Caravanning Diary

We left home about 10am and headed up the Sturt Highway through the Barossa Valley, Truro, Blanchetown, Waikerie and Murray on Kingston before arriving in Barmera about 1pm. We booked into the Lake Bonney Caravan Park and spent the rest of the afternoon looking around the township. The wind picked up across the Lake in the evening so we are in for a blowy night. Took some photos of the sunset over Lake Bonney.

Sunset at Lake Bonney Caravan Park, Barmera S.A.

Sunset at Lake Bonney, Barmera.

After breakfast we travelled to Berri to do some shopping. Had a coffee at the Tourist Information Centre next to the river. Since last visiting here more then 20 years ago we noted that a new bridge had been built to replace the old vehicle ferry crossing. We then drove to Loxton to check out the CP and tourist spots. After that headed home for lunch. In the afternoon we drove to Cobdogla to look at the Irrigation & Steam Museum but it was closed till the weekend. We then drove the tourist drive around Lake Bonney and went back to the CP for a rest. We had takeaway fish and chips for dinner.

The bridge over the Murray River, at Berri S.A.

Bridge at Berri, SA.

We left Barmera about 9.30am and headed up the Sturt Highway towards Renmark and SA/VIC border. We arrived in Mildura about 1pm taking into account the 30 minute time change. After driving through the Mildura CBD we continued on to the Rivergardens CP at Gol Gol which was located about 5kms out of Mildura but on the banks of the Murray River. After lunch we drove into town and did some shopping at the local Coles supermarket. We then returned to the CP and I worked on a nagging auto electric problem that had been with us for a couple of days, i.e., the left turn indicator on the van did not work. It turns out that after checking all connections and wires it was just the plug contact that needed some adjustments. Later in the afternoon we both went for a walk for about an hour and looked at some luxury homes nearby as we walked past. Spent a quiet night at the van watching some TV.

Loxton Picnic Grounds

PS Rothbury

We decided to stay an extra day in Mildura so that we could do a paddle steamer trip on the river and take a good look around town. Had breakfast at the 'Golden Arches' in the CBD. About 1030am we drove down to the wharf and boarded the PV Rothbury for a cruise down river including going through Lock 11. The captain gave a good commentary about the paddle steamers of old and also their part in the economic growth of the district in the early days. These days of course, they are only used for tourist day cruises and special occasions. The 'Rothbury' was built in 1881 as a powerful 'Tow boat' pulling barges up and down the river. In the afternoon we drove to the Apex Park picnic area and also had a look at the operation of Lock 11 whilst the 'Rothbury' went through and took a closer look at the weir.

Paddlesteamer near Mildura

Lock 11

PS Rothbury

We left Mildura about 9.15am and headed up the Sturt Highway towards Euston and Robinvale. Crossed the border into Victoria again at Robinvale and followed the Murray Valley Highway to Swan Hill. Stopped at a Rest Area for morning coffee and was soon joined by other travellers. One of them came in with a blown tyre that needed to be changed. Helped out with a wheel spanner because the gent who had the damaged tyre did not have a wheel spanner that fitted his van. After all was fixed we continued on to Swan Hill where we arrived about 12.30pm. We set up on a site adjacent to the river and then went into town for a look see. As it was Saturday most of the shops were closed so we came back to the CP and veged out for the rest of the afternoon. The Pioneer Settlement Museum is just down the road so we will look at that tomorrow. Had KFC for dinner and watched TV after dark. We are planning to stay here for about 3 days.

Pioneer Village

The Pioneer Settlement Museum at Swan Hill.

Entrance to Swan Hill Pioneer Village

Another nice day in Swan Hill. I went for an early morning walk along the river bank. After breakfast we sat around and took in the ambience of the park. We did some laundry and read the Sunday paper. We then went for a walk in the park next to the CP and took some photos and learnt the history of Swan Hill port and the bridge. After lunch we walked to the 'Pioneer Settlement Museum' and had an interesting look around before getting on the 'PV Pyap' for a cruise on the river to Murray Downs Station. Murray Downs Station was owned by the Kidman family in its early days and has been completely renovated to its previous glory. Because the river is about a metre lower then its usual level due to the drought the 'Pyap' had to turn around here and go back. By the time we were back at the wharf and walked back to the van park we were ready for a rest again. In the evening we had a light dinner and watched TV.

The bridge across the Murray River at Swan Hill.

The bridge at Swan Hill

A quiet day exploring the township and doing some shopping in the morning. Stopped for a coffee at a cafe and then returned to the CP where we veged out for the afternoon. Looked around for a top set box but could not find one I wanted. Will wait till we are back in Adelaide and try out the one at home. If that works then we will bring that one along on future trips. It was pointed out by a shop employee that only ABC and SBS are digital in the rural areas at this time. This will change on 1st July 2007 when it is hoped the commercial stations will take it up. Tomorrow we head off further up river towards Echuca.

PS Pyap

Swan Hill Pioneer Village

Our second big Trip...