2ND APRIL 2013 - COFFIN BAY, EYRE PENINSULA,  SOUTH AUSTRALIA

No, this isn't a large cemetery - It was named after an Admiral Coffin, a close friend of Matthew Flinders who discovered this area.  Pretty little fishing village which reminds us of Pahi (only larger) & also farms  oysters.    Lots & lots of boats, I think everyone who lives here must own one.  We are heading for the National Park 20kms from the town for the cost of $8 per night + entry fee $8,  toilets onl provided.  Great sealed road all the way to our campsite, though there a lots of offroad campsites too. After settling in we do our usual exploration of the area, a large bay,  by taking one of the tracks over the hill to a lookout & then beyond to another Bay.  It actually wasn't all that interesting but we did see a couple of stingrays playing round in the water,  No other wildlife to be seen, very few birds.  In the afternoon we sat & recuperated then drove 20 minutes to Avoid Bay on the other side of the park.  What a beautiful spot, looking out to Golden Island (so called for the colour of the cliffs I guess).  Wonderful white sand & gentle surf (today) not unlike Northland.  The interesting thing was the cross currents caused by the island with waves coming in two different directions, & lovely white sand dunes.  There are several other beaches along this bay too but there is no camping for caravans anywhere on this side of the Peninsula - OK for surfies with tents though none were visible today.

Roos by Van

Golden Island (note opposing currents)

Back in camp we find a family of  4 kangaroos on our doorstep - two adults & a 2 young ones, obviously know there are people there to feed them at the end of the day.  It's tempting to do so but not the correct thing to do, though a little girl did come over with some lettuce which they ate.  Also a few little fairy wrens - they are so small & active & gorgeous.

An little overnight rain makes everything look refreshed & the sun is shining as we set off again next morning.  En route we actually see a blush of green on the paddocks but as it's fairly close to a large mountain I guess that may make a difference to what rain they get.?  There don't seem to be any rest areas to stop at for morning tea along this highway, so as the wind is behind us  (saving fuel again), we continue on, passing some large lakes called Hamilton.  There are also no roadside camping areas & the only stock we see are a few sheep, so dirty they could be mistaken for rocks in the paddock.   There are no towns either so it's a pretty boring  morning.   Although we are on the coast road there are large sand dunes preventing any view of the sea.  Artesian bores & windmills seem to be more evident here - it's a very, very dry area. The town of Elliston is reached for lunch beside the water, & I take the chance to catch up with some emails while I have the opportunity.  Elliston like nearly every place near the water here, has a very long historic jetty.
Caravans are more visible in numbers now, all with the same idea of a break from the boring drive.  We are conscious that it may be a good idea to find our overnight spot earlier today due & luckily we do find one by about 2.30pm (Eyre's Waterhole), a misnomer as there is no sign of water.  Although it  is quite roomy it is just as well as we are soon accompanied by about 6 others, all big rigs.   Peaceful night even though we are quite close to the road.

Sunrise from Van
 

Campsite from Lookout

White sandunes