Chapter 2
Kangaroo Island to Esperance
We've been on the road a bit over a month now and we've definitely learnt a lot! Mainly things about Clancy, for example don't drive too fast over potholes unless you want your entire drinking water to spill through the cupboards. Some things about ourselves, such as flies are the bane of my existence and Luke can't handle sleeping in the wind. And also to always trust the locals when they suggest checking out a certain place, because we really have found some absolute gems!
Innes National Park
I think we'd been pretty spoilt on Kangaroo Island because when we first arrived at Innes we were a little disappointed. Innes is right at the south eastern tip of the Yorke Peninsula and we'd heard a bit about it because of the surf break Pondalowie. Our campground was quite a distance from the actual break and the main beach was more of a fishing shanty than a swimming beach. We spent a few days here though and it definitely grew on us; we ended up doing day trips to the other beaches around the National Park and were surprised by the long stretches of golden sand and clear water; in particular Dolphin Bay and Formby Bay. Not to mention all the emus getting around.
-> Emu Family
-> Formby Bay
-> Pondalowie Surf Break
-> Dolphin Bay
-> Formby Bay
Mount Remarkable National Park
This stunning place was next on the list just because someone told us about it! Roughly 50km inland as you make your way up the peninsula, we felt as though we'd arrived in a forest in California, not South Australia. Surrounded by towering green pines, large smooth boulders and a creek running right behind our tent, it was magic. Also the hot showers were a bonus. We hiked 18km one day and felt as though we'd been transported again; this time to the Northern Territory when we stumbled across 'Hidden Gorge'. This place was just full of the unexpected.
-> Hidden Gorge
Whyalla and Port Lincoln
We were lucky enough at this point to have a short break from the rooftop tent and stay in people's actual houses. First up was Aunty May, Patch and Micky in Whyalla, where we hung out at the beach, went and saw the dolphins down at the boat ramp, and had a beautiful BBQ dinner that we didn't have to eat outside. Luxurious!
Next was Port Lincoln, where we had crossed over into Eyre Peninsula territory. The wonderful Pam (Emily's mum) put us up for a few nights in their family home while we explored the area and most importantly the Tunarama! What is the Tunarama I hear you ask? Possibly the greatest Australia Day festival known to man. We had been hearing about this infamous festival for quite a while and it held much anticipation. People from all over the world travel to Lincoln in order to compete in the World Championship Tuna Toss. These guys toss a 20kg tuna over their heads, hammer throw style, and see who can get it the furthest. It was the bloody funniest thing to watch. And don't worry animal lovers, it was a rubber tuna.
-> Port Lincoln Foreshore
->Whyalla Dolphins
-> Coles Point
-> Greenly Beach
-> Greenly Beach
Streaky Bay and Cactus
After living it up almost a week in people's houses we were really missing Clancy and our rooftop tent. We spent the next two nights about 20km out of Streaky Bay at a free campground right on top of these giant cliffs. Spectacular! Big shout out to wiki camps app for that one. We were able to scale the cliffs, go swimming, snorkelling and fishing at the beach below, where Luke caught us the biggest flathead you've ever seen! And about time he did too!!
Streaky Bay was followed pretty quickly by Cactus. For those that don't know, Luke has been talking about visiting this place since he rode his first wave. Notoriously gnarley waves, an unforgiving reef, and locals you wouldn't want to cross; surfers travel far and wide for this spot. We didn't really know what to expect coming here as you're not allowed to take photos, so we hadn't seen any. It really is a surfer's paradise though, with our initial thoughts being there wasn't much else to do but surf and get swarmed by the millions of flies. Luckily for me we found a protected bay about 1km down the road, with a jetty and a netted off area for swimming (an 11 year old was taken by a great white there in the 70's), so I was also pretty content.
-> Streaky Bay
-> Cape Bauer
-> Our Free Camp
The Nullarbor
The dreaded Nullarbor! We waited out some stifling 46 degree days at Cactus for the cool change and a better drive for Clancy across the desert. We were pretty nervous about the border crossing after hearing some pretty horrific stories, however, we made it through without any dramas; the lady checking was more interested in our setup than the quarantine. Clancy strikes again! After 1350km's of towns called 'Grass Patch' without any grass we were definitely ready for a dip in the ocean, and that drive into Esperance surely was a sight for sore eyes. But more on that later...
-> Second Border Crossing
-> Nullarbor Cliffs
Stay tuned for more adventures with Clancy! I'm sure WA will bring plenty.
Maddy and Luke
(Chapter 2 written by Maddy)
Xoxo