Change of plans

Our next stop was supposed to be the Clare Valley north of Adelaide. But kids aren’t that interested in wine tastings. Claudia, who compared to me is a more “outdoorsy” person, finds a winery near Mount Remarkable National Park that offers best of all worlds: camping on their grounds; hiking in the national park; wine tasting in the evening. Plus the added benefit of a shorter drive.

At closer inspection it unfortunately turns out that this winery doesn’t cut it. But we  nonetheless decide to stay in the region, the Southern Flinders Ranges, in Melrose, a tiny village (population 200) that prides itself of being the oldest settlement in the area. Indeed it is a beautiful spot with two historic pubs, a nice café in an old bank building, and all the essential stores that cater for your everyday needs. The area seems to be a mountain biking Mecca, and a high-calibre bike shop compliments the offering.

Niklas and Jonas make new friends on the campsite’s playground and get invited over to play dates. You have to keep the kids happy! :-)

We all start hiking up Mount Remarkable. Half way up its (rather gentle) slope, after a lunch break with a view over the grassy plains that are dotted with sheep the family returns to the campsite.

Geometry

Only I continue the climb. At the summit, I get rewarded with views of the Southern Ocean and Eyre Peninsula in the far distance.

[Melrose, 18.-20. September]