Posts Tagged With: Camprite

Streaky Bay and heading north

Posted on February 9, 2015 by John Sear

From Murphy’s Haystacks we headed west towards the coast and took in the three scenic drives for the area. The first took us to the sealion colony at Point Labatt, then back up via Sceale Bay we drove the Westall Way loop drive that has a number of lookouts, Granites and Smooth Pools where a huge the promise of a huge ocean rock pool in the heat was very enticing. Unfortunately the strong south easterly breezes continued to blow and when we all got out of the car it didn’t seem such a good idea again.

 

Sea Stacks
Sea cucmber
Halleys Beach
Starlings everywhere!
Rockpool starfish

Passing through the quiet, but attractive town of Streaky Bay the Cape Baer loop drive showcased some beautiful beaches, Hallys Beach being the standout. Whistling rocks were trying their hardest to perform, but the tide was not right to witness any action at the adjacent blowholes. In big swell the five holes in the ground must put on an impressive show but we missed out.

Back in Streaky Bay we finally got to see the replica Great White Shark in the roadhouse.

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Our destination for the night was Perlubie Beach and driving into a dusty carpark behind the beach our hearts sank. It looked average and while I tried to find a flat spot in the last viable spot we just parked and decide to check out the beach. Our spirits lifted again when we found the camping spots were actually on the beach, with cabana covers for sunshade. Sweeet!

School term is back in progress and we had found a great place to get the kids back into it.

 

Perlubie Beach Camp

Perlubie Beach Camp

 

Categories: australia, Australian Outback, Beach, Big Lap, Camper Trailer, Discover Australia, Explore Australia, Journey Narrative, Kids Travel, Photography, South Australia, Travel, Travel Adventure | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

Brachina Gorge, Flinders Ranges

Posted on January 21, 2015 by John Sear
Yellow-footed rock wallaby
Brachina Gorge view
Youngoona waterhole
New life sprouting
Flood damaged road
630m year old stromatolite formation
Fun at Youngoona waterhole
Bunyeroo valley lookout
Grave of Emma Smith
Brachina
Wedgetail eagle
Birds nests in cliff
Xavier’s bat

We took the dirt road through Bunyeroo Gorge to the middle of Brachina Gorge, stopped at a couple of the lookouts then entered Brachina Gorge. The gorge is a geological showcase for many rock formations/types over 130 million years from 620+million years to 500 millions ago over a 20km drive. In 2004 a new geological period, the Edicarian, was determined based on fossil beds found in the gorge, that documented many primitive life forms not previously documented (we’d seen these in the museum in Adelaide). We camped nearby at the Trezona campground by the river. Once unhitched from the trailer we explored the gorge and found the recent rains had washed away sections of road, nothing the Pajero couldn’t handle fortunately. The highlight for the kids was Youngoona waterhole where they found enough water to submerse themselves and cool off, catch the enormous tadpoles and watch the birdlife that congregates around the river. My favourite was the rainbow bee-eater, but there were also kingfishers and nests in the cliff that looked like swifts or swallows – anyone who can identify please let us know. Wedgetail eagles frequent the gorges in abundance too.

The morning brought Xavier scampering up from the riverbed with a bat roosting in a curled piece of tree bark.

As we drove out of the gorge we found a mob of yellow footed rock wallabies, the cutest we have seen yet with their hooped tails.

Categories: 4WD, Adventure, Animal Action, australia, Australian Outback, Big Lap, Discover Australia, Explore Australia, Journey Narrative, Kids Travel, National Park, Offroad, Photography, South Australia, Travel, Travel Adventure, Walks | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Adelaide again (the Big Smoke)

Posted on January 5, 2015 by John Sear

Back in Adelaide my Cave Diving buddy, Hugh, has kindly been accommodating us all while we get the car all serviced and roadworthy before heading west again. We have almost done 10,000 km already in just over two months and Hugh has come up with a more fuel efficient way of towing the Camprite Trailer. I like his enthusiasm but unless I can get 4 bikes hitched up for the family it will take us 10 years to complete our big lap! What do you reckon?

New Fat Bike Camprite tow!

New Fat Bike Camprite tow!

Thanks so much Hugh – it was great to catch up again after too long, and I hope it doesn’t take too long for you to recover from our visit. As we pass through the Nullarbor I suspect I will get a renewed interest in a future diving trip out there again.

Categories: Adventure, australia, Australian Outback, Camper Trailer, Discover Australia, Explore Australia, Journey Narrative, South Australia, Travel, Travel Adventure | Tags: , | Leave a comment

The Great Ocean Road – Cape Otway Lighthouse

Posted on December 16, 2014 by John Sear

Having been diverted off the Great Ocean Road to hunt the Black Snail we resumed the road heading for Cape Otway where Hannah’s teacher had given us maps guaranteed to locate Koalas. It was late in the day so we went straight to the Lighthouse and set up our camp there. Despite all the tourists visiting we were the only ones staying there in a very picturesque outlook just behind the lighthouse.

CapeOtwayCamp

Cape Otway Camp

We enjoyed the tranquillity so much we stayed two nights, and there was plenty to do there.

This was the first lighthouse we have had the chance to go inside and we had the privilege to meet Pat, a lighthouse man, and a dying breed now all lighthouses are automated. He was not shy sharing a few stories about peers who had been driven mad by the solitude, and one as recent as in the 1980’s who had to be subdued and tied up with ropes when he ran around the island trying to shoot everyone. On the trip back to the mainland he was strapped to the main mast to stop him terrorising the crew.

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He showed us the narrow platform they used to clean the windows from with no rails or safety gear, over 60m up. In strong winds he joked that he would make the assistant clean on the windy side. Having been the last lighthouse keeper at the Point Hicks lighthouse that we visited in Croajingolong it was fascinating listening to his stories for an hour so in the afternoon. Thanks Pat.

Whale and Whaletail
Painted Abalone
Lemonade Berries
WW2 Radar Room
Telegraph Station
Collecting Bush Tucker

The next day we visited the aboriginal hut hidden in the bush and met Dale. We spent hours with him talking about traditional plants, medicinal and bushtucker, how the traditional hunting weapons were used and he gave us insight into the native countries, tribal structure, how each tribe speaks 4 languages, and how message sticks were used when entering neighbouring territory. The kids painted abalone shells and we spent many hours there. Thanks Dale for sharing so much with us. It really made the stay special meeting these people.

 

Categories: Australian Outback, Camper Trailer, Discover Australia, Explore Australia, Great Ocean Road, Journey Narrative, Kids Travel, Photography, Travel, Travel Adventure, Victoria | Tags: , , , | 5 Comments

Huonville to the end of the road

Posted on December 1, 2014 by John Sear
Whale Sculpture, Cockle Creek
Fifty Toes at Fisher Point
View of Cockle Creek
Whale Sculpture at Cockle Creek
Recherche Bay
Ruins at Fisher Point
Fresh Oysters

From Huonville we drove through Franklin and Geeveston and shortly afterwards the road became gravel once more. We passed through a few sleepy settlements, Lune River, Ida Bay, and Moss Glen before entering the campgrounds at Cockle Creek. This is the furthest south you can drive in Australia. Crossing the bridge into the National Park the road turns North for a kilometre then ends. A short walk takes you to an impressive sculpture of a Southern Right Whale. From here if you want to walk further south you can, but we took the short walk to Fisher Point, where the ruins of a cottage mark the point where a pilot used to reside. Back at Camp the Roaring Forties blew their best and showed us how bleak the weather can be.  The fresh oysters from the rocks were as large as I have ever seen and they tasted beautiful. Whilst there the winds blew, it rained and then the glimpses of sun we got showcased what a fabulous place the whole area of Recherche Bay is. It was still cold though, barely reaching 17 degrees during the day.

Categories: Australian Outback, Beach, Camper Trailer, Car, Discover Australia, Explore Australia, Journey Narrative, Kids Travel, Location, Mitsubishi, National Park, Photography, TAS, Tasmania, Travel, Travel Adventure, Walks | Tags: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Jeffery’s Track to Huonville

Posted on November 24, 2014 by John Sear

We had a seemingly easy drive planned for today after the swim in Lake St.Clair but I had spotted a “short cut”! Just another minor road preventing the need to go into Hobart and out again. Where the dirt started at either end the following message greets all drivers. This would test how well equipped we were, and we could always turn back if required. It was only 15km from Lachlan to Crabtree.

Jefferys Track Sign

Jefferys Track Sign

It was dry and initial indications showed that this track was used by offroad enthusiasts, with some serious sections branching off the main track. The Pajero ploughed on and the Camprite camper trailer followed obediently. Then we reached the following section :

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The challenge was the first hole. The obvious route looked the best but if we couldn’t make it there was no option to winch out. Everyone evacuated the car except me, despite Oscar and Hannah’s requests to remain. The car might have made it but with the camper trailer behind it just fell short so a hasty reverse was required. The only option was a winch assisted one to the right of the track, and fortunately for me with Amanda having seizures up the road, two local lads, Tom and Paddy turned up on dirt bikes offering assistance. Having heard or seen us drive past they had followed for a bit of entertainment I suspect. Apparently they hadn’t been able to get through the previous week due to equipment breakage.

With winch attached it took a couple of attempts to get the car through and onto the second hole which by comparison was much easier. The Falken Wild Peaks traction was good and the Pajero performed immaculately. Thanks Tom and Paddy – it would have taken much longer without the local knowledge.

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From there on in there was an interesting very steep rocky climb, then 10-15 minutes descent down similar. I would have been keen to wait and watch the 4WD coming the other way without winch. Hopefully he turned around.

Categories: 4WD, Australian Outback, Camper Trailer, Car, Discover Australia, Explore Australia, Journey Narrative, Kids Travel, Location, Mitsubishi, Offroad, Photography, TAS, Tasmania, Travel, Travel Adventure, Tyres | Tags: , , , , , | 5 Comments

Tasmania adventure begins

Posted on November 17, 2014 by John Sear

The Spirit of Tasmania has whisked us safely across the Bass Strait from Melbourne and we find ourselves camping in a little village resembling something out of a remote corner of the Mediterranean. A relatively short drive from the ferry found us in a camp spot that fronts the shoreline, where the water colour is brilliant pale blue and the houses in the village are all painted blue to match. Photos don’t do it justice but the area we drove around locally is very photogenic, with flower farms (daffodils, tulips, pyrethrum daisies, lighthouses, craggy cliff-faces. We even found a tree stump with a snow white and seven dwarves sitting on it beside the road. We also encountered our first big icon today – The Big Penguin in a town called Penguin.

Busy beach today
Fifty Toes at Rocky Cape NP
Boat Harbour Camp
Daffodils
Having Fun on Sisters Beach
Big Penguin
Categories: Australian Outback, Beach, Camper Trailer, Journey Narrative, Location, Mitsubishi, National Park, Photography, TAS, Travel, Travel Adventure | Tags: , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory

Posted on November 14, 2014 by John Sear

Back at the campsite the wildlife has been going berserk. The kids finally crashed after the marathon walk and we sat out to watch the sun set and enjoy a well earned cuppa. Within seconds crimson rosellas descended upon Amanda, playing a tactical game where one posed prettily, whilst its partner walked around biting toes and ankles. As soon as they departed the armies of wombats started emerging from the bushes. Across the whole campsite they emerge in hordes, munching their way through the undergrowth, even checking out eskies for any quick snacks.

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Categories: Animal Action, Australian Outback, Journey Narrative, Location, National Park, Photography, Travel, Travel Adventure, VIC | Tags: , , , | 3 Comments

Wilsons Promontory, Victoria

Posted on November 13, 2014 by John Sear

Setting up for the first challenge we arrived in pretty frosty conditions at Tidal River, Wilsons Promontory. With over 450 camping spots we weren’t sure what to expect but as soon as dusk arrives wombats appear from everywhere, and seemingly oblivious to the campers. They walked straight through a game of football the kids were having – needless to say play halted to watch the spectacle. Rosellas abound and there are hundreds of cuttlefish all washed up on all the beaches. We had to go to Squeaky Beach and yes it does! Big bold boulders abound everywhere you look, even at the peak of Mt Oberon that overlooks the campground

We also took the opportunity to try out the trailer awning – it’s huge!

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Categories: Australian Outback, Camper Trailer, Journey Narrative, National Park, Photography, Travel, Travel Adventure, VIC | Tags: , , , , , | 1 Comment

Yadboro flats

Posted on November 2, 2014 by John Sear

Driving on from Pigeon House mountain we stopped at Yadboro flats by the Clyde river. The road had just been graded so everything was covered in dust. After the exhausting climb in the heat cooling off in the river was the best end to the day. Next morning we were up at 6am looking for wombats and found one scrambling around the river bank 50m from the camp. Then we found an ornate satin bower bird building it’s display bower, intricately decorated with blue objects and yellow flowers. A great place that we could have stayed longer at.

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Categories: Animal Action, Australian Outback, Journey Narrative, Location, NSW, Photography, Travel, Travel Adventure | Tags: , , , | 1 Comment

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