Feet seek Streets.
Teeth greet sweet treat.
Beat heat, complete?
Neat!
Repeat.
By Sarah © 2025
Sammi Scribbles, Weekend Writing Prompt: sweet (12 words)
Tag: summer
Summer Series – Roadtrippin’ R-Adelaide, Day 11
Today marked the end of the road trip, with the destination finally reached.
A lovely stay at The Oak Cottages in Hahndorf meant a leisurely start to the day. Breakfast at Same But Different was excellent, paired with a genuinely good coffee. Always a win.
The morning was spent wandering through Hahndorf’s main street. Founded in 1839 by Prussian settlers, it is Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement. The heritage buildings, small galleries, and food shops give the town its charm. It is touristy, yes, but still delightful… and great shopping too!
The next stop was Shaw + Smith for wine tasting and lunch. The winery was established in 1989 by cousins Michael Hill Smith and Martin Shaw, with a focus on cool climate wines from the Adelaide Hills. Their vineyards are known for elevation, careful site selection, and restraint in winemaking.
The Balhannah Shiraz single vineyard premium flight experience was superb. Concentrated, elegant, and beautifully structured. Dark fruit, spice, and fine tannins across the range. As expected, my favourite was the 2017 vintage, also the most expensive. No regrets.
It was then time to head down the freeway over the Adelaide Hills and check into the boutique accommodation located in the CBD. A quick refresh and it was straight back out to Adelaide Oval for the Big Bash match between the Adelaide Strikers and the Sydney Thunder.
It was a close game and a fun night. Great atmosphere, good cricket, and a perfect way to wrap up the road trip chapter.
The road trip has now officially concluded. The next few days will be spent at the beach, catching up with my BFF, and enjoying what Adelaide has to offer, until it’s time to head home on Friday.
So… That’s it for me for this year’s Summer Series.
Until next time.
Here are some of my favorite pictures from Day 11…
Summer Series – Roadtrippin’ R-Adelaide, Day 10
A big driving day unfolded, heading east from Port Lincoln to Hahndorf, covering a remarkable cross section of South Australia along the way.
The first stop was Tumby Bay, a small coastal town on the eastern side of the Eyre Peninsula. Established in the late 1800s, Tumby Bay developed as a service centre for surrounding wheat and sheep farms, with its jetty playing a key role in exporting grain before modern transport took over. Today it is best known for its relaxed seaside feel, fishing culture, and growing creative scene. The silo art near the waterfront is a standout, reflecting local life and drawing visitors into town. A coffee stop at Hello Spencer turned out to be one of the best of the trip, and wandering the streets revealed Tumby Bay’s reputation for street art. Finding each mural and taking time to look closely added an unexpected and very enjoyable layer to the visit.
Further north, Arno Bay came next. Originally known as Blight, the town was renamed in the early 1900s and has long been tied to fishing, oyster farming, and agriculture. Its location on Franklin Harbor makes it a popular spot for boating and seafood, and the foreshore reflects that connection to the water. The boardwalk and coastal path are particularly impressive, offering wide views across the harbour and a strong sense of the town’s quiet, working waterfront character.
Much of the day’s driving retraced the route back from Port Lincoln toward Lochiel. Passing through Whyalla again provided a quick but necessary stop for fuel, both for the car and for lunch.
After reaching Lochiel, we chose a different route turning inland and across the Adelaide Plains, passing through a series of historic towns. Balaklava, founded in the 1860s, grew rapidly as an agricultural hub servicing surrounding grain farms and is known for its wide streets and heritage buildings. Mallala has a long farming history and is also associated with motorsport, thanks to the Mallala Motor Sport Park which brought a different kind of fame to the area.
Gawler, one of South Australia’s oldest towns, was established in 1837 and played a crucial role in the colony’s early expansion, with many well-preserved historic buildings still lining its streets.
Gumaracha, set at the edge of the Adelaide Hills, is closely tied to timber milling and is famous for its association with the Big Rocking Horse, a reminder of the region’s forestry past.
One of the most striking aspects of the day was the dramatic change in landscapes. The journey moved from coastal scenery to salt marshes and mangroves, across salt plains, through rolling pastoral country, and into classic Australian bush. Red cliffs and hints of outback gave way to thicker bushland, before finally reaching the green vineyards and cooler air of the Adelaide Hills.
Dinner capped off the day at an absolute favourite, the German Arms Hotel in Hahndorf. A local Pinot Noir paired perfectly with the famous Giant German Hotdog (which was well and truly conquered).
Afterwards, a short walk led to the Eis Haus for dessert and a warming das boot of mulled wine, a fitting finish after a long and varied day on the road.
Here are some of my favourite pictures from Day 10…
Summer Series – Roadtrippin’ R-Adelaide, Day 9
It was an early start heading west toward Coffin Bay and Coffin Bay National Park. A quick stop for coffee and a sandwich set the scene for the day, with supplies packed and ready for the road ahead.
Coffin Bay sits on the western edge of the Eyre Peninsula, a place shaped by wind, sea and isolation. The bay was named in 1802 by explorer Matthew Flinders, likely after a shipmate rather than anything darker. For generations it has been tied to fishing, oyster farming and a tough coastal lifestyle, with a small township that feels purpose built for the water it faces.
Venturing into Coffin Bay National Park meant slowing right down. Established in 1967, the park protects a vast sweep of coastal dunes, heath, mallee and saltmarsh. Much of it is only accessible by high clearance four wheel drive, so a two wheel drive visit narrows the options, but not the beauty.
The first stop was at Templeton Lookout. The lookout sits above sweeping sand dunes and gives a wide view over the southern coastline, a chance to understand the scale and wildness of the park. It is named after early pastoral interests in the region and today serves as one of the best vantage points for seeing how land and sea collide here.
Next was Yangie Bay, a calm inlet with a long Aboriginal history. The area is part of the traditional lands of the Barngarla people, who lived along these coasts for thousands of years, relying on shellfish, fish and coastal plants. European use later focused on fishing and grazing, but the bay has largely returned to a quiet, natural rhythm.
From there it was just under three kilometre to complete the lookout loop. The trail wound past views over the bay, rocky headlands and broad saltmarshes that change colour with the light. Curious emus wandered close, and kangaroos appeared only after careful watching, huge and perfectly camouflaged in the scrub.
The campground facilities added a moment of drama. The long drop toilet came with a cloud of bees that seemed far too interested in my presence, a reminder that this park is not overly curated for comfort!
Continuing on, stops at Avoid Bay, Golden Island and other lookouts reachable by two wheel drive. It ruled out much of the park, unfortunately, but what was accessible was still breathtaking and well worth the effort.
Afterwards came what I had really come for, the oysters. Coffin Bay oysters are famous for a reason. Oyster farming here began in the 1960s, when the clean, cold waters were recognised as ideal for cultivation. The industry has since become central to the local economy and identity, known for producing plump oysters with a clean, briny flavour.
A stop at Oyster HQ, right on the waterfront overlooks a working oyster farm. Plates of natural oysters and topped varieties were consumed! They were fresh and unmistakably local. It was simple, indulgent yet deeply satisfying.
The day finished with a scenic drive through Lincoln National Park. Proclaimed in 1945, the park protects rugged coastline, bushland and sheltered bays east of Port Lincoln. Boston Bay spread out below, is often described as one of Australia’s largest natural harbours,. Its calm waters hold beaches that felt pristine and almost private. It looked like a personal sanctuary, a quiet end to a full day on the Eyre Peninsula.
Here are some of my favourite pictures from Day 9…
Summer Series – Roadtrippin’ R-Adelaide, Day 8
Leaving Port Augusta behind, the onward journey to Port Lincoln unfolded through starkly beautiful arid outback countryside, where vast plains stretch to the horizon and the landscape feels both harsh and captivating. The drive offered a powerful sense of space and scale, setting the tone for the Eyre Peninsula experience.
A stop in picturesque Whyalla provided a glimpse into South Australia’s industrial and maritime past. Originally established as a port in the early twentieth century, Whyalla grew around shipbuilding and steelmaking, industries that shaped both the town and the wider region. The “Roundabout Jetty” is a popular place to pause, offering calm waters and views across Spencer Gulf, while the Hummock Hill Lookout delivers sweeping panoramas over the town, the gulf, and the surrounding landscape, along with a monument that reflects Whyalla’s strong connection to industry and defence.
Further along the coast lies the historic town of Cowell. Founded as a port servicing the pastoral and agricultural districts inland, Cowell developed steadily as a grain handling and export point. Today it retains its quiet coastal charm, with a long jetty stretching into Franklin Harbor and a relaxed atmosphere that reflects its roots as a hardworking seaside community.
Port Lincoln came into view shortly after lunchtime, perched at the bottom of the Eyre Peninsula and wrapped around Boston Bay. Established in 1802 by explorer Matthew Flinders, it holds the distinction of being the first European settlement in South Australia, although the colony was later moved to Adelaide. Now known as the Seafood Capital of Australia, Port Lincoln thrives on fishing, aquaculture, and tourism, blending a working port with a lively food and drink scene.
Naturally, the local brewing and distilling offerings form part of the experience, so I had to check them out! Jumping Ship Brewing Co. stands out for both atmosphere and beer, reflecting Port Lincoln’s seafaring heritage and relaxed coastal culture. The venue has quickly become a local favourite, known for well-crafted brews and a welcoming, community-focused vibe.
The West Coast Distilling Co. adds a different flavour to the town’s drinks scene. With a strong focus on gin, the distillery offers a diverse range of styles alongside a funky, modern setting and an impressive cocktail selection, making it as much about the experience as the spirits themselves.
Dinner at Port Lincoln Brewing Co. rounded out Day 8. As one of the pioneers of the town’s craft beer movement, the brewery features a spacious beer garden, excellent pizzas, and a lively atmosphere. The Paralyser chicken wing challenge adds a sense of fun for those brave enough to attempt it. For non-beer drinkers, the venue also stocks a strong selection of local wines and gins, showcasing the broader produce of the region. Coffin Bay “High Tide” gin is highly recommended!
From open plains and historic towns to coastal views and standout food and drink, the journey to Port Lincoln captures the rugged beauty and rich character of South Australia’s west coast.
Here are some of my favourite pictures from Day 8…
Summer Series – Roadtrippin’ R-Adelaide, Day 7
Travel day unfolded with long stretches of road and a stopover that revealed far more than expected. The journey north included historic towns, ancient landscapes, and wide-open skies, before arrival in Port Augusta just in time for lunch.
The first stop was Lochiel, home of the famous Loch-Eel. Overlooking the pink-hued Lake Bumbunga, this quirky sculpture was inspired by Scotland’s Loch Ness Monster and introduced as a light-hearted attraction. What began as a novelty has since become an iconic roadside landmark and a symbol of the town’s sense of humour in an otherwise stark salt-lake environment.
Passing through Port Pirie offered a less picturesque view. Established in the mid-19th century, the town developed rapidly as a key port and industrial centre, anchored by one of the world’s largest lead smelters. While its role in South Australia’s economic growth is undeniable, heavy industry has left a visible and lasting imprint on the town’s appearance and legacy.
A brief pit stop in Crystal Brook provided a quieter contrast. Once a significant railway junction, the town grew as a service hub for surrounding farming districts. Today, its historic buildings and leafy streets reflect its past importance and offer a pleasant pause from the open road.
The drive alongside the Flinders Ranges marked a dramatic shift in scenery. Among the oldest mountain ranges on Earth, they hold immense geological and cultural significance. For tens of thousands of years, the ranges have been central to Aboriginal life, particularly for the Adnyamathanha people, and remain one of South Australia’s most defining natural features.
Arrival in Port Augusta came at lunchtime, marking the transition between coastal South Australia and the arid north. The afternoon was spent exploring local highlights, beginning with the Wadlata Outback Centre. This interpretive experience details the region’s Indigenous heritage, natural history, and European exploration, providing valuable context for the landscapes beyond.
The Matthew Flinders Red Cliff Lookout commemorates the early 19th-century explorer who charted much of Australia’s coastline, including Spencer Gulf. The lookout offers sweeping views and a reminder of the challenges faced during early maritime exploration.
The Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden showcases the resilience and diversity of plants adapted to Australia’s harsh interior. Focused on conservation and education, the garden highlights arid-zone ecosystems while offering a peaceful setting to appreciate the subtle beauty of desert flora.
No near-death experiences occurred today, unless standing too close to the cliffs driving through Snowtown counts. Once a quiet farming town, Snowtown became widely known for tragic events in the late 1990s, lending a sombre tone to an otherwise unassuming place.
With temperatures reaching 38°C, a dip in the resort pool was a welcome relief. The day ended in a secluded, oasis-style deck courtyard, cooling down with a simple cheese platter and wine, and providing a relaxed conclusion to a long, sun-soaked journey.
Here are some of my favourite pictures from Day 7…
Summer Series – Roadtrippin’ R-Adelaide, Day 5
It was an early start departing Penola today, heading south toward the coast and the historic seaside town of Robe.
Robe has a rich past as one of South Australia’s earliest ports. Once bustling with ships exporting wool and wheat in the mid-1800s, its grand limestone buildings remain as reminders of its colonial prosperity, even though shifting sands eventually made the harbour unsafe and led to its decline.
The Obelisk was visited next. Built in 1855, it served as a navigational marker warning ships of the dangerous coastline. Nearby, the old gaol ruins offered a stark glimpse into Robe’s early days as a government outpost, while the surrounding cliffs and ocean provided breathtaking coastal views.
The journey then continued onto Kingston SE, with a stop at Cape Jaffa Lighthouse, which once guided vessels through the hazardous waters of Lacepede Bay. A visit to the Big Lobster followed, a light-hearted symbol of Australia’s long-standing fascination with “big things.” These oversized roadside attractions became popular in the 1960s and 1970s as a way to draw travellers off the highway, and today more than 150 can be found across the country.
From there, our route led into the Coorong, a wild, rugged, and desolate landscape. The first stop was The Granites, a dramatic stretch of coast marked by massive granite boulders. This area holds deep cultural significance for the Ngarrindjeri people and was also notorious among early sailors due to strong currents and frequent shipwrecks.
Pink lakes and salt lakes appeared frequently, their striking colours created by algae thriving in highly saline conditions.
The lagoon and wetlands of the Coorong are an area of immense environmental and cultural importance. These wetlands are internationally recognised and provide critical habitat for migratory birds travelling from across the globe. For thousands of years, the region has been central to Ngarrindjeri life and culture. The beige colouring of the water was a concerning sign, indicating poor water health linked to ongoing stress within the Murray–Darling Basin.
We then journeyed into Murray River territory, passing through Tailem Bend and Murray Bridge. Seeing the Murray at this stage of its long journey to the sea highlighted the scale and significance of Australia’s longest river.
Strathalbyn proved to be particularly charming 🤩. Established in the 1850s, it developed as an important river port and agricultural centre. Today, its heritage buildings, leafy streets, and riverside setting give the town a timeless appeal.
The day concluded at Victor Harbor, where New Year’s Eve was celebrated by the beach with a free public event and fireworks, providing a lively and fitting end to a day rich in history, landscapes, and coastal scenery.
Happy New Year everyone! Wishing you all a happy and healthy 2026.
Here are some of my favourite pictures from Day 5…
Summer Series – Roadtrippin’ R-Adelaide, Day 2
Mount Gambier is located in South Australia, and is built around a group of extinct volcanoes formed about 4,500 years ago. Long before European settlement, the area was home to the Bunganditj people, who recorded the volcanic activity in their oral traditions. The town was later named in 1800 by explorer James Grant after Admiral Lord Gambier, and it developed into an important regional center because of its fertile volcanic soil.
Today began with an early start and a walk around the full circumference of Mount Gambier’s iconic Blue Lake. The Blue Lake was formed inside a volcanic crater, created by explosive eruptions when magma met groundwater (called a maar). Over time, the crater filled with rainwater and underground water, forming the lake.
The walking track is an easy 3-4km, scenic loop with constant views across the water and back towards the city. It is peaceful at that hour, with lots of birdsong and the occasional local power-walker passing by. It was a magical way to start the day.
The original surge tank lookout formed part of the original loop so it was a no brained to check it out. There were many, many steps and it was definitely a leg workout, but the view at the top made it worthwhile.
The colour of the lake was absolutely stunning! In late December and during the warmer months, changes in water temperature cause calcium carbonate crystals to form, which scatter sunlight and give the lake its vivid cobalt blue colour. In winter, the lake returns to a steel-grey tone as the water cools and the crystals dissolve.
Coffee was grabbed from Confession Coffee, which proved to be really, really good. A walk along the main street revealed some excellent shop names: Bare Necessities Lingerie, Okay Pie Shop, Faith Jewellers, and DJ Interiors. These prompted plenty of puns.
The Umpherston Sinkhole, also known as the Sunken Garden, was the next stop. Once a limestone cave, the roof collapsed over time, creating the sinkhole seen today. In the late 1800s, James Umpherston transformed it into a garden, planting trees, flowers, and ferns inside the crater. After years of neglect, it was restored in the 1970s and is now one of Mount Gambier’s most beloved landmarks. Possums also make their home here and emerge at dusk.
Simply stunning and beautiful, the sinkhole offered a calm, cool respite from a rapidly heating 34-degree day.
The Cave Garden in the CBD followed. This sinkhole was one of the first sites discovered by European settlers in the 1840s and served as an important water source for the growing town. Today, it sits right in the heart of the city, blending nature and history.
Just after midday, it was decided that a 20 minute drive to Port MacDonnell was in order. Port MacDonnell is a small coastal town near the Victorian border, known for its rugged limestone coastline and rich maritime history. Once a busy port for fishing and shipping wool, it’s now a quiet seaside destination famous for rock lobsters, and scenic walking trails. The town has a relaxed, friendly feel and is popular with holiday makers. Lunch was at Port MacDonnell’s Salt Café and Bar, which certainly delivered on yumminess and service. Sampling the delicious (and award-winning) Sinkhole Gin was a highlight.
A swim at the main beach came next and was absolutely freezing. Luckily, the many bluebottles in the water went unnoticed until afterward or I wouldn’t have gone in!
A drive around the Limestone Coast led toward Cape Northumberland. This area marks South Australia’s southernmost point and is one of the state’s most rugged coastal landscapes. The cape has a long maritime history, with shipwrecks scattered along the coastline due to treacherous reefs and unpredictable weather. Dramatic cliffs and the pounding Southern Ocean created a wild, remote atmosphere.
The final coastal stop was The Penguins, a well-known local rock formation large limestone penguin sculptures near the entrance to town (popular photo spots, sometimes decorated!) and homage to the natural colony of Little (Fairy) Penguins found at nearby Cape Northumberland, where visitors can spot them returning at dusk or dawn from a viewing platform. It’s a fun, quirky local landmark and a genuine wildlife viewing opportunity.
Back in Mount Gambier, time was taken to freshen up before heading to the Woolstore Brewery. Set in a beautifully restored historic wool storage building, the venue blends old-world charm with modern brewing. The beer lineup was impressive, as was the merchandise on offer.
Dinner was enjoyed at the Mount Gambier Hotel, followed by a nightcap at the Mount Gambier Brewery to round out a very enjoyable day.
Here are some of my favourite pictures from Day 2…
Calm Before The Storm
It’s eerily quiet here today.
The smoke haze that has been choking Canberra for the last five weeks, has continued to thicken and wrap its fingers around my suburb. The New Year’s Eve fires have seen to that.
The visibility is poor. The worst it has been. Now I can’t even see past the edge of my street.
The air quality index is 25 times that of “hazardous level”.
But, putting up with this, is better than the alternative – the origin of the smoke.
The devastation is unfathomable. Towns I holidayed in as a teen –
are simply gone.
Thousands of people are displaced, homeless, desperate and despairing. My eyes are glued to the constant updates coming from the TV.
Their images like an apocalyptic hell.
My heart cannot bear it.
I feel so helpless. And so I just wait.
Watch.
Listen.
Be alert.
Act if I need to.
My bag is packed. I have supplies.
Tomorrow is meant to be the worst day yet.
All I can do is pray.
My eternal thanks and gratitude go to the emergency services and volunteers who are doing their best, in this unfair battle.
True heroes.
Communities are rallying to send supplies to those in need.
Us Aussies look out for each other.
I really hope that this is not just the calm before the storm.
We need RAIN…
not more thunder and lightning.
Stay safe everyone on the east coast of NSW and VIC.
Summer’s Coming
Golden
glow warms
my pale skin.
What’s this alien feeling?
Sunshine.
By Sarah ©2017
Image credit By Sarah ©2017
Prompt: Mindlovemisery’s Menagerie, Saturday Mix, Lucky Dip – 23 September 2017; and also, Sammi Cox, A Month Of Mini Writing Challenges, Day 23. Task: Write a poem about an alien. Any length.
Cooked
laser beam sunshine
searing my flesh like a steak
soothe me, summer wind.
By Sarah ©2017
Prompt: summer wind, Source: MLMM Heeding Haiku with Chèvrefeuille
Image: PublicDomainPictures.net
By Sarah 