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…
By Sarah 