Well, we have done pretty well out of our “bonus” Virgin “Gold Membership” for the last 12 months – and all good things must come to an end !
But we won’t go without a fight, or should I say a flight, so this little “quick tour” – with the help of another great deal from “Luxury Escapes” – bids a “golden farewell” to the Virgin Lounge as we set off for a long weekend in South Australia. And just to bring us back to earth – we went camping !! (shock, horror, stunned inhale, I hear !) Well, if you know my girl, it’s not what you think – I’ve learnt a thing or two over 36 years 😂 ! It’s the fancy stuff – complimentary bottle of wine, air-conditioning, private deck, private ensuite etc – we thought we’d give “Glamping” a go !
We haven’t been to South Australia since 1983 – our first “holiday” after we got married – when we packed up the little green Gemini and drove thousands of miles in one week through New South Wales to Broken Hill, on to Adelaide and back through Victoria, along the Murray River and home again ! (I know – the “thousands of miles in one week” bit hasn’t changed I hear you say !). One place we did visit on that tour which impressed us was the area around Wilpena Pound in the Flinders Ranges and this particular place wasn’t around “back in them days” ! – Wilpena Pound Resort.
We flew into Adelaide, picked up our car and, just because it was on the way, stopped in the Clare Valley for a nice lunch and to pick up supplies 🥂 😂 – then it was on to Wilpena Pound. Part of our deal included a half day 4WD tour and we added in a “Sunset Spectacular” tour as well – bubbly and canapes, what’s not to like ! We hiked into “the Pound” – all the other trails are now closed for the summer – and gave the cameras a bit of a workout and managed a drone shot or two !
The countryside lived up to its reputation – a wide brown land – but it is beautiful scenery just the same ! And lots of emus, kangaroos and wallabies around – with a few close encounters as we drove about also ! Our “tents” were great – very comfortable and well fitted out – in a peaceful, picturesque location – just the spot to unwind with a refreshment or two ! Well worth the trek for this quick tour !
Photos below and click here for Video🚁
Bye to the Shire
The Mighty Murray River cuts through South Australia
Refreshment stop in the Clare Valley – Paulett Winery
Roughing it !
Some of the locals …
Time for a walk …
Razorback Lookout
Road through the river bed
The Cazneaux Tree – just outside Wilpena Pound – was photographed in 1937 by Harold Cazneaux in a picture entitled “The Spirit of Endurance” which brought him international recognition. Entrepreneur Dick Smith is Cazneaux’s grandson.
Here comes the storm – setting up a fantastic sunset !
Stokes Hill Lookout – sunset and storm over Wilpena Pound
