Mutonia Sculpture Park, Oodnadatta Track, SA

Mutonia Sculpture Park, Oodnadatta Track, SA

by | Nov 27, 2021 | Adventures, Destinations, Experiences, Miriams Moments

Is this the most bizarre park in Australia? We think so. It was so strange, we couldn’t figure it out!

Talk about a random way to end our epic adventures along the Oodnadatta Track. ‘Rust in Peace’ … retired mechanic now artist Robin Cooke has quite the sense of humour! He started the park back in 1997 and has been ‘wowing’ (and confusing) travelers ever since. I did read that he returns with a new sculpture every year! I’m not sure how current that info was though. Quite a few of the sculptures here now look like they need a little tender loving … repairing! All of the sculptures are made from recycled rubbish, and there are no information signs, so it’s up to the individual to guess sculpture names and figure out what they might mean. 

This is the brilliantly weird Mutonia Sculpture Park in Alberrie Creek, 30 km west from Marree along the Oodnadatta track in South Australia. It used to be a railway siding on the Old Ghan line. But no trains live here any more. Nope – this is all about planes. And a bus, a car, a windmill, a dragonfly … ok. It has lots of stuff – just no trains that we could see. 

We parked up and headed off exploring the creative randomness that was all over the place. And while we were there, numerous others pulled up, had a quick look at few pieces of art near the gate then left! What? Nooooo! Just keep walking – at least until you get to the Love Bus (named by Chris♥️). It has ‘GHAN’ HOVER BUS SERVICE painted on the side and a (real) rabbits head, amongst other things, inside. 

Stone Henge, the Time Tree (that follows the cycle of the moon), a Windmill Flower, a lady bug, and plenty of other artistic bizarreness is waiting for you when you head off on your own Oodnadatta adventure! 

Have you stopped by the Mutonia Sculpture Park? If so, what did you think? Leave us a comment below!

The Secret to Successful On Road Living!

The Secret to Successful On Road Living!

by | Sep 27, 2021 | Miriams Moments

A daily routine holds the secret to living life on the road successfully and in an anything but boring way.

When we first hit the road as full-time travellers, it was, as some had told me it would be, a challenge. I always had a set routine at home, and I loved it, but once that changed, once I no longer had to be at work (teaching fitness classes) at a certain time each day and instead had the freedom to do what I wanted, whenever I wanted to, it could have been easy to slip into that, it feels like I’m on a permanent holiday mode. And that’s fine… if you don’t eat, relax, sleep and party like you’re on holiday 😂

Here’s the thing though, your life won’t change until you change something you do daily. Repeat that. And again, until it sinks in. You can’t continue to live like you are permanently on holiday and expect your life to change—you have to change something. Routine and being consistent go together; but being consistent and being perfect are not the same thing, so ditch any idea you have that having a routine and being consistent means living a boring and perfect life. Below are some examples of how you can sabotage yourself if you think it’s not worth doing something unless you do it perfectly:

  • Trying to lose a few kilos? It’s easy to brainwash yourself that if you don’t follow your diet perfectly, then you’ve failed.
  • Aiming to meditate each day? Stressing because you missed a day is worse than actually missing the day!
  • Trying to improve your fitness levels? You can quickly convince yourself that you must push yourself to exhaustion every day, which is just not true.

In other words, it’s easy to confuse being consistent with being perfect. Cutting yourself some slack is important and there is a lot of evidence that shows that missing a day has no measurable impact on your long-term success—no matter what habit you are working on.

It can be hard to stick to a set routine when living in a caravan and traveling full time, and mine depends on where we are and what we are doing that day. I always try my best because when I stick to it, the day—and my sleep—are so much better. So, when you are travelling, the routine becomes more about what you do than when you do it.

It is always so easy to make excuses. I’ve been a Personal Trainer for a while now, and I’m pretty sure I’ve heard them ALL! My mum says the same thing. She is an author and a psychotherapist and says she could write a book called ‘Yes, But…!’ I laughed when I heard that as I had thought of writing a coffee-table book of excuses given to me by clients!

Healthy habits make living well possible, and usually full-time travellers choose that lifestyle because we want to live well and make the most of our life. But building healthy habits so we get the most out of this amazing lifestyle starts with changing even one thing a day.

We are all different and will choose to start and end our day differently, but however we choose to do it, we can incorporate things that will enhance health and make life on the road that much more enjoyable. Most days my mornings and evening usually look a little like this:

MY MORNING ROUTINE:

  • Wake up preferably with the sun
  • Read my bible for 15 minutes (also practising gratitude, meditating etc)
  • Check message on socials for 15 minutes (limited time)
  • Have a vitamin/supplement shake (not protein shake)
  • Get my exercise gear on and work out—inside or outside, depending on where we are.

Then I do what the day needs me to do, but make sure I wind down in the evening.

 MY EVENING ROUTINE:

  • Two hours before sleep, turn all the bright lights out and don’t turn them back on (to relax my brain/mind) — leave the blue lights on
  • No more screen time!
  • Do a 10–20-minute gentle yoga/stretch session
  • Spend 20-30 minutes on my Shakti acupressure mat listening to a meditation or relaxing music
  • Read for 30-60 minutes.

Of course, sometimes things happen, and I can’t do everything—but I aim to achieve these things every day and when I do, I feel so much better!

I also try to do these things every day:

  • Move for two minutes every hour as my Apple Watch tells me to
  • Enjoy the fresh air (reading, riding, hiking, swimming—anything, as long as it’s outside)
  • Practise intermittent fasting
  • Follow a low-carb diet
  • Drink enough water (I’m terrible at this!)
  • Improve my gut health—drink kombucha and kefir every day (I make my own)
  • Tell everyone I care about that I love them.

So, there you have it! A few things that are part of my daily routine. What’s in yours? Leave me a comment below 🥰

Top 5 Places to visit Between Sydney and the Sunshine Coast

Top 5 Places to visit Between Sydney and the Sunshine Coast

by | Sep 16, 2021 | Adventures, Destinations, Destinations Couples, Destinations Family, Miriams Moments

It‘s always hard to choose which Top 5 Places will make the cut when putting together a guide such as this.  This whole incredible coastline is well worth exploring but when you only have time to visit one or two places, we feel that the following are standouts. I hope this gives you a little bit of inspiration when you plan your next road trip between Sydney and the Sunny Coast.

1. South West Rocks, NSW

  • Explore Southwest Rocks, a quiet, laid back coastal town that is often skipped by holidaymakers. There are plenty of options for accommodation, beautiful foreshores and beaches and those infamous Norfolk pines.
  • Trial Bay Gaol, Arakoon. A great place for a day trip or to pull up and camp.
    • Tour the historic ruins of the gaol.
    • Hang out at the beach fishing, snorkelling, surfing, watching whales and dolphins.
    • There are plenty of great walking tracks in the area ranging from 1.2 km to 20km.
    • Way Way Creek Road Drive/Ride. A 17km loop that offers a leisurely scenic drive or a fun day of bike riding.
  • Smoky Cape Lighthouse, Hat Head National Park.
    • Climb the path to the heritage listed lighthouse and check out the stunning coastal views of Hat Head National Park.
    • Picnic or BBQ on the lush, grassy areas at the base of the lighthouse.
    • Whale watching, and bird watching is also popular here.
    • You can even book the Smoky Cape Lighthouse Keepers Cottage – self-contained cottages that once housed the light keepers and their families! These restored and re-purposed cottages sit right on the path to the lighthouse.

Check out the nearby ‘Heads’.

  • Hat Head
    • This area is great for beach fishing, rock fishing and deep-sea fishing.
    • Isolated beaches to the south are there for the more experienced surfers and the southern end of Hat Head is more suited for beginners.
    • Hat Head National Park is well worth exploring with its stunning walking tracks, incredible sand dunes and beautiful, clear lakes.
    • Snorkel in Hat Head Creek.
    • There is a great campground in between the ocean, river and national park.
  • Crescent Head
    • This is one of the most famous surf spots in all of Australia and is home to the annual Crescent Head Malibu Classic.
    • Killick Creek is great for young kids and families.
    • Beautiful beaches are everywhere around here! Try Point Plomer for surfing, Goolawah Beach for some ‘alone’ time and if the weather is right, Delicate Beach for snorkelling.
  • Scott’s Head
    • Great for young kids. With its calm waves and a large, sandy, patrolled (during Summer holidays) beach, it’s a favourite holiday destination for young families.
    • There are a number of surf spots with a variety of surf breaks.
    • Camping or Day Trips. There is a lovely camping and recreation reserve right by the beach with great amenities, fresh water, picnic tables and free gas BBQ’s.
    • Bushwalking
    • Fishing.

2. Coffs Harbour

 

  • The Promised Land, near Bellingen, NSW. This lush, peaceful and almost magical destination is a hidden gem in the Never Never region. Crystal clear creeks and waterholes, impressive mountains, rolling green hills and majestic homesteads make this perfect for swimming, relaxing, cycling or walking on the many trails.
  • If you have a couple of days to spare, you can do the Waterfall Way Drive. Check out our pre-planned trip on Campedia.

 

  • Moonee, another hidden gem not far from Coffs Harbour is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
    • Catch the tide as it flows out to the ocean by floating down Moonee Creek on a lilo. It takes a very relaxing three hours.
    • Explore Look At Me Headland. It’s an easy 1.6km hike with stunning views the whole way.
    • Surfing.
    • Fishing.
  • Orara East State Forest
    • Take in the sweeping panoramic views over Coffs Harbour and the surrounding mountains from the Forest Sky Pier, a 15-metre-high, 21-metre-long lookout jutting out over the forest below.
    • Coffs Treetops awaits those who want to ‘monkey around’ in the trees. Great for the kids!
    • Do one of the many rainforest walks ranging from 10 minutes to 3 hours. Tracks are well maintained and sign posted.

3.Black Rocks, Bundjalung National Park, NSW

Sand dunes, huge black rocks, perfect grassy campsites, and a spectacular coastline – this is Black Rocks, NSW – an incredible natural paradise about 60km north of Grafton.

  • Kayak along the beautiful tree-lined Jerusalem Creek, go for a walk and have a bite to eat in the Booroora Picnic Area. 4.6km one way.
  • Daytrip to Woody Head and/or Iluka, both spectacular places. If you have some extra time to spend in the area, Woody Head Campground is a favourite of ours. The beach is just beautiful!
  • Beach fishing on Ten Mile Beach.

4. Springbrook National Park

An ancient wonderland of rainforests, waterfalls, escarpments, rock formations and valleys just 45 minutes from the Gold Coast. You could easily spend a few days exploring here. Click here to see more.

 

  • Waterfalls
    • Purlingbrook Falls (4km)
    • Twin Falls Circuit (2 hours, 4km return)
  • Natural Bridge, a stunning rock formation with a small waterfall, is well known for its glow worms, fireflies and other wildlife. It’s a lovely walk but swimming is no longer permitted.
  • The Best of All Lookout surely does live up to its name. It’s more a question of ‘What can’t you see?’ than ‘What can you see?’ The dazzling Gold Coast Hinterland stretches right out to the Pacific Ocean and as far as Byron Bay; an extraordinary sweeping panorama of Queensland and New South Wales.
  • Springbrook State School, a heritage listed schoolhouse erected in 1911.

5.Cooloola Coast

The famous rainbow sands, endless sweeping beaches, freshwater lakes, towering sand dunes and crystal-clear waters keep beach lovers and campers returning enthusiastically to Rainbow Beach, Teewah Beach and Double Island Point. Located about two and a half hours drive north of Brisbane, this is the place to go for camping, surfing, fishing, digging up pippies, catching mud crabs, whale watching, boating and heaps of other water activities. Beach Driving and Camping Permits are required.

  • Double Island Point, which can be reached 2-3 hours either side of low tide is where the stunning scenery and many options for water activities make a really popular place to spend the day.
  • Take the 2.2km walk up to the Double Island Point Historic Lighthouse on the headland to take in the stunning 360 views. There is no accommodation and camping is not permitted at DI, so it’s day trips only. Don’t forget to check the tides!
  • Rainbow Beach with its famous, coloured sands, impressive Carlo Sand Blow and around 30km of beach is also a favourite holiday destination. There is plenty of accommodation to choose from including camping, resorts and beach houses.

 

As I mentioned at the beginning, the entire east coast is stunning and you could spend months, if not years enjoying all that it has to offer. I hope this has given you a glimpse into the endless possibilities  available to you! Please, let us know in the comments if you have been to any of these places and what are your favourite east coast holiday destinations. Happy exploring and safe travels!

Crocodile Harry – Coober Pedy’s Hugh Hefner!

Crocodile Harry – Coober Pedy’s Hugh Hefner!

by | Aug 6, 2021 | Adventures, Adventures Couples, Destinations, Destinations Couples, Experiences, Miriams Moments

WARNING! This is not the kind of attraction to drag the kids along too. Don’t get me wrong – they would probably love it, but, you would definitely have a whole lot of questionable questions being fired at you!

Coober Pedy’s legendary Crocodile Harry died in 2006 at age 81, but he sure has left a legacy behind. In a town as quirky as Coober Pedy where underground living and random stuff (junk) lying around is normal, it takes a site as insane as Crocodile Harry’s Underground Nest & Dugout to really stand out. 

When we arrived, it felt like we had pulled into the driveway of a home on some far away planet. We parked beside a rusty old combi with flat tyres that was covered in graffiti – Harry’s Hideout and For Harry from WA. Painted on the back of the van was a woman in a bikini lounging against a palm tree and on the side, a topless woman being embraced by a sunglasses wearing crocodile. Welcome to the Crocodile’s Nest!

As we walked into the front yard, we became surrounded by the bizarre … mounds of dirt with rusty bicycles, pots and pans, old bones made into ‘art’, old cars dug into the ground, cacti and, well, we didn’t know where to start!

Harry was a much-loved larrikin during his 31 years here in Coober Pedy and spinning a good yarn was something he loved to do. According to Harry, he was christened a baron in Latvia, fought in WWII where he was badly injured, and was even captured by the Americans at one point! He also claims that after the war he defected and fled to Australia in 1951 and that is when he started hunting crocodiles. Harry also claims to be the inspiration for Crocodile Dundee!

Just ask the locals who remember what life around here was like while Harry was partying with backpackers at his place. I have been told that this was a very popular hangout for the younger visitors to the area, and that the town just hasn’t been the same since his passing all those years ago.

The Crocodile’s Nest is six kilometres out of town and must be one of the weirdest places I’ve ever seen. It is filled with crude artwork, painting, graffiti, random objects, car parts, old school porn (VHS!), women’s underwear, photo albums, Harry’s personal belongings and tributes from thousands of people who visited during and after Harry’s life. Some of these random objects have been placed by visitors, but most were put there by Harry (Arvid) himself. The first thing you notice as you approach the front door is a hideous looking mermaid with a skull and large breasts. As you walk in, things just get crazier.

The place has been left as it was when Harry was there. Slide the drawers open and you’ll see Harry’s clothes. Have a look in the bathroom and his razor is still sitting there with bottle of soap. On his desk are cards, a typewriter, and framed photo of someone – maybe his dad?

Harry’s Dugout is so strangely unique it was used in a scene from the Mad Max movie, Beyond Thunderdome. This is what shot him to local legend status and the notorious womanizer began charging admission to visit his home.

Crocodile Harry has been recognized worldwide thanks to news articles, a documentary filmed in 1955 called Krokodiky Harijis (Crocodile Harry in Latvian), and the 2 books he wrote recording his early expeditions, Latvian Crocodile Hunter in Australia (1957) and Long After The Sun (1958). Legend has it that Harry killed as many as 10,000 crocodiles (some say 40,000) to sell for cash over his two decades as a croc poacher before retiring as an opal hunter and living in his underground home (dugout) in Coober Pedy.

I feel like I need to add that as he got older, he settled down a little and got married. OK, maybe settled down is a bit of a stretch! Harry first met Marta by letter after a photo of him without a shirt appeared in a German magazine. Women began writing to him and Marta was one of them. Even though she was married, Marta left her husband and moved to Coober Pedy, to live with Harry. As the many sculptures indicate, Harry was clearly a ‘boob man’ and at least one of these sculptures is of Marta who also contributed to some of the art in the dugout.

The couple was interviewed by the Australian Woman’s Weekly back in 1981, and had their picture snapped beside the big crocodile sculpture that’s still in the dugout today.

Thankfully Harry’s dugout remains and has been turned into a museum for curious visitors like us. And he hasn’t been forgotten in his hometown of Latvia either. There is a 2-tonne statue of a saltwater crocodile in his honour that many tourists find a bit odd. The Visit Dundaga website says:
The concrete sculpture by O. Skarainis was constructed in 1995 and this is a memory sign devoted to the strong men of Dundaga and a reminder about the adventures of the former Dundaga resident Arvīds Blūmentāls who was a traveller and a crocodile hunter in Australia. He hunted about 10 000 crocodiles at his place of residence and has been the prototype for the famous movie by Paul Hogan «Crocodile Dandy».

My conclusion is that Crocodile Harry was the crocodile hunting Hugh Hefner of Coober Pedy! If you decide to pop in for a visit, see if you can find where Aussie Destinations Unknown has been scraped into the wall (hint … naked white lady with chain 😉).

HOW TO GET THERE:

WHERE:

Located six kilometres west of Coober Pedy on the Seventeen Mile Road

Cost:

$7 contribution to an honesty box found on the kitchen bench, just inside the front door.

HOURS:

Open every day between 9 am-12 pm and 2 pm-6 pm.

BIG4 Caravan Park, Wye River, Great Ocean Road. VIC

BIG4 Caravan Park, Wye River, Great Ocean Road. VIC

by | Feb 28, 2021 | Caravan Parks, Caravan Parks, Destinations, Reviews

We couldn’t have picked a better place to hold our first Titanium Caravan Owners Rally. BIG4 Wye River Holiday Park is such a beautiful, large and well maintained park with lots of wildlife and grassy, open spaces.

The park is located in a lovely riverside valley with mountains behind, a babbling river running through, and a surf beach right across the road. There is also a general store and cafe right at the entrance to the park. We ordered pizzas, lasagne and salad for everyone from here and it was delicious!

Most of us are self contained in our vans, but I did go and check out the amenities which seemed pretty new! The laundry was awesome and the large washing machines and driers both cost just $3 a load.

The new camp kitchen was great! Fully enclosed and self contained with tables and a large fridge. There was no cutlery that we could find though – so be sure to take your own. There are also outdoor tables and bbq’s – some sites even have their own tables!

For the kids there is a games room, adventure playground, jumping pillow, go karts for hire plus plenty of walking and riding trails.

There are cabins and powered plus un-powered sites, it’s dog-friendly and has all the regular awesome stuff that BIG4’s often have. Live music, firepits for hire, fire wood for purchase, drive through sites, disabled bathroom and the list goes on.

Check out the website https://www.big4.com.au/caravan-parks/vic/great-ocean-road/wye-river-holiday-park for more info or to book. Say you heard about it from us and you never know they might give you the VIP treatment 😉

The best part of this park is most definitely the location. The Great Ocean Road is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular roads in Australia!