North of Balgowan, late afternoon.

Only about 175 kilometres from Adelaide, Balgowan is on the western side of the Peninsula between Moonta and Port Victoria.  It's a very small town, but has a general store and small caravan park/camping area on the foreshore.  It is a very quiet spot.

There is a dirt road heading north from the town.  The road is quite suitable for 2WD vehicles and those towing caravans would have no trouble along here.  There are several camping sites just above the beach along this stretch.  There are no facilities at all; it is very basic camping.  The sites are haphazardly located, but are obvious.  Most are areas that lead off of the road onto the low coastal dunes. 

I have camped in the same spot a few times due to its location.  It is right above the beach and there is a reef which runs straight out, exposed at low tide.  It's a great spot, and the water is pristine, suitable for swimming and fishing.  There is usually a very small swell running, but with care, the kids could swim there.  As can be seen from the photo, there is plenty of beach, backed by low red cliffs.

Tent pegs designed to hold in sand are beneficial here, but not essential.  Traditional pegs will hold the tent down, as long as it doesn't come up too windy.

Autumn and Spring are the best times of year.  In Winter you will be hit with nasty southerly winds.  In Summer you are likely to cook slowly.  There is no shelter to speak of.  The vegetation is low coastal heath with no trees.

You won't see many kangaroos or emus here.  There is only a narrow strip of native vegetation between the beach and farmland.  I have seen quite a few Wedgetail Eagles here though.

You can expect to catch tommies and small salmon from the beach and mullet are about in good numbers in Autumn.

It's not a national park here so you can take the dog, but consider other people (if there are any about).  Campfires are allowed except during Fire Danger Season which is typically 1st of November until 30th of April.  This sometimes varies marginally, but if you stick with the above-mentioned dates you will be ok.  Bring your own firewood.

A nice little spot within a comfortable driving distance of Adelaide.