses, goats and chickens that the girls could play with. Spacious shady site, good tap beer during happy hour and an amazing banyan tree we took photos at.

    On our way there we stopped at Butterly (and other ‘pets’) Farm near Batchelor. Chris showed us around and we all fed and cuddled baby adorable rabbits, saw Zeus the Croc, pigs, goats, cows, black headed python and butterflies. A lot of love put into this place - worth stopping!

    2/2 footprints
    Finally we had a dip in the Florence fall pools late afternoon and BBQ for dinner, sitting at the fire and loving life in the middle of a bushy park.

    Andy made pancakes on the fire pit the next morning, while I went for a run to Buley water hole, before heading for a few more swims and lookouts. Damper hot dogs for dinner, relaxing at the fire place and a farewell to Litchfield and all the picturesque water holes.    Read more

  • Kat NozSunshine GypsiesKat Noz

    Tumbling Waters, Berry Springs

    May 19, 2022 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    We’ve decided to stay 2 nights to recharge after free camping and to explore more beautiful water holes, which only just opened. A great large caravan park, with a new pool and Friday night outdoor movie. Off to Darwin tomorrow!!Read more

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