23 – 26 April. 3380kms.
Bangarla, Wirangu & Nauo Country
The days and night are so full. Its hard to take it all in! The Eyre Peninsula – another paradise.
Down from the Flinders Ranges, through Port Augusta, at the foot of the mountains and the tip of the peninsular. Familiarised ourselves with a Diesel truck stop – meant for truckies, we think we’re big enough! Onto to the Eyre Highway, landscape change, coastal.
First stop Cowell! Not much there but the family namesake – made for obligatory pics! No relation says Alex’s dad. The free potable water provision was generously received however.
Our main destination, Port Lincoln NP, Horse Rock camp. Through town and around Boston Bay. A rocky campsite entry, hard manoeuvring, worth it. Paradise. All to ourselves. Pristine. Hearing the splish splash, evening fishing calling. Nothing to catch but enjoyable all the same. Morning brings a flock of a pelicans, some seaside yoga, and to our delight a single seal, a show just for us. After breakfast the sparkle in the water called, for frolicking, chilly dipping, shell hunting, giant razorfish shells. The day that followed was full with good, old friends in Port Lincoln. Deb for a beer, cheese, catch up, showers and washing at her warm and welcoming house-sit. Will and Margo, recently moved from Alice, brimming with happiness at this sea change after 30 years in the Territory. Gifted Will’s self caught King George Whiting.
Next day a rainy windswept driving tour. Tips from friends for top stops. Locks Well – huge surf, hundreds of stairs descend down through the cliffs to the sand. Edge of the earth feels. Elliston Cliff Drive, incredible road hugging the cliff tops. Sculpture trail. Surf break in the middle of the ocean. Aboriginal Massacre site. Paying quiet tribute to the frontier warriors, on ANZAC day. A day-long hunt for bread. Find a roadside honesty box with sticky buns!
Arrive in Streaky Bay. Raining, ditch plans for free-camping in the sand dunes and opt for the caravan park and pub meal at the Streaky Hotel. Packed. Good vibes, seaside pub grub. Monopoly Empire and Sushi Go. Early to bed for an early rise, and record 30min pack up, amped to hit the jetty for some fishing. Spent the most of the time untangling kids rods! Somehow managed to catch a fish. A wrasse perhaps? Threw it back. Cafe breakfast, delicious fancy food and coffee, journal writing and chilling. Restock at SA Foodland, a quick Op Shop foray and away we go! Another day of touring and travelling. The Westall loop – yet another spectacular coast clinging road. Unbelievable sites. Colours. A tip from Deb to hit Smooth Pools beach. WOW. Endless rock pools. Sparkling sunshine. Snorkelling, schools of zebra fish, chilly water, exhilarating to immerse and peer around. All four of us donning the masks and flippers. Go little Tals! Open up the camper to dry out the morning dew and lunch on sandwiches in this most beautiful location. Next stop Point Labatt. A sea lion colony! A clifftop viewing platform beneath which sea lions lounged in the sunshine, rolling around, just doing their thing. One little one running up and down the beach, swimming in a rock pool, goading others to join. What a sight! Onwards again, this time to make our way out of the Eyre Peninsula and begin the journey toward the Nullabor – not before a quick stop in Ceduna for a highway side Oyster Shack though, – Sashimi Shack! Last night at the top of the EP in Penong, with a morning visit to Cactus Beach, a well known boho-surfer colony established in the 70s. Another exquisite beach, shell collecting and snorkeling. Quick dry towels and into the car. Nullabor bound.
Cowell
Port Lincoln
Driving tour – Locks Well, Elliston Cliff Drive
Streaky Bay
Smooth Pools & Point Labatt Sea Lion Colony
Penong & Cactus Beach
