Where is the Port in Port Wakefield?

We have booked into a park in Adelaide and are due to arrive there in two days, so with one more day up our sleeves we thought we would move a little closer so that the next day is nice and short and it is just the Adelaide traffic that we have to worry about, not to mention navigating our way around it all.  Just down the road from Melrose we came across a little town called Laura, as we drove through it both Jason and I were very quiet just looking out the windows.  We knew what we were both thinking and as we drove out the other side we both admitted this would have been a great place to stay, but for today we wanted to get a bit further.  We will just add it to the list of things for our next trip!

The drive was a scenic one with lots of little hills, farms and towns to take in along the way.  Despite the hills we also were getting some fantastic fuel economy with it down to 13.7L per 100km.  I must admit that I did double check that we had the van attached.  Normally our average is between 16 to 17 litres per 100km, obviously a bit better with a tail wind and worse with a headwind and shocking if going up a steep hill.  We drove past Snowtown, after the history behind that town we weren’t that keen to stop, but then we felt guilty as we wonder if the town is suffering heaps because of that reputation. 

It got a little bit better after this photo.

Down the road there were more salt lakes and someone had even decided to make a Loch Ness monster and place it out there.  It gave us a good laugh, but there was nowhere to stop and take a photo of their creativity.  We were wondering why they had done it but when we drove through the next town (called Lochiel) we understood the take on the name.  Soon we arrive at Port Wakefield which we had decided was a good spot, nice and close to Adelaide for the night.  We went straight to the caravan park and checked in.  No issues getting a site as there was only one other van there but being a small park it wouldn’t take long to fill up. 

The local swimming hole/pool.

View out across the mangroves and ranges in the distance.

 

The park is right on a little creek inlet from the bay, but it was dammed off to keep it at a decent depth and to prevent the nasties (I am guessing) from getting in.  I worked all this out when I went for a walk down and along it and read that this is the main swimming area for the town and I thought it was odd until later when we had explored the area more.  The town itself wasn’t as big as I expected, but that didn’t worry us in the least.  For those that love old buildings, this little town has quite a few of them and most are very well kept with beautiful gardens to match. 

One of the beautiful old homes.

We tried to have a rest but the kids had other plans.  I am sure I will get my revenge when they are teenagers and want to sleep in more, I will not allow it (enter my evil chuckle).  Who am I kidding, I will probably miss these years and be like so many and tell mothers of young children to enjoy the years as they go too fast.  We were looking back at old Santa photos and came across Hamish’s first one and also Kayla’s first one.  That time alone has gone so fast and you get a little sad that they are growing up, but then they are at a different stage, one it seems full of energy and ready to explore Australia, it is just a pity they are stuck for the moment with two parents who are craving a little nap. 

It was after lunch by the time we went out to explore and I don’t know if it was because it was a Saturday or not but there wasn’t a lot to do or going on.  I think the town is mainly just a stopping point for people heading to Adelaide as there are two big servos as you come into town and other than a few little shops that is really it.    We actually went looking for the Port, because we stupidly assumed they would have one.  We found a boat ramp but really that was about it, and even from the boat ramp we couldn’t really see out to the bay.  You had to launch off into a creek surrounded by mangroves and make your way out there I guess.  There goes the idea of fishing with the kids here.  Eventually I found some history on the area and yes once upon a time was a bustling Port but it closed down a long time ago.  We are guessing the main employment for the town is now the meatworks that we passed on the way in.

So after we found there really wasn’t much to see and no Information Centre we returned to the caravan park and went and took the kids to the playground that was right next door.  There were also a few locals down by the creek taking their kids for a swim.  Hamish befriended one little boy who was swimming and I said the kids could go in (clothes and all) as it was the end of the day so who really cares.  They just stood on the edge; Hamish didn’t like the feel of the ground under the water and was a bit scared unless I went in with him.  So I did to show him it was okay but still he wasn’t keen to go over his knees.  Kayla was just enjoying the freedom but followed Hamish and did whatever he was doing.  They even just enjoyed spotting little crabs along the edge. 

Love the fact that Jason is not at work and has more time to spend with the kids.

Hamish showing me his climbing ability.

 

In our drive around town I had spotted what looked like an old church that had been converted into a beautiful coffee shop.  It wasn’t open but I thought I must go here the next morning before we left.  We had rung ahead and organised an early check-in to the park in Adelaide but that still was only going to be 11am so I thought we would have plenty of time.  Being only a short walk away from the van, I took off down there in the morning, dreaming of a good coffee and some yummy food, but when I got there it was still closed.  I couldn’t see any sign telling me what time it opened so I resigned to the fact that I wasn’t meant to have my morning coffee there and went back to the van for our normal instant coffee.

Beautiful looking coffee shop.

I was obviously too early, as when we went to leave it was open, so we took a few pictures as it does look like a lovely spot to stop in and have a break before facing the city traffic.  Not to mention I had stalked their Facebook page and food and reviews all looked good.  Jason offered to just pull over so we could go in, but by now I had eaten my breakfast and had a coffee so I would just be eating and drinking for the sake of it, and I don’t think my ever expanding waistline really needs that at the moment!