Postcards from the Limestone Coast: Port MacDonnell

Praise the sea; on shore remain. ~John Florio

Just when you thought there could not possibly be anymore photos, and that the coastal scenery was a thing of the past, here I am again. Take a look at Port MacDonnell. We absolutely fell in love with this area and, in fact, if we were to come to stay around Mt Gambier again, we would look to stay in Port MacDonnell, it is only about 25mins drive south of Mt Gambier.

This small historic township is known for being "The Rock Lobster Capital" of Australia. However I was very happy to remain ashore here and leave the fisherman to their work. This rugged coastline is renowned for the many shipwrecks around the area. The one which comes to mind is the SS Admella 150 yrs ago, which is arguably the most tragic shipwreck. It was spotted by a Lighthouse Keeper at Port MacDonnell as it was in trouble along the coast at Carpenter Rocks. The ship split in two and people on shore watched passengers die as they could neither get to them or deliver food and water. There were numerous failed rescue attempts.

The above photograph is taken from the site of the original lighthouse - so very very close to the treacherous rocks. I am sure I would have felt uncertain staying here. However who knows what it would have been like 150 yrs ago, no doubt there has been a lot of erosion since then.

Such beauty bursting from in between sandy rocks and crevices. Another delightful South Australian Wildflower!

Little Camel Rock

Many of the rock formations around here have been named. They are indeed very easily identifiable.

Rhinoceros Rock

Frog Rock

We stood at South Australia's Most Southern Point and took stock of where we were - a very long way from most of the larger cities of Australia.

We spent a long time wading in rock pools, exploring shells and building sand castles as one must do on any beach. :)

I admired this absolutely enormous piece of seaweed which was not alone washed up on the shore with so many other leathery pieces of kelp.

As the afternoon sky faded, we drove to Dingley Dell, the cottage of the famous poet Adam Lindsay Gordon. His life story is one worth reading about - very wreckless and tragic.

We concluded our day viewing a beautiful sunset over the southern ocean,

while we waited to view the baby fairy penguins as they came out of their little caves to greet their parents coming in from the ocean with the 'catch of the day.'

The only thing I am sorry about is that we did not stay to dine at Periwinkles. This is no doubt, one of the reasons I need to stay in Port MacDonnell next time:)