After a busy few days back in Adelaide spent prepping, we said our goodbyes and set off on the next leg of our trip. This part of our 5-month adventure will run for 4 and a ½ months and will take us through Victoria, NSW, the ACT, Queensland, the NT and WA. With that in mind, Anna and I were sad to leave home for the last time in a long time but eager to start our journey and experience all that the ‘lucky country’ has to offer. Having already spent 10 days cruising around SA’s west coast, we both arrived at the conclusion that, if we were going to be on the road for the next 4 and a ½ month, we’d need a bigger tent and a reliable source of shade and shelter. So, with our new 4-person tent in the back and our awning on the side, we set off for Mt Gambier on the morning of the 3rd of March.
On our way to Mt Gambier, we stopped in Naracoorte to explore some of the caves and learn more about the region’s history. First, we had a look at some of the Megafauna replicas in the Wonambi Fossil Centre. My favourite was the Diprotodon, also known as the Chunky Wombat. Next, we indulged in a self-guided tour of Stick-Tomato Cave. Anna and I couldn’t work out where the name Stick-Tomato came from but, nevertheless, we still enjoyed the peace and beauty of the cave itself.
After leaving Naracoorte, we stopped briefly to look at some of the wooden sculptures in Father Woods Park. All of the sculptures were impressive but there was one in particular that really captured our attention.
That afternoon, we checked into Mount Gambier Central Caravan Park and bunkered down for what was to be a stormy welcome.
The following day, we began our tour of Mount Gambier. First, we drove up to Blue Lake (which was very blue) and Leg-of-Mutton Lake (which was very muttony), two of the Crater Lakes found in the region. While we were there, we took some time to walk through the conservation park alongside Valley Lake.
That afternoon, after reading about the Crater Lakes, we were interested to learn more about Mount Gambier’s geological history. So, Anna and I sat down to watch the movie ‘Craitbul and Volcano’ at The Riddoch Arts and Cultural Centre. The film explained how the region was shaped by volcanic activity and presented the Aboriginal Dreamtime story of Craitbul and his giant ovens as an integral part of this history. Anna and I were wowed not only by what we learned from the documentary, but also by the speed and intensity with which the film’s presenter traversed the terrain to capture the next shot. I’d watch the whole thing again just for that.
After taking a breather at our campsite, we set out again that evening to check out the Umpherston Sinkhole, or Balumbul, and Mount Gambier’s Garden Caves. Filled with greenery, flowers, and the sound of running water, the Umpherston Sinkhole was certainly a beautiful place to visit. Visitors were encouraged to feed fruit to the Sinkhole’s possum population which, against our better judgement, Anna and I did. We then explored the Garden Caves in Mount Gambier’s centre which were equally as beautiful, even though the raging party that was next door certainly disrupted the tranquillity.
After an early start, we left for the Grampians the next day and finally crossed the border into Victoria! Sayonara SA!
That afternoon, we settled into our campsite at Borough Huts campground, located just outside Halls Gap.
The following morning, we got up early to see as much of the Grampians as we could by-foot. First, we drove to Sundial Carpark and hiked up to Pinnacle Lookout to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Bellfield and the surrounding region.
We then drove to Reed’s Lookout and The Balconies to enjoy the environment from a different viewpoint.
After this stopover, we decided to change it up by exploring MacKenzie and Fish Falls. Although these spots required a lot of stair climbing, we gritted our teeth and pushed through the pain to make our time in the Grampians worthwhile.
The next day was approached with the same mindset. In the morning, we drove to Mount William carpark before tackling (slowly) the very steep climb to Mount William lookout.
Clearly in the mood for more walking, Anna and I set off to explore the Venus Baths and Chatauqua Peak walks that started from within the Halls Gap Botanic Gardens. The walk to Venus Baths was short and enjoyable. Having lucked out with the weather during our time in the Grampians, the rock pools that we found at the end of the trail were warm and shining in the sun. Next, we headed up to Chatauqua Peak. This walk, 70% hiking and 30% rock climbing, was one of my and Anna’s favourites, not only because of the spectacular view at the peak but also because of the challenging walk itself.
That afternoon, we checked out some of the cave art at the Bunjil shelter, 20 minutes outside of Halls Gap.
The following day, we drove to the Ngamadjidj and Gulgurn Manja shelters to have a look some of the cave art there and spent the afternoon at the oval exercising with the kangaroos and calling home.
After an early start, we made it to Port Fairy around lunchtime the next day and checked in to the Port Fairy Gardens Caravan Park. Tomorrow, we’re going to explore Port Fairy. After that, we leave for Apollo Bay, the Great Ocean Road, and Melbourne!
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