Vic and SA Australia

Travelled: 10 days from Melbourne across Victoria into South Australia to Streaky Bay

Stay: Melville Caves, Walpeup Lake, Walker Flat, Hancocks Lookout, Pildappa Rock, Ceduna, Cape Bauer (Streaky Bay)

After a cold and wet start the started shinning as we drove north. We went to have a look at the recreation reserve at Laanecoorie on the Loddon River. Its a very popular site all year round it seems. We were surprised to discover a bridge built and designed by Sir John Monash ( a well-known general in WWI).

Melville Caves was our destination for tonight named after a bush ranger that used the area as a hide out. We walked out to the lookouts.

A different way to travel.

 

The next day we had a look at Lake Tyrrel that was surrounded by lush fields and pretty spring flowers.

The we continued our drive to Walpeup Lake that is dry at the moment and stayed the night.

From here we crossed into South Australia near Pinnaroo and took the ferry over Murray River at Purnong. Further down the river we found a spot at Walker Flat with lovely views of the cliffs and river boats.

The following day we drove through the Barossa region (visited previously) and admired the canola fields.

We kept going all the way up to Hancocks Lookout where we were treated to an amazing sunset and views over to the Eyre Peninsula.

After a chilly night we made our way down to Port Augusta then passed the Iron Knob which is recognised as  Australia's first commercial iron ore mine in 1880.

As we journeyed across the top of the Eyre Peninsula we had a rest stop at Kimba (know as the half way point across Australia from East to West). We ended up at Pildappa Rock and parked for the night at one of the BBQ areas around the back and had it all to ourselves for a couple of nights. The rock formation is the highest and longest wave formation in the region. On top of the rock there are spectacular views of the surrounding farm lands and the Gawler ranges. There are deep gnamma holes which ensure virtually permanent water supply and has an elaborate gutter system around the base of the rock.

Unfortunately Mark split his tooth and so our plans changed and we headed to a dentist in Ceduna. It is a major town at the gateway to the Nullabor and the Eyre Peninsula. We camped at Shelly Beach for 2 nights.

On our 9th day we made our way to Smokey Bay and walked our onto the jetty. Our little dog doesn't like the gaps in the wooden planks and so gets to be carried some of the way...Its a lovely seaside town. Other than tourism the main industry here are the oyster farms.

The oyster farmers were busy...yum

By the time we get to Streaky Bay the weather has turned stormy but we still manage a walk out on the jetty. The town is an important small service centre and has the only safe, deep water harbour in the area.

After lunch we head out along Cape Bauer drive and walk out to see the blow holes.

The wind picked up and we decide to camp here the night trying to tuck ourselves behind a sand dune.

 The caravan rocked all night and we woke up to the car and van covered in sand.

Luckily the weather was calmer and we went along the Westall Way. We walked out to the Granites. 

We parked up at Speeds Point and stayed the night looking out at the bay.

Dud I mention we got some oysters at Smoky bay... delicious

We were very happy to be able to see seals at the Lookout at Point Labatt. It is the only accessible mainland breeding colony of Australian sea lions. It is also home of both New Zealand and Australian fur seals.

Unfortunately our holiday in the Eyre Peninsula was cut short and we needed to return home.