The month of April sees us heading west then finally North on our Journey. We camped up on the Murray River banks south of Mildura at a town called Colignan approximately 45km from Mildura.
We consulted wikicamps for a free campsite named Wilsons Bend. Scoped out the area and setup on the top of the banks with a wonderful sandy beach in front of us. Setting up behind us were a couple of locals preparing for the school holidays and pre easter rush. They were setting up and returning later on after the kids finished school, a quick chat with them to start with and also the beginning of a friendship that now sees them ( Kaine & Kylie ) starting their own lap of OZ in the same van as ours. Later that evening Kaine & Kylie returned and moved camp a little further down the banks with some of their friends, all with kids it soon became a large gathering ( around 20 ) around the campfire telling stories. Many more similar days were to be had doing just this. Kaine came down the river on their BBQ boat and moored up on the sandy beach. Invited on board we spent a long time chatting about our Trip, Van, Car and planning etc. A cruise up the river on the boat to try and catch a Murray Cod was amazing although unsuccessful. We got all the local info on best shops,butchers and places to see and ventured off into Mildura to get water and supplies. Next morning we kicked off a head of school work ready for the school holidays to begin. The neighbours had Kayaks and we sat fishing and paddling for hours on end. The time for Kaine, Kylie,James & Sharon was nearing the end for camping as they had to head back to work, But this would not be goodbye. We headed into Mildura on a mission, find some kayaks to take with us for the rest of the trip. Mission completed as “Apple & Banana” came home with us ( see pics ) Apple is a 3 seater that can actually hold 4 of us and Banana is a single that can take 2. We rushed back to camp and set them of on their maiden voyage ! great fun. Now i had to tackle the where do we carry these things !! Upon suggestion From James he put me in touch with Shane from Engineering Kreationz in Mildura who listened to what I needed and designed rack for the Triton, we loved it and gave it the go ahead, it would be done just after Easter.
Next day we had some new neighbours move in behind us, 4 wonderful couples from South Australia who again we would spend a few days with. I sat early in the afternoon trying my luck at this fresh water fishing gig, when all of a sudden I was on !! My first Murray Cod. I sent Jarred up to see the neighbours to make sure it was of legal size and to confirm it was indeed a Murray Cod, down they came to confirm my catch upon which I said they could have it, the cod was whisked away, prepared and cooked to the delight of all the neighbours, I wondered over to see how it was to see a 99% devoured entree, I tasted the final piece and can see why they are a favoured delight. For my Cod donation we were unexpectedly the recipients of a Stubbie cooler, 3 bottles of wine, 4 kg of tomatoes, 3 watermelons, 4 butternut pumpkins and 6 mangos !! I need to do more fishing !!! We chatted for days with our neighbours as we waited on the banks for our roof rack to be made. A gloomy cold day saw us in the car for a day trip to Wentworth to see where Australia's 2 greatest river meet, The Murray and the Darling Rivers, we ran out side in the freezing wet, got the selfie pic and headed back to the warm car, a bit of a drive around then back to Camp. Other nearby Neighbours Rick and Brian also became friends and chatted for hours on end with Jarred, fished and even repaired our dodgy fishing reels and enjoyed a few chats around the fire. With me not having a motorbike on the trip we decided to head into Mildura to watch the motocross of the evening and get the smell of racing fuel, dust and a good earful of 2 and 4 stokes ripping up the tracks. I was satisfied for now :)
We went to the locally suggested Butcher in RedCliffs and put in our major meat order, to which they would cryovac and portion out our needs for the next few months ( we hope) Kaine and Kylie came down to camp for after dinner drinks and to chat all things about the van and the trip, hours later they were hooked and ready to on their journey in the same van as ours. With the rack now complete we headed back into Mildura to get it fitted so we could load up and move on to our next camp. Our last night on the Murray we headed up to the local tavern to join Kaine and Kylie plus kids to have dinner and chat and farewells for now as we are sure to meet again on the roads out there somewhere.
Loaded up with Apple and Banana on the new roof rack we headed for South Australia and our 5th state of OZ. With Sue’s mum Robbie and Brian flying down to meet us for a few weeks on our journey we headed to the Baroosa Valley and camped up in Nuriootpa. Grandma & Grandpa join us there equally to the delight of the kids and us to see them both. We toured the wineries and headed of to Maggie Beers Farmhouse where Sue was amazed to see one of her favourite cooking shows ( the Cook and the Chef) actual kitchen ( see pic ). We went to the local markets and stocked up on some local delights to go with our wine purchases. So many amazing wineries with Seppeltsfiled and Chateau Tanunda being our favourites. With Roobie and Brian in tow following along in their motorhome we set off for Mount Remarkable National Park where we would free camp and begin our travels of the Flinders Ranges. We also rejoined with the Smiths and Leeds Clans that we all meet at the Grampians. Whilst we had the company of Robbie and Brian, Sue and I took off on an 8km hike without the kids, amazing how much quicker and further you can explore without the kids. We had emus wandering all day and night through our campsites which was pretty cool. The weather was much cooler and as the fire ban was still in place we couldn't have a fire to warm us up sadly. We did a quick 3 hour round trip to Peterborough to get the mail we had sent there and headed back to camp. A couple of trips to Port Augusta for shopping and a look around then we headed for one of our Bucket List destinations, Wilpena pound in the heart of the Flinders Ranges. Our drive was only and hour or so bit some of the most stunning scenery to date. The ranges just leap up out of the ground and seem to go forever and ever. We setup at Wilpena Pound resort with Robbie and Brian just across the road. We all got up the next day and knocked off some school work then all hiked into the Pound together to see the sights and ranges up close, we were not disappointed. We took the kids for a drive to see the Secret Canyon with Aboriginal carvings then headed out on a loop which took us to the river beds at the very base of the Flinders Ranges canyons for a few hours and also we were able to check out our next free camp site all of 64kms away from WIlpena. We headed to the prairie hotel for lunch at Parachilna which is iconic for its emu, goat, kangaroo and camel steak platters. We had a steak burgers and chicken. Back to the pound for dinner with Robbie and Brian before they headed back to Adelaide to drop off the motorhome and journey back to Brisbane. We headed off for our short journey north to a river bed between the gorges and ranges were we were to again camp up and be joined by the Smith’s family for a week. As we were no longer in the national parks we could have a fire, so outcomes Nicks chainsaw and I brought out the axe - we had a BIG fire ;) Next day we setup the river bend classroom and all 7 kids seemed to actually do some schoolwork ! Reunited all the kids and adults sat and chatted afterwards as we plan our journey north which will see us travel together for a few weeks. We headed off for a day to drive another iconic 4wd track called SkyTrek paid our $65 for ever the private property for a 50km 5 hour drive amongst some of Australia's most scenic ranges and river beds. The weather was perfect for being in the car as we reckon the winds were at least 50 - 60 kms hr, upon returning to camp we found awnings and tents blown down but nothing serious, we were in for one wild windy and wet night and morning ahead. More school work and a quick trip to Parachilna Prairie Hotel again to get some phone reception to get all the latest info and a cold beer.
We packed up and had Beltana Station in the GPS all of 64kms away, another scenic journey that took all of 1 hr. A quick setup as we have power and water and the most amazing facilities at our door step, camp kitchen, fire place, TV, Movies, sowers, washing machines all amongst the most amazing views of this 500,000 acres property. The owners Laura & Graham are amazing and and made us all feel like family. We had a 39th birthday dinner for Amy with the rest of the Smiths and the Leeds joined us the same day making it a table for 16 at dinner. Next day we headed out lead by Laura to were the guys were mustering, marking docking and counting the sheep. The kids all got involved in the process and lent a hand in catching the lambs, holding thump to have the ear tags, rubber bands and tail docking done, most of the kids wore lambs bloodbath at the end of the day the have a real hands on experience of where and how that lamb roast comes from.
This brings and end to one of the most awesome months on the road yet filled with stunning scenery, family, friends and the feeling of the real reason why we are out here doing what we are doing. Stay tuned for May
We consulted wikicamps for a free campsite named Wilsons Bend. Scoped out the area and setup on the top of the banks with a wonderful sandy beach in front of us. Setting up behind us were a couple of locals preparing for the school holidays and pre easter rush. They were setting up and returning later on after the kids finished school, a quick chat with them to start with and also the beginning of a friendship that now sees them ( Kaine & Kylie ) starting their own lap of OZ in the same van as ours. Later that evening Kaine & Kylie returned and moved camp a little further down the banks with some of their friends, all with kids it soon became a large gathering ( around 20 ) around the campfire telling stories. Many more similar days were to be had doing just this. Kaine came down the river on their BBQ boat and moored up on the sandy beach. Invited on board we spent a long time chatting about our Trip, Van, Car and planning etc. A cruise up the river on the boat to try and catch a Murray Cod was amazing although unsuccessful. We got all the local info on best shops,butchers and places to see and ventured off into Mildura to get water and supplies. Next morning we kicked off a head of school work ready for the school holidays to begin. The neighbours had Kayaks and we sat fishing and paddling for hours on end. The time for Kaine, Kylie,James & Sharon was nearing the end for camping as they had to head back to work, But this would not be goodbye. We headed into Mildura on a mission, find some kayaks to take with us for the rest of the trip. Mission completed as “Apple & Banana” came home with us ( see pics ) Apple is a 3 seater that can actually hold 4 of us and Banana is a single that can take 2. We rushed back to camp and set them of on their maiden voyage ! great fun. Now i had to tackle the where do we carry these things !! Upon suggestion From James he put me in touch with Shane from Engineering Kreationz in Mildura who listened to what I needed and designed rack for the Triton, we loved it and gave it the go ahead, it would be done just after Easter.
Next day we had some new neighbours move in behind us, 4 wonderful couples from South Australia who again we would spend a few days with. I sat early in the afternoon trying my luck at this fresh water fishing gig, when all of a sudden I was on !! My first Murray Cod. I sent Jarred up to see the neighbours to make sure it was of legal size and to confirm it was indeed a Murray Cod, down they came to confirm my catch upon which I said they could have it, the cod was whisked away, prepared and cooked to the delight of all the neighbours, I wondered over to see how it was to see a 99% devoured entree, I tasted the final piece and can see why they are a favoured delight. For my Cod donation we were unexpectedly the recipients of a Stubbie cooler, 3 bottles of wine, 4 kg of tomatoes, 3 watermelons, 4 butternut pumpkins and 6 mangos !! I need to do more fishing !!! We chatted for days with our neighbours as we waited on the banks for our roof rack to be made. A gloomy cold day saw us in the car for a day trip to Wentworth to see where Australia's 2 greatest river meet, The Murray and the Darling Rivers, we ran out side in the freezing wet, got the selfie pic and headed back to the warm car, a bit of a drive around then back to Camp. Other nearby Neighbours Rick and Brian also became friends and chatted for hours on end with Jarred, fished and even repaired our dodgy fishing reels and enjoyed a few chats around the fire. With me not having a motorbike on the trip we decided to head into Mildura to watch the motocross of the evening and get the smell of racing fuel, dust and a good earful of 2 and 4 stokes ripping up the tracks. I was satisfied for now :)
We went to the locally suggested Butcher in RedCliffs and put in our major meat order, to which they would cryovac and portion out our needs for the next few months ( we hope) Kaine and Kylie came down to camp for after dinner drinks and to chat all things about the van and the trip, hours later they were hooked and ready to on their journey in the same van as ours. With the rack now complete we headed back into Mildura to get it fitted so we could load up and move on to our next camp. Our last night on the Murray we headed up to the local tavern to join Kaine and Kylie plus kids to have dinner and chat and farewells for now as we are sure to meet again on the roads out there somewhere.
Loaded up with Apple and Banana on the new roof rack we headed for South Australia and our 5th state of OZ. With Sue’s mum Robbie and Brian flying down to meet us for a few weeks on our journey we headed to the Baroosa Valley and camped up in Nuriootpa. Grandma & Grandpa join us there equally to the delight of the kids and us to see them both. We toured the wineries and headed of to Maggie Beers Farmhouse where Sue was amazed to see one of her favourite cooking shows ( the Cook and the Chef) actual kitchen ( see pic ). We went to the local markets and stocked up on some local delights to go with our wine purchases. So many amazing wineries with Seppeltsfiled and Chateau Tanunda being our favourites. With Roobie and Brian in tow following along in their motorhome we set off for Mount Remarkable National Park where we would free camp and begin our travels of the Flinders Ranges. We also rejoined with the Smiths and Leeds Clans that we all meet at the Grampians. Whilst we had the company of Robbie and Brian, Sue and I took off on an 8km hike without the kids, amazing how much quicker and further you can explore without the kids. We had emus wandering all day and night through our campsites which was pretty cool. The weather was much cooler and as the fire ban was still in place we couldn't have a fire to warm us up sadly. We did a quick 3 hour round trip to Peterborough to get the mail we had sent there and headed back to camp. A couple of trips to Port Augusta for shopping and a look around then we headed for one of our Bucket List destinations, Wilpena pound in the heart of the Flinders Ranges. Our drive was only and hour or so bit some of the most stunning scenery to date. The ranges just leap up out of the ground and seem to go forever and ever. We setup at Wilpena Pound resort with Robbie and Brian just across the road. We all got up the next day and knocked off some school work then all hiked into the Pound together to see the sights and ranges up close, we were not disappointed. We took the kids for a drive to see the Secret Canyon with Aboriginal carvings then headed out on a loop which took us to the river beds at the very base of the Flinders Ranges canyons for a few hours and also we were able to check out our next free camp site all of 64kms away from WIlpena. We headed to the prairie hotel for lunch at Parachilna which is iconic for its emu, goat, kangaroo and camel steak platters. We had a steak burgers and chicken. Back to the pound for dinner with Robbie and Brian before they headed back to Adelaide to drop off the motorhome and journey back to Brisbane. We headed off for our short journey north to a river bed between the gorges and ranges were we were to again camp up and be joined by the Smith’s family for a week. As we were no longer in the national parks we could have a fire, so outcomes Nicks chainsaw and I brought out the axe - we had a BIG fire ;) Next day we setup the river bend classroom and all 7 kids seemed to actually do some schoolwork ! Reunited all the kids and adults sat and chatted afterwards as we plan our journey north which will see us travel together for a few weeks. We headed off for a day to drive another iconic 4wd track called SkyTrek paid our $65 for ever the private property for a 50km 5 hour drive amongst some of Australia's most scenic ranges and river beds. The weather was perfect for being in the car as we reckon the winds were at least 50 - 60 kms hr, upon returning to camp we found awnings and tents blown down but nothing serious, we were in for one wild windy and wet night and morning ahead. More school work and a quick trip to Parachilna Prairie Hotel again to get some phone reception to get all the latest info and a cold beer.
We packed up and had Beltana Station in the GPS all of 64kms away, another scenic journey that took all of 1 hr. A quick setup as we have power and water and the most amazing facilities at our door step, camp kitchen, fire place, TV, Movies, sowers, washing machines all amongst the most amazing views of this 500,000 acres property. The owners Laura & Graham are amazing and and made us all feel like family. We had a 39th birthday dinner for Amy with the rest of the Smiths and the Leeds joined us the same day making it a table for 16 at dinner. Next day we headed out lead by Laura to were the guys were mustering, marking docking and counting the sheep. The kids all got involved in the process and lent a hand in catching the lambs, holding thump to have the ear tags, rubber bands and tail docking done, most of the kids wore lambs bloodbath at the end of the day the have a real hands on experience of where and how that lamb roast comes from.
This brings and end to one of the most awesome months on the road yet filled with stunning scenery, family, friends and the feeling of the real reason why we are out here doing what we are doing. Stay tuned for May