Summer dreams at Seawall Apartments Glenelg - check them out!

Summer loving! 

I can not wait until the warmer weather hangs around for day after day...

What better place to spend those summer days than at the beach. I'm lucky; I now live just a few minutes walk to the beach. But I'll still be taking a break at Seawall Apartments in Glenelg this summer. I love the place.

I've photographed Seawall a few times now over the years, as they renovate their rooms. And with each room being different - I will never get bored. 

But what is so great about Seawall?

I love the style, the comfort, and the location. 

My fave apartment?

Any of the beachfront ones... but Olive Court is kinda cool. 

I love a beachfront spa - relaxing as I watch the sunset over the ocean. Ok, so it does take a bit to get used to seeing people while bathing... but I know they can't see me. Cue glass of bubbles and some music and I'm set for a good half hour. I just need to learn not to run the water so hot that I overheat. 

The beach is just a few steps away, or I can walk a few minutes and be sipping a macchiato in a cafe along Jetty Road. Seawall is far enough away from the hustle and noise, but close enough to walk whenever I want the vibe. 

Check them out! And visit www.seawallapartments.com.au for more info (and to see the rest of my pics:))

A day in the Tarkine, North-West Tasmania.

Belle discovering the Tarkine.

Wow, this is an amazing part of the world. And to see the damage the 2016 bushfires made is sad, but it also gives hope with all the new growth colouring the charred trunks.

I attempted this in a day, although, if you are doing lots of walks, I'd recommend two days. I knew I wouldn't be doing too many hikes with the kids so chose carefully and drove a lot. It is a long day of driving, but so entrancing. 

Thin winding roads lead the way to the Tarkine.

The drive there is fun too - thin bitumen roads winding their way through farmland. Bales of hay, cows and random chickens dot the rolling hills. Only the chickens notice the car as they flap away from the sides of the road as I pass. The highway is not much different to the country roads. It is a fraction wider, has a white line painted in the middle, and I can pass another vehicle without pulling off the road. Not that there are many cars on the road.

The Tarkine Dive itself has just over twenty attractions - lookouts, bridges, walks and sink holes. Walks range from easy 15 minute strolls to 5-6 hour coastal hikes. 

Trowutta Arch beauty.

Trowutta Arch is an easy 15-minute stroll on a path through the rainforest. The floor is carpeted with moss, fallen trees and tree roots. At the end of the path is Trowutta Arch, the entrance to a water-filled sinkhole - a collapsed cave. One of the mossy rocks makes the perfect canvas to sketch your name. It entertained my artistic Belle while Ashton threw rocks into the water, measuring the 'plops' as they hit - as boys do. 

Carpark area at Trowutta Arch entrance. 

And the wildlife? Loud talk of leeches, the excitement of finding Cicada shells and 'testing' if the forest carries a coo-ee make sure we don't see any wildlife. Thankfully, we are the only tourists here, so we aren't ruining the quiet serenity for others.

Belle and Ashton finding little bugs and leaves.

Next is a drive through the burnt out area. An area that clashes with the general lush Tarkine elsewhere, where forest kisses each side of the road. These trees are now separated by the sky, little puffs of new green growth smothering the trunks. Burnt, spindly dead sticks stick up in between. Will it ever be the same?

Beautiful Tarkine forest floor.

After a late lunch stop at Julia's River, where we walked another 30 minute round forest track (which probably only took us 20 with after lunch energy) I headed towards the coast. Another contrast. 

Pristine waterways.

Driving the road up to the coast, all I could see was barren farmland with nothing able to be grown. It's not windy today, but I can imagine the wind blasting in off the wild ocean. I mean, there is nothing between here and 15,000km of ocean to Patagonia on the south coast of America. Roaring 40's winds of up to 200km have been recorded here!

The path to discovery.

I'd love to stop and do some of the hike out to the ocean, but it's raining, and the kids are tired. So I don't.

Where did all these logs come from?

But I do stop at Edge of the World in Arthur River. And it looks jut like its name, if not a very pretty version. Waves pound in as far as I can see, huge logs have been tossed on every rocky outcrop of the coastline, and the tumbleweed sits sideways. 

The other side of this rock is a five metre drop. 

It's here that Ashton decides to sprint up to a rocky ledge to see what he and see. I see him running, and my heart stops, I go to scream, then he stops. And sits down. And calmly watches. Heart pounding I go over to him and see what he's looking at. And below him is a drop of over 5 metres. Argh. At least he knew what he was doing. 

I'm calling it a day... back to Stanley for fish and chips. Now I'm tired. 

NOTE:
I saw (somewhere) it's about 135km drive, but when you are twisting and turning, of course, it takes a lot longer. In some sections allow 15 minutes for 15km. 
 

A staycation on the Fleurieu Peninsula, SA. A mini treat.

I put on my tourist hat for a weekend of exploring close to home. I discover how lucky we are. Not that I didn't already know that. Welcome to my backyard - the McLaren Vale area on the Fleurieu Peninsula.

Magpie Springs and Southern Boulder, Hope Forest www.magpiesprings.com.au
Vineyard, cellar door, gallery and bouldering wall. These guys have it covered. Kids are welcome, but keep an eye on them, with lots of art scattered across the property - nobody wants it broken. 

We signed the paperwork then set out across the lawn to the bouldering wall. I could get up a couple of the walls, and stood amazed at how people could climb over the rest. The strength these guys and girls would have in their fingers, hands, arms and body. At some points, they would be hanging upside down, holding on to small knobs with just their fingers. It would be an interesting event to watch. 

Artist Avril Thomas lives and works here. I photographed her for an editorial while I was working at News Limited and enjoyed seeing where she has come with the property from 'run down' to an incorporated natural art gallery. Using what is on the land, and in nature, there are surprises everywhere I look. We are lucky enough to have Avril show us around, pointing out things as we go. I especially love the three woven vine rings that hang from towering trees near the dam. 

The Victory Hotel, Sellicks Beach www.victoryhotel.com.au
Established in 1858, it's a local icon. But it's the first time I have eaten here. I have photographed here before - chef, owner, renovations - but never 'enjoyed' it. I have been missing out. We sit under the pergola watching the Willunga plains and ocean change colour and tone as the sun sets. The party hanging around from lunch are particularly entertaining as we speculate who is holding themselves the best, as they chat and laugh in front of us. Kids play gymnastics and ball on the lawn beside them as bowls of chips are handed out.

The food is good - very good. And don't forget to check out the wine cellar like I did. Hubby went down to find a bottle of wine and came back confused - too much choice. He was probably even more confused by the selection process of going into the cellar. :)

Sea and Vines Cottage, Willunga area www.seavinescottage.com
This two bedroomed little cutie feels like it's in the middle of nowhere, but in reality, is under five minutes to Sellicks Beach, five minutes to Willunga and less than ten minutes to McLaren Vale. Surrounded by gum trees and vineyards, I heard three cars drive past the entire time we were there (an afternoon and morning). Sitting in the claw foot bath, a glass of port on the caddy, while reading a magazine (in between looking out to the paddock from the big bathroom window) was a definite relax. As was sitting on the front porch having a child-free chat - until the mozzies came out. The next morning we enjoyed a bbq eggs and bacon breakfast under the pergola while dreaming of living in such an area. 

Port Noarlunga jetty and beach
One of my favourite beaches in Adelaide. I'd love to build my dream house here - on The Esplanade south of the little main hub of town. The beach is plump with squeaky sand (and no seaweed!) while the water is so clear you can see the bottom, even when standing at the end of the jetty. The reef that lays at the end of the jetty is popular with scuba divers and the morning we are there, a team are practicing first aid and retrieval skills. All while teens are jumping off the end of the jetty, pulling bikinis into place as they surface and fisherman are catching (and then releasing) Port Jackson sharks. 

I still have so much to discover - but I can't help but wander further afield. I'll just discover what I need when I need. It's a good way to see the world, I think.

Me, five kids and my dad - over 500km away. A trip to the Grampians.

Venus Baths

In my research with Google Maps, I work out it’s going to be just over five hours drive. 469.5km. Add the breaks in, and we have a whole day. I’m still not sure whether I’m crazy or not. For one, I don’t particularly like driving long distances. Second, I’m taking three kids with me - alone. Hmm. 

Where am I going? Wartook, at the Grampians. It's about 40 minutes the other side of Horsham (coming from Adelaide). My dad has property over there, and he is always asking us to go. Hubby can't come due to work, so I hold my tongue the right way and hope for the best. Three kids in my car and me. It will be interesting.

View from cabins at Happy Wanderer Holiday Resort

The Happy Wanderer Holiday Resort could have had potential some years ago. Now it is run down. The views from the log cabins are beautiful. One afternoon I wander over and am stopped in my tracks by the view in front of me. Grassy plains lead my eye to the soaring mountain range hiding the horizon. I can imagine sitting on the deck, watching kangaroos graze, as the sun goes down. But alas, not tonight. I hear ‘mum, excavate with me. Nobody wants to play with me.’

Happy Wanderer Holiday Resort

Halls Gap is just 30km away. The slow drive through the tree-canopied mountains is easy. The inconvenience of having to keep an eye (or two) on the road (as I am the driver) instead of the forest of trees that keep enticing me with their beauty is slightly annoying. I also smile at the quirky tree growth (after the monster bush fires about a year ago) that covers the trunk of each tree like a hairy bear. Little sprouts of leaves cover each trunk from close to the ground up to the highest limbs.

Halls Gap

The town of Halls Gap itself is like a setting out of a movie. On one side of the main road is the caravan parks and playground, hemmed in by the towering rock face behind. The other has, among other small buildings and stores, a cute collection of shops bordering a shaded lawn area. Umbrellas and picnic tables are full with latte-sipping hikers. We walk the porch that runs the length of the shops, browsing the souvenirs, crystals and fortunately, missing the lolly shop then head over to the playground. I resist the urge to get coffee - just.

After a recommendation by the Visitor Centre as to where we could go with five kids aged 4-13-years-old, we walk to Venus Baths. An easy 2km return walks to half a dozen rock pools of varying sizes and depths where the children jump and slide and get wet. Me too. It was worth listening to the whine from some of the kids on the walk up - the kids didn't want to leave. It also means I don't lie, saying 'it will be worth it' to keep the kids going on the way up - seeing as I'd never visited before. 

Venus Baths

I carefully mention to my dad that next time we come over to the Grampians I'd like to stay in Halls Gap - even though it's not near his property. The caravan parks look nice, there is a big playground at the public park in front for the kids, and multiple hikes begin at the foot of the mountain rock face. I can hike without having to drive anywhere. And now the kids know about these very fun rock pools to slip, splish and splash about in.

Venus Baths

So, you ask, how did the trip go? Really well. The kids entertained each other, we didn't lose anyone, and I kept my sanity with the drive there and back. Even though we had a 1.5-hour wait in Bordertown for my dad who was running late (a normal occurrence).

Did I enjoy it? Hmm. I loved the exploring but was happy to escape kids (yes, even mine) when I got home. 

Would I do it again? Yes. But not to Wartook. Halls Gap is my Grampians spot. 

Walking on Grandpa's property

Secret weapon? iPads for the car. Cousins for play. Lots of food. No food with artificial colours or too much sugar - especially in the car. 

Way out west. A slice of WA.

Perth has been on my travel radar for a while now. Lots of people have come back raving how great it is. But to get there - it's an effort. The cost of flights, the travel time, and then, hate to admit it, the unknown of whether I would like it. After all, it is a city. And cities don't normally leave me 'wow, I love this city'. 

Ok, so I admit. I still don't know what Perth is like as a destination - unless you consider going to a Convention at the Crown complex with an outing to a bar one night, an experience. But I did stay in Fremantle. And there is so much to do there, that four days just wasn't enough. Talk about the conference revealed Fremantle was on the down slope - shops closing, not much happening, lacking atmosphere. So, driving down the main road on a Wednesday night, cafes buzzing, people wandering - I was lost. Is this the same Fremantle? 

For the following couple of days, I did a cafe tour. Ootong and Lincoln and The Raw Kitchen for healthy yet delicious treats. Little Creatures (downing about a schooner of beer tastings before realising it wouldn't be gluten free) for some culture and Saturday afternoon vibe. Ruocco's Italian for the best calamari I've eaten. Indian and some very yummy Lebanese. And let's not forget Third Wheel at South Beach Cycles in South Freo - a trendy little spot for coffee mid-morning while the pug gets watered after her short stroll. My taste buds are alive.

There are some honest people in Fremantle. On ordering my coconut milk short latte and offering to buy my cousins, I reach for my money in my pocket. No money to be felt. And I did put it in there. Damn. I must have dropped it along the way when I took my phone out. I ran back along the esplanade, not hopeful but having to give it a try, and found the colourful $20 note sitting near the footpath. People must have passed, as there were people everywhere - good karma was with me that day. Thank you, Fremantle peeps.

Freo would be a great place to live - casual vibe, artists, beach (and surf beach nearby), and of course, the choice of eateries. My place. Just need to find that in Adelaide. Hmm.

Whyalla - oh what a surprise.

When people asked where I was going next, I'd say 'Whyalla' and then wait for their response. Most times, it would be a look of confusion, followed by a 'why?' I have never thought of Whyalla as a destination in itself, or that I'd be catching an airplane to go there. I had a pre-conceived idea that it was a dusty, dirty, boring town in the middle of nowhere. A town I'd use as a pit stop or stopover on the way somewhere.

Yes, it is dusty. Red dust sits on the road, the curbs, the galvanised fences. Yes, it is nearly in the middle of nowhere. Like an oasis in the middle of the desert, there are some surprises in Whyalla that make me rub my eyes and say 'is that here'. The foreshore gets my attention. I see it while up on Hummock's Hill. To my right is the steel works plant lit up like a Christmas tree, smoke puffing out of chimneys. 'It's actually really photographic', I comment. Now, that doesn't mean it's pretty, but it would be interesting to photograph. Very interesting. Lots of graphic lines and colour. 

And to my left I can see the foreshore, with a marina at the end closest to us, at the foot of Hummock's Hill. Our local tells us that dolphins follow the boats in, so we wander down to the floating jetty to see if we can spot any. We luck out. I turn my attention to the foreshore precinct. Lawns, a huge playground for kids, permanent shades on the beach (which, unfortunately, was covered in seaweed), surf club, cafe and a long boardwalk lit up along the length. It is beautiful. We organise to come down the next morning, meet the locals that are out getting fit, and grab some sunrise pics. 

Discovering surprises like this is why I like to explore the towns and areas we travel through. I never know what I'm going to find. Sometimes there are treasures waiting - not always, but when there are, it's worth it. Journeys and detours can be as fun and interesting as the destination itself.

Beaches… 10 South Australian differences

I travel a lot. Aussies can travel a lot. But for near perfect beaches, many Aussie beaches can't be topped. Compare the beaches in South Australia (let alone Australia) to Bali or Phuket - beach destinations we flock to.

10 South Aussie differences:

1. White, smooth sand that doesn't hurt to walk on

2. Clean sand and water

3. Beautiful clear water (most of the time)

4. You leave the water without itching from sea lice

5. No touts to harass you

6. You can drive to a number of suburban beaches within half an hour of the CBD. An hour drive to the Fleurieu beaches of awesomeness.

7. Litter doesn't float to shore as you swim or surf

8. You don't have to sniff some strangers armpit as you lie on your towel, squeezed on a snippet of beach

9. Experienced surf lifesavers patrol sections of beach for safety

10. There is a beach for everyone - placid kids splash-around beaches (Horseshoe Bay, Glenelg, Kingston Park), trendy 'be seen' beaches (Henley), nudist beach (Maslin), all to your own beaches (KI, Eyre and Yorke Peninsula), and surf beaches (Mid Coast, Middleton, Waitpinga, Chiton, Parsons… all close to Adelaide).

Anyone have any favourites?