Final cannon ball run.....

Unbelievably today was our last day, and it was to be a big one, in terms of kilometres at least as we would be driving from Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills to Home, just outside of Geelong, Victoria.

I started the day before the alarm clock, as with most days, I have been getting up at sunrise and normally hitting the pillow each night around 9pm, this touring lifestyle is much different to the daily grind that will resume next week.

As we had packed the car the night before all that we needed to do was have
a shower and jump in the car, breakfast would be in a roadhouse.

There was a little rain in the air, but this didn't deter Katie, she took the first stint to (United) Tintinara Roadhouse.  We were hopeful this would be a good spot for our hearty breakfast, as the parking lot had a few trucks in it and the fuel prices appeared good too.

On entry, we were disappointed. The venue was not much more than a hot bain-marie with dim sims, chicken strips and one egg and bacon sandwich.

We made some selections as we were starving and then ate and basically ran, I worked out that we had enough fuel to reach Horsham, so we skipped refuelling and pushed on.  Personally, I didn't want to support this very poor operation any more than we had already and the operators were unclean and scruffy, in a bad way.

Onward it was now my turn to take the reins of the trusty Subaru Forester realistically there is not much to report.  Field after field, of ever-changing wheat, canola, cows and sheep.

Horsham was time for fuel, we had around 10 litres left and could have made it to Stawell but we also needed a pit stop too.  It was hoped that this would be a good place for lunch but after eating a bag of Allens Part Mix there was no chance of that.

Further, from Horsham, this time Katie was master and commander till we arrived at the Golden Arches in Ararat, sometimes when in a hurry it is best to go with what you know.

The Western Hiway is never a favourite of mine but this stretch from Horsham to Ararat was particularly busy today so it was appreciated when i took over that the route took a turn from this and followed mostly back roads south of Ballarat through Skipton Rokewood and Fyansford to Geelong.

Please come with us for the final journey.  It took us over 8 hours, here you can do it in 2 minutes!

Some final stats from entire the journey

• Distance - 7788 km
• Fuel Consumed 561 Litres
• Fuel Cost $983.71
• Avg Fuel Eff 7.49L/100km
• Ave price/Ltr $1.751
• Highest Price $2.209 (Shell, Ayres Rock Resort)

Katie's final comments:
I thoroughly enjoyed our trip. Not having been to Central Australia before, I didn't really know what to expect. But I'm pleased to report it's more than red dirt and some famous rocks. One of the biggest things I enjoyed were the country people. They were so friendly and so willing to have a chat about life. We met some characters certainly too, who gave us a laugh and we even made a few new friends. Passing through each new town you can visibly see the hardship that many have had to endure due mostly to drought, but also shrinking population. Small towns are fading away. I hope that the tide may turn and people start heading to the country once more to rebuild these beautiful places. The drive can get quite boring in places, but at the same time forced me to stop and appreciate exactly where I was. At one point we were in such a wide open space, I thought it may go on that way forever. We have learnt quite a bit on this trip about Aboriginal culture and have witnessed that unfortunately a large divide still remains in areas of Australia, between indigenous and non-indigenous people. 

Some trip highlights for me included the 10km base walk of Uluru, The Field of Lights dinner, our bush camp in Alice Springs, the power and silence at Standley Chasm, meeting and feeding Alpacas, star-gazing, coming across amazing wildlife in their natural habitat and wine tasting. I would happily return the red centre one day.

Thanks for following along with us and till next time, Happy Travels

Touching the Fleurieu Peninsula

Yesterday we realised one thing, we will be back to the Adelaide Hills, there is so much to see in this wonderful area that another full day would not do it justice.  So we decided to head out on a little drive and went to Strathalbyn, Goolwa and Victor Harbour.

On arrival in Strathalbyn, we realised why it had been voted one of the most picturesque towns in S.A. With a little drizzle in the air, we walked around and found the Strath Corner Bakery for a light refreshment and Coffee.

The town has a lovely park and a bridge named the Children's Bridge.

Mural on the Public Toilet

From here the weather turned a little on
us, the wind got up and down came a little rain, but pulling into Goolwa we went over the Murray River then returned back over the bridge to have a look at the Goolwa River Boat Centre and in particular the P.S. Oscar W.  We learnt of its history and realised it had only just been put back into the water after being in dry dock for its yearly service.

Back in the car, and a short drive to Victor Harbor, another lovely place that from our observations appears to have many summer holidays spent in it.

I recalled some memories to Katie of a trip David, Christine, Amelia and myself took to this place about 20 years ago. For me, the only thing that had changed was the German sausage van in the park was gone, but everything else appeared to have been frozen in time.  As with that trip, Katie and I went to Granite Island, but this time during the day and in style, we took the Horse Drawn Tram! We took a little stroll on the island to see the view from the lookout, then made a call home to Yasmin to wish her a very happy birthday.

The afternoon was a little unknown, but we had a place in mind, Softfoot Alpacas Farm, in Hindmarsh Valley. Here we took a one hour tour (that thankfully went much longer) around the farm.  We were personally guided by the farm manager and were able to feed, pat and enjoy some time with the Alpacas. The manager explained the farming process and how they sheer the alpacas too.  In the end, we were presented with complimentary tea, coffee and some Alpaca poo (chocolate coated sultanas).  This was a much better experience than I expected and would highly recommend.

I was in charge of the gates

Timothy, he is valued at over $100,000 and he knows it.

It was an amazing day seeing another part of this part of Australia.  From the low lands to the hills, this area also has a lot to offer.

Folks, its time to head for the Adelaide Hills

After yesterday's friendly banter at The German Cake Shop Family Restaurant, we decided to head back there for some breakfast.  Walking down Main Street Hahndorf just after 8am on a Tuesday morning, was very surreal. All the shops were closed, and there was no people or traffic.  Now the long weekend has passed there are much fewer people here.

We got to our baker around 8:10 and thankfully he was opened and as we walked in the door we could see him dividing some cakes that he would later put on display for sale.

He recognised us as we come in and we had a discussion on how busy he was yesterday, he looked
stuffed but was prepared for another day, what else could he do!

We ordered our breakfast and then went into the dining room, here we came across something we didn't see yesterday as we ate and drank outside. Inside it is a cross between a German shrine, a beer hall, a clock shop and much much more, please see the photos.

The operator took his time when making our meal but that was ok, he asked if we were in a hurry, and we weren't, also there was too much to look at.

From here we headed to Mount Lofty and explored the views over Adelaide, and the Spencer Gulf from north to south.  Realistically, apart from a minute crossing the Spencer Gulf in Port Augusta, we haven't see the ocean for over three weeks. It is a little strange to see such an expanse of water after being in the desert for the (even short) time we were there.

From here we took a very windy road through the Adelaide Hills to Unico Zelo, where we tried some gin, limoncello, and other items.

In places as trendy as these, we are noticing 'tastings' are being marketed as 'flight options'.  The tastings were wonderful and did influence our decision to purchase one or two.

From here it was a short drive to the biggest Rocking Horse in the World.

We climbed to the top and then of course back town again. It is just one of those things you have to do.  The Rocking horse does not rock, is made of steel and has three separate (almost) vertical ladders that take you up to the top. According to the sign it has over 80 tons of concrete in its foundations!

  
From here we looked at the toy shop, yes they do make real wooden toys here, they don't import from China, but as the car is now full of wine and spirits, there was no room for any wooden toys, sorry nieces and nephews.

There was also an animal sanctuary, we walked around and fed some animals, it was great fun.

Patting Goats, check out the Goatees

Feeding Emu, I placed the food on the pole.

Feeding Kangaroo

We named him, Sean the Sheep

Feeding Alpaca

Feeding Alpaca

Accordinng to Katie, the Alpaca had a toung that felt like sandpaper, but also leather.

Heading back in the direction of Hahndorf we pulled into Melba's Chocolates in Woodside. Wow, this place is great and has a few items to sample too!

Pick a flavour, they had it

With our return to the accommodation, I was able to write up most of this blog and Katie was able to relax and look into some places for tomorrows activities.

After we thought we would drive over to Hahndorf Hill vineyard, the reviews were great.  On arrival, we could see a few cars parked close to the tasting cellar door so we went up the stairs and in.  It was busy inside but had a pompous and arrogant feel. This was not a problem for us but while waiting we looked through the wine list. There was the normal $5 tasting fee (redeemable on purchase of a bottle) but eh prices were much higher per bottle that is in our normal price range. The white wines were around $29 and the reds started at $35 and went up.

It was at this point I decided this place was not for us, for two reasons, the distinct feel on entry and much higher prices than all other wineries we had been to in the Adelaide Hills area.

By now it was getting a little late to find and get to other wineries so we headed to Mount Barker Summit.  From the carpark, there is a short work through bushland to the top where we were able to take in the views overlooking Mount Barker township and the surrounding Adelaide Hills.  This was also the first time Katie has heard a Kookaburra in the wild throughout this tour of Central Australia.

Katie at Mount Barker Summit

Pity my collar wasn't turned down at the back ;-)