New YORKE!!! peninsula

You must say the title in your best singing voice. With lots of emphasis on the New York (you know broadway style, arms thrown out head up) part and slide the peninsula on just at the end in a whispered fashion for then the trip will seem like we have been to the big smoke not just country SA ;-) go on do it, even just in your own mind. It will stick there I'm sure of it. You can thank me later for it. 

Sunday came around and we had a leisurely pack up and headed for Kadina to do some shopping. Then off to camp. We were at camp set up and chased inside yet again by the flies by just on noon. After lunch we went for a walk to see the beach. On our way we used the bathroom which is where we then decided we could no longer camp here. It was disgusting. I won't go into detail but we packed up and left. We had planned the next night about 130km down the road so we set off for there. After taking 3 wrong tracks we found camp. It was a stunning little bay. We could set up where we could see the water. The flies were the only issue. We strolled along the beach while in the water the flies were bearable. The water was much warmer then we had predicted. It was a nice warm afternoon to spend exploring the waters edge. 

Monday we didn't want to stay cooped up in the trailer all day so we packed up to move in the hope that the fly situation would be better else where. We were under 60km from the bottom of the peninsular which is where the Innes national park is. We pottered into camp and explored all the 5 camping areas before picking our spot. We found a fantastic little bay where we were able to set up to see the water and be moments from walking on the sand. As the afternoon progressed the water was calling so we wandered down for a look and swim. We met the only other couple staying in this camp ground also down strolling around. We chatted to them for a while then I went swimming. The water was so crystal clear and not too cold. It was nice to be swimming again but even nicer to not have flies buzzing around me constantly, for they don't swim. 

A side note here. South Australia is having a massive fly plague. It's the worst in many many years. The lady who sold us our very sexy yet practical head nets said last year she sold maybe 20 this year they have sold over 700.  Army guys, travellers and even school groups who do excursions are buying them. They sold out at one point and couldn't buy anymore from anywhere in Australia. They have about 4 different styles. Yes all fairly ugly but practical as hell when you need them. Even the people out fishing on boats are saying that the flies are chasing them. There's just no reprieve from it. As it gets to about 7pm the flies ease but then the mosquitoes come out. Grrrrrr.  

Tuesday we spent the day exploring Innes N/P. We went for a drive to Penguin point, through Marion bay and out to the light house, ship wrecks and various bays. We had planned on staying another night and possibly a third but the weather had changed. It was now blowing a gale and our nice little beach front spot was being hammered. At about 1pm we packed camp and set off to find an inland spot for the night to get out of some of the wind. It was one thing being trapped inside because of the flies but blowing a gale being thrashed around and trapped inside was extremely not fun. We took the scenic route up to a little free camp in a small town called Arthurton. It was just a dirt lot behind a church and community center but it had toilets and some protection from the wind. 

Wednesday on the move again. Back through Kadina to pick up a couple of things and onto Mt Remakable national park. This national park has flushing loos and HOT showers with no timers or restrictions. We had been using our portable shower but had not had access to a shower like this for well over a week. We were pleased to find a nice spot, other friendly campers and good facilities. The flies were not as bad as on the coast but still pesky. We went walking and exploring in the afternoon. We found a few walks we wanted to do so we made plans to stick around for a few days. 

Thursday we set of to visit Port Augusta. Back in 2004 we came through this town but back then we were told it wasn't really advisable to camp in town anywhere so we hadn't. It had a very rough and bad reputation. With not currently knowing exactly what the town was like we decided not to stay in town but visit and give it a chance. We were very pleasantly surprised. The mining industry has don't lots for his town and it has turned itself around. The streets are safe and friendly. The people are helpful and kind and there is evidence that time and money have been put into the town to make it that way. We explored the lookouts and parks. Had a picnic on the waters edge. James used Zumi to play at the skate park and we browsed through the shops. We even relented and bought ourselves head nets so we can go walking and not have flies on our faces. We finished off doing a load of laundry then headed back for camp. It left us feeling so grateful that a town can turn itself around and that we gave it a chance to show us how nice of a town it is. 

 First try of the head nets.

Friday we went out walking and exploring the park. It has many different walks for all different levels of fitness or energy. We picked 2 to do. The head nets were donned and we set out. The first walk was near to camp and flat. The second wound it's way through a gully up the side of a mountain and back down to camp with some stunning views. We would never have done the second walk if we didn't have the head nets. The flies were insane. We have been on the move so much this week it was nice to spend more then 1 night in any place. To have 3 nights was a luxury, especially with showers thrown in. Our parks pass again has more then paid for itself in this park alone. 

 Stoopid Flies

As we set to leave the Yorke peninsula I wanted to make a note of how different the 2 peninsular's have been. While the Fleurieu was lush, green mountainous countryside with tiny towns dotted along it either just surviving off tourism and their wineries or ghost towns of the past. The Yorke was agricultural and was built on copper mining. It is thriving and what we many times assumed would be tiny towns were larger centers bustling with locals and children all happily living in this stunning part of the world. Their properties are large and at times all you can see is hay and wheat fields right to the oceans edge. While it's not mountainous it's also not flat. Just gentle rolling hills with easy access to all areas, good roads and plenty of signage showing its proud history and evidence of a good strong future. We are now ever so curious as to what the Eyre peninsula holds for us. The previous two extremes couldn't have been more different and we certainly hadn't expected it. 

As we left Mt Remarkable NP I thought yep that was defiantly the place to stay. Easy access, walks to do, good facilities and we would recommend it to anyone. So if you find yourself near Port Augusta make sure you stop for at least a night. It's a remarkable place.  We were on the road and off to Whyalla early. First stop information centre. Then to find camp. The sports grounds let you stay out the back of their area for $10 a night with access to toilets and showers. It was fine for us. We don't need to hook up to power and for $10 who could ask for more. We went to the local shops for a look around and did a lap of the main roads to familiarise ourselves then back to camp for a  relaxing afternoon. Whyalla is another mining town with its own steel works also. Built on fishing initially it is now a large port for many things.  

Peninsular to the City through the hills we go,

Sunday we woke to yep you guessed it more rain. It had rained on and off all night and into the morning. We collected a park map to see what walks were around but decided with the unpredictable weather we would explore by car today. We packed a picnic lunch and set out to do a loop around the bottom of the Fleurieu Peninsula.  We first went looking at 2 of the other camping areas and lookouts in the park then drove down to Cape Jervis which is where the ferry leaves from to go to Kangaroo Island. This trip we have decided that going to Kangaroo Island is a bit expensive. It would cost us about $700 return to go over and with not a lot of time to spare we have opted to do it another time when we can go over and enjoy it more. We then doubled back a short way but then went left up the peninsula. We went into Rapid Bay which is one of the most beautiful sea side towns we have come across. It's the little town that time forgot. Where the mountains meet the sea. Nestled into the valley this town has no new buildings, no flash pubs or shops, mainly beautiful houses and a fantastic camping area right on the water. It's only $7 a night to stay also. If this town wasn't so far from Qld we would call it home it really took us by surprise. We drove onto Normanville where we stopped and enjoyed our picnic lunch looking over the ocean. There were about 11 sail boats all setting up so we hung around and watched them as they entered the water and then. Began racing around the set out markers. From here we took a short cut across land stopping at Condalilla falls on the way. Back into the park we drove out to Tapanappa camping area and lookout. The views from here were just beautiful so out came the camera and tripod for a photo shoot. Back at camp most people had left but a few had remained and new ones come in. We sat out enjoying the sun as long as it lasted. 

 Kangaroo Island

 Cape Jervis

Condalilla Falls

 Rapid Bay

Monday we woke and woo hoo no rain, non over night either. Time to go walking. We did 2 walks which totalled 7km. James even got to take Zumi on the second walk. The wind was blowing which kept us very cool. When we were at camp we sat out in the sun enjoying the warm. This park is a must do if your in the area, even if you can't stay around drive through it see the beautiful scenery and admire the remoteness of it. We felt a world away but Adelaide is within 100km of here. What I particularly loved was the Xantheria plants thriving. When I was younger they were everywhere around home with their amazing tall stalks. I've not seen a better representation of them for years. This park certainly wasn't what I was expecting its sooo much better. 

 Kangaroo Island

Tuesday came around very quickly and we were again on the move. We first headed for Yankalilla to pick up some groceries then onto camp. We have found a Forestry camp closer to Adelaide so it will be our base for a few nights while we explore. We came across a road block and had to divert but were at camp by 1pm. Enjoyed lunch in the warm sun and a relaxing afternoon researching things to do tomorrow in Adelaide. 

A day in Adelaide.  Wow what a beautiful city it is. We had a fantastic day exploring the city for free. Our first stop was to the Stone Stomper repair place. We needed to get 2 patches sewn on where our front feet were rubbing on the netting. Then we made our way into the city. We found a parking spot and took a walk through the main shopping mall to find the information centre. We found out about where to free park and about the free buses and attractions around the city. Armed with this we drove to the cities northern suburbs and caught the free bus back into town. We needed to fix James's glasses first then we wen to the SA museum for a wander. It's one of he best free museums I've visited with a nice layout and interesting displays. We had a picnic lunch on the benches outside in the shade then caught a different free bus which loops the city. After this we headed back for the car on the free bus. We then found a woollies to do the weekly stock up. Back to camp and we cooked up a yummy split chook on the BBQ. It was late when we returned home but we both agreed how Adelaide really is a beautiful city and we would both visit again. 

Thursday we pushed on through the Adelaide hills. Since we were out of town a little we went exploring. The most stunning town we went through was Handorf. It's tree lined streets, boutique shops, cafés and community feel made you want to stop and let the world pass you by. The Adelaide hills have so many cheese factories, chocolate factories and countless wineries that if you allowed yourself it would be a truly indulgent place to visit.  We resisted the urge and made our way to camp at Mt Crawford. Another forestry camp we set up surrounded by huge pine trees. James did some work that was needed while I blogged and did some planning for the coming days. Sunny warmer weather is sticking around and we are relishing in it.

Friday we looked at the weather and with warm weather predicted for the weekend we packed camp and made our way back to the coast. There was a free camp at Port Parham which had good reviews so we made our way across towards it. We first made a stop in Gawler to do washing, top up our water tanks, get fuel and pick up a new gas bottle. We had one empty bottle and had been running off one we didn't know how much was in it to start with for a few weeks. Luckily we did because after arriving at camp and getting things going the gas ran out!!! Intuition at its best. We found camp easy enough and it will be fine for a 2 night rest stop. We went to see the beach...well the tide was out and we could barley see the water. Not the sort of beaches we are used to. We made a long clothes line between the car and trailer and hung out washing. Had a late lunch and caught up with the Hammos. The only down side to this camp is the flies. They were so bad we had to be inside :( While it was nice we even washed the inside of the trailers windows cause that's just what you do on a warm Friday afternoon when the flies trap you in your trailer ;) 

Saturday rolled around and was warm, sunny and very windy again. We tinkered in the trailer, James fitted a 12v socket inside. We both had haircuts and generally just pottered about. It was a nice day to relax catch up on chores and do very little.

 Was so windy James lost his hat into the bushes.

 The tide goes OUT a long long way.

A week in our best Robes!!

Robe isn't famous for Robes!!! It's was the first week of the month again which saw us booking into a Caravan Park for 5 nights so James could log in and work. We are getting to really enjoy this week of not having to pack up or think about the next destination, James has a regular 9-5ish schedule. I get to rest, read, explore and catch up with family & friends via phone, Skype or FaceTime. We had a brilliant grassy spot near enough to everything but also out of the way. We never had neighbours right on top of us and the park felt friendly and safe. Monday was catching up on the blog, Tuesday was my first chance to wash and stroll along the beach which I got to do twice and enjoy some warm sunshine. Wednesday was practically hot so more washing and enjoying the beach. I picked up a free book from the laundry and read it from cover to cover in the afternoon while laying outside under the awning enjoying the warm breeze. It was my first ever Mills & Boon book. I'm now hooked on sappy love stories and I will be looking for more to read over the summer. Thursday James's work schedule cooled off so we went exploring Robe. We finished off at a local cafe enjoying one of the best coffees we had had in ages. A local lady makes her own grind and started out small and is now winning all kinds of awards nationally and internationally. The weather had turned again and it was drizzling all afternoon so while James tended to some further work I made a short video of our travels from September to now. I'm thoroughly enjoying my Apple Mac and can say I'm hooked. 

 Loving the beach and our new little penguin friend.

Robe Obelisk and a tea pot.

Friday we woke to rain it had rained steadily almost all night which meant neither of us had slept well. We packed and when it eased we got it down and the awning in. We turned out of Robe with no real idea where we would be tonight. We ducked into Cape Jaffa for a look then up to Kingston South East and kept going. The Coorong which is a long stretch of coast line that heads up to the Murray was next. We explored the possible camping areas in the Coorong but it was still early so after doing the tourist loops we kept going up to Meningie where we then turned left and headed out to a little town called Narraung. Here there was a beautiful little free camping spot right on the water with plenty of lush grass to enjoy.  It was ideal for what we needed for the night. After setting camp and having a cuppa outside we just relaxed watching out over the water.

Saturday we packed down and crossed the free ferry heading towards Murray Bridge. We turned left towards Wellington before getting to Tailem Bend as we wanted to explore the Fleurieu Peninsula before heading to Adelaide. Across to Strathalbyn then down to Port Elliot and onto Victor Harbour. We pulled in and found the information centre. It's right in the middle of the tourist area of town. After collecting some brochures we had fish and chips and fresh warm donuts from the vendors and then waited for the Horse drawn tram to make its way back across the bridge from Granite Island. We opted to not do the next ride across but I got in a pat of the Clydesdale horse before heading back to the car. After a drive up to the bluff we headed off to find a national park spot for the night. Newland head was our first stop but with all the sites on a slope we pushed on down and into Deep Creek N/P. We were a little concerned with it being a Saturday night that the spots would be filled but with 4 camping areas in the park we knew we would find one for the night. The largest and most popular is Stringy Bark Camping Area. We pulled in and it was busy but we found a top little spot to set up. We could see why it was popular it has hot showers with no timers and flushing loos. The only down side is from November 1st your not allowed fires. The other great thing for us is because we have the parks pass we are now staying for free. If we were to pay for this site it would be $33 a night. Other spots in this park are only $23 but because of the facilities this one is more.  

South we go with a Penguin

A quick summary video of our time from September on the Sunshine Coast QLD to November in Robe SA.

http://youtu.be/yy_FS6fSct0

Limestone coast

Sunday morning we set off back across the border and into SA.  We had to put our clocks back 30min cause that's just how the South Australians like to roll, not up with NSW or VIC different to its northen neighbour NT or back with QLD or even further back with WA but just float along in the middle just doin their own thang. Anyways we pulled into the Big 4 at Blue lake did the necessary set up get chores done then out to explore. First stop yep you guessed it the Information centre and they had lots of information. We were impressed by how friendly and informative the lady was who was working there. We then went for lunch in town and then to the main centre building where the top level was dedicated to the towns past. We spent time in the interactive room then watched the hour long movie on the volcanos around the area and also in Vic. It was interesting to watch as we had walked the Crater of Mt Eccles and it featured in the documentary. After we visited the sink hole in the middle of town and on the outside of town. Local volunteers have made the sink holes into gardens and beautiful spaces to explore. Back at camp the rain set in so we retreated to the camp kitchen which was comfortable for the evening. Each night at 9pm the sink hole in the middle of town shows a light and sound show with a video. We rugged up and headed in to watch it. It was nice to see the way they had done it. 

And the rain kept falling all through the night it rained and rained and as we woke guess what it was still raining :( when it eased we packed hooked up and bundled out of camp. A quick visit to the Natural Resources Office to pay for and pick up a holiday and camping SA permit which now allows us unlimited access to all the national parks on the coast from border to border. We wanted to visit and stay at the Piccaninnie Ponds which is supposed to be a spectacular site where water from the underground lava tubes and tunnels has made its way to the surface 35,000 years after falling from the sky. With the drizzle continuing we arrived to find the whole area under water and not the water coming up from underground but water from the sky pushing through above the ground. It was disappointing to say the least as I had been looking forward to seeing this place for about 2 weeks. Oh well out came the books and maps and we pushed off to our next spot.  We tried the Cape Banks lighthouse camp but it was also very soggy and smelly too as the beach was covered in sea weed so back on the road and towards Millicent. We decided to try a place near Beachport with the back up option that if it too wasn't what we needed there would be a C/park to spend the night. We did a drive out and yep very wet and with the concern of more rain and being flooded in we headed back to town. After paying and then waiting for the rain to stop we set camp. We have a stunning outlook across the water it's just a shame that it's under 5 degrees out and the wind it howling through at 40-50km. We made the most of our situation and kept comfortable inside looking at options for the rest of the week. Oh and just a side note Beachport has SA's second longest pier at 772 meters long. We hope to walk it tomorrow.

 Piccaninnie Ponds, Limestone Roads.

 Can't camp here!!!

 Cape Banks Lookout.

We woke to a nicer day Tuesday but hey unless it was the same it honestly had to be better. We packed and left the park by 9am destination unknown. We had a few spots to look at but we really had no idea where we would end up. We decided to walk out to the end of the pier to start our day. It was well a long pier with water all around it, the water was a beautiful blue but the wind was still blowing which made for a cool walk. Back in the car and after warming up we headed back east a little to Southend which was another lovely little beach side town. There were 2 camping spots in from here. We looked at both but decided the day was still early so we turned around and continued west. We pulled into Little Dip Conservation Reserve which is what they call national parks down here. One camp site was being used by a camper trailer magazine to do some filming so we couldn't bunk there unfortunately but it was interesting to see which big camper trailer companies they did have there. The other campsite had a spot right next to a little lake which suited us fine. We were only about 10km from Robe. After lunch and a cuppa we headed into Robe for a few supplies. We explored the town and then 2 more campsites still in the same national park but not connected by road to where we were. Back to camp for a afternoon relax but it wasn't long before the dinosaur sized mosquitoes chased us inside.

Wednesday was going to be a do nothing day. It was cold outside I don't think it made 15 degrees and overcast the whole time. We stayed in our pjs under the blankets and watched movies all day. Thanks goes to Rah for supplying today's viewing. Oh I did manage to take a photo of the sunset from the trailer door. It lit the lake us golden and was beautiful to watch while having dinner.

 I woke hmmmmmm overcast again and within 30 seconds I heard rain sprinkling on the roof. Ahhhhh crap. Oh well not much we can do about it. It's now Thursday and we are not hanging around here being eaten alive by mosquitoes. So we packed, it seemed to be clearing we even saw the sun for a few minutes. It only sprinkled about 4 times so toady was certainly looking up. We decided to head inland slightly and visit a few other national parks. We drove to Penola and visited the info centre. Penola has a great display about its town and war time souvenirs. After caching up with the Hamilton's via phone we stocked up at the IGA and headed for camp. The clouds seemed to also be lifting and the bright glowing thing in the sky showing through a little more. We set camp overlooking a beautiful wetlands area with heaps and heaps of birds. We had lunch then sat in the sun to soak up the warm. We watched in amazement as a large flock of birds on many occasions would circle in a Helix formation out over the water. They did this various times all afternoon and had us puzzled as to what they were really doing. Always in the same direction at about the same speed around they would go. Anyway we went and did 2 of the walks enjoying seeing all sorts of birds particularly the families of black Swans and then back at camp sat and put our feet up with the sun on our backs and enjoyed being warm, outside and just ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

Friday we were not sure to stay where we were as we had a nice spot with good view or head off exploring. After a little researching we decided to pack and move on a few spots not far had good reviews so we took the risk. We drove through Naracoorte getting fuel on the way and arrived at camp beside Cockatoo Lake around noon. After a quick assessment of the grounds we picked a fantastic little spot plenty big enough for just us, up on a slight hill over looking the lake. Close enough to other campers to be friendly but far enough away to have our own privacy. The spot we found was only big enough for 1 possibly 2 if you knew each other so we knew we had it all to ourselves. We set camp enjoyed lunch outside under the huge gum trees overlooking the lake. We noticed a family pull up with their speed boat and they started doing laps with the girls behind. James couldn't resist and took out his RC boat for a spin. We got chatting with them then spent a few hours sitting on the bank of the river with our feet in the water chatting while the girls tried all sorts of water sports. We met the neighbours who were close to us and who just happened to also have a big fire pit and plenty of wood. They were friendly so we enjoyed a BBQ dinner, had lovely warm bush showers then went and had a very funny night by the fire. We met, Ali & Tom, Bev & Wayne, Maurie & Donna all who were very funny and we chatted late into the night.

 James enjoying his RC boat.

 Looking back towards the rest of camp.

We woke to a stunning calm warm day. The first for ages.  A day of dot sitting and socialising was in order. Bev & Wayne were keen to see our shower set up so they visited with Ali & Tom and we chatted about the Coleman and other various camping tricks. Mid morning I baked a batch of scones in the camp oven which went down a treat with the neighbours we then spent the rest of the day by the lake watching all the boats with fishermen and skiers behind them zooming around the lake. James got Zumi out to play and we had a great day. Late afternoon Ali tried out her camp oven for the very first time with some more scones which turned out wonderful also. We cooked roast chicken & veg in ours while we kept warm. A cold change had pushed in about 6pm. After dinner we rejoined the fire but it was just to cold and windy and everyone bailed to their trailers at 9pm. 

The limestone coast was certainly not what I had expected but hey that's what this holiday is all about finding new places discovering new things.