29 August – checked out the 6th hole of the
Nullarbor Links golf course at Fraser Range (a bit rugged & we already
missed the first 5 holes so decided not to play) then headed off along the Eyre
Highway for home (under 3,000 km to go). Early woodland gave way to the more
typical Nullarbor terrain – flat with scrubby little bushes for mile after
mile. Did see a few wedge tailed eagles which was good & a fascinating
blowhole in the middle of the plains – air just blows in or out according to
the different air pressure in & out of the associated cave. A warm 34
degrees today with blustery winds. Stopped at a nice free camp at Moodini Bluff
– a rare tree filled area. Flies drove us nuts until dark then the moths moved
in & forced us into the tent early.
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| Nullarbor |
30 August – after a windy night we hit the road early. Lots
of straight road with uninspiring scenery apart from a few lookouts over the
Bight – very speccie Bunda cliffs. Stopped at the Head of the Bight & saw at
least ten whales with calves, including one white calf – a stunning view. Hot
& windy again & flies aplenty.
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| Bunda Cliffs |
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| Whale with white calf |
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| Whales |
31 August – drove to the ‘sleepy hollow’ seaside village of
Fowlers Bay, I’m sure it is much busier in summer but very quiet during our
visit. The sand dunes look like they will eventually swallow the little town.
Have now decided to head for home so clocked up a few kms through the windmill town of Penong & on to Wudinna near the
Gawler Ranges. Temperature has dropped to 20 degrees & rain forecast with
overnight 2 degrees, so went soft & decided on a motel for tonight.
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| Fowlers Bay |
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| Penong windmills |
1 September – long drive to Clare valley then a few wine
tastings before moving in to "Roscrow" in Clare, our quaint heritage accommodation. We are now in
“greenville” – the paddocks are a vivid green – something we haven’t seen for a
while?
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| Clare Valley |
2 September – another wine tasting then visited Maggie
Beer’s Farmshop at Nurioopta followed by the cheese shop & dried fruit shop
in Angaston – well stocked up on wine, cheese & fruits for home. Another
beautiful drive through the rolling green hills of the Clare & Barossa
valleys. Stopped at Bordertown leaving a 450 km drive home tomorrow.
3 September – homeward bound with views of the green
countryside & the Grampians.
What a great holiday – 100 days away 70 nights under canvas,
nearly 20,000 kms of driving including about 3,000 kms of unsealed/4WD tracks
(well done to our little Subaru – the dust is in everything but it ran
beautifully). Gorges, cliffs, snorkelling, flights, walks, wildlife,
wildflowers & miles of beautiful but remote semi-desert. Highlights
included: Horizontal Falls, Karijini, Ningaloo Reef & swimming with whale
sharks, Gibb River road, Bungles, Cape le Grand, Kalbarri & of course, Pete
& Rosie’s wedding – what a huge & magnificent country we have! Can't wait for our next holiday.
