Our Big Trip of OZ - 24/09/11 - ~16/01/12: Thursday 10th Nov – Monday 14th Nov – “Big City, Big 4, Big parade and Big to do”!

Thursday, and finally we arrived in Adelaide. The boys were so excited because we were staying at the “Big 4 Adelaide shores Caravan Park” – which had been recommended by lots we knew – and it was a great spot and a great park with lots for the boys to do (table tennis, jumping pillow, swimming pool which was too cold, a beach only a walk away, table tennis and did I mention table tennis – a new found sport the boys just love). Oh and it was close to the airport so the boys were entertained by identifying the planes and watching the jet streams. And for Karen, it was just a drive from Harbour town shopping centre. Being so close, Mark’s mum Sylvia decided to fly down and have a weekend with us. So now we had five in our jayco – a real test for comfort and one we survived.

So now all set up what did we do. Once again our timing was just perfect. Adelaide’s Xmas Pageant was on Saturday so off we went at 7am to get a great spot (the pageant did not start until 9.30am) and it worked – the boys and Mark scored front row sitting on a gutter and for the boys it was just magic. We had never seen a parade like it. After that we visited Carrick House so Scott could see a mansion and then tiky-toured around the Adelaide hills visiting Hahndorf and other towns. We found this a beautiful piece of country side that we have both decided we need to revisit it taking more time, and come back when stone fruits and cherries are in full season!!!!

Sunday 13^th November – Barossa valley here we come. However first we had to do a deal with the boys and their patience so we took them to the Beach House in Glenelg. So much fun – we paid $25 for each of the boys for 2 hours of non-stop fun going down water slides, riding bumper cars and playing on game alley machines. They were running around like dogs on heat trying to get in as much as they could. I think they went on the bumper cars about 8 times as they worked out this was the best value (and will never get this opp again to just ride and ride and ride).

So then we headed up to the Barossa, drove around, had lunch in one of the local pubs, visited Jacobs Creek Winery (which Mark’s uncle used to co-own years ago), and of course a little wine tasting as you do. Oh and I forgot, we went to Maggie Beer’s Farmshop – she makes a very tasty pate which we splurged on to have for dinner with some wine. Once again, this is just beautiful countryside, however, our next visit will be without kids so we can enjoy the wineries more. Kids just don’t understand why it is important to try before you buy and of course to them one vineyard looks just like another.

Monday morning (14^th Nov) grandma was back on the plane and we were off “on the road again”. So that was our whirlwind trip of Adelaide – a city we loved and want to go back and visit with lots more time!