The Great Ocean Road

This seems like so long ago now that we travelled along the Great Ocean Road although it was only a fews weeks back.  That's the bizarre thing about this trip, everything seems like a big blur and so long ago.  Wow when I think of Dubbo, Tamworth or Adelaide it really does feel like 6 months ago.  Lucky I have my journal because we are finding it hard to comprehend what we have done in such a short space of time.  Our trip is very over whelming for us so I can imagine how the kids must feel.  It's not your usual holiday where you sit, relax and stay in the one spot.  We have travelled well over 4000 klms and we have been on the road for 5 weeks packing up and setting up everyday one or Two days.  the longest we have stayed on one place was 4 nights.  I think when we get back home and start adjusting back into the real world hopefully it will all sink in and we can remember most of what we have experienced on our big adventure.  Already starting to think about our next big adventure.  

Maddy and I are looking forward to scrap booking our 'Big Adventure' when we get back to Moura.  A great way to keep the memories alive.

The Great Ocean Road was stunning and you really haven't seen Australia until you have experienced this Spectacular part of our Country.

We arrived at Portland and had lunch at the Husson Fauna Park.  We cooked crumbed flathead caught by Warwick himself and we had sausages and bread rolls.  The Emu's were eyeing of our lunch as the kids teased them with food up and down the fence.  We caught a glimpse of Two white Kangaroo's.  They were cool Roo's.  At the park we found the best slide ever.  The hessian bag we had in the camper came in handy for this slide.  We all had a go of course, can't let The kids have all the fun!

After lunch Warwick suggested we go for a hike and see the Seals at Cape Bridgewater, Portland. idesperately  wanted to see seals on this trip.  We read the sign and thought a Two hour return walk wouldn't be so bad.  We have done walks like this before.  How hard could it be to walk 1 hour up a Mountain out to a viewing platform.  Well I don't know how the poor kids did it because I struggled.  We found out halfway up the Mountain that it was actually the highest mountain cliff in all Victoria, and we made our 4 and 5 year old climb it with us.  The only thing that kept us going was the fact that when you get to the viewing platform their would be a seal colony to view.  The kids and I were crawling up the last leg on our hands and knees.  The worst part was an hour later when we did reach the platform there were no seals on the rocks.  Oh I felt so bad for the kids, all that way for nothing.  We sat around for about 15 minutes with our eyes glued to the water watching and waiting for a seal to pop it's head out and make this whole afternoon worthwhile.  Just our luck it starts to pour down rain and the wind starts blowing us away.  We were about to leave and start running back to the car when we saw a Fur Seal flapping through the water with its pup.  It was a long way down for the kids to see but at least it was something.  

That night we camped in the Narrawong National park at the Sawpit camping area.  Free camping, no showers but they had drop loo's.  We were too tired for showers anyway.  It was raining when we pulled up on dusk.  The old man in the caravan next door gave us his fire and some firewood so we could keep warm and cook dinner.  We didn't tell him that we had McDonald's before we left Portland.  Fire was nice but the rain made short work of that.  Camping was lovely in the forest with kangaroos coming into camp. Kids rode bikes in the rain chasing wallabies.  

 

We left the next morning and headed off on our journey to see the rest of the Great Ocean Road.  Warnambool was our next stop at the pertobe adventure park.  Have I mentioned before they have the best playgrounds and parks down here.  We had fun in the maze and they even had an adults flying fox, well actually it said over 12 years so Warwick and I enjoyed ourselves on that.  It was very high and quite scary at first.  All free of course!  We had a quick picnic lunch and hit the road again.  

I could go on and on forever about all the stunning lookouts we stopped at on the Great Ocean road but I will just chuck up some photos and you can see for yourself how beautiful South Australia is. 

By the time we arrived at the 12 Apostles it was teaming down rain with freezing winds.  Need I say anymore I am sure the photos will reveal all.  Nice day probably rain.

The Great Ocean road was really amazing but South Australia we have had enough of your wild weather.   Time to head around the East Coast and hopefully find some warm sun.  

 

Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula SA

Victor Harbor, Well all I can say is you cannot travel along the Fleurieu Peninsula without stopping in at Victor Harbor to explore this beautiful region.  Hopefully if you do visit you will be blessed with better weather then we had.  Victor reminded me of Port Douglas in Far North Queensland.  It was no doubt a very serious tourist destination.  It was all about attracting the tourist.  So we joined in and did a couple of tourist things.  

We stayed In the Harbor for Two nights at the Victor Harbor holiday park, nice little park with the usual hot showers and laundry ( and boy were we happy to see hot showers and a washing machine after our 4 nights at Rapid Bay.  The park also had a pool which of course our Two crazy kids had to jump in and try out.  We had a touch and go moment when Maddy went to the deep end and then realised she couldn't make it back to the edge.  Go the doggy paddle!  The holiday park was on the beach and the kids loved riding bikes on the beachside footpath.  

Our time in Victor Harbor was cold and extremely windy.  Too windy to enjoy parks and beaches.  

Day one we explored the Harbor by car enjoying the most amazing cliffs and beaches.  Maddy and I were swooped by a magpie as we slid down a sand dune on our bottoms.  Usually the maggies have only been interested in swooping poor Billie off his bike but this one thought he would try his luck for the girls.

We walked around the town centre looking at boutique shops and we found a bakery for lunch.  Lucky we all like pies!    Don't know how we will survive when we get back home without a bakery.  

In the afternoon we went on a horse drawn tram which took us across to Granite Island.  This was very cool and the kids loved it.  Just something a little different.  For warwick and I it might just get put to the back of our memory because all I remember is constantly battling with seats amongst all the overseas tourist.  I honestly could have chucked some people overboard that day.  They can push and shove me and stand in front of me but not the little kids.  Oh and please ask me before taking several photos of my children.  I know they are pretty dam cute but after the 5th photo it became a little invasive. 

 It was crowded on the tram on the way over to the Island but on the way back it was standing room only.  Massive tram overload poor horse (Macy) who had to haul us back over to the mainland. The kids really enjoyed it and that's the main thing.

Granite Island was lovely although we didn't see any penguins or seals that day.  We just can't believe how clear blue and sparkling the water is down here.  Little under water reefs just bellow the waters surface with tropical fish swimming around.

Day Two was extra special because we had a little train ride!  after enjoying fish and chips for lunch and our second trip to the little old fashioned lollie shop to choose our treats for the train ride, We rode the Victor Harbor steam ranger cockel train which took us to Port Elliot, Middleton and Goolwa.  

We stepped off at Goolwa and had a walk around town before boarding the train and heading back to Victor Harbor.  The train was so enjoyable.  Kids had smiles from ear to ear as we boarded the train.  

A one hour ride on the 'Duke Of Edinburg' was long enough as the kids were getting quite tired towards the end.  They had also run out of lollies.   We can't wait to ride a steam train again.

After a big day out and about riding trains we went to the Anchorage for a beer, cocktail, Two red soft drinks ( for the kids) and a garlic bread to share.  We had a very memorable time in Victor Harbor.  

Thrills Spills and the outdoor kids

Black feet, dirty faces, scraped knees, wind burnt cheeks and tons of laughter in amongst some tears from a fall are all part of being an adventurous outdoors kid on One Big Camping Adventure.  

Four weeks away from the comfort and luxuries of there own home and living a life outdoors and they are not complaining too much.  

Madelyn 5 and Billie 4 are often inseparable as they spend their days riding bikes, fishing, collecting shells, playing on the beach, building campfires, toasting marshmallows, climbing sand dunes and of course eating til the cows come home.  They do everything together!  I guess they don't have much choice when we are all stuck with each other.  They have a bond like no other siblings.  This is nothing new, even before this trip they were hand in hand in everything they do.  Maddy is a beautiful big sister, she looks after billie and does everything for him.  Even gives him the last of everything.  She never complains about anything.  We call her a Hyena as she constantly giggles in everything she does.  Such a happy little girl who see's the funny side in every situation.  We often wish Billie would take a page out of her book and instead of wasting so much time complaining about everyday issues just laugh it off.  He is our serious contender who struggles to relax and enjoy every minute.  He is or cautious one.  

When you see these two little guys come back home one look at all the skin missing on their knees will explain why my hair is going grey.  As I sit here writing this blog warwick is rushing over to Billie who seems to have his head stuck in the tree he was climbing.  Yes, i know I should run and help but it doesn't look serious and I don't see tears.  

Thrills and spills off the bikes have become a norm for us!   If they are not in the car travelling or sleeping at night you will find them on their push bikes.  It has become a bit of an obsession actually.  Billie in particular, the minute he opens his little eyes in the morning he will ask if it 'is time to ride my bike yet'.  We have lost count at the numerous times he has fallen off his bike and scraped the skin off his knees and fingers.  He has definitely proven my theory this trip that he has Two left feet.  

He is accident prone and if their is something to fall off, trip over or run into sure enough he will be first to find it.  It is Starting to drive me nuts.  It brakes my heart to see him crashing to the ground so often and all you can do is run over and sweep him up in a big cuddle as you run to get bandages or cold water.  Although at times he has just hopped up and jumped straight back on his bike.  

Last night we even spoke about wrapping him up in a cotton wool for just one day so the injuries he has already sustained can heal.  Helmets are an absolute must when they are out exploring on their bikes.  We might even have to Invest in some knee and elbow guards for our little pro rider.  

I asked the kids this morning if they can remember what their room looks like and I think they had forgotten.  They are very excited to see panda's baby kittens when we get back home.  They have grown so much these past Four weeks.  I'm sure Billie woke up an inch taller this morning.  Must be the cold weather and rain that makes them grow.  

Anyway this is just a little blog mainly about the kids and how they are travelling.  I have so many blogs to catch up on but it's not as easy as I thought it would be with weeks of freezing cold conditions, gale forced winds and our constant setting up and packing up camps, as well as travelling.  Lucky I have my journal to recollect my memories of the trip.

Most importantly my time is spent enjoying each and everyday of this trip with my family.  

Blogs can wait but what we have seen and experienced these past few weeks is priceless and have brought us all so close together.  Their is nothing this little family can't do now.  Oh and if you are ever considering doing a trip like this then learn to relax and take some chances.  "It doesn't matter where you're going, it's how you get there.

Family Reunions Mildura Vic

Just a very quick one but I can't miss this blog.  We hadn't exactly planned on going through Mildura.  We were heading to Broken Hill however a quick phone call to Warwick's cousin and we headed South to Mildura to visit.  Such a wonderful family.  Bec and Luke were very welcoming and even let us set up camp in the shed for Two nights.  Thankyou guys for those lovely hot showers.  The 5 kids all enjoyed playing together.  They spent time riding push bikes, drawing, watching DVDs, playing hide and seek and eating ice cream.  Madelyn and Billie were so excited to find out they were indeed second cousins.  We had BBQ'S at night and although I had only just met Bec for the first time it felt as those we had known each other longer.  I guess i should thank facebook for that.  I think Warwick and Bec worked out they met last when they were about 5 years old.  Was so lovely to meet you guys and we pray that the winds stop and you get that well deserved rain on your crops very soon.

While we were in Mildura we took the opportunity to explore the town.  We just so happened to be in town during the Country music festival, Yee Ha!  Maddy and Billie danced around the city street as the country bands played.  Charming Billie was a hit with the old ladies.  

Mildura is a massive town, and yes you probably hear me say that about every town we go through compared to Moura.  I cant help but get so excited when I see my favourite shops everywhere.  We found some bargain buys at Rays outdoors camping shop.  One pair of shoes, two kids jumpers, a wind coat for me plus a pair of hiking shorts and a shirt for warwick all under $60.  That's what I call shopping.  If its not on special I generally don't buy it!  

Later in the afternoon we visited woodies gem shop just outside of Mildura and went in Aladdin's cave.  

Cheap as chips at  $2 each and well worth it.  It kept us Busy for a few hours.  The cave was 'interesting' billie's words! full of rocks, gems, crystals and fossils from all over the world.  

After we had finished exploring Aladdin's cave we ventured outside to the garden maze.  Holey Dooley did we get lost.  The maze was so well done.  After an hour or so of dead ends, wrong way gates and paths to nowhere and one whinging billie with rubbing shoes we ended up cheating just a little to find our way out.  Let me just clarify that we did not go through the give up gate we just used a stick to open the gate that lead us to freedom.  It was getting very late by then.

What's your camping style?

Camping means different things to different people.  For some it's all about being completely self-sufficient with a swag under the stars or keeping it traditional with a tent.  Others like to navigate new frontiers with a 4WD  and off-road camper trailer, stretch out in a caravan or enjoy the freedom of a motor home on a big loop around Australia.

Camping for my little family means Adventure, a chance to relax away from home and work.  A chance to spend quality family time together exploring new places.   We have an off road camper trailer with everything we need to survive away from home for a long period of time.  We have many Creature comforts but once upon of time before the kids we just started out with a tent and an esky.  We can now carry kids bikes, kayak, fishing rods, fridge and much more.  We can take our camper anywhere and we have endured all types of camping styles but our favourite would have to be Roughing it!  

  

What is your camping style?

Camping in comfort

Are you the type of camper who enjoys creature Comforts.  Do you need hot showers, flushed toilets, water, picnic tables, BBQ'S, powered sites and laundry facilities?

Back to basics

Do you seek discovery in natural settings with access to simple support facilities? Are you willing to go without some comforts - but just for a few days?  Basic facilities may include compost toilets, fire rings and no water.

Roughing it

Are you a self sufficient type who seeks a sense of solitude in nature.  Are you an experienced camper? Are you willing to sacrifice comfort and convenience to find that secluded beach or campground to get away from everything.  Are you aware of basic safety needs?  Bring all essential equipment and supplies.  No shower, toilets or water.

I would love to hear your camping style?  And what camping means to you and your family?

Two weeks gone and 6 more weeks to go!

As I sit here blogging this just happens to be my view!  Though life you say!  We are now at Rapid Bay, a small seaside town on the Fleurieu Peninsula SA.  Yesterday marks Two weeks of travelling around The bottom of Australia with my little family.  So far so good!  kids are travelling so well.  They often can't wait to jump back in the car to watch yet another DVD.  We are really enjoying our adventure and no, we are not ready to head home yet.  

  We had a little bad news on Friday when Warwicks mum called to say our 4 year old Labrador 'zali' had a paralysis tick and was rushed to the vet for treatment.  We walked around Adelaide that day waiting for the call to see how she was doing.  Good news is she has improved and will be fine.  We don't have paralysis tick on our property at home so it's never been a issue or something we have had to think about.  Good news is that she is improving.  A stressful time for everyone.  

It feels like we have been gone for 2 months and not just Two weeks.  We still have another 5-6 weeks to travel up the Coastline.  We have seen some weird and wonderful things during our Inland trek from Moura to Adelaide.  

We were so excited when we reached Adelaide.  We heard how beautiful this place was but nothing prepared me for how well planned and set out the city was.  If I could live anywhere in Australia, Adelaide will be first on my list.  Our eyes lit up as we walked through Rundel Mall.  Every shop you could imagine.  The kids watched Jumbo the clown make balloon animals and we found some free face painting.  We watched a fashion parade and after a day walking through the city we then drove around in the car sight seeing.  We took the kids to the Adelaide aquatic centre before heading back to camp.  We just expected a pool but it had so much more.  Maddy loved the water slides, Billie loved wading through the heated toddler pool and warwick and I loved the Spa.  We felt refreshed when we Left. 

In Adelaide we spent two nights at the Adelaide shores big 4 caravan park.  We have had our fair share of free camps so we decided to pay a little more and set up camp and enjoy what this really cool park had to offer.  It was like every child's dream.  Jumping pillows, playgrounds galore, water park, Two pools, lush green grass ( we were just getting used to mud) and a movie night Friday night on the big screen watching 'The Lorax'.

After Two nights in Adelaide we packed up and again we hit the road homeless.  We had a plan to go to Rapid bay which is situated 110 klms South of Adelaide.  Camp site is right on the beach.  We then realised it was to be a long weekend and we had no chance at all in getting a spot.  We had no idea what we were going to do if we couldn't squeeze in somewhere except to back track and head on over to Victor harbour.  When we arrived it was tent city.  I was not leaving so we found a spot to squeeze in behind another tent just 10 metres off the beach.  Happy days!

Don't get me wrong, We are not anti social by any stretch but it does feel like the longest Two weeks holidays ever and we have just about had enough of all the crowds.  Please kids hurry up and go back to School.  Maybe we have been Spoilt and accustomed  to having beaches  and parks to Ourselves.  We usually go camping on Warwicks 5 days off which is usually mid week, so we have always had our pick of camping spots and we would stroll along becahes wondering if we were the only ones left in the world.  Note to self don't plan a trip like this during School holidays again.  It sounded like one big party here last night with fireworks going off and drunk skunks partying til 4:30 am this morning.  Who ever was doing the Haka would be enduring a very sore throat today.

Well Warwick and kids are relaxing on the beach so that's where I am heading.  I don't think the fish are biting, lucky I don't rely on fish for dinners.  I hope you are all having a safe and happy long weekend.  

Tips and Tricks to Entertain the kids on the road

Welcome back Guys!

 

Excited much! with only Nine days to go now until we Endeavour on what we hope will be a trip of a lifetime, we are packing bags and boxes and trailer left right and centre.   I am trying to pack strategically.  Hopefully it will all fit somehow. 
I caught the kids Twice today scurrying through the boxes of packed goods looking for anything interesting and fun that they could gets there little hands on.  I took them shopping with me Yesterday and they witnessed me purchasing a few fun little nick knack things that could be lots of fun on our travels.  These Two littlies don't miss a trick!

 

When I hear stories from friends, family and other bloggers about how travelling with Children is nothing shy of a bad dream...I have a bit of a giggle to myself and think "Oh Wow we are lucky, our kids travel just fine".  "I don't really know what you mean".

 

Yes I am gloating a little but our kids do travel very well and they have had lots of practise.

  Our family all reside in Brisbane, 8 hours away from Moura so we hike down many times each year to attend special occasion, shopping, visits etc. 

Also because we are somewhat Isolated in a small mining town we often travel 2 hour drives each way to Rockhampton or Gladstone for shopping trips, appointments, and the 'any excuse for a outing trip'.

We also do plenty of camping trips on Warwick's 5 days off so we spend much of our lives in the car.

 

We don't really do much to entertain the kids on the road except for our car DVD players however this trip is different and so I have been thinking of ways to entertain the kids on and off the road for Two Months and here are the boredom buster ideas I have come up with for our 4 and 5 year old!

 

• Clipboards, Pens, Pencils and stickers for creating their own little master pieces along the way
• We have our in car DVD players with headphones although they usually just watch half a movie and then want it turned off
• Colouring books and scrapbooks
• We went to our local Library and borrowed Books with Audio CDs.  I love to read however I am sure to get car sick if I sat in the back reading the kids stories.
• I have printed the kids their own maps of Australia so they can (colour, draw and follow along)
• We have packets of Pipe cleaners with googly eyes and rolls of sticky tape to make all sorts of silly things in the car.

 

I didn't want to go and spend a fortune so I went through my craft cupboard and scrapbooking nook and found most of these things on hand, Bonus!

 

Verbal Games

 

• Sing songs and play games, (Yes Warwick that means you will have to play too!)
• I spy (Colours, Objects, Sounds Like?)
• Trivia "maybe this will be to keep mum and dad awake and amused between long drives"
• I have printed some bingo cards which include things we might drive past such as windmills, homestead, truck, car, cow, shop etc.
• (This one is for the boys)  Who would win a fight?  I might start off by saying Spidermen would win the fight.  Then I would have to say why he would win the fight, then the next person goes and they would say who they think would win a fight and why!
• Guess the sight word (This one is for you Madelyn)

Divvy up the driver/Social Director tasks

 

While Warwick's job is mostly driving.  My job is snack distribution, storytelling, and toy and art rotation. We plan to occasionally switch duties during the trip. Yes, Warwick you might like to try being a yoyo every now and then! If you have space, the kids love having a grown-up sit with them for a while in the backseat.  Hopefully Not!

 

Food! Glorious Food and Snack Attacks





 



Depending on what age your children are also dictates what’s required to keep the peace when driving long distances. One thing that tends to help keep kids of all ages calmer – is food.

Here are some healthy, and not so healthy, kids snacks for road trips:

• Fresh Fruit, Bananas, apples and strawberries are our favourites
• Sandwich stacks, Options are endless Go Wild!  Vegemite, Ham, Cheese.  Definitely not honey in the car...we have done this before and it made some very stick car seats.
• Muesli Bars
• Biscuits
• Cheese and Crackers
• Dried fruits Apricots and sultanas
• Save the best til last but we can't leave out the lollipop bribes and ice block stops

 The majority of these kid-friendly snacks, sandwiches, and sweets will keep well at room temperature for a few hours, but feel free to pack a cooler or put food in the fridge to ensure safe food handling.

Look forward to hearing your tips and tricks to entertain your little ones on the road and any games that you play in the car!