Wednesday, January 8, 2014

Day trip to Victor Harbor and Granite Island

We hired a car the other day to drive down through McLaren Vale to Victor Harbor. We had such a beautiful time and it was great to get out for a drive and a walk.


The lavender at the information centre at McLaren Vale was beautiful. We were excited to drive to the lavender farm but it was shut and we could see that all the lavender had been harvested. I think it would definitely be worth a stop earlier in the year.  We stopped at two wineries only buying one bottle of wine from Wirra Wirra. We are a bit spoilt as we are in a fantastic wine syndicate that one of my friend's dad started about thirty years ago and we get beautiful wine for very good prices. (And we don't have to carry it home) but it's always nice to drink a bottle that you bought from the cellar door, nice memories. 


We then headed to Victor Harbor. It was very windy but we decided to brave the walk around Granite Island. I'm so glad we did as it was stunning.





The southern ocean sure whips up a fierce gale. I love the flora and rock formations that result. So hardy and tough. Vibrant colours also.





The kids had an absolute ball. Both are great walkers and explorers. I'm constantly pulling myself back from yelling "be careful!"


For dinner, we found a little restaurant called Nino's. The food was fantastic. The veal Saltimbocca was the best meal I've had in ages. All local produce.  I can definitely recommend it. Phil had salmon and the kids meals (beef lasagne and chicken were also excellent). A satisfying way to end a beautiful day.


On the way home we drove through Port Elliot, Middleton, and Goolwa. Thw winds were incredible but I think it would be stunning under better conditions. We were driving along and luckily I have a husband who understands my need for taking photos of beautiful things. "Stop the car, I need to photograph that house". And he doesn't even blink, just pulls over. and it was worth it. 


This is actually a B&B so you can stay here. Pretty special isn't it.  And below in watercolour (I'll share more about these watercolours tomorrow)


Quintessential South Australian countryside.


Hope you enjoyed that, we certainly did. Have you been there? What else is a must see in SA?

Fiona



7 comments:

  1. It looks like you are having a lovely time on your holiday. I lived in Adelaide for a few years and loved the Barossa area the most. It is beautiful and the food and wine is yum!!

    Travelled from Melbourne to the southern area a few years ago, staying in McLaren Vale. We had fantastic pizzas at Russell's in Willunga - Maggie Beer was there on the night we were there so it must be good ;-). If you haven't been you need to make sure you try it next time you are over there but book (a few weeks) ahead...

    Will definitely be keeping the name of that B&B somewhere safe for future reference. Thanks.

    Karen

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    1. thanks Karen, I will have to keep Russell's in mind for next time. we got home last night and i'm busy in the laundry! And next job is to pull down the christmas tree. I love the Barossa also. We went to Maggie Beer's farm last year but she was on holidays so lucky you seeing her at Willunga. She is so warm and lovely (I always admire very happy people)
      cheers Fiona

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  2. these photographs are just beautiful!!!

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    1. thanks Cassie - always easy when the scenery is so beautiful.

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  3. What a beautiful place and the B&B looks wonderful. Love the watercolor!

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  4. Lovely, and so wonderful to look at with my outside world snowy, icy and -30C. I've never been to Australia, but your photos make me wish to go!

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  5. I love your blog. Such a treat to see Australia through your eyes. Loved this post thank you

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