victor harbor
The moment had arrived! After saving for 4 years, it was time for us to hit the road to begin our big lap around Australia! Our first official stop was the beautiful town, Victor Harbor!
But before we get to Victor Harbor, we should mention that it was a solid 3 days of driving and two free camps to get us from the South Coast of New South Wales, all the way to the Fleurieu Peninsula. Our departure morning saw us watch our last sunrise over our fave beach for sometime, followed by quite the affair for our departure! From streamers to roadside beeping and waving on the side of the highway, we left with full hearts and the fondest memories. It was that moment when we realised that the road trip of our lifetime had just begun! We decided to travel to Lockhart where we stayed at a free camp at the Lockhart Showground. There are no facilities but some shady spots under trees and an epic grandstand. The township was close and had everything that you needed including an IGA. It was the perfect first night for us as we were able to catch up on some sleep after the crazy week leading up to our departure.
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The next morning, we jumped back into the car and stopped in at Jerilderie to check out the Ned Kelly Trail. Our eldest warrior is a history lover, particularly all things Ned Kelly, so he really enjoyed reading the historical signs around the town. We visited the gazette building where Ned wanted to publish his now infamous Jerilderie letter and then went across the road to the pub where he held thirty people hostage. We also took this opportunity to have our first bakery pie for this road trip and it didn't disappoint! We then crossed the Victorian border at Swan Hill and pulled up into Mangangatang Travellers Rest for our second free camp.
Froth levels were high for hubby and our boys as we were camped right up next to a train station. Only freight trains then transport grain use the line and apart from the one departing train when we arrived, we didn't see any train for the remainder of our stay. A great little spot with public toilets and a playground. It was a balmy 40 degrees so we went across the road to the pub where the aircon was cranking and the community Christmas shindig was happening. Festive vibes were in full swing! We found complimentary power at the free camp which is at the same building as the toilets. It was a Christmas miracle as we ran the aircon all night. In the morning we searched our van for the last time for prohibited foods, legged it to the quarantine station at the border, and then arrived into a much cooler South Australia.
Froth levels were high for hubby and our boys as we were camped right up next to a train station. Only freight trains then transport grain use the line and apart from the one departing train when we arrived, we didn't see any train for the remainder of our stay. A great little spot with public toilets and a playground. It was a balmy 40 degrees so we went across the road to the pub where the aircon was cranking and the community Christmas shindig was happening. Festive vibes were in full swing! We found complimentary power at the free camp which is at the same building as the toilets. It was a Christmas miracle as we ran the aircon all night. In the morning we searched our van for the last time for prohibited foods, legged it to the quarantine station at the border, and then arrived into a much cooler South Australia.
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We weren't going to pass through the Adelaide Hills without stopping in at Hahndorf. The quaint little village was settled in the 19th-century by Lutheran migrants and is still home to German-style buildings and matching food stores. We took this opportunity to order some fresh pretzels. Our warriors were stoked as they were the size of their heads! The Christmas spirit was alive with the street decorated and Christmas carols playing on the accordion.
We continued the last leg of our drive for the day by arriving into Victor Harbor. We stayed at Victor Harbor Holiday Park purely because there wasn't a minimum requirement, but were absolutely stoked to see that there was one epic water park with 2 slides and a funnel slide, a splash pad plus two swimming pools! So many family friendly activities including putt-putt, a jumping pillow, pedal-carts and a pump track. The perfect place fo our warriors to burn off some energy after spending the past three days in a car! We had site 3T which was directly opposite the water park. Scored!
We continued the last leg of our drive for the day by arriving into Victor Harbor. We stayed at Victor Harbor Holiday Park purely because there wasn't a minimum requirement, but were absolutely stoked to see that there was one epic water park with 2 slides and a funnel slide, a splash pad plus two swimming pools! So many family friendly activities including putt-putt, a jumping pillow, pedal-carts and a pump track. The perfect place fo our warriors to burn off some energy after spending the past three days in a car! We had site 3T which was directly opposite the water park. Scored!
Granite Island
Granite Island, also known as Kaiki to the Ramindjeri People of Ngarrindjeri Country, was our first of many island visits for this road trip. We caught the famous Victor Harbor Tramway which is a horse drawn tram across to the island which costed us $30 one way as children were free with a paying adult. The tram is one of two remaining in the world! Once we arrived, we explored the island by following the Kaiki Walk which is a 1.9km circuit track around the island comprising of some steps. Penguins can be seen here at sunset. There are many signs along the way that describe the geology, wildlife and history, including the cultural significance of the Kondoli Dreaming and Ngurunderi Dreaming.
Cockle train
As we were visiting in late December, we were fortunate enough to get tickets to ride on the Southern Lights Special with SteamRanger Heritage Railway. It was a return trip from Goolwa to Victor Harbor and a scenic one of that! It followed the coastline right on sunset. The carriages were lit with flashing Christmas lights and the interiors were decorated with tinsel. As we arrived into Victor Harbor, we were welcomed by the town band who were playing Christmas carols on the platform. We sipped on warm hot chocolates as we explored the National Trust Museum and the South Australian Whale Centre during our time at Victor Harbor. Santa rode the rails on the return trip back to Goolwa and surprised the children with lolly stockings. What a way to start our Christmas celebrations!
Victor Harbor, you were the perfect place to officially start our lap! Even though it was added to our list at a later stage as hubby wanted to sneak in some train spotting, the chilled vibes made our heart sing. After our two night stay, it was time to load up the van with groceries and water and head to Rapid Bay for Christmas!
Peace + love,
Peace + love,