Journal

It’s one of those things that continues to intrigue us… the famous lighthouses on our coastline, that even after a hundred years or so, continue to operate and guide our seafarers home. If you’re visiting the famous lighthouse at Port Nelson, a lovely way to cap off the views, the rumbling coastline, the ferocious waves and those winds that never seem to cease.

You can stay overnight if you wish and wake up to whales surfing the coast during the winter months or just stop by and admire the view and the power of the ocean.

When it’s done and dusted though, you can warm up, or cool down at Isabella’s Café and settle into a cosy couch and relax while you unwind. If you prefer it too, ask for your coffee or tea in a mug – it’s so much nicer to hold than a glass, in my honest opinion.

Take in the sights Victoria’s coastline has to offer. Rather speccy really!

It’s a classic stopover… it’s a mandatory visit.. it’s Hahndorf in South Australia. With a reputation for fine food, heritage, great pubs, German flavours and beautiful bakeries, souvenirs and gorgeous Autumn shades at that time of the year, Hahndorf offers you an array of choices.

Parking is not always easy and you can get spaces up to 3 hours, but it’s a popular place, so get there early and sample your way down their gourmet smorgasbord of shops. Right at the southern end of the main drag you’ll find Otto’s Bakery. Ohhhhh…. the choices! One of everything thanks!

If you’re searching for that perfect apple or apricot pie that looks like something you’d like to rest your head on ;)….

Or you can settle for that little extra bit of sustenance… looks simple and chunky… but it’s sweet, crunchy, mildly chocolately and irresistible – their Nut slice. Defo a must!

Eat in or take-away, you won’t be disappointed. Definitely a return visit on the agenda… that’s if we don’t fill up on all of the other gourmet delights first!

While you’re touring around the wine regions south of Adelaide in South Australia, you will no doubt visit McLaren Vale. There are an eclectic group of boutique shops, providores and cafes and you can’t go past Bracegirdles.

With options to sit outside, al fresco or inside, Bracegirdles will certainly make sure you’re seated in comfort and offer you a breakfast menu too without a serving-time limit. Perfect! What else, but a burger or smashed avo, right?

Then of course there’s dessert! No matter what time of day, you can walk away with one or a hundred chocolates… such a selection! Gift boxes, individually wrapped yummies or just pick up a sample gobble for yourself.

And… after all that indulgence you need something just as delectable to wash it all down right? Nothing goes past a fluffy, creamy chai. Coffee, sure, but chai – definitely!

When you holiday somewhere in Oz, you can order in, go out for take-away, sample the international cuisine – all delicious! Or… you can test out your bog standard meal at the local.

Yankalilla Pub in South Australia has all the trimmings. Great service and great food is what you’ll find when you walk in to this pub. Sure, there’s the traditional fare on offer but you can’t go past the traditional parma hey? Scrummy, crunchy goodness, oozing with cheese and a super tasty tomato sauce. Definitely a must-try.

Then again, if parma is not your bag, then you could go for the local YFC (Yankalilla Fried Chicken). Their own special recipe outdoes a certain colonel’s IMHO. Crunchy, herby, tasty and yummy, moist chicken served with a side salad that kind of pales into insignificance once you’ve taken a bite of the chicken.

Most definitely worth dining there, at least once.

We can’t resist those old fish and chips huh? Now there are fish and chips and there are FISH and CHIPS! When you’re close to a local port where you see the fisherman offloading and cleaning their fish and the seagulls hover and the seals keep bobbing up and down in the water alongside the pier, you know you’re getting something pretty fresh!

Once it makes it to the local fish and chips shop, well…. it’s the best around! An excellent choice.

The juiciest fish, the crispiest chips and the mandatory dimmie! Nothing more to say really… except you get the local news with it – when only the best will do.

Drop in and make your choice at Henty St Fish ‘n Grill, Portland, Victoria.