point gibbon
Back by the ocean! The place that made us feel at home, and where our familiar summer holiday vibes were real.
After being in The Red Centre for 3 weeks, our longest stint ever away from the ocean, it was time for us to leave Coober Pedy and head towards the Eyre Peninsular. The drive took us past more salt lakes and rugged terrain. The headwind made the fuel consumption go through the roof but once we made it to Whyalla, we could smell the salt water! We did intend to stay at Pimba Campground along the Stuart Highway but the ocean was calling us. We rang ahead to book a powered site at Wyalla Foreshore Caravan Park and used this stop to do a grocery shop, pop past the butchers and to fill the car up with fuel. The perfect place for a one nighter. The next day we continued driving south and stopped into Cowell for a roadside lunch break and to pick up some long overdue parcels. Now this place took us by surprise! We knew about the Cowell Silo Art which is an impressive artwork of a local identity Lionel Deer and his camel Diamantina, but we fell in love with the heritage streetscape that lead to the harbour. The best part was the free waterslide and splash park that you can find at the Cowell Foreshore Precinict. We could not fault this park! There was also free BBQs, picnic shelters, grass to kick a ball around, jumping pillow, skatepark and basketball court!
|
|
We continued on to Port Gibbon and trust us, we were not disappointed! Our hearts started to sing once we arrived at Site 10 at Point Gibbon Campground, right by the ocean! Falling asleep to the waves, sleeping in, living in our togs, lazing under the beach umbrella, looking for crabs, afternoon beach cricket, makeup free, salty hair, sandy toes, Sunday pancakes, Point Gibbon Campground gave us everything these salty gypsies needed! The water was pristine, our warriors built bases, the Pacific Gulls amazed us with their grandeur persona, and the dunes were like mountains and entertained us for hours as we laughed away our afternoons while sand-boarding. Point Giboon is on stunning Barngarla Country and is also a resting place (haul out) for Australian sea lions and long-nosed fur seals. It’s the only long-term mainland haul out for sea lions in Spencer Gulf. This area is part of the Franklin Harbour Marine Park.
|
|
|
It is an unsealed road to the campground but nothing a 2WD couldn't drive along. It cost us $45 for three nights, what a bargain! There are toilets, WiFi, bins and it is also pet friendly. If you can't snag a spot here, there are plenty of other campgrounds along this coastline that aren't too far from one another. Other travellers we had a yarn too said they would also recommend The Fence Campground as well. This was our first taster for what the Eyre Peninsular had to offer and boy, we were excited to see what was to come! For now, it was time to head to Engine Point!
Peace + love,
Peace + love,