After I left Hawker last time, I eventually ended up at Rawnsley Park campgrounds. I had been heading to Blinman but as the day had crept forward I decided not to risk travel on kangaroo roads in fading daylight. It was a good choice, as even though it was still school holidays the staff found me a relatively quiet powered site and we were undisturbed.
That afternoon, with a little time before sunset, Fred and I took a walk up a steep hill where we could view the landscape better. We weren’t the only ones up there.
Fred began making a great deal of noise about this…… and got told to shut it. I’ve figured out since that he thinks he’s protecting me from them, so have tackled his behaviour differently with reasonable success.
It was a steep climb and I was glad to stop and admire the view along the way. It also kept pulling me upwards…
Looking down on the campground below, in a north westerly direction. Beyond the buildings is a long stretch where bush campers can setup for lovely private views. There are also a couple of toilets along the way but aside from that campers need to be self sufficient. In season, campfires can be lit if you have your own wood supply. I’m certainly hoping to return there at some stage.
This shows Rawnsley Bluff and the little Eco Village – high class accommodation for the wealthy. There is a walk to the top of the bluff but I passed on that 🙂
Don’t think this land is only grey/greens. This Cassia lights up the landscape especially in the light of the setting sun.
The type of view I love – no houses! 🙂
It was time to return to camp while it was still daylight as I didn’t fancy finding my way down the steep rocky path in the dark. It was a nice conclusion to a lovely day of exploring. It was also forecast to be frosty overnight and we needed to prepare for that.
Next morning despite the freezing conditions, Fred and I were out exploring at sunrise. More on that next time.
Today we’re back in Hawker, about to head north to Parachilna. It has changed a lot since I was there last and I”m curious to see the changes. There’s also an art exhibition I’m wanting to see. There’s unusually some rain around and I figure I may as well be nice and warm in the van travelling as sitting somewhere chilly 🙂
Eremophila's Musings 
I’m enjoying your nomadic adventures!
Thanks Heather:-) Maybe can entice you over here sometime……..
I would love to. I’ve never been to that side of the world! Life goals 🙂
I’ll be really happy to show you around and put you in touch with others also! Start your planning 🙂
I was so startled by that first photo. “Kangaroos!” I thought. “Those are kangaroos. What are kangaroos doing there?” Oh… right. They live there.
I love those shots of the open spaces. I could be happy there, oh, yes, I could. And it sounds as though the accomodations in this place were quite good. It’s nice that they helped you find a satisfactory spot, and the scenery? It ‘s just gorgeous. It’s interesting — “pretty” is nice, but the more rough-hewn landscape is more compelling.
I’m still thinking about the kangaroos. Do they flee? Are they curious, or aggressive? or do they just hang around and gossip about the silly goings-on of the humans?
Well, I have been thinking that I need to do a whole section on the Australian kangaroos out in the bush, sometime. As a quick answer, no, they are not generally aggressive, but are peaceful creatures who can be curious about the two legged ones. However, the males can be quite territorial and are best given a wide berth if they have stood their ground.
A series I never got to watch much but could be fun for you is Skippy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skippy_the_Bush_Kangaroo – and the theme song is even better known than the Old Man Emu one you heard. 🙂
https://aso.gov.au/titles/series/skippy/
You may find some other gems there too to expand your understanding of the aussie ‘culture’.
Hi Enevea, I have enjoyed reading about your travels in the Flinders Ranges – your spiritual home. Your photographs are fantastic – they are a great promotion for the attractions of the region. It’s lovely to see photographs of Fred looking very comfortable with the nomadic life.
Katie mostly ignores kangaroos. I keep her on the lead just in case she decides to dash after them. There is a mob of resident kangaroos in a nearby gully which we visit regularly.
I’m glad you’re enjoying it Margaret. I’m hoping to catch up with your news soon also. It’s nice you’ve got access to some wild country and its inhabitants. Sending a pat to Katie. 🙂