We had not made any plans after Grindell’s Hut and as our time there drew to a close we wondered … where to next? Izzy and Matthew were keen to go to Questacon. We did toy with the idea of driving along the Murray to Canberra before heading back home. But when we looked at the map, we thought it would be a shame not to at least see a little more of SA. So we decided to head back to Hawker with Mum and Dad and take it from there.
The drive back to Hawker was really quite scenic. We went through Blinman and the southern section of the Flinders Ranges which was a lot greener, but still dry.
To add to the excitement both Liam and my parents’ cars got flat tyres. Mum and Dad had already changed their tyre at Grindell’s after they found a screw in it, so it was time to test out Andrew’s puncture repair kit. We were all a little sceptical but had no other option. It worked well though and mum and dad managed to drive all the way home on the repaired tyre.
We had a nice meal at the pub again in Hawker and even got kicked out … at the wee hours of 8.30pm! The owner did mention it was going to be a big night tomorrow night (New Year’s Eve) and he needed to get up early to prep the spit. So we headed to our cabin and made a rough plan for the route home after finding a few kids’ activities in Adelaide to tempt the kids with. So in the morning we farewelled our parents and headed to Adelaide.
We met a lovely family on our way out of Hawker so did not leave until just before lunch, so it was 5.30pm by the time we got to Adelaide. We found a great caravan park only 30 minutes out of town, next to Belair National Park and set up amongst the trees on some lush green grass. It was quite a luxury to sink our bare feet into grass after the red dirt of the Flinders.
After setting up we headed to Glenelg for new years. It was surreal being surrounded by thousands watching the 9.30pm fireworks burst over the ocean, after the arid view from our room in the morning. We had a great time though eating chips and ice creams and watching the delight on the kids faces as they watched the fireworks. There was a real family atmosphere at this time of night with loads of people picnicking and laughing.
We got back to camp, popped Matthew in bed and then watched the Sydney fireworks with Izzy in the caravan park rec room.
The next couple of days we relaxed and saw a few sites of Adelaide. The pool of the caravan park was swum in most days, Matthew and I used the oven in the camp kitchen to make biscuits and we all made new friends.
One day we headed to Flipout, an indoor trampoline park with a Ninja Warrior type course for the kids. They had chosen it as their Adelaide activity and had a ball bouncing and climbing. Izzy was stoked to manage a flip on the tramp.
We then found an inflatable water park on the drive back and given the heat decided to head there for a few hours for the kids to play. It had a huge inflatable waterslide and a few smaller pools with inflatable toys and slides into them. The kids had a great time.
Feeling more in holiday mode we even ate at a pub for dinner that night and had a lovely time playing Jenga and watching the kids play in the outdoor playground. Izzy even ordered a ‘hot rock’ steak from the kids menu and loved coking her own meat at the table.
From our camp we walked through the national park to the adventure playground. It got to about 43 that day and we were the only ones in the park, apart from the ranger.
We spent another day in Hahndorf, in the Adelaide Hills, roaming the shops and exploring. The German town has some lovely old buildings and is an eclectic mix of German tourist shops, bakeries, pubs mixed with Australian souvenir shops and cafes. Izzy managed to find a new rainbow dress which completely made her day.
Then when packing up the morning we were leaving we had a call from Kaye and John, they were in the area after coming up for the Jamboree opening so we had a lovely stroll back to the adventure playground for a play, ice-cream and a bit of Koala spotting. Such a lovely way to finish our relaxing time in Adelaide.
We all feel like it is getting to the end of the trip and being surrounded by many people on summer holidays , this leg of the trip is feeling a bit more holiday than eight months on the road. It is a great way to feel though as we are all relaxed and making the most of this last leg home.
Gorgeous dress Izzy! And I love the beard Andrew. It has been lovely reading your posts, but I look forward to catching up next weekend. Bring some warm weather please!
Hi Izzy
Just wanted to say I love your new rainbow dress.
Sounds like you and Matthew had a fun time in all the playground and water parks while you were in Adelaide.
You have been very lucky to have both your grandparents visit on several occasions on your special long holiday. You have seen way more of Australia than I have (and I’m not likely to). I look forward to catching up with you on your return and hearing what was the most special thing you saw or did!!
Maybe you have a book with stories and pictures that I can look at!
Love Aunty Lauris
Great times Andrew as you move closer to MELBOURNE. We left Adelaide a couple of days ago and traveled to the Barossa. However we did not see you at Glenelg or Hahndorf, more is the pity as that would have been an exquisite surprise. We are at Barmera near Lake Bonnie, filled by the Mighty Murray! Close to the Overland Corner. We also had intended to track the Murray to Corowa but it is going to be way too hot , so we shall head south on Tuesday. The fun times by Izzy and Matthew must have been a treat, despite so many other amazing times and stories along your epic journey. Stay safe. (Especially because I have several jobs lined up for you when you return!) Love to all from Helen and Greg
Hi Greg, we must have been close and sings like you’re having a good trip as well. I’ll see you very soon by the sounds of it.