RUBY GAP NATURE PARK

Ruby Gap is about 150 kms east of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory of Australia.

A high clearance four-wheel drive vehicle is essential owing to the condition of the track into Ruby Gap from the Arltunga Historial Reserve.

Once you enter the park's entrance there is a five kilometre drive along the riverbed- The Hale River- which is susceptible to flash flooding after heavy rains. 

There are no facilities available but camping is permitted along the river.

Very small camping fees apply and deposited in the box provided at the park's entrance.

The park is generally accessible all year round, however the cooler months of April to September are more pleasant.

Ruby Gap is linked to the first mining rush in Central Australia.

In 1886, and explorer found what he thought were rubies in the bed of the Hale River. In 1888 it was found that the stones were merely high grade garnets and Central Australia's ruby boom quickly collapsed.

Ruby Gap Nature Park retains its remoteness, providing an excellent bush camping experience in Central Australia's scenic rugged terrain.

 The above photos were taken on my little digital camera. 

I am not a professional so I hope you enjoy them.

Coffin Bay National Park. South Australia

Coffin Bay National Park takes up the whole of the Coffin Bay Peninsula, with 30 380 hectares of sand and limestone country covered mainly with mallee, tea-tree and she-oak woodlands. Low swampy areas are covered in samphire.
On one side of the great T shaped peninsula are the placid protected waters of Coffin Bay, an ideal place to camp, swim, sail or go fishing (Whiting being very popular).
There are walking trails in the park, most follow old vehicle tracks.  Walking along the beaches being well received by most holiday makers.
On the opposite side of Coffin Bay Peninsula, along the south-western coast, the surf generated from the great Southern Ocean pounds the coast continuously.
Such an untamed area has other attractions.  The beaches, headlands, rich shallow coastal waters and scrub-covered sand ridges provide a rich habitat for birds.
Ospreys, rock parrots nest in the scrub above the cliff lined beaches. The rare Western Whip bird occasionally can be seen.
Coffin Bay offers superb fishing both from the protected bayside beaches and on the wilder sea coast.  Fishing boat charters are available for the keen fisherman. The protected bay beaches are great for King George whiting, garfish, trevally, flathead and salmon.
In the National Park campers are only allowed to camp at Yangie Bay, Black Springs, Morgans Landing, The Pool and Sensation Beach.  2 WD vehicles can access Yangie Bay the other camping spots need  a 4WD vehicle .
The nearest shopping is in Coffin Bay township. Campers going into the National Park must be self sufficient.  Toilet facilities are available at Black Springs camp ground area.
Coffin Bay township  has a range of camping and accommodation for all tourists.
There are wild ponies in the park managed by the Coffin Bay Pony Preservation Society and National Parks and Wildlife SA.  The ponies are believed to be descended from animals brought to the area by the early settlers in the 1840's.
Kangaroos  roam the National Park and often visit camping areas.  Campers are requested not to feed the animals.
Best time to visit is between October to April.

It is highly recommended for campers to always wear a hat when outdoors.


Coffin Bay National Park is 625 km west of Adelaide, via Port Lincoln.
National Park and camping fees do apply in South Australia.

Our Campsite at Black Springs

Mother Kangaroo and her Joey came to visit  us most days.

Our plan was to camp for four days, but the area was just brilliant with  the ocean so close to our campsite , the weather could not have been better. We ended up camping for ten days and loved every minute.
I would recommend Coffin Bay National Park to all our readers.
Get out and explore your world no matter where you live.

Cave Hill Nature Reserve Widgiemooltha

 

CAVE HILL ENTRANCE

Cave Hill Nature Reserve is a massive granite outcrop with cave-like formations on its western side, comparable to the famous Wave Rock near Hyden.

 Granite slab walls were built on the rock to channel water into two main dams and a couple of smaller waterholes  to be used by workers in the mining industry during 1928 - 1938.
The large dam supplied water for the settlement and the smaller dams supplied water for the steam trains. The smaller dams are now permanent water supplies  for the birds and local wildlife which can often be seen coming in to drink in the early morning or late afternoon.


BURRA ROCK FORMATIONS



This is an isolated recreation area with camping and picnic areas around the rock, making it an ideal place to escape into the bush for a quiet break. Lots of interesting things to see and do such as yabby fishing, swimming, rock climbing, wildlife and exploring the surrounds and the old  train woodline to Burra Rock via a 38km 4WD track.

No pets are allowed.

Best time to go would be around Mid March through to November.

To the best of my memory there are no fees but that could have change since our last visit.
Best suitable for tents, camper-trailers and smaller 4x4 RV's.

 


Disappointment Rock Norseman/ Holland Track

Traveling via the Hyden Norseman Road the turn off is approximately 75km west of Norseman or 214 km east of Hyden. The track goes in about 200m to a clearing where you can turn around. When we last visited the rock, 4x4's were permitted to drive up the rock via a side track. Please check with the authorities before you attempt the drive to make sure it is still permitted. Don't know how the rock obtained it's name, but a walk up to the top of the rock gives wonderful views of the surrounding countryside. After rains numerous rock-holes hold water and the deeper ones have plenty of really fat tadpoles.

Couple of clearings for camping,travel stop or picnics are among the spindly shrubs and trees at the base of the rock. There isn't much shade. but the wildflowers and bird life during winter and spring make this area well worth a spot over. There are no fees to my knowledge.




The "Holland Track" cuts across the Hyden Norseman Road.

Easter time the "Holland Track" is usually very busy as it can be done quite easily over the holiday break by amateur or professional camper. We have traveled on the "Holland Track" twice over the years and enjoyed it both times.

Cape Richie camping spot

On the coast between Albany and Bremer Bay there is an excellent camping spot with sheltered camp ground areas overlooking the beautiful coloured waters and white sandy beach of Cheyne Bay.

 It is great for fishing, swimming, walking, boating, and when the wildflowers are out there is not much better.  The area is sheltered by a rocky headland which provides an ideal protected area for children. There are brick toilets ( with an external light on at night time), wash basins,  cold showers but a hook where you can hang your solar shower bag. There is a washing tap there and a rain water tank but with drinking water scarce  it is best if you can bring your own. There is a  Service Station on the way in and we found them very helpful and they allowed us to take some water just for drinking.  There is no power here but generators/invertors are allowed.  There is a caretaker in attendance and you only pay a small  fee to stay. Children under 16 yrs are free when we visited.  Camping is allowed for 7 days, because this is a small area and very popular especially during the school holidays. There is a 4WD boat launching ramp, and a couple of fish cleaning tables provided on a rocky point nearby. 

2 Wheel drive vehicles and caravans can access this area.

Firewood is not supplied, so if you want a campfire ( not allowed in summer months) you have to bring your own with you as the vegetation around here is scrub not trees.  

There are kangaroos that visit the park and walk around between the campsites.   It is not recommended to feed them.  They are friendly, but remember they are still a wild animal and therefore be aware when they are near you.

 Best time to go is late winter and spring for the wildflowers, summer for swimming and autumn for beautiful weather. 

Unfortunately no animals are allowed. 

 Be aware of rips and king waves along this section of coastline and also snakes are plentiful in this area so be careful when walking.  We were aware that the snakes were there, but had no problem.  There are several walks around the area and the views from the hills nearby looking over the ocean are just breathtaking.



Take the kids and get them to have a go a fishing anywhere not just here at Cape Richi.  Ours loved it when they were young,  now the Grandsons have their own rods and enjoy fishing whenever we take them.

On our website we can supply all fishing gear for kids up to adults.

Jorndee Campsite east of Esperance

You can get to Jorndee Creek with a 2 wheel drive vehicle although I would recommend   a 4 wheel drive vehicle.

The small dirt road into the area can be very soft  once you leave Fisheries Road from Esperance.

There is a small area for day visitors, with a table and seats,  a toilet and rain water in a small tank if no one has left the tap on and emptied it.  Two small areas between theses banksia bushes for campers.  It is a beaut little spot.   Short walkways take you  to the ocean or the creek and the mouth of the river. Caught enough fish here each day for our dinner. The bushes are alive with small birds.  Just have to be aware of snakes even though we never saw any they are around.   Whales can be seen here in late winter and the area is the home for Cape Barren Geese. If you are lucky you might see the Ground Parrot which is now an endangered bird.