Wheels across Australia

[JohnM]

As an aside to this vehicle discussion, it has never ceased to amaze me in many, many years of travelling widely in rural and outback Australia the number of people travelling these long distances in beaten-up older cars. I've noticed the same on this trip.

But, this morning, thankfully I passed (ie. As in going the opposite way) a Porsche Cayenne. Now (as long as it wasn't diesel ) that would be a good way to cross the Nullarbor! No Toorak tractoring for me!

 

[JohnM]

Reminds me of my drive across to Canberra taking the scenic route in an old Holden Apollo wagon with no cruise control!

So you're another one that gets in the way....

 

[JohnM]

The ruins of the telegraph station at Eucla.



Beach at Eucla.



Cliffs along the Bight.

 

[Daver6]

So you're another one that gets in the way....

Well it was a fair while ago. At the time it was about an 11 year old.

Now don't get me started about those camper-vans on the great ocean road...

 

[JohnM]

A highly recommended stop in the May-October period is the 12km detour to Head of the Bight for whale-watching. The creatures (Southern Right Whales) come into the bay and very close (as in a handful of metres) to the edge of the (low) cliffs. An excellent boardwalk and observation platforms make viewing sensational.







Nullarbor Plain

 

[Buzzard]

I'm reading your TR with interest JohnM, hopefully I'll be unemployed next year so will bring the diesel across from ADL. During whale season hopefully.

 

[JohnM]

I'm reading your TR with interest JohnM, hopefully I'll be unemployed next year so will bring the diesel across from ADL. During whale season hopefully.

Slowly then, I guess... .

 

[JohnM]

Stayed at Streaky Bay on the W Eyre Peninsula last night. Lovely little town - very neat and tidy and an excellent bakery. Highly recommended.





Some spectacular coastal scenery nearby.



And 'Murphy's Haystacks' - large granite residuals - are quite amazing.





Now having a bit of a break with two nights in Port Lincoln at the foot of the Eyre Peninsula before moving on.

 

[JohnM]

Wandered down town in Port Lincoln tonight. Thought I might chance on a restaurant that has seafood...

What about a dozen Coffin Bay (just around the corner from here) oysters to kick things off? Sensational! Got talking to the restaurant owner and he says not only is this the best time of the year for the little chappies, but that they're best he's seen in 32 years (flesh to shell ratio is the best ever). Phwoar! is all I can say!



I like to try the local wine wherever I go and this Boston Bay savvy was an absolute cracker IMHO. Nice and lean; 12.5%. Went a treat with the oysters. Restaurateur tells me that this winery has the closest vines to the ocean anywhere in the world. I'll check it out tomorrow...





Then it was King George whiting in Cooper's beer batter. So simple, yet so good - and the BB savvy continued to shine.



Then some excellent limone gelati to top it off.



Dang! This f#*~\! app is going mad. The pics may end up in some crazy order - but you'll get the drift.

 

[Daver6]

That meal looks awesome!

 

[Mule]

The app worked out fine John.
The food and wine look impressive.
Fun trip by the look of it.
Porsche Cayenne runs second to Jeeps for most towed vehicles on Moreton for me. One young bloke in a Cayenne made it only 1 metre off the ferry at the Wrecks and blocked all others from getting off. Ferry backed back out and shifted 50m up the beach and left him. Misunderstood electronic assistance are regular issues for those that haven't educated themselves.

20 inch rims with low profile tyres are not all that capable when the sand gets soft and deep.

 

[JohnM]

The app worked out fine John.
The food and wine look impressive.
Fun trip by the look of it.
Porsche Cayenne runs second to Jeeps for most towed vehicles on Moreton for me. One young bloke in a Cayenne made it only 1 metre off the ferry at the Wrecks and blocked all others from getting off. Ferry backed back out and shifted 50m up the beach and left him. Misunderstood electronic assistance are regular issues for those that haven't educated themselves.

20 inch rims with low profile tyres are not all that capable when the sand gets soft and deep.

Sure - I wouldn't be suggesting a Cayenne in sand. But on the bitumen across WA-SA, I think it would be a fairly nice way to go.

The real problem in Australia, of course, is that there is virtually nowhere where it is really possible to unleash the beast in anything approaching a hot vehicle. I guess that's merely one reason why most are cuddled up in cotton wool and do maybe 5-10K clicks a year up and down St Georges Terrace or equivalent. Total waste IMO.

 

[JohnM]

That meal looks awesome!

Just the usual scraps, David - just the usual scraps - you know the deal .

 

[drron]

So which restaurant.In 7 weeks I have to take mrsdrron on the town in Port Lincoln for our 45th Anniversary.
Will definitely start with Coffin Bay oysters.

 

[jb747]

The app worked out fine John.
Porsche Cayenne runs second to Jeeps for most towed vehicles on Moreton for me. One young bloke in a Cayenne made it only 1 metre off the ferry at the Wrecks and blocked all others from getting off. Ferry backed back out and shifted 50m up the beach and left him. Misunderstood electronic assistance are regular issues for those that haven't educated themselves.

20 inch rims with low profile tyres are not all that capable when the sand gets soft and deep.

Traction control by braking...which means that as all four wheels spin, it simply applies the brakes...and you go nowhere.

 

[Major]

I am also a fan of Coffin Bay oysters.
A great trip all up

 

[Buzzard]

So which restaurant.In 7 weeks I have to take mrsdrron on the town in Port Lincoln for our 45th Anniversary.
Will definitely start with Coffin Bay oysters.

I was wondering the same thing myself.

 

[JohnM]

So which restaurant.In 7 weeks I have to take mrsdrron on the town in Port Lincoln for our 45th Anniversary.
Will definitely start with Coffin Bay oysters.

Del Giorno, Ron. Right on the main terrace.

I'm not sure it's the romantic 45th anniversary place, but it's probably the best option in town.

It's rather cafe-like - but, as I mentioned, the seafood is simple and plainly done - but super-fresh.

In 7 weeks the cafes/restaurants in Coffin Bay itself (~40 km away) may be on summer opening time. Google 1802 restaurant. Drove past in the pouring rain late yesterday on the way in to Port Lincoln. It looks over the bay and oyster farms.

Do you have dates when you'll be in this region? Reason I ask is that it will be about 8 weeks until I'm making my way back to Perth.

 

[JohnM]

Hmmnnn, the oysters seem to be hitting a spot .

I intend eating there again tonight. While it will be tempting to rinse and repeat, I'll probably try something else. I shall report .

 

[Major]

Just a quick question. When the Bindibuys depart are you planning an AFF do at their place ?