6th October
Well we have arrived home safely and before long are back into the swing of everyday life. Kids are back at school, D's back at work and the weeks begin to the lead up for Christmas. Growing up I always heard how much some hated Christmas. It can be a very trying time and expensive as well but at the end of the day it is very special and we always need to remember that. So I am going to be organised and start preparing. 11 weeks I have to do just that.
I am sure you are all wondering why I got off the track a bit from talking about a wonderful holiday to the countdown of Christmas. I believe we should always have something to look forward to so now that our holiday is over I look forward to the festive season and all the yummy food and wine that comes with it.
Now, back onto the subject of our holiday.
It was all very worth it. We experienced four sections of our holiday. The first was areas of nothing, areas of scrub and areas of very dry. One of the few Australian set backs is that sometimes you have to travel through a lot of nothing to get to something wonderful.
Our second was the Flinders. A place that resembles not too many places anywhere else here is Aussie land. The colours of the landscape, the contours of the ranges and the harsh surviving land are reasons that everyone should come and see it for yourselves.
Our third was the departure of a dry and hot place to a coastal location of cold winds, sea mists and lots of ocean. The Yorke Peninsula is definitely an area of healthy and abundant farming and living, a complete opposite to the Flinders Ranges.
Our final part was the pleasant wander along the banks of the Mighty Murray River. A true gem she is, along with her history and the grand vessels that travel her.
In general the caravan parks were reasonably priced, clean and friendly. However I do have some negatives to say.
Firstly unfortunately the price increase for children in the caravan parks has increased over time more than the cost of the tariff for just 2 adults. When we first started caravanning the price of an extra child was between $3 & $5. $5 always seemed to be very expensive. At that time also caravanning was not as popular and there were less of the large and expensive vans coming in. Now an extra child is most of the time between $8 & $10. If you are staying at a Big 4 or a Top Tourist you pay $10 per extra child. Broken Hill Top Tourist was the most expensive caravan park in our entire trip coming in at $58 per night. The park was neat and tidy but very dated. Wellington Caves Caravan Park on the other hand was also neat and tidy, had new amenities and charged us $31 for the night. Wellington Caves ran rings around Broken Hill. Why is this so? Supply and demand of the grey nomads? It almost feels that by making the childrens' tariffs higher they protect the major increase in the initial tariff!
Merna Mora Station in the Flinders charged a flat $30 per powered per night whether there was two of you or 10 of you. Thank you Merna Mora.
I understand that everything is expensive these days but I don't believe that our boys use $20 per night more electricity and water that just the two of us.
Lastly on a negative note sorry but Yass Caravan Park is not worth stopping at. The bathrooms were ok regarding cleanliness but more so they crammed the vans in so close that there was no room to deploy your awning. That's how close we were altogether. In some instances there was only an arms length between vans. We paid $40 per night. Never again.
Don't think that my negative comments about caravan parks will stop us. That is what it is. It is still cheaper than staying in motels or apartments however we do bring our house with us!!!!
Free camping can combat this problem and that is what we did at Menindee Lakes. Great location and beautiful with all that water. If you have a van that is permanently set up for this kind of thing I can see why more and more people are doing this especially regarding the rising cost of staying in caravan parks. Thank you to the person who invented 12 volt capabilities and of course to the wonderful writers and researchers of Camps Australia Wide.
We did experience some extremes regarding the weather. The first couple of days were absolutely perfect with warm days and cool nights. The Flinders gave us hot strong northerly winds and temperatures over 37 degress whipping up the dust like there was no tomorrow. Then the Yorke Peninsula also gave us strong winds but from the south so they were cold and wet. Then the last couple of days were back to perfect. We all know that travelling you are certainly at the whim of the weather.
On a final note our holiday was wonderful and full of fun. My favourite parts were all of the Flinders and of course seeing the Adelaide. I am sure we will be back to the Murray sooner than later but once the kids are no longer wanting to come on holidays with us we will venture back to the Flinders to see everything we missed the first time.
Check out Merna Mora Station on Facebook as well as the Chocolate Apply Factory at Shepparton. Also check out my Colonial Girl Facebook page.
Until again...
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Yass
5th October
When your vehicle does its last turn that puts you in the direction of home you tend to stay in that position because once home is in sight you realise that that is where you want to be.
Our last night of our trip was in Yass. This was only because it was in the line of home and was located at a reasonable position for our last leg.
On our way though we did stop at Gundagai for lunch at the famous Dog on the Tuckerbox.
The caravan park at Yass was full to the brim and had no television reception. Thus at 8.30pm there were no lights on in the caravans except for ours of course. We were the only non grey nomads! The kids sounded much louder than normal as you could have heard a pin drop!
So tomorrow is home sweet home.
Until again...
When your vehicle does its last turn that puts you in the direction of home you tend to stay in that position because once home is in sight you realise that that is where you want to be.
Our last night of our trip was in Yass. This was only because it was in the line of home and was located at a reasonable position for our last leg.
On our way though we did stop at Gundagai for lunch at the famous Dog on the Tuckerbox.
The caravan park at Yass was full to the brim and had no television reception. Thus at 8.30pm there were no lights on in the caravans except for ours of course. We were the only non grey nomads! The kids sounded much louder than normal as you could have heard a pin drop!
So tomorrow is home sweet home.
Until again...
Friday, October 5, 2012
Shepparton
4th October
I am a very happy little camper. As you would have read in my post yesterday I was hoping that the PS Adelaide would grace our company at Pental Island Caravan Park.
At 6.45am I woke up to a paddle steamer whistle which was the indication that the Adelaide had left Swan Hill and was heading up the river. The owner had said that it was an hour and a half trip to the park. So to be on the safe side I took my trusty camp chair and sat on the banks of the Murray at 8am waiting. It was very peaceful and beautiful so the wait didn't bother me at all.
Then at 8.40am the PS Adelaide arrived blowing her whistle and paddling fast. She had been on her journey for almost one month and was headed home to Echuca.
Seeing her at Echuca is one thing, but to see her heading up the river with no commercialisation around was a huge thing for me. What I had considered to be bad timing not to see her at Mildura turned out to be good timing after all.
My previous blog also indicated that we would stay at Corowa after visiting the SPC Ardmona Factory at Shepparton. Well our plans changed.
After spending some time at the Historic Port of Echuca and indulging in a pie and a nenish tart we realised that going to Corowa would make it too big of a day. So we booked into the Big 4 at Shepparton early afternoon and spent the rest of the day shopping.
Our first stop was the SPC Factory with lots of great bargains - not just cans either. One lady who works there told me that people from as far away as Tasmania incorporate the factory into their travels because of the great bargains to be had. Only problem is finding space in the trusty Jayco swan for our purchases.
The second stop was the Chocolate Apple Factory which was recommended to us by the caravan park. This lady coats apples in chocolate then decorates them with all sorts of yummy things. They are so good she has even patented her idea.
So tomorrow we are on the downhill run for home. We'll see where we get too.
Until again...
I am a very happy little camper. As you would have read in my post yesterday I was hoping that the PS Adelaide would grace our company at Pental Island Caravan Park.
At 6.45am I woke up to a paddle steamer whistle which was the indication that the Adelaide had left Swan Hill and was heading up the river. The owner had said that it was an hour and a half trip to the park. So to be on the safe side I took my trusty camp chair and sat on the banks of the Murray at 8am waiting. It was very peaceful and beautiful so the wait didn't bother me at all.
Then at 8.40am the PS Adelaide arrived blowing her whistle and paddling fast. She had been on her journey for almost one month and was headed home to Echuca.
Seeing her at Echuca is one thing, but to see her heading up the river with no commercialisation around was a huge thing for me. What I had considered to be bad timing not to see her at Mildura turned out to be good timing after all.
My previous blog also indicated that we would stay at Corowa after visiting the SPC Ardmona Factory at Shepparton. Well our plans changed.
After spending some time at the Historic Port of Echuca and indulging in a pie and a nenish tart we realised that going to Corowa would make it too big of a day. So we booked into the Big 4 at Shepparton early afternoon and spent the rest of the day shopping.
Our first stop was the SPC Factory with lots of great bargains - not just cans either. One lady who works there told me that people from as far away as Tasmania incorporate the factory into their travels because of the great bargains to be had. Only problem is finding space in the trusty Jayco swan for our purchases.
The second stop was the Chocolate Apple Factory which was recommended to us by the caravan park. This lady coats apples in chocolate then decorates them with all sorts of yummy things. They are so good she has even patented her idea.
So tomorrow we are on the downhill run for home. We'll see where we get too.
Until again...
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| PS Adelaide |
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Swan Hill
3rd October
Do you like an almond or two? Do you like them roasted, lightly salted, smoked or flavoured? Well Renmark is the place for you. Almondco takes pride on the main road into Renmark. Any style almond you like they have.
Today with our travels we lost 1/2 hour as we entered back into eastern standard time. We actually entered three different states today. We left SA, entered VIC, over into NSW then back into VIC. Euston was our destination for lunch (of course this was on the banks of the Murray), through Robinvale then onto Swan Hill. Most of the countryside was interesting to look at especially when the road got very close to the Murray and we could see how full it really is. Between Boundary Bend and Swan Hill there are lots of brown road signs that just say "River" that we would assume would take you to places to camp. I am sure the Camps Australia book would be able to confirm this. I will check it out upon my return.
For the last couple of weeks I have been following on facebook the progress of the PS Adelaide from Echuca to Mildura. I had wished that we would be somewhere along the Murray to see this very special event. I was disappointed that it would not be.
However after arriving in Swan Hill today I find out that the Adelaide has made it to Swan Hill on its way home and is heading up the river past where we are staying tomorrow. I am hoping that it will pass by before we leave.
And where are we staying? Pental Island Caravan Park. This is a caravan park on a farm with beautiful river frontage. One of the best locations I have ever stayed at. I wish that we were staying longer. As I sit here writing my blog I can hear nothing but sheep. If any of you know me well there are plenty of wagon wheels taking up heaps of space - very tempting but it is not as if you can hide them under your jumper as you leave!!!!
Tomorrow we head to Echuca and onto Corowa.
Until again....
Do you like an almond or two? Do you like them roasted, lightly salted, smoked or flavoured? Well Renmark is the place for you. Almondco takes pride on the main road into Renmark. Any style almond you like they have.
Today with our travels we lost 1/2 hour as we entered back into eastern standard time. We actually entered three different states today. We left SA, entered VIC, over into NSW then back into VIC. Euston was our destination for lunch (of course this was on the banks of the Murray), through Robinvale then onto Swan Hill. Most of the countryside was interesting to look at especially when the road got very close to the Murray and we could see how full it really is. Between Boundary Bend and Swan Hill there are lots of brown road signs that just say "River" that we would assume would take you to places to camp. I am sure the Camps Australia book would be able to confirm this. I will check it out upon my return.
For the last couple of weeks I have been following on facebook the progress of the PS Adelaide from Echuca to Mildura. I had wished that we would be somewhere along the Murray to see this very special event. I was disappointed that it would not be.
However after arriving in Swan Hill today I find out that the Adelaide has made it to Swan Hill on its way home and is heading up the river past where we are staying tomorrow. I am hoping that it will pass by before we leave.
And where are we staying? Pental Island Caravan Park. This is a caravan park on a farm with beautiful river frontage. One of the best locations I have ever stayed at. I wish that we were staying longer. As I sit here writing my blog I can hear nothing but sheep. If any of you know me well there are plenty of wagon wheels taking up heaps of space - very tempting but it is not as if you can hide them under your jumper as you leave!!!!
Tomorrow we head to Echuca and onto Corowa.
Until again....
 |
| View of the Murray from Pental Island Caravan Park |
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| 100 year old shearing shed on farm |
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| Shearing Yards and River |
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Renmark
2nd October
After leaving the Peninsula we travelled across country to the Clare Valley where we visited three of my favourite wineries in the Valley.
Firstly we tried Sevenhill Winery, then Annie's Lane then onto Taylors. I feel that the Riesling here is beautiful as well as the wooded chardonnay.
Next town was Morgan where we came across the Mighty Murray for the first time on our trip. We had lunch in the park then continued onto Renmark.
Many times we have passed through Renmark and had a look at the PS Industry which takes pride at the wharf. Today was special because it was open to walk on. She had her 100 year anniversary last year.
We are staying at the Top Tourist Riverbend Caravan Park. As it suggests we are right on the Murray. This is a lovely park with wonderful powered sites right on the river. Note to self: come back here and spend a week relaxing and more relaxing.
So tomorrow we continue down the Sturt Highway to Swan Hill. It has been a while since we travelled this road but I always look forward to being and travelling near the Murray.
Until again...
After leaving the Peninsula we travelled across country to the Clare Valley where we visited three of my favourite wineries in the Valley.
Firstly we tried Sevenhill Winery, then Annie's Lane then onto Taylors. I feel that the Riesling here is beautiful as well as the wooded chardonnay.
Next town was Morgan where we came across the Mighty Murray for the first time on our trip. We had lunch in the park then continued onto Renmark.
Many times we have passed through Renmark and had a look at the PS Industry which takes pride at the wharf. Today was special because it was open to walk on. She had her 100 year anniversary last year.
We are staying at the Top Tourist Riverbend Caravan Park. As it suggests we are right on the Murray. This is a lovely park with wonderful powered sites right on the river. Note to self: come back here and spend a week relaxing and more relaxing.
So tomorrow we continue down the Sturt Highway to Swan Hill. It has been a while since we travelled this road but I always look forward to being and travelling near the Murray.
Until again...
 |
| View down the Murray at Renmark |
Monday, October 1, 2012
Heading Off
1st October
Well there really isn't much more to say about the Yorke Peninsula.
For all you history buffs we visited the Moonta Mines and saw a couple of old enginehouses. They were very grand indeed - reminded me of Burra but of course they were once all for copper mining.
My three lovely men in my life and myself took a lovely stroll along the beach at Port Hughes and walked to the end of the Jetty. We met a man there who was waiting for the right conditions to catch sharks. It was so windy you could feel the Jetty moving in the wind.
Farewell Port Hughes you are a lovely location (except next time don't give us any wind). We are headed tomorrow up through the Clare Valley to get some vino and then onto Renmark.
Until again...
Well there really isn't much more to say about the Yorke Peninsula.
For all you history buffs we visited the Moonta Mines and saw a couple of old enginehouses. They were very grand indeed - reminded me of Burra but of course they were once all for copper mining.
My three lovely men in my life and myself took a lovely stroll along the beach at Port Hughes and walked to the end of the Jetty. We met a man there who was waiting for the right conditions to catch sharks. It was so windy you could feel the Jetty moving in the wind.
Farewell Port Hughes you are a lovely location (except next time don't give us any wind). We are headed tomorrow up through the Clare Valley to get some vino and then onto Renmark.
Until again...
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| Something east coasters never see - the sun setting over the ocean |
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