Back on the Road to Adelaide

Leaving our site at Port Vincent, time had come to go, sadly (because we loved our view, and our central location and had so much more to see) we headed north. The first stop was Port Julia, about 10 km up the coast. Another lovely port village with a long jetty and the clearest water.

We then had a look at the low cost camp there - $10 per night or $60 per week. We met the caretaker, a lovely man. He filled us in on all the info. This is on our 'must do' list for another time. Continuing another 10km north into Pine Point, a lovely wharf with great views.

About 30 km along the coast is Parara Point. This is a must see. We went there to see the whale memorial. I'm not sure what I thought it would be, maybe a model of a whale... we didn't know. Wow, so glad we stopped here. A very moving memorial about 7 whales that were beached here in Dec 2014. So very well done.

50m up the road, is a heritage sign that tells the story of the ruins in the paddock next door, and the old farmhouse. The farmhouse was built by Parker Bowman, and the site was chosen because of the availability of water from the Aboriginal wells. Nearby is the ruins of the old schoolhouse and a shepherds house. The info boards are well worth a read. There is also a camp ground, with toilets, just south of the memorial at $10 per day.

Next stop was Ardossan, a lovely little town proclaimed in 1873, with shopping and dining facilities. We thought the South Australian schools had gone back, last Monday, but driving around we did wonder. Today we came across this sign in Ardossan. We had nowhere to park, so we will have to come back.

We have never seen this before. We had to drive around the block to get to the free camp. What a great camp. Only three sites are provided for 2 nights and one must be fully self contained. Each site is its own little parking space and are located right in town, so one can walk to shops, beach, and restaurants. Another 'must do'.

We drove past Port Arthur free camp. Not a bad camp for overnight. Close to the road and road noise, but that's what one gets is staying close to the road. It has never bothered us on our trips. About 35km from Port Arthur, around the top of the Gulf of St Vincent, is Port Parham Campground. Situated right on the Esplanade, and sheltered behind sand dunes. There were quite a few vans already here and most happy campers are off exploring. We parked beside a Jayco van that had two kids seats outside, and thought “Kids – but it's only one night!”, so we parked in the spot next door. Surprise, the happy campers came back and no kids! We have been told in our travels that if one doesn't want others nearby to display a generator or kids toys. So there you go!!! One can feel the heat from the sun, and no wind. Great place to stay. Next time will be longer, much longer! This is a short stay, no more than 14 consecutive days. There are bins, toilets, free bbq's and tables undercover – with lights. The camp is located just behind the dunes, and a very short walk from town and the local sports club that has meals some nights. Adelaide is only a short 72 km away, and our next stop.