The following were suggested as possibilities
1. Alpana Cactus kill. August 12th to 20thCoordination by Keith and David.
2. Kangaroo Island. Tues 13th to 19th September
to be based at Brownlow Beach Caravan Park.
Leader:- Julia
Trip Report:
Monday 12th September Ten of our twelve participants met at the Penneshaw Seafront Holiday Park after a smooth ferry crossing from Cape Jervis. We gathered at the holiday park BBQ at 5pm for happy hour. Julia & Bruno, leaders of the trip, welcomed Edith, Stuart, Cecilia, Kent, Brendan, Joe and Rick and Maz, who were staying in American River. Paula & Laurie joined the group on Wednesday after settling in at Kingscote. A good convoy of 6 vehicles with 2 towing vans.







Tuesday 13th September – Exploring east Kangaroo Island on the Dudley Peninsula, travelling approx. 80 kms Sunny, blue skies followed us all day. First stop was Antechamber Bay campgrounds and a walk along the sheltered beach to the mouth of the Chapman River. A brand new footbridge spanned the river.






Next stop was at the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse and a leisurely walk around the grounds and the light keeper’s cottages. We were rewarded with fantastic views of the coastline.







 
It was time to head inland to the False Cape Winery where we enjoyed a delicious alfresco lunch and wine tasting overlooking the vineyards. After a relaxing sunny afternoon on the decking, it was an easy track back to the holiday park, where Brendan and his son Joe invited us to their luxurious beachfront villa for happy hour.
Wednesday 14 September –exploring American River area, travelling approx. 100kms Steady rain followed eight of our group as we left Penneshaw to meet the other 4 members of our convoy at Sapphiretown. The rain followed us to American River where we hoped to have lunch at the Deck Cafe, but it was closed due to two deaths in the family. A wonderful lady in the adjacent shed invited us in, out of the rain and proceeded to give our group a history talk about the whalers of Kangaroo Island and the building of the new schooner “Independence” ( the original schooner was the first vessel built in South Australia in 1803). We found a hot coffee and pie for lunch at the local Post Office/ General store.






 
Following the coastline, as much as the wet, muddy, dirt roads would allow, we visited Red Banks lookout and the Western Cove of Nepean Bay. Our new base camp for the next three days was the Kingscote Tourist Park and we were all looking forward to our 5pm happy hour in the spacious, sheltered camp kitchen.
Thursday 15th September – exploring the southern coastal areas, travelling approx. 180kms Meeting at 9am at the tourist park entrance, we drove a short distance directly south to Emu Ridge Eucalyptus and then Clifford’s Honey Farm. At Emu Ridge we were entertained by a 5 minute video of the history of the eucalyptus farm and also intrigued by the many uses of the Aussie bush products on display and for sale. We even got to cuddle a joey at the checkout. At Clifford’s we enjoyed a pure honey tasting and watched the Ligurian bees at work in the glass beehive.






We then continued south and onto the d’Estrees Bay coastal track and into the Cape Gantheaume CP & Wilderness Area. By now it was raining steadily. A few kms past Wreaker’s Beach Campsite, and despite the rain, five of us were keen to do the 800m return Tadpole Cove Walk. The view of the beach from the lookout was worth the effort! Returning via Seagers Road it was a very wet track as we passed Murray Lagoon and saturated grazing land until we reached the South Coast Hwy. Turning west, we drove to Vivonne Bay General Store and stopped for a whiting and salad burger for lunch. The combustion wood fire was a welcome site and the rain let up as we continued on to the jetty for a walk and ride on the trolley.
 









Back in our cars, we returned along the South Coast Hwy turning off to Seal Bay. At the Visitor Centre we all decided to do the 900m self-guided board walk to the viewing platform and were rewarded with close up views of seal pups. After leaving Seal Bay a couple of us visited Bales Beach picnic area where we could walk on the beach.







 
It was bitumen all the way back to Kingscote and enough time to meet at the Ozone-Aurora Hotel for 6pm dinner. We had a great view of the closed jetty on Nepean Bay.
Friday 16 September –Exploring the north coast, travelling approx. 140 kms. Our convoy departed the tourist park at 9am on a grey day in light rain. We took the scenic drive around the Bay of Shoals and stopped at Flagstaff Hill, overlooking all of Kingscote and then followed the North Coast road to Emu Bay. Luckily the rain cleared and we enjoyed a short drive on the firm sand and a walk at the river mouth. Time to move on for morning tea at Emu Bay Lavender and delicious warm lavender scones.







Next stop Stokes Bay after a pleasant 40kms drive. Unfortunately, with the rough seas and high tide we couldn’t walk all the way through the gap in the rocks to the other beach. Another 15 kms and we arrived at Snellings Beach for lunch as the wind swirled through the bbq/picnic shelter and waves crashed around rocks on the beach.







Last beach visit for the day was 16 kms away at Western River Cove. A great camping/picnic spot on the high side of the road with Middle river flowing out to a pretty sheltered cove.








 
By this time we needed to head home and missed out on the scenic return route. Instead, we took the track south to Gosse, then onto the Playford Hwy, passing through Parndana. We made the 95kms back to Kingscote by 4.15pm and in time for happy hour around the wood fire in the camp kitchen.
Saturday 17th September – leaving Kingscote onto Western KI Caravan Park, approx. 100kms
Today in fine weather, three vehicles left Kingscote via the dirt track that we were meant to take Friday. We rendezvoused for morning tea at the Parndana Bakery. Here we meet Rick and Maz driving from American River, as well as the other 2 vehicles towing their vans. Fortunately Rick and Maz managed to get a cabin cancellation for the night at Western KI, which saved them travelling extra kms. Edith, Stuart, Paula & Laurie drove their vans on the main road to the caravan park while the other 4 vehicles zig-zagged on the dirt tracks. We were all settled in by 2.15pm and then took a leisurely visit to stunning Hanson Bay. The tide was high, the river outlet was swirling and the huge waves were crashing against the cliffs as we walked on the windy cliff tops.







We returned to the Caravan park for a cosy happy hour in the new, spacious camp kitchen and a restful evening.
Sunday 18th September – Cape Borda to Cape du Couedic travelling approx. 172 kms Having purchased our Flinders Chase Park Pass the previous day at the National Park office we headed north along the sealed West End Hwy in heavy rain. All the tracks west of this highway were closed due to previous flooding damage and feral pig eradication. Turning west onto the Cape Borda Rd, the rain abated and the sunny blue skies greeted us as we reached the Lighthouse carpark. After strolling around the lighthouse cottages and outbuildings we gathered in the carpark for morning tea. We also had time for a nearby 1.5km Harveys Return Hike to to the clifftop lookout before the rain front arrived. Next we headed 40kms north east to Billy Goat Falls looking for a lunch spot but the rain dashed our plans so we found a fire track by one of the many burnt out forest plantations and ate our lunch in our cars. Then the sun came out!
We returned to the Caravan park for a cosy happy hour in the new, spacious camp kitchen and a restful evening.
Sunday 18th September – Cape Borda to Cape du Couedic travelling approx. 172 kms Having purchased our Flinders Chase Park Pass the previous day at the National Park office we headed north along the sealed West End Hwy in heavy rain. All the tracks west of this highway were closed due to previous flooding damage and feral pig eradication. Turning west onto the Cape Borda Rd, the rain abated and the sunny blue skies greeted us as we reached the Lighthouse carpark. After strolling around the lighthouse cottages and outbuildings we gathered in the carpark for morning tea. We also had time for a nearby 1.5km Harveys Return Hike to to the clifftop lookout before the rain front arrived. Next we headed 40kms north east to Billy Goat Falls looking for a lunch spot but the rain dashed our plans so we found a fire track by one of the many burnt out forest plantations and ate our lunch in our cars. Then the sun came out!









Time to head south along the Gosse- Ritchie Rd, South Coast Rd and Cape De Couedic Rd to the Lighthouse and Admirals Arch. After visiting the lighthouse we battled the wind and walked one kilometre return on the boardwalk down to Admirals Arch. We stopped to watch the seals resting on the rocks below and wondered how they survived the rough seas. One more 5km trip to Remarkable rocks and a short one kilometre walk to wander around the wind sculpted rocks right on the water’s edge.








 
Everywhere we went there were burnt remains of vegetation amongst the lush green regrowth. The wattles and wildflowers were blooming but we didn’t see a great deal of wildlife or birds. In all, the dirt tracks were quite good. Driving back to the caravan park we passed the site of the new National Park Visitor Centre but it was still in the earthworks stage. We were lucky that the caravan park was totally rebuilt after the 2020 bushfire. It has a great general store, well stocked with local produce, wines and beers and even a full sized expresso coffee machine. At our last happy hour around a wonderful combustion wood fire we chatted about how much we enjoyed exploring the island and the camaraderie. After saying our farewells we returned to our accommodation for a good night’s sleep.
On Monday, 4 vehicles had to drive across the island to catch the ferry to Cape Jervis and then back to their homes. Two lucky couples slept in and were happy to stay a few days longer.
 
Report by Julia  25th September 2022



















 

 

 

 

3. Bendleby Rangers. Tues 4th - 8th October
Leader:- Kent.

Trip Report:

BENDLEBY RANGES EXPLORATION

4/10/22       -       8/10/22

Tuesday saw the congregation of 10 hardy souls, (John& Jenny, Rodney & Raelene, Mary & Ruth, Ian & Sandy, (friends of Kent, refugees from a flooded Kiama), Keith and Kent, for a “happy hour “and briefing.

After a rousing, totally spontaneous, rendition of Happy Birthday Kent, cake was served, and plans were laid.

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After travelling in sheeting rain all day Tue, the portents did not look good, but Wed. dawned fine and, although a couple of the more challenging tracks were closed due to the slippery conditions, Kent was able to lead the complete contingent for an exploration of the Bendleby Ranges half of the property. We covered hilltops, ridges, valleys and even flowing creek beds to view the wide variety of vegetation and topography.

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                               Picnic lunch was enjoyed at “Riverbend” campsite.

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Thursday, after a “banker’s hour”, 10am start, in bright sunshine, Kent again led the team this time to the Hungry Ranges section of the station. After missing the very first turn he took us on an extensive tour of remote southern Flinders farms probably last visited by the early settlers. However, at the very welcome morning tea stop, Raelene with the aid of her hand-held GPS, was able to guide us back to intended destination. We covered many steep, rough tracks to eventually reach delightful, Lynch’s Park, for lunch. Shortly after lunch, R&R, M&R peeled off to return to camp to set up the fire for the evening’s campfire oven extravaganza.

Three vehicles went on intending to conquer the one-way only,  “Hungry Highway” track. This trail is rated by the mapmakers as, difficulty 8.5 out of 10.  We followed the ridgetops and slowly ground our way over very rough tracks, to climb steeply, to the top of the Ranges and what looked like a very small lookout area, too small to park 3 vehicles or turn around. Oops! Exploration by foot finally brought us to the northern end of the cliff and there well below, was the continuation of the trail !!! In the very lowest range gear and with a prayer to St Anthony, we each drove over the cliff and miraculously made it down. Any ambitions we had of checking out the tracks rated 10 out of 10, evaporated. Keith relocated his running board to the roof rack but otherwise no apparent damage was done.

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After a slow start due to lack of coals, the evening’s camp oven communal cookout proved very successful with each couple contributing. It was decided this should become a feature of future camps.

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Friday morning, bravado no longer on show, we chose a more modest program of checking out a few peaks and walking trails. Even so Mary (a virgin on her first do it yourself 4WD outing), managed to demonstrate that it’s just as possible to go backwards on only three wheels, as forward. Jenny has the photographic evidence!  We walked up Ekes Peak and also took morning tea high overlooking the plains to the east.

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Sat morning each headed back to civilization and the carwash feeling a good adventure had been had by all.

 

Report by Kent.

Photos by Jenny & Keith.

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Trip 4. Naracoorte 

Trip report:-

Sunday 20 November
The 2022 Christmas Camp was well attended with 33 members, notwithstanding 8 apologies in the last couple of
weeks. After settling into our accommodation, the group gathered for the evening’s happy hour. We were very
fortunate this year to have a very spacious, modern camp kitchen with ample tables and chairs. Everyone enjoyed
lively conversation over drinks and a variety of foods and nibbles.
Julia, the convenor of the camp, welcomed new and old members and Bruno issued raffle tickets while collecting
camp fees. Keith, our outgoing 4WD Co-ordinator, briefed the group about Monday’s trip and handed out a mud
map of the area. Drivers arranged to take passengers where practicable to reduce the number of vehicles in the
convoy.
Each day we met at 9.30 am on the roadside at the caravan park entrance with the leader doing a radio check with
each vehicle before leaving. The weather was rainy and windy on Monday but thereafter became warmer and
sunnier each day. Everywhere the countryside was lush green after recent good rainfalls.
Monday 21 November
Today Keith led the group in a south easterly direction into Victoria covering approximately 170 kms. After travelling
through vineyard and grazing country we reached native scrubland in Victoria in time for morning tea break at
Kanowinka Conservation Park. We drove through some damp tracks and only met one obstacle, a tree across the
track which a quickly convened working party winched off the track.
Once on our way we arrived at Baileys Rocks where many of us took an interesting short walk down and along the
creek. Time to move on to Edenhope for our picnic lunch in the BBQ shelters by the lake. The wind and rain had
picked up by this time so we had the option to head home or continue on to tour other places.
Back at the caravan park we gathered again for an enjoyable happy hour and after dinner a few of us had fun testing
our knowledge by playing “Chronology” a history game devised by Imants and Ludmilla.

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Tuesday 22 November
This trip was extremely well planned and mapped out by Raelene & Rodney which paid off as they were delayed in
Adelaide and a new leader was needed. Fortunately Rick and Mazz were persuaded to take the lead and they did a
marvellous job.
Leaving Naracoorte we headed north, criss-crossing the green grazing and farmlands east of Kybybolite. Driving
through the township of Kybybolite we decide to continue on for a relaxing lunch break at Mullinger Swamp. Just a
hundred meters away we strolled to the awesome sight of the renowned Giant Red Gum.

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Time to head north and across the Victorian border towards Little Desert National Park. The tracks here were very
wet and muddy and in the end we had to turn around and head south to the delightful SA town of Frances. The
general store coped admirably with the influx of visitors who were ordering freshly made coffees.

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Our next leg was westwards across the Riddoch Hwy arriving at Cockatoo Lake, a popular free camping spot and
playground. The water level here was the highest known in the last 20 or so years.
We arrived back at camp just in time for happy hour followed by a fun auction of unwanted 4WD, caravan, camping
and household items. John (JB) excelled as auctioneer as he encouraged members to purchase a much needed
item or two. This resulted in a considerable sum of money being raised for social committee events.

 

Wednesday 23 November
A free day to do our own thing. However, we had the choice of a golf tournament organised by Kent, or a visit to
Bourne’s Bird museum with a morning tea of homemade scones and jam. This was organised by Keith.
In the heat of the afternoon, a few exuberant couples played a game of Big Dice on the park lawns.
At happy hour, Kent had great pleasure in announcing that Barry was the winner of the perpetual golf trophy.
The Xmas raffle was drawn and the winner was Fae, who had first pick of the four prizes, followed by Judy, Ludmilla and Raelene.

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Later that evening at 7pm, thirty of our members ventured out to the Naracoorte Caves for the Bat Cave Dusk Tour.
After watching the bats fly out of the cave we went into the observatory and watched on large tv screens the
activities of the bats as the remote cameras zoomed in.

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Thursday 24 November –
On this a warm sunny day Kent organised a leisurely drive to Penola with a stop at the Father Woods Sculpture Park.
Arriving in Penola we could take a heritage walk around the town following Kent’s printed itinerary. This included a
visit to the Penola Tourist Info Centre/ Art Gallery, a walk down Petticoat Lane, a visit to Sharman’s cottages and
garden, finishing off with morning tea at the Mary McKillop Centre.

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Lunch was booked at Brand’s Laira Winery Coonawarra for 1pm on our return trip to Naracoorte. This was a
picturesque and unique venue where we learnt about the wines and history of the vineyards. The alfresco setting
was perfect for the Ploughman’s lunch and we lingered longer than intended.
Back at camp for the last happy hour and a quiz organised by Raelene. We were tested on our knowledge of
Australia and some of the places we had visited during the week. After much discussion about the answers, Kent
was the resounding winner.

 

Friday 25 November
A glorious day to finish off exploring this beautiful part of SA. Julia and Bruno led the convoy through a grassy ill-
defined track just south of Naracoorte on the way to the Caves Café for morning tea. We encountered a farmer
herding his mob of sheep along the track but when he saw all the 4WDs coming he took the sheep back into the
paddock to let us through. What timing!

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The Caves Café has a large alfresco area and we were entertained by the blue fairy wrens eating the crumbs of our
scones, jam and cream.
From the Caves complex we headed west and crossed the Riddoch Hwy, then circumnavigated the Bool Lagoon
Game Reserve in anti- clockwise direction.
The southern section of track around the lagoon was overgrown and rough and in spite of the recent rains we could
see little water in the lagoon.
We arrived at the shady Hacks Lagoon campground for a picnic lunch. It was so peaceful here, overlooking the
reedbeds, the gleaming water and croaking frogs.

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Time to move along, over the highway to Struan House where a guide was waiting to meet us for our tour and talk in
the conference room. We couldn’t visit the top floor as it being used by the research centre staff after their nearby
building was totally destroyed by fire 2 weeks earlier.
Originally the grand home of John Robertson, a successful pastoralist, then later a corrective farm school for
boys, Struan House is now the regional headquarters of the Dept of Agriculture. The rooms are used for office
administration, specialist groups and research activities.

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After the tour concluded we headed home to relax and freshen up for the Xmas Dinner at the Naracoorte Hotel.

We had exclusive use of the function room and the attentive staff served our tasty meals from the a la carte
menu. The highlight of the evening was a visit from Father Xmas and everyone recieved a present, even if they were
a little naughty.
Julia thanked all the committee members for organising their day trips and other activities throughout the week.
Thanks also to Lesley Schoff for organising the four raffle prizes and Kent for organising & wrapping up all the Xmas
presents.
Special thanks to the 4WD members who came to Naracoorte and participated in the camp trips and for their
support throughout the year at the social days.
Hope to see you again at the next Xmas Camp in November 2023 to be held in Nuriootpa.

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Saturday 26 November –
All good things come to an end and most of us had an early start to arrive home at a reasonable hour.
Hopefully the variety of drives added to your 4WDriving skills and the daily activities gave you the opportunity to get
to know each other some more.

 

Report by Julia 
former Social Group Convenor

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