Holiday Hotspot Port Elliot

Time to pack up and move on again.  It seems to come around so fast.  As I was putting things away the day before I had realised that we were missing a bowl which was kind of a big thing when we only had four to start with and we all have oats or cereal each morning.  Jason assured me he hadn’t left it at the bbq and ducked out to Big W to get another one.  On his return I was talking to the other family leaving and you will guess where she had seen a bowl… at the bbq!  So off Jason went and there it was, along with another one of our large plates.  Guess we should always double check.

We were only driving over the range to Port Elliot so didn’t want to leave early but had to be gone by 10am as they were going to be full that night.  I took down all he Christmas decorations and left them behind, always a depressing job.  The drive was only short but we had to cross a range and it felt like it just kept going and going and the fuel economy wasn’t so good.  Funny how you don’t take photos of those ones, but we made it to the top easily, just dropping back to 60km/hour.  By the time we pulled up at the Port Elliot Show Grounds the fuel economy had dropped back down to a reasonable amount.

We had decided to stay at the Port Elliot Show Grounds as it was only $20 a night as opposed to the $80 plus a night we were quoted at the caravan parks in Victor Harbor.  We were met by Bruce the caretaker and he is a lovely man who was so welcoming.  Jason and I started to discuss if it would be better to base ourselves in one location for a lengthy period of time (2 weeks or more) and just do day trips, rather than the constant pack up and set up when it is such a short distance away.  We might give it a go on one of the other peninsulas to see how it works out.

Kayla was really tired so I took her for a quick drive to get her to sleep and got my first glimpse of the coastline around Port Elliot.  I couldn’t wait to get back to tell Jason all about it.  Kayla easily fell asleep and obviously needed it as she had a massive two and a half hour nap so we got to relax.  As it was cold I sat outside with my chair half in the sun so I could warm up my legs.  It worked but then stupid me ended up with sunburnt legs so I was not impressed that twice in one month I had gotten sunburnt. 

Looking down on Horseshoe Bay.

Little rocky outcrop.

Trying to show the number of shipwrecks in the area.

Back towards Victor Harbor.

In my defence I  was chatting to Bruce who pulled his chair over.  He used to drive the Greyhound buses between Adelaide and Perth so had some great stories regarding travelling the Nullarbor and to not drive at night as he has seen many a car damaged by hitting wombats!  Never thought there would be wombats along there.  It must be lonely when travelling on your own, either that or very peaceful.  He is only at the showgrounds until April when he will head off for another trip.

To make the most of the little bit of the day we had left, we went out exploring and decided to drive down to Goolwa and check out the mouth of the Murray River since we never got there on our last trip nearly two years ago.  It was a great sight to see and the tourist boards actually explained everything really well and we learnt a fair bit about it all and how they are trying to keep the mouth of the river open.  I really enjoyed driving through the main street areas of Port Elliot, Goolwa and Middleton as they are so beautiful with the preservation of their heritage buildings.  The evening was seen out by walking through the markets at Horseshoe Bay.

The mouth of the Murray River.

Decorating cookies at the markets.

Horseshoe Bay.

Having fun before Kayla fell off.

I don’t know what we are going to do after this trip and actually have to be somewhere at a certain time.  We have just gotten so use to taking our time to get going.  We headed straight into Victor Harbor and to the Information Centre.  I haven’t been to a bad Information Centre yet, but this one would have had to have been the friendliest and most passionate one we have stopped at so far.  They were fantastic and we got a lot of information and had a discussion about if I had towed yet or not.

Obviously I had to admit I hadn’t and said I wanted to try first on the Nullarbor – maybe the straightest road. Talk about scare me off as they said the road trains create so much wind pull (that we knew already) that it isn’t the best place to learn.  Hmm I think I will have to re-think where I make my first attempt.  When it comes down to the actual moment I always come up with a good excuse, too much traffic, too hilly, bit windy etc.  I am very lucky in that Jason doesn’t mind and is happy driving.  Maybe he feels safer too having himself behind the wheel.

We had some morning tea whilst waiting for the horse drawn tram to start running for the day.  There was no way we weren’t going to do this with the kids and they were so excited to catch it over to Granite Island.  We sat up top to take in the view and noticed how the water was not very deep but then it wasn’t high tide either.  Two guys paddled their Kayaks under the bridge and told us all of a pod of fifty or so Dolphins off the island near the pier.

Making our way across.

She could have watched the horse all day.

The old tram.

Turning around.

Once off the tram we had a hard time dragging Kayla away.  She was just fascinated with the horse and I think she could have stood there and just watched if for hours.  When we did manage to get her away we went and spotted the dolphins before making our way to the penguin centre.  The kids loved seeing them but it was sad to hear the story of how much the numbers have dropped.  All the Penguins there have been hurt (dogs, kids, boats, other wildlife) and can’t be released back into the wild as they would not survive.

The numbers have slightly increased the last two years, but the centre is no longer allowed to take the babies that are bred there and released back into the wild, so they have to take the eggs out of the nest.  Though forty or so compared to over a thousand a few years ago is really not much.  The volunteers are very passionate about their work and would love to have the island closed off at night or more done to try and prevent the impact humans have to the islands population.  I think it is sad that the local government isn’t doing more to protect them or find the balance between keeping the island accessible whilst building back up the population.

Cute little things.

Feeding time and a great talk on what they do.

After this we went for a walk around the island, stunning views and a relatively easy walk once you have completed the 112 steps up to the top (yes I counted them).  I must admit I did get frustrated by the number of people not keeping to the main tracks as this is what ruins the native wildlife and plants, not to mention dangerous with the sheer drop offs.  We made it back to the tram stop just in time to catch the next horse drawn carriage back to the mainland.  It actually isn’t far and you can easily walk it but the tram is cool and gives Hamish a break from the walk.

Having a break from the walk.

Love the different colours on the rocks.

Looking back to Victor Harbor.

One of the worn rocks.

Beautiful coastline.

Our luck for the day ran out when we got back to the car as to find out we had a parking ticket!  It was only $46 but still not what we really wanted.  Neither of us saw the signs when we parked but I spotted them when walking back to the car and couldn’t believe we missed them.  They were everywhere and so in your face.  Guess we just got use to not having to pay for parking again after a week in Aldinga Beach.  So back to the van we went for lunch since we now couldn’t afford to eat out (ha ha).

The rest of the day was spent hanging around the showgrounds before heading out after dinner for a walk along the waterfront.  We didn’t get to have our walk as Kayla fell asleep, so we decide to take advantage of the fact she was asleep just after 7pm and return to the van for some down time.

We were woken early again by the wind blowing the awning around.  As much as we tried to ignore it we did eventually drag ourselves out of bed and pulled it in.  It wasn’t too early but since it was only 5:20am we hopped straight back into bed to get some more sleep and where it was way warmer.  When we finally dragged ourselves out of bed it was still miserable windy and cold weather but we were determined for it not to stop us from getting out.  The Information Centre had told Jason about a little place you could see seals from just outside of Goolwa. 

So off we went back to Goolwa and out to the Murray River barrage.  It was very cold and windy by now and I really hoped that they were going to be there to make it worthwhile for the kids.  There were about four of them with two fast asleep and another two out in the water swimming around.  The kids really weren’t that interested but it was definitely worth going out in the cold to see.  On the way home we stopped in town for a picnic morning tea that we had packed.  It was nice to have a homemade cake and coffee next to a playground that the kids could burn off some energy on.

Walking out to the lock.

One of the lazy seals.

A more energetic one.

Next stop was Victor Harbor to pay the parking fine but of course they are closed until after New Year’s.  We can pay it online at least but have to wait four business days for it to be entered into the system.  We will have to try and remember to actually pay it otherwise I am sure it will end up being a lot more.  After lunch in the van, we decided that since the weather wasn’t brilliant we would have a cook up for future morning teas.  We made another cake and some chocolate chip biscuits.  I even decided that we should give a bag of biscuits to Bruce the caretaker as he is so lovely and helpful.

A few more vans arrived and a camper trailer set up near us which provided us with entertainment watching them set up.  It was actually quite fast and we were really impressed at how nice it looked.  Being a hard floor one it was more a matter of just folding down the roof and locking it into place.  Setting up the outdoor area and covering it in canvas took a bit longer but overall it looked like a really nice set up that could go anywhere.  Best of all it was made in Brisbane!  After dinner we went for another drive and saw some of the other caravan parks.  There were just packed in like sardines with a million kids on the jumping pillow.  We are so glad for our nice quiet showground site. 

For our last full day in the area we wanted to check out the little main area of Port Elliot before catching the Cockle steam train to Goolwa.  It is a pretty little town with some beautiful old buildings and lots of new modern holiday homes.  Port Elliot and Victor Harbor actually join up in my opinion so you are close to the main tourist areas but don’t have the craziness of it.

Lovely old church.

One of the old building in Goolwa.

Just so pretty.

Council was obviously not big in the ole days.

We stopped at the bakery for a yummy morning tea before walking round a bit more and then making our way back to the train station.  It was so cool seeing the old steam train and carriages pull in and then hopping on board for a ride.  It is so well preserved and the extra touch of the conductor coming along to hole punch your tickets really made you feel like you were back in the old days.  It is a scenic trip with so much to look out at and everyone waves as you go by.

So excited waiting for the train.

In she rolls.

First class.

Second class.

The original plan was to have lunch in Goolwa at the beautiful old pub but Kayla wasn’t too happy so we thought it probably wouldn’t be worth it and that we would just catch the train straight back again after a forty five minute wait.  There is heaps to do there, like a brewery so you could easily fill in a few hours just walking around the town.  For the trip back we hopped in a different carriage.  This one was more like first class! 

Hamish waving to people.

Kayla wasn't so sure at the start.

Going through Middleton.

Passing through a paddock.

First class - so well restored.

When we arrived back in Port Elliot there were quite a few people waiting to board to head to Victor Harbor.  I was the first one attempting to get out and I didn’t even make it to the door before people tried to barge on.  When met with us trying to get off they didn’t even try to move out of the way.  I then announced we had a stroller we needed to get off and again they still all just looked at me and tried to get past.  Eventually I just pushed through, trying to keep the kids following me and Jason had to push his way through with the stroller.  I just don’t understand where general manners have gone where you wait for everyone to disembark before hopping on.  The adults were the worst offenders.

I love being a tourist, but I have to admit I hate over popular tourist places, so what do I expect being down here in peak season.  It was even worse when trying to food shop that afternoon.  It was really everyone out for themselves and it was nothing for people just to stop and block the way.  Even when you used your manners to try and get past they just looked at you and kept standing back blocking the way.  So you definitely must come to this area to visit, but my recommendation is to do it outside the peak school holidays!  It was nice to return to our quiet showgrounds were there was plenty of space.

That afternoon we met another family from Western Australia who had headed off for a year trip too.  Unlike us they had rented out their home and now they are going to have to cut their trip short as the tenant has trashed their place and it has to go to court.  I really felt for them as they have to go home soon to sort it all out and attend court.  We are so glad we have sold our place as that was my worst nightmare. 

The plan had been to go down to the Flying Fish takeaway shop for fish and chips for dinner on the beach.  By the time we really thought about it the time had gotten away from us and it was already 7pm.  So instead Jason and Kayla ducked out to get dinner whilst I got Hamish to have a shower.  Bruce the caretaker had recommended it and it was delicious and so worth it.  We had yummy calamari, prawn cutlets and of course chips.  We really enjoyed our time here and it is a beautiful spot.  If only we had come outside school holidays, you could nearly say it is perfect.

Lets all look at the camera, or not.

Camels along the beach.

Bit rough out there.

Some of the 112 steps.

Two trams passing.

Kayla making a friend.

Thought this was a nice quote.

 

Merry Christmas from Aldinga Beach

We took the punt that we might be able to check into the caravan park at Aldinga Beach early but still didn’t get there until 11am.  Luckily the lady at reception was fine with it and when we drove in I worked out why – it was pretty much empty.  Hard to believe that in six days’ time it is going to be packed out (as we couldn’t stay a full seven nights).  Our site I think was more designed for tents, camper trailers or small vans, but we managed to get in easily with only breaking off one branch so it didn’t scratch the van.  We were a bit off the matting but that was actually what we wanted so we could get the awning fully out.

It was nice setting up and putting up all the battery operated Christmas lights that we have been lugging around for the last 2 months just so we could light up the caravan.  Another family with a very nice Ultimate camper trailer arrived and were also setting up.  It really is designed for off road but was quite big when they finished setting it all up, but we didn’t envy the time it took.  They were lucky though as her father was there to help and watch their two young kids so they could get it up faster. 

After lunch we went for a drive to just check out the area and when we came to Aldinga beach I was quite surprised by all the cars on it.  I knew it was one of the few beaches that could be driven on in the area, but I didn’t think it would be a carpark.  Unfortunately we didn’t get a photo of it at that point in time as there was cars parked both sides and they just drove down the middle.  I kind of felt it ruined it as it did just look more like a carpark.  We headed back to the van as Kayla had fallen asleep so there really wasn’t much point in being out.

Now imagine another row of cars on low tide.

 

That afternoon we decided to head back down to Aldinga Beach to try a bit of fishing.  We chose not to park on the beach as there was a perfectly good and pretty much empty bitumen carpark just before it.  It was beautiful down by the beach but I didn’t feel like I could fully relax as on one side you had to watch your kids with the water and the other side you had to watch for all the cars driving past.  I did get a laugh when one little boy stopped in the middle of what was like the road and started to dig a hole.  The car had seen him and was patiently waiting but the kids were in no hurry until his Dad started to come to move him, then he took off.

The boys do a spot of fishing.

Kayla having a  play in the cold water.

It wasn’t just 4WDs that were on the beach, it was anything and everything, from Toyota Corollas to Holden Commodores.  After not having much luck with the fishing and hardly getting any bites we decided to call it quits and head back for dinner and some warmth in the van.  Our van park is a twenty minute walk from the ocean but it is great that way as we are really sheltered from the winds and it is nice and quiet and not the slightest bit packed.  After coming through the red centre I think we seemed to like the more empty parks with just a few fellow travellers.

They say Sunday is a day of rest but we decided to make it Monday.  As that is exactly what we did and not a bit more.  We made the use of the playground amenities and I ducked out to get my hair done as the regrowth was rather embarrassing.  I missed my old hairdresser as she knew exactly what I like and I could just go in and sit down and she would work her magic.  Not that I had a bad hairdresser, she was lovely and did everything I asked, or just kept it how it was as that works.  Whilst I was enjoying my peace time Jason was texting me with updates and it looks like Hamish has a new friend that seems to be making himself at home in our van.  Sure enough he was still there when I got home, but it was great for Hamish to have a mate to run around with.

We ended the day by going for a drive beside the beach and pulling up for ice creams whilst waiting for the sun to set.  The plan was to go looking at Christmas lights but we got just a tad bit impatient waiting for the sun to go down and Kayla had fallen asleep.  So instead we went looking whilst it was still partially daylight which is really not the same before heading back to the van.

Going for a drive around the area - these sheep have a great view.

Watching the sun go behind the clouds.

Well we held off for two days but it was time to cross the highway and discover the wonderful McLaren Vale wine region.  This is the sort of place you could easily lose yourself in or hide away in to never return.  Our first stop was the information centre to obtain a map and find out all the options we had.  Well weren’t we overwhelmed, there is so much that it would take you weeks to do them all so we would just have to pick out a few that interested us.  The centre also happened to have a scenic coffee shop with a large lawn overlooking grape vines and a playground out to the side.  So naturally we stayed for morning tea.

The view from the information centre café.

Great place to relax.

The kids enjoyed it too.

From here we had to rush off as Jason had booked in for a wine tasting at Sellicks Hill Wines that an old work colleague of Jason’s had recommended.  He was really looking forward to it as he would get to sample the wines straight out of the barrel which is really rare and a special treat.  I opted to stay out and look after the kids as I really didn’t think that it was the best place to take them as they would want to touch everything and I would hate for them to ruin some good quality wine.  Instead we stayed back at the main tasting area and checked out their wonderful variety of fruit trees and impressive vegetable patch.  I could picture wonderful family meals occurring with beautiful wine and freshly home grown food.  Especially as the owner was currently in the process of building a wood fired oven.

Another beautiful view.

Our haul for the day.

I had to laugh as Jason told me it would only take ten minutes!  As if wine tasting is going to only take ten minutes!  One and a half hours later though I did have to hint that the kids were getting a bit over it and were hungry.  I joked that he was quite happy when we left but honestly he didn’t really have much at all.  Still the knowledge he shared with me as to what he learnt not just about the wine but also the area was so interesting.  It just goes to show that you learn the most from talking to locals rather than reading pamphlets.  Thank you very much Shane for all of your recommendations on which vineyards to visit.  We are planning to save a couple upon our return to Adelaide in the middle of next month. 

We made our way back to the town of McLaren Vale for lunch as we had spotted an old train carriage that had been converted into a café and thought it would be great for lunch.  Unfortunately it was closed so we popped into the nut shop next door which is also inside an old train carriage and bought a few yummy local produce before going in search of something for lunch.  That task was a little harder than we first expected as places were either very crowded with long line ups or quite expensive with no kids meals.  Eventually we came across the Tin Shed Café which had beautiful meals and even a toy box to keep the kids entertained whilst we waited for our meals to be bought out.

Love places with that added bit of character.

That afternoon I had do some re-arranging in the van as the majority of Hamish’s first term prep books had arrived and needed a home.  I worked my magic and succeeded.  We also met some fellow families who were staying at the park.  They had come across for a family Christmas as their parents lived there.  Lovely families and we sat down and had a drink together before Jason went and cooked on the BBQ with them.  It is so nice how people are always so welcoming and invite us to join them.

I had to fit all this in somewhere.

Hamish has been playing with his new mate who whilst some time annoyed us a bit, we felt sorry for him as he told us he was staying with his Grandparents and that his Mum was on holidays in Perth and his Dad lived in Sydney and his Mum wouldn’t be back until Boxing day.  I felt sorry that he wasn’t included on the holiday and that he wouldn’t be with either parent on Christmas day.  So I could never send him away and was happy to include him in all the craft activities that we did.  Though I have to admit we were happy when Hamish started playing more with the younger boy of fellow campers as he wasn’t as rough and had the most beautiful manners.

Wednesday saw us return to knock of a few more wineries in McLaren Vale, but this time it was I who got to do the tasting.  Being an organised person I had neatly mapped out the route to all the wineries I wanted to go to, and had carefully selected them in the only way I know how – what interests me!  One had sheep on the label so that was the first stop!  Unfortunately in my planning I had not noted the opening hours and it was closed.  We were only half an hour early, so instead we moved on to my next choice, a brewery, but again it was closed.  I really wasn’t having much success here.

We took a detour from my crappy itinerary to check out what this big massive wine bottle that was appearing on our navigator.  Yep true to the navigator there was a big wine bottle and on closer inspection we discovered it was made out of old corks.  The winery itself had beautiful grounds and was open but didn’t taste any of the wines as realistically we had limited space for wine and a limited budget. 

The big win bottle.

Pretty impressive effort.

Kayla is heading to the cellar door.

Random boat amongst the vines.

We finally made our way to the Kay Brothers/Amery winery which is another one Jason’s friend had recommended.  The view was outstanding and so were their wines.  We ended up getting the Block 6 Shiraz and Rare Liqueur Muscat which we will save for a special occasion (does 3 months on the road count).  At the winery they had an old diary there that could show you what they did over 100 years ago.  It has been in the family for a very long time and that is what made it extra special.  They also had a toy box full of all different toys which easily entertained the kids whilst I tasted the wine.

The kids are happy.

I could live here.

The cellar door.

The diary from 100 years ago - impressive.

Since it was Christmas Eve we did the tradition photo under the tree with the kids and their presents from us.  I love modern technology and how things like Facebook allow you to instantly share everything in private group messages.  I could upload the pictures for my family to see and they could then share theirs with my nieces and nephews.  Even on Christmas day it made it feel more like we were closer than what we really were.   

Christmas Eve photo.

Then it was Christmas Day, and what a magical day it was.  We had no intention at all and did have a great chuckle watching people madly get ready and duck out to see all the family.  Hamish woke up ever so excited and called out to us.  Luckily Santa had been organised and filled the Santa sacks the night before, but had left them inside so nothing would get stolen.  So as Jason distracted Hamish, I rushed them back outside.  Gosh kids make Christmas so magical and Hamish really loved going through it all, whilst Kayla woke up grumpy and took quite a while to get into it but when she eventually woke up properly she was more excited.

Yep someone is still waking up.

Batman is all ready to go.

After a massive big breakfast we got started on the present opening which took a while in between phone calls.  Jason then fired up the weber again and started on perfecting the pork crackling for lunch.  I wasn’t too fussed but he took his job very, very seriously and it was all he could talk about all morning.  It was delicious though and we finished with Kayla having a nap and the rest of us finishing off our food coma with dessert.

Cooking up a delicious breaky.

Happy campers.

Present opening time.

Another big meal - too cold to eat outside.

Dessert.

The rest of our day saw the kids playing with their new toys whilst I worked out where on earth we would keep them all whilst packing away the old ones to be mailed to Jason’s mum to be placed into storage.  That is the downside in that we have to keep the toys limited to just one tub.  Once I had completed this task we sat down with our books to read with a drink each and just chilled for the afternoon.  By now the caravan park seemed really empty so we had the run of the place and the kids really enjoyed jumping on the jumping pillow without any bigger kids and we even squeezed in a game of T-ball.

Oh Boxing Day, the day most people wake up with a sore head or tummy, depending on what you over-indulged in.  We wanted to make the most of our last day so went for a drive along the beaches to the north.  We found a beautiful beach with a pier and walked along to the end and watched crazy people out snorkelling in the waters.  We were cold and wearing jumpers so the thought of swimming in the ocean was really not appealing.  Instead we went for a quick walk along the beach before going back to the shore for an ice cream, because that is what you do when you are cold!

Two happy kids.

The pier out to a rocky ledge.

Someone loves her ice cream.

Looks like a great place to snorkel.
 

On the way home we stopped at an awesome playground we saw on our way in.  The kids loved it and could have easily stayed there until the sun set for the day.  We eventually pulled them away from it as we had to make our way back and cook dinner.  On the way home we did discover another beautiful beach with the stunning cliffs.  We also saw a random sign on the way home but neither of us got a chance to read it properly but it was for a beach.  Jason offered to turn around and go back to it but I said not to bother and that we should get home to cook dinner for the kids.  In the end Jason had to go back to Big W to get a few odds and ends and re-read the sign as the first unofficial unclad (which we assume means nudist) beach.  So we are lucky we didn’t go down there as that would have been a great one to explain to the kids.

They are off.

Enjoying the playground.

This is how you do it Mum.

Another magical beach.

We really enjoyed our stay here and it was the perfect quiet spot to celebrate Christmas.

Just taking some shots of the beautiful flowers in the gardens.

Could never get sick of this.

Hamish putting out the food for Santa and reindeers.  They had to be far apart as Santa is a big man.

Someone got a baby carrier.

Loving her new book whilst Batman watches some tv.

Now she is getting into it.

Big bubbles.

Someone decided baby needed a few stamps to the head.

Jason getting my hat that had blown off.

Jason and the kids on the beach.

Nice pier to walk along.

Another angle of the pier.

Playing Mum.

With the puzzle we completed.



Jason impressed with my wrapping ability.