Waikerie South Australia

Waikerie (pronounced  "wake-ker-ree")   is approximately 174 kms from Adelaide situated on the Murray River with a population about 5200.

The name Waikerie,  by the original indigenous community, means "many wings" after a giant swift moth called "wei kari"

Large fruit plantations surround the farming community. 

The town is the centre  of the citrus and fruit industry in South Australia.  Hundreds of hectares of grape vines make Waikerie one of the largest tonnage producers in the Riverland.

One of the longest stretches of the Murray River with  accessible riverbank and widths makes Waikerie a very popular place for water sports, fishing,  excellent for houseboats and just the best spot for camping.

Waikerie has four boat ramps, free BBQ facilities on the waterfront, shelters, shady trees,  a children's playground, rest room facilities and a swimming jetty.

A must to see when visiting,  is the Havenhand Chocolate Cafe- absolutely yummy!

Waikerie Foreshore 

 

 

 

 

 

  

  We would recommend Waikerie to all travellers.  There are facilities for all campers whether requiring a Hotel, Motel, Backpackers, Caravan Park, or free camping for those who are fully self sufficient alongside the Murray River just 3 or 4 kms out of town.

To  "Discover Australia "book your  flight  and go and enjoy.

Our Campsite at "Holder Bend" on the Murray River.

The Kidman Way - Goolgowi

GOOLGOWI

Goolgowi is a wheat farming and grazing area within the Murrumbidgee Irrigation area including  olives, walnuts, grapes, lettuce and a prime cattle feedlot.

Goolgowi was settled in 1925 after the railway line between Griffith and Hillston was developed.

In 1988 the local woman created a soft sculpture curtain which can be viewed in the Goolgowi Hall.

Over the past 20 years the local community have developed a garden at the Goolgowi Public School. The garden includes native, exotic and even a low allergy section. It is a credit to all concerned.

Goolgowi is known for its Billycart Derby usually held in October each year. A very different, affordable and enjoyable  event for  all who attend.

Travelers are catered for with a caravan park, two motels and the Goolgowi Motor Inn.

There is a general store, service station, post office and an ex-serviceman's club.

During November to March the 25 metre solar heated swimming pool is open.

Campers traveling with children, the two children playgrounds are welcomed.

We found free BBQ's in the Pioneers Park very handy when stopping off and looking around Goolgowi.

A small detour off the "Kidman Way", south-west of Goolgowi is the historical town of Gunbar.  Gunbar has heritage markers around the town for tourist information and the Pioneer Memorial Church has eight beautiful stained glass windows depicting the pioneer families.

Getting close to Christmas and the Holiday season. 

Merry Christmas everyone. We wish everyone  a very SAFE and Happy New Year.

We would like to thank all the visitors who supported our website through 2011. Very much appreciated.

The Kidman Way- Griffith

GRIFFITH

32kms from Darlington Point travellers will find a large town called Griffith.

In 1817 John Oxley the explorer dismissed the region as being uninhabitable. 

The Murrumbidgee Irrigation Scheme in the early 1900's changed this opinion and now the region ha an  abundance of agriculture, horticultural and processing industries.

The region being the traditional land of the "Wiradjuri" people. The irrigation development was done by solder settlers and Italian migrants.

The Italian Museum is open daily by going through the Pioneer Park Museum.

Local produce includes olives, sun-dried tomatoes, pesto's, tapenades, pasta sauces, olive oil and salami.

Griffith has many cafe's and restaurants where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee has you wanting for more.

Griffith's Visitor Centre has a beautiful stained glass window depicting the local landscape and agricultural prosperity.

Griffith's Pioneer Park Museum situated in natural bushland has about 40 exhibition buildings full of information.

Nearby at Lake Wyangan people enjoy boating, fishing, rowing and sailing.  The picnic area well provided with a shelter shaded area, BBQ's and toilet facilities.  Great place for a picnic.

Approximately 30kms from Griffith is the "Cocoparra National Park".  Visitors can camp and go bush walking to explore the eroded cliffs, wide valleys of cypress pine trees.  There is an area called " Hermit's Caves" where it was home to a mysterious recluse for more than 10 years during the 1930's. The Lookout from Hermit Caves gives stunning views of the agricultural planes across to the National Park. Wildflowers, birds and wildlife in the spring time make a visit even better.

At Steamboat Creek, you will find the remnants of a bridge built in the late 1800's.

Griffith has three heated swimming pools where everyone can relax and even enjoy a spa.

Camping is available  at the Caravan Parks, Farm Stays, Bed & Breakfast, Motel, Hotel and even self contained holiday units.

There are Motor Home sites available along the main canal or at Lake Wyangan.

Beside the main canal is the Burley Griffin Community Gardens, which was developed by volunteers and is perfect for a picnic and a relaxing day.

When visiting Griffith on your "Kidman Way" holiday trip always allow a least 2 days to have a good explore as the area is full of things to see and do.

I hope you are enjoying our trip along "The Kidman Way"

Visit our website for all your CAMPING EQUIPMENT & SHOPPING    requirements.

The Kidman Way- Darlington Point

DARLINGTON POINT

Darlington Point  ( 32kms north of Coleambally) on the Murrumbidgee River is an historic river town established in 1864.

Darlington Point offers great bush hospitality with a wide variety of accommodation with a caravan park, cabins, Bed & Breakfast. There were no farm stays or Motel when we visited.

There is a small Shopping Centre, Medical Centre, butcher, Post Office and we even found an Italian restaurant.

Forming the entrance to the caravan park is a reconstructed 1904 lift-span bridge.

I would really recommend a visit to the Altina Wildlife Park having exotic animals.  The park is on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River.  Bookings are essential.  www.altinawildlife.com.au

The Murrumbidgee River is a haven for animal and bird life.  The river Red Gum trees are majestic.

The river is accessible by car, bike or bush walking from Darlington Point.

For all your camping equipment visit  www.mydickersales.com

The Kidman Way - Coleambally

COLEAMBALLY

Coleambally  (56kms north of Jerilderie) in the Murrumbidgee Shire was established in 1968.

Beautiful gardens are watered from groundwater bores. The streets in the area are named after local birds.

Irrigation farmland produces rice, maize, soybeans, wheat, barley, canola, oats, grapes , prunes and almonds.

Sheep and cattle are major agricultural assets with Organic farms becoming popular.

Coleambally has a very good playground area for children, toilet facilities and a BBQ area for the travelling public.

A modern shopping centre caters for all the local and visitors needs and wants.

There is a mural in the Jenimar Arcade reflecting the town’s history.

A “Wine shaped” water tower with a mosaic depicting the history of the local irrigation area is quite different.

Campers are catered for at the local caravan park having all the amenities. Travellers requiring extra accommodation are catered for by the Hotel – Motel which is opposite the shopping centre being very convenient.

There was no Bed and Breakfast or Farm stay accommodation when we visited.

The “Bird in the Mulga” Art Gallery and Collectables is well worth a look.

For more information  on Coleambally and area  search  www.coleambally.com.au .

For all your camping equipment and supplies please visit our website at        http://www.mydickersales.com

The Kidman Way Jerilderie

The Kidman Way is known as "Australia's Legendary Highway".
From Jerilderie in the south of New South Wales  to Barringun in the north on the Queensland border "The Kidman Way' is a sealed road with a approximate distance of 780km's.
The Historical towns along "the Kidman Way" provide for campers, backpackers, caravanners, seniors, in accommodation and  services for the visitor and their vehicles.
Camping areas, caravan parks, hotels, motels, bed & breakfast and farm stays.
Everything you need to have a great trip.
 In my next few blogs I will tell you a little about each town on "The Kidman Way" from Jerilderie to Barringun.
 Starting with Jerilderie.
One of Australia's legendary bush rangers in the late 1800's was Ned Kelly.
Jerilderie  being Ned Kelly's area.( I have read a lot on Ned Kelly, and although he was a bush ranger and caused a lot of trouble, the Victorian Police Department at the time was full of corruption and this did not help Ned Kelly at all)
Jerilderie means " Reedy Place".
"The Willows "was formally a residence for a flour mill in the 1880's, now restored as a Tourist Office and Museum for Ned Kelly items.
Guided  tours from the Tourist Office on Ned Kelly are regarded as a must when visiting.
Jerilderie has a man made lake which is home to native fish and it is re-stocked annually. The lake is for recreational  purposes for the locals and visitors to enjoy.
Luke Park is a nice area to enjoy a meal.  Last time we visited Luke Park there were two BBQ's provided by the local residences.
If you like to walk ( or ride a bush bike) to see more of the town "Horgans Walk" starts at Luke Park near the "Steel Wings".
Steel Wings being one of only two in the world(  about 50' tall, diameter of about 25' and tail length about 24)' was originally used for stock and domestic water supplies on the nearby Goolgumbla Station.
Walk along to the Billabong taking your time to enjoy the surroundings.
Jerilderie has a Miniature Steam Railway track near the Willows.  The track is just over 1km and is operated every 2nd Sunday in the month weather permitting.
Best to phone the Tourist Center to check if planning to visit the Miniature Steam Railway.
The Jerilderie Caravan Park we found to be  very friendly with good amenities for campers, on site suites and accommodation for visitors.
The Model Glider Tournament is held usually in June. This tournament makes for an enjoyable weekend and a good start for your trip on "The Kidman Way"

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

Poised serenely on Bennelong Point and  complementing the Sydney Harbour is the Sydney Opera House.
Building commenced in 1957 , finishing in 1963. Sixteen years  and at a cost of $102 million.
The original cost was $7 million. A lottery was established to help finance the flood of expenditure. 
Although he resigned long before the completion Joern (Jorn ) Utzon was the designer.
Queen Elizabeth ll opened the Opera House in 1973.
In 2003 Joern Utzon received the Pritzker Prize, being the international architecture's highest honour.
Due to it's design the Opera House caused a lot of controversy during the building years.
Visitors from all over the world flock to see this architectural masterpiece.
The large concert hall is used for symphony concerts and a huge variety of shows.

For more information on the Sydney Opera House just use this link.
        
Book your next holiday for Australia through  Discover Australia

(Did you know there is another Sydney Harbour in Cypress TX 77429 USA)

ALBANY WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Albany in Western Australia has a lot to offer the traveling and camping public.
Albany is on the state's southern coast and is about 408 km from Perth via the Albany Highway.
Albany has historic sites, magnificent coastal scenery, nature reserves, rivers and ranges.
The City of Albany council has established numerous camping areas within the shire along it's beautiful coastline.
Activities include camping (tents, caravans, mobile homes, RV's )boating, fishing, swimming, bush walking, sightseeing to keep you well and truly occupied whilst visiting the area.
Albany also has a small airport for visitors flying in from Perth.  Hire cars are available and there are numerous caravan parks, bed and breakfast, hotel and motel accommodation.  Holiday times find Albany a very popular destination so it is best to book in advance if you are intending to visit Albany.
There are lots camping areas west of Albany for the self sufficient camper to visit.
One of our favorite areas'  is Betty's Beach.  Betty's  Beach is about 52km north east of  Albany along the South Coast Highway, then 14km on the Homestead Road down to the camping area.
The beach sand is so clean it squeaks  when walked  on.  A beautiful little bay and not bad fishing either.
Another area close by (if Betty Beach is already full) is Norman Beach.

Our last visit was in October 2009.  The tide was out when this photo taken.  High tide the ocean comes up to the rocks.

 

 

Katherine in Northern Territory Australia

When traveling within the Northern Territory visitors must be aware  the Estuarine and Johnston River crocodiles   inhabit many rivers and billabongs.

Only swim in specially designated areas if camping outside  caravan parks.

The town of Katherine offers a wide range of accommodation from camping, caravans, cabins, budget rooms, deluxe hotel rooms, bed and breakfast and self contained apartments.

Katherine offers an ideal retreat after a day's exploring the area.

Katherine Gorge is in the Nitmibul National Park.  A most amazing place to visit and enjoy.

The Visitors Center has displays outlining the geology, landscape and Aboriginal history - which we found to be very informative.

There is also a very nice souvenir shop, toilets facilities and a kiosk which over looks the Katherine River.

There are boat cruises for Katherine Gorge.  Some of the cruises  cover the morning and visitors are back by lunch time and for the more adventurous  visitor a day long cruise.  The tour guides make the cruise very enjoyable and I would recommend either trip depending on visitors' time available.

Best time to visit Katherine would be between May to September. 
If you are thinking 2012 for your next holiday, I would not hesitate to recommend a visit to the Northern Territory and especially the Katherine region.

  Discover Australia  have good deals for travelers.

The Holland Track.

 We have traveled the Holland Track several times and enjoyed each trip very much.  

Easter time proves to be a popular time of the year  for campers to do the track. 

You will find the Holland Track in Western Australia.  

The Holland Track was originally constructed by John Holland in 1893, from Esperance to Coolgardie when gold was first discovered in Kalgoorlie area. Thousands of travelers used this track until 1896 when the railway line was extended from Southern Cross to Coolgardie from Perth-  giving rail access.

530 Kilometres of track was constructed in little over two months making it the longest track that had been constructed in one operation in the history of Western Australia.

In 1940's much of the south eastern end of the track was cleared for farming which saw several sections of the original Holland Track disappear.

Most travelers start their Holland Track -4 wheel drive experience- from the  Hyden (Wave Rock fame) end to Coolgardie. This section is about 350kms.  

In the dry months the track is rather easy to negotiate. In the winter months it can become impassable.  We did come across a lot of bog holes around the Bounty Gold Mine area.

Most of the track is well sign posted, but you have to be aware going around the Bounty Gold Mine the track does change from time to time and a bit of common sense will get you around all right.

There are several books you can purchase on the Holland Track.  Most are very informative. 

The Land Drover 4 Wheel Drive Club of Western Australia has done a lot of work over the years keeping the Holland Track open to 4 wheel drive travelers.  It is a credit to them because sometimes travelers do leave the track in a mess.

Do not leave any rubbish, please take it out with you. There are plenty of rubbish bins in Coolgardie.

Sign out of Emu Rocks - Hyden end of Holland Track

 

One of our many campfires. 

In this area was  a small tree was trying to grow, so we made a protective area for it with some rocks and hoped that it would survive.  We will have to go back one day and check.

Planning a holiday to Western Australia ?  Book through Discover Australia 

If your time permits,  from Coolgardie    travelers can travel down to Cave Hill,    a most magic area with a lot of history and scenic views. 

Osmiston Gorge Alice Springs

 West from  Alice Springs approximately 135 kilometres   on the Namatjira Drive, off Larapinta Drive, in the West MacDonnell Ranges ,visitors and will come across the well sign posted "Ormiston Gorge".
The road is sealed and many visitors drive themselves but they can also join in on a toured bus coach trip for a bit of luxury and enjoy the scenery on the way there and returning to Alice Springs.

The towering red walls of Osmiston Gorge are spectacular. Within the gorge there is a permanent waterhole.  If there has been sufficient rains this waterhole provides a really refreshing finale to a day's outing.

There is a camping area nearby for the visitors who are able to camp. Caravans, Mobile Homes , RV's, Camper Trailers and visitors using Tents or Swags can access this area for camping because of the sealed road.  A small camping fee does apply.
In September this year , a group of entertainers used the gorge for a singing evening.  It was brilliant. Perfect night.


 The photos shown were taken with my little digital camera, and I am no professional.   I hope you enjoy them.


Thinking about visiting the Alice Springs area in the Northern Territory, the best time to come is usually between May and September.

Organize your holiday now for 2012  using Discovery Australia 

Walpole-Nornalup National Park. Western Australia

Walpole-Nornalup National Park contains many pristine forests and areas with little evidence of human activity. The rugged coastline, peaceful inlets and rivers are a major feature of the park's beauty. The park is probably best known for the huge buttressed red tingle trees, which are unique to the Walpole area.
 The park contains 19 species of mammals, 109 species of birds and 22 species of reptile. The biggest threat to the native animals within the park is the feral cat and fox. These animals are known to kill small mammals, birds and reptiles. The Department of Environment and Conservation is continuality fighting these introduced animals and 1080 baiting is carried out throughout the park.
Whether swollen by winter rains or a placid summer pool, Circular pool is a delightful place to enjoy the forest. You can picnic, marron in season, canoe, take photos or simply experience the magnificent forests. 
The Knoll encompasses a scenic drive, lookouts over the Nornalup and Walpole inlets, Rest Point and Coalmine Beach. Its fantastic scenery is perfectly described as where the forest meets the sea. Coalmine Beach is on the south shore of the beautiful Nornalup Inlet. The Knoll is a peninsula, which divides Nornalup and Walpole Inlets and is accessible by the one-way sealed Knoll Scenic Drive. This drive follows the perimeter of the Knoll, offering tantalising views of Walpole and Nornalup inlets.
This a wonderful spot all year round - shady and cool in summer and a riot of colourful wildflowers in the spring.
We have relatives that live in the Walpole area and it is always a joy to go and visit.
Walpole and Nornalup have good caravan parks for all campers, Hotel Motel accommodation, Bed and Breakfast on some nearby properties,  and even farm stays for families wanting children to experience the countryside.
Book your Australian holiday through Discover Australia- they have some good deals going most of the year.
Walpole is approximately 355 km south of Perth - the capital of Western Australia.
The new freeway opened last year from Perth to Bunbury makes traveling to the south west of the state more enjoyable.

 

NORTHERN TERRITORY - DALY WATERS - AUSTRALIA

Daly Waters is home to Australia's first international airport, which was used for various historical moments including the 1926 London to Sydney air race.

The airstrip was also used as an air force base during the Second World War and a Qantas stopover point for overseas travel.       There is a hanger containing memorabilia, photographs and old aviation equipment.

Another historical feature is the local Daly Waters Pub.  

The building was built in the 1930's and is now one of the oldest  buildings in the Northern Territory.  The pub is open late all year round, with a range of musical entertainment, yarn telling and interesting parties - such as St Patrick's Day celebrations, a Rodeo and Campdraft competition. 

Inside the pub at the bar you can order a very tasty steak or barramundi.  There is a huge amount of memorabilia around the walls and ceiling of the pub.

Playing bowls on the main street by the locals 

and visitors is always well received and enjoyed.

EVENING ENTERTAINMENT IS PROVIDED

DALY WATERS PUB

A very enjoyable time was had by all (including us )who camped in the caravan park camping area next door and over the road from the Daly Waters Pub.

Come and explore the Northern Territory anytime of the year - between May to September is ideal.  October   to April can get a little warmer and also  humid in the tropical top of Australia.

BELAIR NATIONAL PARK SOUTH AUSTRALIA

                                                 

If you are camping or holidaying  around  Adelaide  area , 
then Belair National Park,  which is only 13km south of  Adelaide, 
is an ideal place to visit for the day.

There is a small entrance fee.

Barbecue facilities are found all throughout the park.

There is disabled access, picnic areas, toilets, walking tracks,
and last time we visited there was a very nice kiosk available.

Sealed roads through the parks’ 840ha,
making  good access to most of the park facilities.

In 1891  Belair become South Australia’s  first  National Park.

The park protects one of the few remaining areas of 
native bushland in the Adelaide Hills and includes
a range of facilities which visitors can enjoy.

An area called Playford Lake
has a very enjoyable walk of  about 1km   
where visitors can enjoy the waterbirds.

The Port Lincoln parrot, although seen in 
southern Western Australia can be found here
at the Belair National Park.

The Old Government House  situated within the park and is now a museum.

 Discover Australia and have a very enjoyable holiday.

Hermannsburg Historical Precinct

 Northern Territory, Australia,  126 Km west of Alice Springs on a sealed road  you will find Hermannsburg. 

 Hermannsburg was a Lutheran Mission in the late 1800's and was one of the early towns of Central Australia. The mission and land were handed back to the Aboriginal people in 1982. 

Our Morning Tea
"Scones, Jam and Cream"
and a lovely cup of Tea

The old mission buildings  have been restored to their 19th century condition and have a museum, art gallery and tea rooms.

Looking out of the Tea Rooms
into the complex

Hermannsburg was  Albert Namatija's  (the famous Aboriginal artist) home.

Some of Albert Namatjira's paintings are housed in the art gallery.

Historic Hermannsburg sign

Alice Springs East MacDonnell Ranges

Corroboree Rock Nature Park is located 47 km east of Alice Springs on the sealed Ross Highway.
This is a sacred site to the Eastern  Arrernte Aboriginal people.
The significance of the areas is not well known, it was probably not used a a corroboree site, due to the lack of water in the area.

Front view of Corroboree Rock from parking area

Rear View of Corroboree Rock

Corroboree Rock is an easy stop off for your trip through in East MacDonnell Ranges.
There is a walk trail around the rock with informational notice boards placed for the visitors.
The walk trail takes about 15 to 20 minutes and is a very easy walk trail.
We found the area very interesting and enjoyed our time there.

Alice Springs East MacDonnell Ranges

JESSIE GAP dry river bed in August

In the East MacDonnell Ranges, Arltunga became the site of Central Australia's first town in 1887, after alluvial gold was discovered in the area.
There are a number of gaps, gorges and historic sites to explore.  Many of the natural attractions are accessible by 2WD but sometimes a 4WD is required for some tracks.
Emily Gap and Jessie Gap  are approximately 10 km east of Alice Springs on the Ross Highway.  Both these gaps have Aboriginal paintings and hold great significance to the Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal People.
There are picnic facilities at Jessie Gap.

Beautiful River Gum at Jessie Gap 

We parked in the Picnic area of Jessie  Gap

Glen Helen Gorge Northern Territory

132 km west of Alice Springs in the MacDonnell Ranges you will find Glen Helen Gorge. 
Glen Helen Gorge is one of six permanent waterholes along the Finke River and is a beautiful
spot for swimming and camping.
The Glen Helen Resort provide accommodation, camping facilities and meals.
The Finke River cuts through the gap in the MacDonnell Ranges on towards the Simpson Desert.
The best time to visit Glen Helen Gorge and surrounding areas is from April to September.
Walkers must register with the nearest ranger station before setting off on any major walk in this and other nearby gorges.
Most of the waterholes are extremely cold and will provide a very refreshing swim.

Glen Helen is also an important refuge for a number of rare plant species and home to a special species of Central Australian fish.

TASMANIA

Visitors can fly to Tasmania directly from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra and Adelaide. If coming from Western Australia a slight diversion to a eastern states capital city is normally required.
Flights are appoximately one hour to cross the Bass Strait from Melbourne to Hobart and Launceston.
The "Spirit of Australia" boat sails from Melbourne to Devonport on an overnight trip taking all vehicles and equipment aboard. We took the "Spirit of Australia" and it was very enjoyable small cruise. The staff on board we found to be very helpful with any query or question we had about Tasmania. We took our own camping vehicle and toured Tasmania for 4 weeks.
Visitors can take their own vehicles or hire to drive around the state of Tasmania. There are car and campervan hire firms in all major centres. Local transport is available around  the major cities and to / from the airport.
Visitors can book their travel and accomodation through Discover Australia when they decided what time of the year they prefer to travel.

National Parks, Conservation Parks, Heritage Parks have very good camping grounds for tents, caravans, mobile homes and RV's.

Tasmania had a mild climate with four seasons. The average temperature in summer (December to February) around 21 deg C. In winter ( June to August) around 12 deg C.  Spring and Autumn are very pleasant with an average temperature in the mid- teens.

ALICE SPRINGS DESERT PARK

In the MacDonnell Ranges of Alice Springs visitors will find the 'Alice Springs Desert Park"
We arrived at 9.30am and did not leave until 5.00pm.
Absolutely a must for any traveller to see and experience this beautiful park.
Set out in three sections- Sand Country, Woodland and Desert Rivers.
Visitors are given head sets and small recorded information disc's. The Park has numbers placed around the walk ways where you press the number on the disc and all the relevant details produced.
Alice Springs Desert Park is a protected area where disturbance of plants, animals and natural features is an offence.
Large aviaries with desert birds and animals have plenty of area to move and fly around.
Some aviaries allow  visitors to go in and sit amoungst the birds and listen to the beautiful calls.
The cost to enter is very minimum. Open daily from 7.30am to 6.00pm. Closed 25th December.
There is a well equiped cafe, visitors centre and the staff are always helpful.
If you are planning a trip to the centre of Australia- you can not go pass this park.

alicespringsdesertpark

The Amphitheatre where a Park's Ranger and wild birds give a brilliant demonstration 

The Nocturnal House well worth a visit.
Park Rangers give tour guides