Summer Series – Roadtrippin’ R-Adelaide, Day 8

Leaving Port Augusta behind, the onward journey to Port Lincoln unfolded through starkly beautiful arid outback countryside, where vast plains stretch to the horizon and the landscape feels both harsh and captivating. The drive offered a powerful sense of space and scale, setting the tone for the Eyre Peninsula experience.

A stop in picturesque Whyalla provided a glimpse into South Australia’s industrial and maritime past. Originally established as a port in the early twentieth century, Whyalla grew around shipbuilding and steelmaking, industries that shaped both the town and the wider region. The “Roundabout Jetty” is a popular place to pause, offering calm waters and views across Spencer Gulf, while the Hummock Hill Lookout delivers sweeping panoramas over the town, the gulf, and the surrounding landscape, along with a monument that reflects Whyalla’s strong connection to industry and defence.

Further along the coast lies the historic town of Cowell. Founded as a port servicing the pastoral and agricultural districts inland, Cowell developed steadily as a grain handling and export point. Today it retains its quiet coastal charm, with a long jetty stretching into Franklin Harbor and a relaxed atmosphere that reflects its roots as a hardworking seaside community.

Port Lincoln came into view shortly after lunchtime, perched at the bottom of the Eyre Peninsula and wrapped around Boston Bay. Established in 1802 by explorer Matthew Flinders, it holds the distinction of being the first European settlement in South Australia, although the colony was later moved to Adelaide. Now known as the Seafood Capital of Australia, Port Lincoln thrives on fishing, aquaculture, and tourism, blending a working port with a lively food and drink scene.

Naturally, the local brewing and distilling offerings form part of the experience, so I had to check them out! Jumping Ship Brewing Co. stands out for both atmosphere and beer, reflecting Port Lincoln’s seafaring heritage and relaxed coastal culture. The venue has quickly become a local favourite, known for well-crafted brews and a welcoming, community-focused vibe.

The West Coast Distilling Co. adds a different flavour to the town’s drinks scene. With a strong focus on gin, the distillery offers a diverse range of styles alongside a funky, modern setting and an impressive cocktail selection, making it as much about the experience as the spirits themselves.

Dinner at Port Lincoln Brewing Co. rounded out Day 8. As one of the pioneers of the town’s craft beer movement, the brewery features a spacious beer garden, excellent pizzas, and a lively atmosphere. The Paralyser chicken wing challenge adds a sense of fun for those brave enough to attempt it. For non-beer drinkers, the venue also stocks a strong selection of local wines and gins, showcasing the broader produce of the region. Coffin Bay “High Tide” gin is highly recommended!

From open plains and historic towns to coastal views and standout food and drink, the journey to Port Lincoln captures the rugged beauty and rich character of South Australia’s west coast.

Here are some of my favourite pictures from Day 8…

Summer Series – Roadtrippin’ R-Adelaide, Day 7

Travel day unfolded with long stretches of road and a stopover that revealed far more than expected. The journey north included historic towns, ancient landscapes, and wide-open skies, before arrival in Port Augusta just in time for lunch.

The first stop was Lochiel, home of the famous Loch-Eel. Overlooking the pink-hued Lake Bumbunga, this quirky sculpture was inspired by Scotland’s Loch Ness Monster and introduced as a light-hearted attraction. What began as a novelty has since become an iconic roadside landmark and a symbol of the town’s sense of humour in an otherwise stark salt-lake environment.

Passing through Port Pirie offered a less picturesque view. Established in the mid-19th century, the town developed rapidly as a key port and industrial centre, anchored by one of the world’s largest lead smelters. While its role in South Australia’s economic growth is undeniable, heavy industry has left a visible and lasting imprint on the town’s appearance and legacy.

A brief pit stop in Crystal Brook provided a quieter contrast. Once a significant railway junction, the town grew as a service hub for surrounding farming districts. Today, its historic buildings and leafy streets reflect its past importance and offer a pleasant pause from the open road.

The drive alongside the Flinders Ranges marked a dramatic shift in scenery. Among the oldest mountain ranges on Earth, they hold immense geological and cultural significance. For tens of thousands of years, the ranges have been central to Aboriginal life, particularly for the Adnyamathanha people, and remain one of South Australia’s most defining natural features.

Arrival in Port Augusta came at lunchtime, marking the transition between coastal South Australia and the arid north. The afternoon was spent exploring local highlights, beginning with the Wadlata Outback Centre. This interpretive experience details the region’s Indigenous heritage, natural history, and European exploration, providing valuable context for the landscapes beyond.

The Matthew Flinders Red Cliff Lookout commemorates the early 19th-century explorer who charted much of Australia’s coastline, including Spencer Gulf. The lookout offers sweeping views and a reminder of the challenges faced during early maritime exploration.

The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden showcases the resilience and diversity of plants adapted to Australia’s harsh interior. Focused on conservation and education, the garden highlights arid-zone ecosystems while offering a peaceful setting to appreciate the subtle beauty of desert flora.

No near-death experiences occurred today, unless standing too close to the cliffs driving through Snowtown counts. Once a quiet farming town, Snowtown became widely known for tragic events in the late 1990s, lending a sombre tone to an otherwise unassuming place.

With temperatures reaching 38°C, a dip in the resort pool was a welcome relief. The day ended in a secluded, oasis-style deck courtyard, cooling down with a simple cheese platter and wine, and providing a relaxed conclusion to a long, sun-soaked journey.

Here are some of my favourite pictures from Day 7…

Summer Series – Roadtrippin’ R-Adelaide, Day 6

The first day of 2026 began with a feeling of optimism. Breakfast at Hotel Victor set the tone, followed by a relaxed wander through the Esplanade markets, where the coastal air and gentle buzz of holidaymakers created an ideal start to the day.

The mood shifted quickly with the next planned activity. An Encounter Bay cruise experience, (booked through a travel deal app), turned out to be something far more adventurous than expected. Full-length spray jackets and a very small vessel hinted at what lay ahead. Rather than a calm cruise, the outing became a full open-ocean adventure… and I loved it. Large swells sent the boat rolling like a cork, testing nerves and sea legs alike. Any unease from other passengers was quickly offset by breathtaking coastal scenery and an impressive array of wildlife, including seals, sea lions, dolphins, sharks, and migratory seabirds. The raw energy of the ocean proved unforgettable. And kudos to the captain for his skill with the boat!

After returning to calmer ground, lunch was followed by a stroll around Granite Island. Connected to Victor Harbor by a historic causeway, the island has long been a place of cultural and historical significance. Once home to a small community and quarrying activity, it is also remembered for Australia’s last confirmed sighting of the mainland little penguin population. Today, the island offers walking trails, interpretive signs, and sweeping views. The contrast between the exposed coastline beyond the breakwall and the sheltered bay was striking, with rugged textures giving way to tranquil waters.

The afternoon weather was too perfect to ignore, making a ride on the Steam Ranger “Cockle Train” irresistible. This heritage railway traces its origins back to the late 19th century, when it served as an important transport link along the Fleurieu Peninsula. Now lovingly preserved, the train winds its way along the coast, running close to the sparkling sea under open blue skies. Smiles and enthusiastic waves from people along the route added to the sense of simple joy.

The line ended at Goolwa, where time was spent wandering along the water’s edge before crossing the bridge to Hindmarsh Island. Near the end of the line sat the Fleurieu Distillery, a small boutique producer. A tasting of the Fleurieu Distillery Moon Gin offered a perfect way to pass the time, enjoyed slowly as the afternoon light softened. A refreshing gin and tonic made the wait for the return journey feel effortless.

As chance would have it, an old friend noticed our visit to the area and reached out. The day concluded with drinks and dinner at a local pub, providing a relaxed and welcoming catch-up.

It was a fitting end to a day that blended adventure, history, scenery, and connection, setting a promising start for the year ahead.

Here are some of my favourite pictures from Day 6…

Summer Series – Roadtrippin’ R-Adelaide, Day 5

It was an early start departing Penola today, heading south toward the coast and the historic seaside town of Robe.

Robe has a rich past as one of South Australia’s earliest ports. Once bustling with ships exporting wool and wheat in the mid-1800s, its grand limestone buildings remain as reminders of its colonial prosperity, even though shifting sands eventually made the harbour unsafe and led to its decline.

The Obelisk was visited next. Built in 1855, it served as a navigational marker warning ships of the dangerous coastline. Nearby, the old gaol ruins offered a stark glimpse into Robe’s early days as a government outpost, while the surrounding cliffs and ocean provided breathtaking coastal views.

The journey then continued onto Kingston SE, with a stop at Cape Jaffa Lighthouse, which once guided vessels through the hazardous waters of Lacepede Bay. A visit to the Big Lobster followed, a light-hearted symbol of Australia’s long-standing fascination with “big things.” These oversized roadside attractions became popular in the 1960s and 1970s as a way to draw travellers off the highway, and today more than 150 can be found across the country.

From there, our route led into the Coorong, a wild, rugged, and desolate landscape. The first stop was The Granites, a dramatic stretch of coast marked by massive granite boulders. This area holds deep cultural significance for the Ngarrindjeri people and was also notorious among early sailors due to strong currents and frequent shipwrecks.

Pink lakes and salt lakes appeared frequently, their striking colours created by algae thriving in highly saline conditions.

The lagoon and wetlands of the Coorong are an area of immense environmental and cultural importance. These wetlands are internationally recognised and provide critical habitat for migratory birds travelling from across the globe. For thousands of years, the region has been central to Ngarrindjeri life and culture. The beige colouring of the water was a concerning sign, indicating poor water health linked to ongoing stress within the Murray–Darling Basin.

We then journeyed into Murray River territory, passing through Tailem Bend and Murray Bridge. Seeing the Murray at this stage of its long journey to the sea highlighted the scale and significance of Australia’s longest river.

Strathalbyn proved to be particularly charming 🤩. Established in the 1850s, it developed as an important river port and agricultural centre. Today, its heritage buildings, leafy streets, and riverside setting give the town a timeless appeal.

The day concluded at Victor Harbor, where New Year’s Eve was celebrated by the beach with a free public event and fireworks, providing a lively and fitting end to a day rich in history, landscapes, and coastal scenery.

Happy New Year everyone! Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2026.

Here are some of my favourite pictures from Day 5…