1. MAY 10th

Duration:          20 days approx.

Ending :           29 May 2021

 

Area :   Gawler Rangers, Maralinga and Googs Track.

 

Diary of Maralinga trip 2021

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Monday 10th May to Mambray Creek

Watching the heavens and praying for the rain to cease, most of us left Adelaide early on Monday 10th and headed north to meet up and camp the first night in the beautiful Mambray Creek campground. A small group made alternative arrangements and caught up later. A slight sprinkling of rain sent everyone scurrying to bed early, after a brief sojourn around the campfire.

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Tuesday 11th to Dark Peak

Next morning we were up early and on our way to Port Augusta for a brief stop to refuel and shop for all those items discovered left at home. Kimba was our next destination where Emily’s café provided a nice venue for coffee and lunch. A short drive out of town to Whites Knob enabled a view across the surrounding area, as well as the spectacular sight of two giant metal sculptures in Edward John Eyre and his Aboriginal guide, Wylie.

After an aborted attempt to drive up Caralue Bluff for the view, the backroads were traversed towards Darke Peak, where camp was made for the night in a small campground behind the Hotel. With free camping available to us if we ate the evening meal in the Hotel, at 6 pm we headed inside for pork chops, schnitzel, fish and steak. The night air was chilly so it wasn’t long before we were all in bed early once again, and with tents erected in close proximity, the sounds of sleep soon echoed forth.

 

Wednesday 12th to Coodlie Park

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 Next morning the walkers amongst us couldn’t resist the challenging 2 hour return walk up Carappee Hill, Eyre Peninsula’s highest point (490metres). Fabulous views and massive granite rocks were features we enjoyed before returning to the Dark Peake campsite. Heading off, all then proceeded up Darke Peake Range to Federation Hill to view the enormous water tank fed from the Todd Reservoir and Polda Basin. Then it was along the dog fence road to Lock for lunch by the monument, a magnificent structure marking the days when wheat was “lumped” in 85 kg bags. The supermarket coffee barista served us well.

On to Coodlie Park camp site for the night, where facilities included a rustic wooden kitchen, bucket showers, drop toilets and swag huts dotted about the campground. Unique accommodation indeed!

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Thursday 13th Coodlie Park

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This was a free day when some stayed in camp, whilst others explored the surrounding district. Nearby were the coastal Talia Caves, Woolshed Cave being particularly impressive, as also the red sandstone platforms here and at The Tub. The sandhills of Lake Newland Conservation Park stretching for miles along the coast and the small Mount Camel Beach were also explored. Venus Bay, Baird Bay (a site where one can go swimming with the sea lions) and Murphy’s Haystacks were also included in the itinerary of some. The day ended with everyone gathering around a great warm campfire, showers once again sending us to bed early.

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Friday 14th to Fowlers Bay

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Heading off along the Flinders Highway to Ceduna, we met up with some more of the group, including our leader for the next leg of the trip. After leaving Ceduna, we turned off the Eyre Highway to visit Rocky Point, negotiating a winding sandy track and passing some magnificent high sand hills. Proceeding then to Point Sinclair, which has a most scenic jetty at the foot of the cliffs, we were delighted to see dolphins swimming nearby. Then it was on to Cactus Beach, a surfers paradise with spectacular breakers. A long drive followed through Chadinga Conservation Park, where one vehicle developed a flat tyre, putting us behind schedule. Finally it was north to Bookabie and return to the highway, before turning south again to Fowlers Bay for a late camp set up in the caravan park.

 

Saturday 15th to Nullarbor coast

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The day started with a walk on the jetty and an opportunity to read the detailed information boards about the history of exploration, whaling and the settlement of Fowlers Bay. Then it was westwards through the Fowlers Bay Conservation Park along clifftop tracks to view the Great Australian Bight from high cliffs at Scott Point and an island called Mexican Hat at Cape Nuyts. After returning to the highway, fuel tanks were topped up at Nullarbor, before driving back to the coast at a point west of Head of Bight to view the Marine Conservation Park from the high limestone cliffs. No whales! A secluded bush camp was reached at 4.30, which proved to be a good location for collecting fire wood for our camp fires.

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Sunday 16th to Lake Tallacootra

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We woke to low cloud after a couple of showers overnight, surrounding bush with fresh green leaves, some silver lichen, and the sounds of babblers and a raven. Setting off at 9 am, the first stop was Nullarbor road house for refuelling. Travelling then through the Nullarbor Regional Reserve, which was formerly Nullarbor Station, we encountered relics from that era – a square water tank and mill, bores and shepherd’s hut. Next we visited Murrawijinie Caves,  where some headed underground and explored         the floor of number 2 cave. From this point the road became a track with fewer stone ridges and almost no potholes and so was easy driving. Lunch was at Disappointment Cave, from where a Nankeen Kestrel flew away. The track surface changed to soft brown earth with occasional limestone ridges gradually decreasing. Herbage varied from gully areas to ridges - basically low undulating country with saltbush, samphire and a few patches of pearl bluebush amongst low herbage. There were no trees but at one point after crossing over a high ridge, trees could be seen on a distant ridge, as well as the occasional sandalwood across the plains. Many wombat burrows had to be dodged along the track. Jacinth-Ambrosia, the world’s largest zircon mine was passed. Camp for the night was made near Lake Tallacootra amongst mulga and western myall.

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Monday 17th to Maralinga

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During the night we heard distant workings and trucks from mine. A cool morning and clear skies for the start of the day as we set out on a loop around the mine through the bushland scrub, which varied from dead trees among the western myall to some eucalypts and then to scattered trees among low bushes, including native pines and broom bush. Travelling was easier today, with red sandy tracks, mostly straight, which had been levelled with a stone roller. We then traversed a possible station property with 5 water tanks, more open country and 11 abandoned cars near the East - West railway.                                                                                                     

A large communication tower enabled contact with Maralinga staff at Ooldea railway siding to arrange for the opening of the boom gate to allow us to enter the site. Travelling on the original bitumen road, with telephone posts alongside, through mallee type scrub and spinifex, we soon arrived in the Village. After an explanatory talk from our guides, with accompanying information sheets, we welcomed the opportunity for a hot shower and use of a washing machine. Some spent the rest of the day exploring the museum and watching historical videos about Maralinga.

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Tuesday 18th Maralinga

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Boarding the Maralinga mini bus at 9 am we set off on a most comprehensive tour of the area which was the site of the atomic bomb testing in the 1950s and early 60s. Our guides were excellent hosts and they provided us with many facts about the 7 bombs and 50 other experiments conducted on the site.                 We learnt that at one time the Village supported 5,000 personnel, who were mostly British but also included about 30% Australians. We also heard sad tales of the local Aboriginal population and the shameful history of the British conscripts. Informed and hungry we returned to camp at 5.30.

       

Wednesday 19th to Lake Chundaria

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Departing the Village at 8.45, we paused at the “Maralinga” sign for photos, before returning to the railway line at Ooldea, checking out 2 blow holes on the way. On arrival we visited 2 memorials alongside the railway tracks, the Daisy Bates memorial and the marker at the point where the east and west railway gauges met in 1917. Continuing in a south-easterly direction through Yellabinna Regional Reserve, we visited 2 interesting lake sites – Lakes Tallacootra and Chundaria, the latter presenting a surreal landscape of ironstone and clay pans. Driving across the lake to our campsite for the night on the shores of Lake Chundaria enabled an appreciation of how extensive this lake is.

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Thursday 20th to Googs Track

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Decamping at 9 am, we passed through dense scrub (some very old Mallee trees) to arrive at Midgerie Rock hole for morning tea (sacred site). Travelled through private property we reached Euria Well, where a unique watering system has been constructed making use of a granite outcrop which is used to water stock. The well site had remnant wooden tanks as well as stock pens. Continuing on along a very rough track through bush we passed through the dog fence and then turned south onto a fire track heading towards the bitumen, before finally arriving at Ceduna at approximately 1pm. After collecting fuel, food and having a quick coffee, we headed north through farmland and arrived at the University of Tasmania’s radio astronomy observatory. This site, originally operated by the Overseas Telecommunications Commission and later by Telstra, was built in 1969 and closed in 1995. It served as the gateway between Australia and Europe for telephone and television communication. Heading then towards Googs Lake for the night, but running behind schedule, we made camp in a secluded spot amongst the scrub along Googs Track.

 

Friday 21st to Jellabinna Rocks

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Next day we woke to a mild morning with overcast skies and no wind. Everyone was ready to leave by 8.30 for the next adventure. Morning tea stops were the main discussion with our leader before we even left! After a bumpy ride traversing large sand dunes we arrived at the Denton Family Memorial, where the work of Goog in developing the track is acknowledged. Then it was on to Googs Lake for morning tea. Departing there, more testing sand dunes were in store for us, with all going well until given the “chicken option” for crossing one sandhill. With one car stuck and a couple of others challenged, tyre pressures were reduced and revs increased to 3,000, before finally cresting the dune to a group of cheering onlookers. Turning off Googs Track, we then headed 45 Km across country between the dunes along a narrow track towards Jellabinna Rocks. By the time we reached our lunch spot, various flags and awnings had been lost and retrieved, whilst after lunch a spade was added to the lost and found list. Excellent track conditions followed but there were some steep drops from the tops of dunes to test our nerves. We made our way to a rock hole where there were many large sandy areas adjacent, deciding to camp there for the night rather than continue to the Rocks in the dark.

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Saturday 22nd to Googs Track

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Leaving camp at 8 am, 5 intrepid 4WD cars plus occupants headed for Jellabinna Rocks, driving through mallee bush along a mainly flat track with just a few sand hills, with only one causing a little concern. A 3 hour journey there and back included 1 hour at the Rocks exploring the huge granite monoliths,  where there were excellent 360 degree views of the surrounding countryside. On the return to the rock hole it was time for morning tea, and after collecting the group members who had stayed behind, we turned south heading back to Googs Track. With some very steep dunes to cross, a system was soon devised to help each other over the dunes, snatchstrapping as necessary. Good time was made along the flat section, although many vehicles were festooned with overhead foliage by the time camp was made at a spot on Googs Track that night.

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Sunday 23rd to Mt Finke and beyond

An early start was required today so some were up and about before 6 am, ready for an 8.30 departure. At that stage the sky was bright with some clouds but these increased during the day, heralding the approach of rain. The first dunes on the track were badly scalloped but low range crawling enabled drivers to climb over them. Along the way there was radio chat about the mysterious numbered droppers along the track and the changing vegetation alongside. We arrived at Mt Finke for lunch and then made the decision to break into 2 groups. The threat of rain and an urgent need to reach the next destination meant that 4 cars with 8 occupants headed off, whilst the remainder climbed Mt Finke. This accomplished, these 4 cars and their 6 occupants returned to Googs Track, driving north to make camp near the end of the track. The other group pushed on to Kingoonya, enjoying a pizza meal at the pub and spending the night in accommodation behind the hotel.

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Monday 24th to various locations

With heavy rain on the way, plans to return via the Gawler Ranges were cancelled. As most members had their own plans for continuing, the decision was made to split up and go our separate ways, whether it be Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Port Germein, William Creek, Marree or Adelaide. And as the rain came down all were grateful to be under more protective cover.

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2. July 24 - 30

Cactus Kill - Alpana Station.

Because of the specialised nature if this trip, the trip is by invitation. However inquiries may be made from Keith  - 04980830341.

ALPANA CACTUS KILL REPORT 2021 Venue: Alpana Station, 5 km south of Blinman in the Flinders Ranges, SA. Dates: Saturday August 28th to Thursday September 2nd 2021. Originally scheduled for July 24th to 30th, the dates had to be changed due to a Covid-19 lockdown in SA. The change of dates resulted in a shortage of 4WDs and this was compensated for by forgoing a mid-week break.

Participants:

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Saturday August 28th . Participants arrived during the afternoon and settled into pre-assigned accommodation in the shearers’ quarters. At about 6pm a welcome/thankyou BBQ with salads followed by sticky date pudding was served by Sally & David of Alpana to conform with Covid-19 regulations.

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Sunday August 29th . A cool and misty morning greeted us at 8.30 as we got ourselves organised into 3 teams of 4 and gathered the equipment needed for the day’s work. Each team needs to carry a drill, poison pack, can of spray paint, GPS with notepad and pen, tongs for handling cactus and a UHF radio for communication between teams. In addition, participants need to carry provisions for morning tea and lunch out in the field and wear appropriate protective clothing. The site for today’s kill was Alpana Creek, starting just across the road from the Station at GPS point (31°08’S, 138°41’E) approx., and working eastwards. One team followed a different line and covered an area to the south of the creek.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The cacti at Alpana are the Mexican Wheel variety. Holes are drilled in the base and pads of the plant and these are filled with herbicide. The plant is marked with paint to signify to other teams that is has been treated, and its size and location are recorded. Any chips from the plant lying on the ground are gathered and poisoned so they don’t grow into new plants

The day’s work finished at about 3pm and the distance walked was about 10km. The number of cacti treated was 92 (57 small, 21 medium, 14 large).

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Monday August 30th . The weather today was fine, cool and sunny. Leaving the shearers’ quarters at 8.30 we drove about 7km west to Nungawurtina Hut, GPS (31°08’S,138°37’) approx. The track to the hut is quite rough and slow-going. Today we worked as 4 teams of 3, poisoning cacti on the ridge and hillside to the north of the track working in an easterly direction. The hill to be climbed at the start was very steep with loose stones making it tricky to keep one’s footing. When some poison packs and drill batteries started to run low the teams returned down to the track and walked back to the hut, finishing at about 2.30. A couple of plants near the track were treated on the way back to the shearers’ quarters. About 6.5 km were walked and 187 cacti poisoned (53 small, 78 medium, 56 large). There was also some evidence of cochineal here (the bug used in biological control of the cactus), offering some encouragement that previous applications of this bug have been effective.

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Tuesday August 31st . The teams returned to the location where work finished on Monday, because it had been observed that there were many more cacti to be treated in this area. After another steep walk up the hill work was mainly carried out on flatter ground near and at the top. Today was sunny and windy and warmer. Teams returned to where the cars had been left on the track at about 2.30 having treated 201 cacti (85 small, 77 medium, 39 large). A lot of cochineal was seen in this area also.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back at the shearers’ quarters a new tradition began – the “Alpana Outback Bar” was opened. The outlook here and elsewhere in the Flinders was more attractive this year, the land looking noticeably greener than in the past couple of years.

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Wednesday September 1st . Work today again began at Nungawurtina Hut, but this time the area covered was to the west along the Parachilna creek and gullies to the south of it. There was not much cactus to be found in the creek but it was interesting to see that one spotted high up on a cliff face had cochineal infestation. One team became disorientated while following a branch of the creek running in a northerly direction. Thanks to the map-reading skills and GPS knowledge of Brian & Katie the team’s location was determined and a rescue plan formulated. But before our group could get to them they had made their way to the Parachilna Gorge Rd where they were picked up by a kind lady with a caravan and dropped off right at the shearer’s quarters. 127 cacti were treated today (44 small, 43 medium, 40 large). At the “Alpana Outback Bar” the group was joined by Matt and Di from LandscapeSA who would join us for work tomorrow.

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Thursday September 2nd . The weather had been warming up during the week and today’s maximum temperature was forecast to be in the 30’s. So it was decided to leave earlier than usual (about 8am) and get back before it got too hot. The plan was to treat cacti in the Blinman Creek from the Blinman Pools to Parachilna Creek, and then down to Angorichina Tourist Village. Sally led our convoy to the car park at the 2nd Pool and those who wanted to walk set off with their poison packs. The car drivers set off for Angorichina where the vehicles would be awaiting the arrival of the walkers. While waiting, the drivers treated some cacti found in the creek bed and cliffs near the village.

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By lunch time it was quite hot and there were some very leg-weary cactus killers. An icecream and cool drink from the Angorichina store were welcome refreshments. Not a lot of cacti that we could get to were found in the region covered today. We did see a number of cacti growing up high on cliff faces that were way out of reach. We returned to Alpana at about 3pm, having treated 26 plants (11 small, 10 medium, 5 large). At 6pm we celebrated the end of a successful week with dinner at the North Blinman Hotel, and Sally presented certificates of appreciation and fuel re-imbursement.

 

Total kill for the week was 633 (250 small, 229 medium, 154 large).

Report and photos by Keith.

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3. September  10 - 17

Coffin Bay Caravan Park. (ph.86854170 by 1st July to book)

4WD day trips to National Park and surrounding areas. 

Contact details - Julia 0497009129 by 30 June

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Trip Report.

Friday 10th September We all met at the Coffin Bay Caravan Park and gathered in the camp BBQ rotunda at 5pm for happy hour. Nibbles and drinks were plentiful as Julia, leader of the trip, welcomed everyone and confirmed the itinerary for the next week. Drivers arranged to take passengers where practicable so as to reduce the number of vehicles in the convoy. Each day we met on the road alongside the caravan park and the leader did a radio check with each vehicle before leaving. Perfect mild spring weather followed us every day, except one.

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Saturday 11th September - distance travelled approx. 80kms Today we split into 2 convoys, the first leaving at 8.30am, the second at 9.30am. This was so our lunch and afternoon tea venues could manage our large group. A leisurely drive via Wangary took us to the start of the rugged rocky Gallipoli Beach track where at the end we were reward with a fantastic view of the coastline. We returned via dirt roads to Farm Beach, down the Horse Peninsula and back to Mt Dutton Bay Woolshed and Gallery for a gourmet light lunch and walk on the historic jetty.

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The second convoy arrived for lunch just before the first one left. We continued on the bumpy track to the furthest land point into Kellidie Bay then back to Minniribbie pig farm, smallgoods shop, café and museum. By this time the 2 convoys joined up and we were treated to an interesting, informal talk by the owner. From there it was a short scenic track around Kellidie Bay back home.

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Sunday 12th September - distance travelled approx. 80kms Our convoy, led by Keith and Co departed the caravan park at 9am with Barry & Chris volunteering as “tail end Charlie” every day. This was the only day that dark rain clouds and showers followed us as we drove into the Coffin Bay National Park and Gunyah Beach. After reducing our tyre pressure for the sandy terrain, we ventured among stunning, huge white sand dunes as we headed down towards the beach. An amazing 3km stretch of beach, with challenging soft spots tested out driving skills. One of the vehicles left their max traxs behind in the wheel ruts, as the gusty wind had hidden the trax with sand, but they were retrieved without much delay.

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We then went on to Golden Island Lookout, inflated our tyres and enjoyed a warming morning tea. Following the scenic bitumen road we arrived at the Yangie Bay campground for an early lunch and short walk in the park. The group was keen to head home as the weather turned cold, but not before we made a last stop at the Tempeltonia Lookout and boardwalk. The bright orange tempeltonia bushes were in abundance and we had an early but welcome finish to the day’s outing.

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Monday 13th September - distance travelled approx. 120kms Seven vehicles ventured out at 8.30am with Bruno & Julia leading the way into unknown territory, our destination, the remote Pt Sir Isaac beacon. We stopped at Yangie Bay to deflate our tyres and then traversed a mixture of rocky, sandy and undulating tracks through lush native scrubland and quondong trees. Arriving at Black Springs camp ground it was time for morning tea and then another hour drive to Seven Mile beach

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We followed families of emus and even one on beach. It was low tide, and as we turned onto the beach we had to travel over a long tract of thick seaweed. What fun! Soon we reached the firm sand and enjoyed speeding up a little on the welcome, flat surface.

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Eventually, we turned off the beach at a rather tricky sand hill & followed the track to Morgan’s landing for lunch. Somehow the leaders missed the turnoff and we ended up stopping in a clearing quit a distance along the track. We continued slowly on the rocky Point Burgess track until we reach our destination. What a view across the bay and towards the Great Australian Bight. Land’s end was a flat, granite outcrop. A multitude of crested terns were resting on the rocks as the swell of waves crashed nearby. It was now nearly 2pm and time to head back.

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Kangaroos watched as we journeyed home. The familiar track now seemed quicker than on our way up although it was 4.10pm by the time we reached Yangie Bay. Here again we stopped and inflated our tyres. Only another 20 kms to the caravan park, but no happy hour as the next day being a well earned rest day.

 

Tuesday 14th September - rest day. A group of fourteen joined a relaxing afternoon boat cruise to an oyster farm in Kellidie Bay

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Here, the skipper told us about the history of oyster farming and how the native oysters were wiped out. Then in 1967 the Pacific oyster was introduced and Coffin Bay’s tides are perfect for these oysters to flourish. We learnt how to shuck oysters and enjoyed eating our half dozen oysters au natural on the boat with a glass of wine. We could also buy some oysters to take home at the bargain price of $10 a dozen. At happy hour that evening, everyone wished Keith a very happy birthday.

 

Wednesday 15th September - distance travelled approx. 180 kms A large convoy of 9 vehicles lead by Bruno & Julia travelled 55kms on the highway to Pt Lincoln and to the start of our tour into the National Park, where Matthew Flinders spent some time exploring and looking for water. We followed the scenic bitumen road to Stamford Hill picnic area for morning tea. Six energetic members preferred to take the 1.8km, 45min hike up the hill to the lookout and were rewarded by a panoramic view. We then took a well formed dirt road to the lighthouse at Cape Donington and onto September Beach to a magnificent picnic lunch spot.

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Retracing our route, we turned off onto the dirt Wanna Road towards the rugged Sleaford Bay coastline and looming sand dunes. After enjoying the amazing views and speaking to other 4WDrivers in the carpark, two of our vehicles decided not to attempt the 18 kms of sand dunes. This was a very demanding track with steep sandy rises, rocky outcrops and difficulty following the faded red guide poles. The leaders encountered a very lumpy sand hill and called on help to fill in the holes making it easier for the rest of the convoy.

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A good 2 hours later we completed the track, inflated our tyres and arrived back in Coffin Bay at 5.30pm. Just in time for our farewell dinner at 6pm at the local Yacht Club. A delicious meal cooked and served by volunteers was enjoyed by all and everyone wished Glenn a very happy birthday

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Thursday 16th September - distance travelled approx. 170kms Jim and Ron were leading today’s 11 vehicle convoy as we set off at 8.30am northwards towards Greenly Beach. Surfers were riding the waves at this remote location and passing Mount Greenly the fields were ablaze with yellow canola and lush green wheat fields. These crops were typical throughout the whole southern Eyre Peninsula.

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We followed a good dirt road towards Coulta, onto Edillillie and arriving at the National Trust Koppia Smithy Museum for an extended picnic lunch. The museum is a credit to the volunteers who work there and you need a full day to visit all the buildings and exhibits. The Tod reservoir was a short distance away and we visited some vantage points while travelling around the reservoir track. We took dirt tracks through farm land towards Wanilla, but encountered a padlocked gate on a public track and had to double back which added a few kilometres to our trip.

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At the Wanilla Land Settlement site, the spring, wild flowers and orchids drew the interest of our flora lovers. It wasn’t long before we were all back at Coffin Bay after our final day trip. That evening everyone gathered as usual at the caravan park rotunda and joined in the camaraderie for drinks and BBQ dinner. After a couple of short speeches, some people lingered on, talking and socialising before retiring for the night. The next day we all went our own way back home, except for the Victor Harbor members, who took an inland route via the Lock Op shop, the Cleve bakery and the Yeldulknie free Campground.

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Report by Julia.

 

The participants on this trip were:

Bruno & Julia (leaders in Mitsubishi Pajero), Les & Brenda, (Holden Trailblazer), Bob (Holden Trailblazer), Jim  (Holden Jackaroo), John & Dilys (Toyota Xtrail Hybrid), Bob & Nan (Nissan Pathfinder), Barry, Jacquie (Mitsubishi Outlander), Glenn, Beth & David (Toyota Troopy), Tony & Yvonne (Toyota Prado), Brendan (Subaru Forester), Wayne & Lesley (Toyota Landcruiser), Garry & Karen (Nissan Patrol), Bob, Ron , Barry & Chris (Holden Jackaroo), Jim & Fae (Mitsubishi Delica), Keith (Mitsubishi Pajero).

 

Total Participants 29.

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4. Christmas Port Broughton

November 21-27

Trip Report.

The 2021 Christmas camp was well attended with 45 members gathering at the Port Broughton Tourist Park for a week of exploration of the mid north of South Australia.  After settling in, the group came together on Sunday evening for happy hour followed by a rather showery and windy BBQ tea. The sails of the newly established BBQ area provided some protection. Julia, Convener of the camp, welcomed everyone. Keith, our 4WD Co-ordinator, briefed members about Monday’s day trip and handed out a mud map of the area.  Drivers arranged to take passengers where practicable so as to reduce the number of vehicles in the convoy.

Each day we met at 9.30am on the road alongside the caravan park and the leader did a radio check with each vehicle before leaving.  The weather was mainly sunny and warm with a couple of evening showers and some wind at the start.

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  Monday 22 November – Day 2, north easterly trip from Port Broughton. .

 

Today the group drove northward towards Port Pirie and then 10kms before the township, direction changed eastward, across the Port Augusta highway and onto dirt tracks over the scenic hills and fields of faber beans towards Beetaloo Valley.

The group stopped at a lookout overlooking Laura and Gladstone. Morning tea and a walk around CJ Dennis’ statue was taken at Laura before continuing onto Crystal Brook.

After a short stop in the township to purchase lunch from a bakery, we continued on to Bowmans Conservation Park where a lunch break was taken. Several of the group wandered around the historic buildings, native gardens and nature playground.

After lunch the convoy followed the Heysen trail out of Bowmans Park, which also followed Crystal Brook Creek and we drove though the township and towards the Port Augusta highway. We turned off to Port Broughton via a dirt track in the Clements Gap Conservation Park with a few stops to compile answers to rally question before eventually returning to camp. A fun time was had by all.

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Tuesday 23 November - Day 3, northerly trip.

 

 With Julia and Bruno leading the 13 car convoy we headed north and followed the  Old Pirie dirt Road. The journey continued through coastal farming properties in the Lower Broughton area and across the dry water course of the Broughton River.  The road changed from a wide smooth surface to a pair of wheel tracks, with sections of water and deep muddy sections. The Schoff’s landcruiser decided to deviate sharply to the left and ended up the verge embankment. What fun!! Recovery was quick and the journey continued, westward to Port Davis jetty and boat ramp. Morning tea break was taken at this spot for some 20 minutes.

The 4WD convoy returned on the Port Davis Rd towards Port Pirie to RSL Club for a delightful lunch served by a tireless band of women.  An absorbing tour of the adjoining military museum followed.

After lunch the group zig zagged to the "Bridge to Nowhere", crossing Port Pirie Creek. We stopped at the boat ramp for a walk on the small wharf overlooking the bulk mineral carrier ship loading at the lead works and watched curiously how a pony was being washed/ exercised. Back in our vehicles, the next destination was Weeroona Island just to the north of Port Pirie. After a drive around the Island perimeter the group drove south towards Warnertown then along Wilson Rd. This dirt track gave excellent close up views of the Wind turbines installed on the ridge line. We continued on via the historic town of Clements Gap then back to the caravan Park just in time for happy hour.

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 Wednesday 24 November - Day 4 games & relaxation

 

Members amused themselves throughout the day by playing golf, walking along the beach trails and jetty, visiting the heritage museum and supporting the local coffee shops. Of special interest was the fish mural on the foreshore amenities. During happy hour JB, assisted by Bruno, conducted a profitable auction of unwanted 4WD and camping items, with proceeds going to the social group for future events. At night, a few keen members enjoyed playing board games in the camp kitchen.

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Thursday 25 November - day 5, southerly drive

 

Rodney & Raelene led the convoy of 4WD vehicles along dirt tracks through farming countryside and eventually arrived at Tickera for a morning tea break overlooking the stunning blue waters of Spenser’s Gulf.  We continued along a bumpy, coastal track until we reached the welcome firm sands of Wallaroo Beach. After following the heritage trail around Wallaroo and the popular Marina area, we proceeded into Kadina for their historical Town Drive. We finally arrived at our lunch destination at the impressive Tourist Information and Farm Shed Museum.  Having finished lunch under the shelters of the picnic area, members we free to linger in Kadina or travel back to Pt Broughton via different country roads.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday 26 November - day 6, easterly drive & Xmas Dinner

Originally Tony & Yvonne planned this day's trip but unfortunately they were unable to attend the Xmas Camp so Kent and Cecelia had no hesitation in taking the lead.  Our first stop was in the sleepy town of Mundoora, and then onto Redhill nestled by the steep banks of the Broughton River. Across from the river park was the local garage and its display of metal artwork which caught the interest of the group. Fifteen minutes down the road we arrived at Koolunga, and took a leisurely stroll down the main street. Passing through Brinkworth, we eventually arrived at Blyth Soldiers Memorial Park for our picnic lunch. This thriving town could even boast a cinema.  Heading home we called into Snowtown, home of the “Big Blade” and info about the nearby wind farms.

Arriving back at camp around 3pm allowed us to rest & freshen up for dinner at the Port Broughton Hotel.

After a delightful a la carte meal, Father Christmas arrived and joyfully handed out gifts to all present. Later on the quiz winners were announced and received their prizes after which the Xmas hamper raffle was drawn and 3 lucky members returned home laden with goodies.

 

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Saturday 27 November - end of camp and return home.

 All good things come to an end and it took a while for everyone to say their last goodbyes. A few members however decided to stay on an extra day or two.

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 In all 45 Members attended:  

 

Les, Brenda, Imants, Ludmila, John, Susie, John, Dawn, Bob, Rick, Marie, Jim, John, Dilys, Bazza, Chris, Pat, Rodney,

Raelene, Bob, Nan, Bruno, Julia, Glenda, Alec, Ted, Anne, Kent, Cecelia,  Laurie, Paula, Wayne, Lesley, Garry, Karen, Bob, Barrie, Lesley, Ron, Barry, Chris, Jim, Fae, Judy and Keith.

 

       

Report by Julia Gazzola

Social Committee Convenor

13 February 2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Bendlby Ranges. This camp is to be of one week’s duration. The location is at Bendlby Station, which offers a variety of accommodation. The programme will include day trips on station tracks. A sturdy 4wd vehicle is required.

The station is located in the Flinders Ranges 40 km north of Orroroo. 

Date and final details to be announced later.

Tony and Dave.

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