Up early and packed up for the long drive to Murray Bridge (427km). We made a few stops along the way including at Dimboola and the Litte Desert National Park in Victoria before we crossed the border into South Australia. Our last stop was at Coonalpyn, SA to see one of the painted silos. Eventually we rolled into the Murray Bridge Marina Caravan Park just before sunset.
After a much needed sleep in for all, we spent the afternoon exploring the Grampians National Park. We walked down to Mackenzie Falls, out to The Balconies and watched the sunset from Reeds Lookout.
Kids highlight of the day - saw their first wild emu, which walked right up to the car and almost put its head in Olivia's window.
This morning we woke around 5.30am to dis-embark from the Spirit of Tasmania in Geelong, Victoria. Once we weaved our way out of the port we headed towards Halls Gap via Meredith, Ballart and Arrat.
We rolled into the Breeze at Halls Gap Caravan Park by midday so had plenty of time to explore the local botanic gardens, walk to Venus Pools, and wander the main strip of town.
Back at camp, the kids quickly set up a hand ball court, played on the nearby playground and made their first campground friends.
We wrapped up the day up at Boroka Lookout to watch the sunset. Followed by our first dinner inside the caravan (it was way to cold to eat out side - around 5°C).
This morning we had a last visit from Oma and Opa at our camp site before we headed over to Devonport to board the Spirit of Tasmania ferry for our night voyage across the Bass Straight.
This was the first time any of us have slept in one of the Spirit cabins on a crossing. The kids had a great time exploring the ship, though once they found the video game room they did not get much further... Eventually we made it to bed and lucked out with a very calm crossing.
We're off!!
At 2.15 this afternoon we left Hobart with our caravan (Humpback) and Ute (Stacey) for the next four months to travel up the centre of Australia and down the west coast.
Our first night on the road was spent at Ulverstone Golf Club.
