Hi all,
we finally managed a 2 week/1887km trip in our caravan and thought we would share it with you and show you a bit of beautiful Australia. We travelled inland from Melbourne to Kingston South Australia and then followed the coast for a bit before getting back home. Although there are many camp grounds, we decided to focus on the free camps available (always love a freebie!) We use the Camps Australia book and the WikiCamps app, but we also just 'parked up' for the night in numerous parking areas along scenic drives close to town. Some local Tourist Offices are happy to direct you to possible free spots too.
Our First night was in a free camp just out of Colac on the shores of the lake at Meredith Park.
We then drove to Wannon Falls camp area just on the other side of Hamilton. After our BBQ we enjoyed the walk to the 'falls' and are amazed at the great picnic and BBQ facilities provided here for free.
Had a pleasant day driving and visiting Penola, the Coonawarra wine region and past Naracoorte to our rest area for today.
One of Penola's oldest cottages.
Wynns winery in the Coonawarra.
Beautiful old gum trees of Australia,
After a short drive this morning we arrived in Kingston and decided to park up in the free RV park for the night.
Giant lobster in Kingston
The next day was a cooler day with a coastal wind. We visited Robe and drove out to the light house.
We then continued on, stopping in the free RV area in Beachport.
After spending the next morning exploring the scenic drive near Beachport,
we headed into Southend, an even smaller Rock Lobster fishing village. We had the obligatory walk along the jetty and then continued on to Millicent. After a stroll up and down the main drag we stopped for lunch at Carpenter Rocks.
We then went out to look at the lighthouse
We then drove a bit further to Port Macdonnell. We found a terrific place to stay and enjoyed another beautiful sunset.
It was a hazy start to the day as we wondered along the rugged Cape Northumberland near Port MacDonnell.
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| Camel Rock |
We were surprised to see that this was the most Southerly point of SA.
On the way we looked at the beautiful clear waters of Picaninnie Ponds.
We then found a spot in a small free camp on the Glenelg River at Dry Creek where old fishing shacks hug the waters edge. We enjoyed 'Happy Hours' with fellow campers.
We the next morning we enjoyed the gorge walk nearby (although we didn't go all the way).
Then drove through the Lower Glenelg NP looking at a few campsites. It is annoying that you have to book sites via internet or call and it cost $28/night. Anyway maybe next time
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| an echidna |
We decided to have a look at the 2 campsites in the Cobboboonee NP - free atm and very nice.
We spent a glorious day enjoying Cape Bridgewater and Cape Nelson before settling into a free camp at Narrawong just out of Portland.
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| The petrified forest |
After visiting Port Fairy we drove inland and headed back to Colac and researched more family history. Having no luck finding Elizabeth Blom's grave site in Colac we moved on into the Otways and camped at Dandos.
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| Traditional shearing sheds |
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| Port Fairy |
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| River at Dandos Campsite |
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| Dandos Camp Spent a beautiful day and night at the very picturesque Johanna beach. |
Didn't travel far today but found a nice spot at Aire River Camp and enjoyed a couple of walks offering lovely views and saw some koalas in nearby trees.
We spent a lovely morning catching up with friends in Apollo Bay before driving along the Great Ocean Road. Driving through the devastating fires near Wye River and then into Lorne. We then headed up into the bush to Big Hill free camp.
Then it was home again!
