I paid a quick visit to one of my favourite spots in the RIverland today.  The campsite I am about to mention is inside a Reserve managed by National Parks.  It only costs $6 a night to camp (per vehicle) and there is a rubbish cage near the entrance.  I arrived to find rubbish all over the place.  There was an old blue tarp, full of holes, left bundled up on an old wall (part of a ruined old farmhouse).  A camp chair had been burnt and the charred framed left standing.  There is place for a campfire, but this had been filled with ash, so another (larger) fire had been started about 3 metres away and a big pile of ash left there too.  Another smaller fire had been lit near the waters edge.  Tin cans and foil had been left in all three fires.  There were other bits of rubbish lying around and I found numerous empty drink cans and bottles well away from the site.  All this was bad enough, but the thing that made me quite angry was the fact that they had cut down three young Eucalypt trees for firewood.  They had hacked them with an axe and also had a go at a larger tree.  There is not much shade here as it is and these three trees, when larger, would have provided significant shelter.  That is two sites in this park that have been damaged in the last year, both quite extensively.  The authorities will close it if this continues and it's a lovely spot.

One of the small trees.........

And the larger tree they had a go at.

Having just returned from a 2 night trip to the River Murray near Renmark, I was vividly reminded how cold it can get out there in winter.  Just before dawn on the first morning it was -3C.  About the same time the next morning it was -5C.  There was ice all over the car and the top of the camper.  The water in one of the plastic containers had frozen solid and there was ice in the others.  Rarely do we need the fire in the mornings, but we had to get it going again this time.  Luckily I had just bought a -10C rated sleeping bag and took it thinking that I might be too warm.  Just as well.  It just reiterated how important it is to keep warm.  It would have been a miserable trip with two sleepless nights to cope with.  We have a comfortable mattress on top of the "bed" in the camper trailer which is fine by itself in kinder weather.  But when it is this cold, it's necessary to put an insulated self inflating mattress underneath it.  Otherwise the cold seeps through and, even with the -10C sleeping bag, you will feel the cold on parts of your body like the hips and shoulders.  On the plus side, the days in winter can be sunny and very calm, as was the case on this trip.  The River looks lovely at this time of year and there is plenty of bird and other wildlife around.  Less people too.

Thought it was a bit colder than usual - River Murray in winter.

Bit misty too

There are times when it's not possible to find the time to take a night or two camping.  Thankfully, in South Australia we are lucky to have access to a few parks that are a coformfortable drive away and provide some interesting flora and fauna.  I recently visited Spring Gully Conservation Park near Clare.  It's a beautiful park with a rugged landscape, the last haven for the Red Stringybark in this State.  Other parks like Para Wirra National Park, Belair National Park, Cox Scrub Conservation Park, Cleland Conservation Park and numerous others, all provide the ideal opportunity for a day trip. 

 

You can't camp at Cox Scrub, but it's a great spot for walking and birdwatching.

Fees have gone up.  It will now cost $8.50 (up from $8.00) to get into most National Parks like Innes, Lincoln and Coffin Bay.  Per night fees for most campgrounds within Conservation and National Parks has risen from $5 to $6.  In a nutshell, no matter which Park you visit, you'll pay a bit more to enter (if required) and camp.  Mind you, it' could be worse. 

Surfers Camp carpark and campground inside the Innes National Park is closed "periodically" until 30/6/10.  It's being upgraded.  The campground at Pondalowie is still open though, so I guess you can camp there and walk along the beach to the surf break.....a fair old walk though!

Fishing or Murray Cod in South Australia has been banned for 2010.  The official closed season is from January 1st, 2010 until December 31st, 2010 inclusive.

Browns Beach is still suffering from some unsightly rubbish being left on the beach.  Recently I walked along the beach and found an amount of broken glass along the water's edge.  The jagged edges were facing up and the pieces were in a line.  It looked as if they were deliberately placed there.  I hope not.  Along with the glass were the usual empty beer cans and bait packets.  I picked up a heap of stuff, but there was plenty left.  As I've mentioned before, the authorities will close the beach if it gets too bad.

Recent visitiors to Innes National Park on Yorke Peninsula may have noticed that there are no longer any rubbish collection points within the park.  Visitors will now have to bring out all their rubbish and deposit it at Stenhouse Bay, near the general store.  There were fears that the rubbish points were attracting bees, ticks and flies and may have detracted a little from the whole camping experience.

A section of the Coorong National Park, specifically a section of the Southern Ocean Beach, has been off limits since May, 2009.  The reason stated was for safety reasons as bad weather had caused some erosion problems on the beach.  There has still been no update and the section (3.5 km north of Tea Tree Crossing to 7 km south of Tea Tree Crossing) is still closed, effectively ruling out the crossing altogether for access to the beach.  Contact person for this closure is listed as Simon Oster, District Ranger, Coorong & Lakes Ph: 0428 817 158

Having recently returned from what was meant to be a two night trip to the RIverland, I can tell you that the mosquitoes are in fine form.  We stopped at a spot near Morgan in the middle of the day and they were numerous, but not too bad.  We decided not to camp here, but moved to Moorook Game Reserve.  A beuatiful spot, and numerous excellent camping areas, but, at three in the afternoon, there were clouds of mossies.  A move to Loch Luna Game Reserve brought relief from the annoying swarms - but not for long.  At around dusk they hit us.  It is the first time I have actually stopped what I am doing and run off as a cloud of them attacked from all angles.  Repellant and coils made no difference.  We opened the screen to the camper trailer tent and dived in, leaving millions of the little b......s buzzing outside.  We woke early in the morning to be confronted by similar hordes.  They dispersed significantly during the day, but if you were in sheltered spot out of the wind, they attacked again.  Despite the lovely weather and surroundings, my son asked to go home before night descended and we were eaten again.  An unusual request from him - he normally does not want to go home.  I don't know why there are so many, maybe the recent rainfall up that way has helped the population explosion, but be prepared.

Keeping Cool

Camping in summer in South Australia can be a tad uncomfortable.  A few days in a row of temperatures in the high thirties, or worse, can really knock you about.  Quite a few people have their favourite spots to head to during the summer, and have learnt to cope with the heat.  The River Murray isn't too bad if you can find a safe spot to swim and cool off.  Remember though, that Riverland temperatures are usually two or three degrees warmer than Adelaide's forecast, sometimes more.  Anywhere near the ocean is usually a bit cooler and there is nearly always a sea breeze in the afternoons.  The south-east area is great in the summer.  Wherever you are, make sure you have plenty of shade and drink lots of water. 

Camping anywhere in the northern parts of the State during summer is extremely uncomfortable and can be dangerous due to the heat.  If heading north, it's probably best to stay in a caravan park or similar, where you are guaranteed water and shade.

Often it is necessary to take your own shade, as trees at campsites are not always big enough to provide any.  If there is any sort of breeze, you can easily cope by sitting in the shade with a cool drink.  Don't do anything else during the hot hours of the day.  On a recent trip to the RIver, we spent most of the day sitting up to our necks in the water.  If you feel the need to do something, don't spend too long in the sun. 

Take as much water with you as you can and drink it often.  Also make sure you have enough to wash with; nothing will rejuvenate you faster than a nice shower after a hot day.

Putting up with the heat is sometimes necessary, but the early mornings and evenings at just about any location during the summer are great.  It's cooler, the light is perfect and there is usually no breeze, so water is flat calm.  The perfect atmosphere. 

Early morning and the kids are already in. 

The picture below shows Carp swimming against the out pour of water from the Chambers Creek/wetlands into Lake Bonney.  There were dozens of them, all only a few feet from shore and all around the 2 - 3kg mark.  If you had a net, you could easily have scooped a few up.  However, there is no fishing allowed within 150 metres of the carp gates, and these fish are on the Lake Bonney side, within about 20 metres of the gates.  There was a mini skip alongside this narrow stretch of water and it contained about 2 dozen carp - the proceeds of the carp gates maybe?

A few years back, my son and I stumbled upon a lovely little spot on the banks of a backwater in the Riverland.  It is a small finger of land surrounded by water on three sides.  At the end, there is a grassy hill that slopes down to open water on one side.  It is quite secluded and the entrance to it is obscured by bush.  We have just returned after camping nearby for the last couple of days.  Whilst it is still a great spot, the last lot of visitors have left their mark.  For some reason, they thought it necessary to dig a hole right in the middle of the grassy area.  The hole is about a metre in diameter and about 40 cm deep.  The entire embankmant is only about 2 metres wide, so it is a significant hole.  They didn't fill it in and who knows what they did with the dirt from the hole (into the river I assume).  They left bits of rubbish all over the place and drew on every tree surrounding the place with such thought provoking statements such as "I was 'ere" and "Joany loves Potsy" (not their real names).  To top it all off, it appears that, to get to the spot, instead of following the narrow footpath that leads through the bush to it, they have driven a vehicle through the scrub, alongside the reed beds. and up onto the embankment.  It's got me beat how they even thought to take a car through there.  This would have saved them a walk of about 30 metres.  Oh well, it takes all kinds I suppose.  Please see my completely obvious but mildly amusing etiquette page to avoid turning into such like wallies.  Etiquette

There is more water around the Chambers Creek/Loch Luna area (Loch Luna above) than there has been for quite some time.  Saw water flowing back into Lake Bonney on 9/10/09, with the "carp gates" fully operational.  Good to see a bit of water lying around at last, and it's especailly nice to see Lake Bonney on the receiving end.  There is a little bit of information here http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2009/09/23/2694337.htm about the lake and water flows etc.

From time to time it's necessary for the Department for Environment and Heritage to close certain Parks within the State.  Usually it's only for a couple of days whilst they spray weeds, shoot feral animals or repair damage caused.  Sometimes the closure may be prolonged to protect a plant or animal species.  For information on Park closures or fire restrictions, please visit http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/visitor/parkclose.html

I have written a bit about Kangaroo Island, but my waffling does not really do it justice.  There is heaps of information out there about the Island and it's attractions, accomodation and how to get there,  This link will get you started http://www.tourkangarooisland.com.au/

A couple of people have emailed stating their intentions to head for the river for a few days camping.  Lucky buggers.  Now it's Spring at last, the carp will be spawning soon.  Once again, I'll be sneaking around the backwaters trying to catch a carp over 1 metre long.  The closest I've come is 75 cm (and there's been a few that length - can't catch any bigger).  Good fun trying though.

I recently visited Walker Flat on the River Murray.  Years ago, my friends and I camped alongside a creek just north of where the boat ramp is now.  We caught Redfin and Callop in the creek, along with the ever present carp.  The creek has now dried up, which has led to the large, shallow backwater that was always a feature of the place, also drying up.  There is a warning sign at the boat ramp stating "4WD's are recommended" due to the low water levels  -  At Clayton Bay, a regular haunt for my brother and I when we were kids (our grandparents lived there), they have built a bloody great "breakwater" across the river to help with the problem of acidity in the lower lakes.  This has ruined the spot completely  -  There are similar stories at places right along the Murray.  I don't know what the solution is, but it seems that improper use of the River's resource further upstream has had an incredibly detrimental effect on water flows in our State  -  The last time I remember the River flooding was in the early 90's.  It hasn't happened since, so what has changed?  Is it entirely environmental or has there been an increase in the use of the River's water for such schemes as cotton and rice farming? 

Pondalowie Camping Ground within the Innes National Park has been upgraded.  There is more room for caravans and camper trailers and the sites are better screened from one another.  Camp fires are now prohibited here all year round. 

If camping at Burra Creek Gorge (or Worlds End Gorge), please be aware that solid fuel fires are not allowed.  This applies at all times, not just Fire Danger Season.  Bit of a shame, but there you go.  Nearby Redbanks and Caroona Creek Conservation Parks also have no fires year round.  See http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/visitor/fire.html and click on the Fire Restrictions link.

Entry fee into National Parks like Innes, Port Lincoln, Coffin Bay, Mount Remarkable etc is $8 per car.  Only a slight increase.  Most basic camping sites are still only $5 a night (per car).

Bag limit for Razorfish is 25 per person per day (75 boat limit if three or more people on board).

Tourille Gorge is in Caroona Creek Conservation Park.  The photos don't do it justice, but it has to be seen.  These were taken a few days ago, so it's still very dry.  It would be truly spectacular with water running.

 

 The swimming area at Point Turton has been improved.  The area has been roped off and marked with buoys and three diving/jumping platforms have been added.  A favourite with the kids.  All platforms are set above sandy areas, the two furthest out are in quite deep water.

Feral bees within the Innes Natioal Park have been a pain in the proverbial for the last few years, and the problem continues.  On a recent trip to Gym Beach, any moisture anywhere was pounced upon, particularly in the morning and late afternoon.  I left a tub of water uncovered and when I returned to the campsite, it was covered with hundreds of the little buggers.  So many, that the entire water surface was covered.  Photo below shows the roof of my car.  About half an hour later, there were double the amount of bees.  They were after the dew.  Bees are only a problem in the warmer months, particularly Summer.

If travelling to National Parks and Conservation Parks with self registration stations, correct money will be needed.  Current prices for camping and entry into such parks can be found at the Department of Environment and Heritage website, listed as a link below.

A few of our beloved fish have been given new common names.  The common name for Tommies is now "Australian Herring".  Salmon and Salmon Trout will now be known as "Australian Salmon".  Callop are to be called "Golden Perch" and Goolwa Cockles are now "Pipi's".

 

 

Department of Primary Industries and Resources SA (PIRSA) - http://www.pir.sa.gov.au/

Department of Environment and Heritage (National Parks) - http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/

Yorke Peninsula District Council (for info. regarding camping in areas outside of parks) - http://www.yorke.sa.gov.au/

Travel Australia site - www.totaltravel.com

Weather information - http://www.bom.gov.au/weather/

 Tide information (Australia wide) - http://www.bom.gov.au/oceanography/tides/