Day 4 & 5 & 6 | Nelson - Coorong National Park - Adelaide Hills

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August 16th & 17th

Given we spent the night on private property, we decided to start our day extra early and head towards Mount Gambier.  This big, small town was our pit stop for groceries, but also an unpleasant surprise in the form of the realization we had a punctured tire.  We continued south towards the coastal town of Port MacDonnell.  Once the second largest port in Australia, this town proved to be quite deserted during the winter season.  Nonetheless we had breakfast by the sea, and headed inland to find long, straight highways lined with never ending farming plains. 

Enjoying the sunny day on the plains of south-east South Australia

With the intent to be in Adelaide the next day, we pulled into Coorong National Park where we were greeted by a few emus and swarms of mosquitoes. 

An emu scurrying away

Although unpleasant at night, the morning provided breathtaking views while we made yet another breakfast on the road. 

Enjoying breakfast in Coorong National Park

The unusual, and stunning landscape of Coorong National Park convinced us to try to get as close as possible.  We therefore took an off road track along the coast where land was separated from the ocean only by a long cape-like dune.

Off-roading in Coorong National Park with dunes in background

Long sandy roads, and a few wrong turns got us to a small aboriginal settlement, but nowhere closer to the fuel we desperately needed.  Once back on the right course to Tailem Bend, we had the opportunity to cross the Murray River on one of its legendary weirs.  This cable-guided platform is one of many that have allowed Australians passage across the Murray River anytime of day and free of charge for the last 200 years. 

Crossing the Murray on the weir

Tempted by the numerous pelicans, Edmundo took this opportunity to try to capture their beauty, only to forget to apply the hand brake while also leaving the car in neutral.  With Tara in the passenger seat, nothing was holding down the 2 ton Pajero (affectionately named Bertha) when the weir came to a stop.  Basic physics propelled our dear Bertha towards the river only to be stopped by a flimsy looking gate.  Although quite panicked we were told by the operator this occurrence happens twice a week.  With fuel economy as our top priority, we continued to Tailem Bend, reaching the gas station with only 2 liters left.  This busy day finished by sneaking into a tourist park on the outskirts of Adelaide.  Although starved, we took the opportunity to take a warm shower, only to be reminded that we must leave before 8am when the reception desk opened.