Sometimes you just need to get away from everyday life and enjoy a break. Sounds nice right but if time is short or the budget is light on a getaway isn’t always possible…or is it? These are the times when we consider a ‘staycation’. A vacation close to home or at least in our home state of South Australia. In other words, a roadtrip!

There’s no travel agents, flights, passports or car hire. It’s literally pack the car, jump in the car and drive. While the destination plays a part it’s really about the journey on these roadtrips, you know it’s true.

Staycation time

Recently the huz and I took off for a little roadtrip to the Yorke Peninsula, well to Stansbury to be exact. I can’t believe I’ve lived in South Australia for almost 22 years and have never been to the ‘Yorke’ (as it’s affectionately known) or to Kangaroo Island. It’s sad that we have this vast and amazingly beautiful country but I haven’t explored it any where near enough. Are you the same?

When the offer to stay at a STAYZ property in Stansbury came up it took me about three seconds to say ‘yes please“, perfect timing too as we missed out on a Christmas getaway due to recent surgery. Stansbury is one of many seaside towns along the Yorke Peninsula but in my opinion it’s the prettiest.

The esplanade is lined with Norfolk pines, there’s less than 1000 residents so it’s quiet and tidy and there’s charm galore. I spied so many stunning older homes that were filled with history and the cemetary high on a hill overlooking the ocean must have the best outlook ever of any cemetary around.

 

Where we stayed

We stayed at Jamesons Run in Stansbury, a three bedroom, 2 bathroom holiday home with all the mod cons. The home accommodates eight, has plenty of parking, reverse cycle airconditioning ( a must for menopausal me), BBQ facilities and a deck with ocean view.

The beach at Stansbury is so pretty, clear waters on the shoreline with a sheltered bay. A quiet seaside town that comes alive in holiday periods the beach is perfect for windsailing, skiers, fishermen, swimmers and boaties. It’s also perfect for just switching off and relaxing.

The town of Stansbury is around two and a half hours West of Adelaide and there’s lots to see along the way, also plenty of time to crank up your roadtrip playlist and just relax and connect. The huz and I are huge fans of a roadtrip and are still talking about whether we invest in a 4WD or kit out a van for getaways now the kids are finished school. If you have any insight or tips please share.

What to do

We visited and stopped at soooo many towns like Gawler. Coobowie, Edithburgh, Yorketown, Point Turton, Marion Bay, Minlaton, Port Vincent, Maitland (hi Kristine and Daryl) and Ardrosson. I know right, I told you there were lots!

Here’s the thing, small towns don’t have much to do…or so it seems. You have to make your own fun, explore and wander. Unfortunately the rain put a dampner on our plans to explore the many walking trails but we did get out of our car and explore the streets, ooh and ahh at the architecture and incredible views and I spent time wondering just who lived in the old ruins that were dotted in paddocks along the way. There’s so much stillness and history in older small towns, I love it.

There’s also some pretty amazing food in smaller towns. It pays to ask the locals where to eat and some nights and days we traveled more than an hour for a feed but it was worth it. Do you know what else small towns offer? Characters! The locals love to stop and chat and store owners are so knowledgeable and friendly.

Making friends

I even had a Styling Curvy reader contact me and ask the huz and I to dinner. Christina from Rustic Tarts messaged me with a dinner invite and we said YES! Talk about stepping out of our comfort zone but hey life is short and experiences are what we are all here for. Well, we had the best night, filled with great company, conversation and amazing food including specially made gluten free options and freshly collected oysters.

The local oyster farmer Steve from Pacific Estate Oysters who joined us for dinner had heard I was a fan of the slippery suckers and went out and collected plenty for a feast…I think I ate nearly all of them 🙂

If you are ever in Stansbury (go!) you can actually head out with Steve to the oyster farm as a deckie at no cost. What an amazing way to see how it all works, take in the surrounds and learn the history of oyster farming in Australia. Sampling does require payment though 🙂

You can also hire a kyak from the local coffe shop, send the kids to the the foreshore playground or have a meal and a drink at the Darlymple Hotel (I reccomend it) or explore the local markets…or pop a coin and grab a gumball 🙂

What to wear on a roadtrip

Travelling on a roadtrip is ‘not’ the time to pull out your high street fashion. Roadtrips are about comfort. Here’s my tips.

-choose pieces that you know you will feel comfortable to sit in for hours at a time. Think elastic waist and stretch fabrics 🙂
-choose garments that you can easily interchange and work back with other pieces, less is more.
-choose shoes that are comfortable and easy to slip on and off. My feet swell if I’m still for too long so a shoe that is easy to adjust or remove while in the car is a must.
-Choose fabrics that have stretch, breatheability and won’t crush (too much).
-Layer like a player. Temperatures can fluctuate, we had all four seasons on most days so layering was essential. Adding a cape or scarf or popping a jacket in the car meant I was prepared.
-Don’t forget essentials like sunglasses and sunscreen, while you may feel cool in the airconditioned comfort of the car the sun is still beating down so protect your skin.
-I also like to pack a towel, togs and spare knickers in case I want to take an impromptu swim, after all adventure awaits.

Special offer

If you would like to stay where we stayed at Jamesons Run the lovely owners have a special for you. Just message them via their Facebook page HERE to enquire or book.

Stay 3 nights pay for 2 $300
Stay 4 nights pay for 3 $450
Stay 5 nights pay for 4 $600
stay 6/7 nights pay for 5 $750

Feb-Nov 2017 excludes school holidays and long weekends

Can I say a huge thanks to Kirsty for kindly donating our accommodation and for her helpful tips, everything just felt easy.

The huz and I are now rested which is good because both of our workloads are a little crazy, next stop Bali!

Have you ever had a ‘staycation”

Do you have a favourite holiday spot in Australia that I should visit?

Til next time

Jen