It didnt take long to pack up camp and we were on our way along the coastline north looking for the elusive campsite by the sea.

Our first stop was Locks Well. No camping here but there is a couple of hundred steps to the beach which the kids went down and drew some large letters on the beach.

Heading further north we came across Elliston, stopping for lunch at the Elliston Bakery (well worth the stop). After taking in the sights of Elliston, a quick trip around the Great Ocean Tourist Drive where there are a large number of sculptures atop the cliffs (and of course some geocaches).

The next seaside campground was Walkers Rock but once again this one was full. This was a nice beach and we would head back here later in the week.

Moving further north along the coast and the campground book said there was some camping at Tahlia Beach. But when we got there, the sign said no camping. Thats OK we checked out the Tub, Woolshed Cave and Tahlia Beach. Not a bad spot at all.

Not far from Tahlia Beach was Coodlie Park. Coodlie Park is a farm retreat with bush camping and its own beaches (albeit a bit of a drive to get to them). The bush camp had a flushing toilet, a bush shower and we were the only ones there. This was a perfect campsite even if it wasn’t next to the beach.

The owner is Hassie and there is nothing he wont do for you and all this for $9 a night per car ($3 for a shower at the homestead).

After setting up camp, having an early tea, it was time to head to “Cliff Beach” (well that is what we called it). All made it down the “stairs” to the beach except for Justine – she just couldn’t do it.

This beach was sheltered from the strong winds at the top of the cliff and had a lot of amazing rock pools with crabs which kept the kids busy.

After watching the sunset, it was back to camp to prepare for a bush “New Years Eve”. Due to a fire ban today, there was no campfire but we did have sparklers and poppers. We were a little early on the countdown but it did allow us to hear the fireworks from Venus Bay at midnight.

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Each January School holidays a group of local Scout families take to the roads and take in a part of this expansive land. We trekked to the High Country of Victoria two years ago and were planning to do some more of the High Country this year.

Unfortunately due to job issues and holiday issues, the plan was changed to go to the West Coast of South Australia to maximise time in the regions and lose two travel days.

Today us and the Hattons hit the road. It was meant to be a two day drive across to Sheringa but due to the heat it was decided to travel the whole way across. The trip took in Port Augusta, Kimba ending up at Sheringa Beach around 7:30 pm.

The campground by the beach was full, had an interesting aroma and was fairly windy, so we went back to Round Lake campground on the other side of the dunes which was empty.

The dunes made a great backdrop and the kids went for a run but we called them back as they were also being used by quad bikes with little regard to anyone else. Between the quads and the bugs we found during the night, this campground was only going to be for the night before heading north to find another spot.

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