Meander less than 1km off the main highway when travelling to or from Yorkes, or the North of South Australia, for this unexpectedly incredible pub food, friendly service and a really fun atmosphere. Find all of the country pub classics on the menu (yes including a little salad bar), and also a heap of gourmet dishes and Asian inspired treats too. So fresh and tasty! The kids menu has a big handful of options, and if you didn’t know, Port Wakefield sits at the top of St Vincent Gulf and is home to some of our states fabulous professional fishing, so you guessed it – there’s additionally some pretty great seafood on offer.

No doubt the menu changes seasonally or from time to time, but we enjoyed eight choices on the kids menu (priced between $10 and $13 which includes a juice or soft drink) plus a ripper option to add a side of fruit or veg sticks for just $2. That’s how you welcome families folks!

On our most recent visit, in addition to our excellent kids meals, we enjoyed eating loaded nachos, a Vietnamese noodle bowl with sticky Asian pork belly, shared bao buns, the best buffalo wings we have ever experienced (with blue cheese sauce and celery of course) and a divine laksa. See – told you; unexpected, fresh and soooo bloody tasty. This food is prepared and presented with passion, skill and pride. Love that.

Indoors you’ll find a traditional country pub front bar and also cosy tables for dining. The real magic though? Out the back. Now, we travel with our dog, a lazy old gold lab ‘Ivy’ and she also rates this place, with it’s large enclosed back lawn, plentiful water bowls and rustic beer garden. It’s picture perfect and every thing that kids need for a road trip break with swings, a sandpit, boat, highly decorated shipping container cubby / play shop counter and more.

Great (nope, excellent) food, a perfect rest stop, happy kids, happy dog and a fun and quirky alfresco area and garden with umbrellas, festoon lights and styling that’s telling of the towns port history and fishing industry. Nothing boring about it.

Bookings are appreciated, phone ahead while you are on the road even.

Lastly, I don’t care what any one says, family owned and run pubs will always have the best service and attention to detail. This is fabulous country hospitality at its best.

Give it a go next time you are passing through. We usually time our return trips home to 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ around meal time just so as we can stop, because lets face it after a week or weekend away, there’s no food in the fridge at home. Who knew Port Wakefield had so much more to offer than just fuel! Well, we did actually and we can’t hold out on you any longer.

PS Don’t miss the beautiful huge mural on the side of the building up Walter Street by talented artist Kyle Armstrong (Whale Tale Art)

Location: 30 Edward Street, Port Wakefield, South Australia 5550 (about an hour north from 91¹û¶³´«Ã½)
Opening Times: Every day for lunch and dinner from 10am (11am on Sundays)
Phone: (08) 8867 1023
Find them on  or 

Imagine this a road trip break that stops the kids from arguing, and is fun enought that they are happy to put their devices down for a half an hour and actually take in the environment that surrounds them.

A quick climb up (no ticket needed, it’s free) and you’re greeted by a spectacular view of Spencer Gulf. The kids stop fighting. The view (and breeze at the top) are so good.

Located in a little secret garden gem – we really didn’t expect to find this oasis in this town. Find it at Mitchell Terrace, Port Augusta West.

Now, who’s turn was it to sit in the front sear again?

** SPECIAL OFFER ** KIDS EAT FREE THIS SUMMER!

As part of this great offer, any children up to 12 years can eat free in our restaurant or bistro, when dining with their parents and choosing from the childrens’ menu.

Includes

• Accommodation at either the Wilpena Pound Resort, Ikara Safari Camp or Wilpena Pound Campground
• 1 free kids meal with any adult main meal ordered – breakfast, lunch or dinner

For me, I am probably slightly more on the ‘prefers creature comforts vs roughing it in a tent’ so this was right up my alley. However if you are more Bear Grylls than me, you are also well looked after with huge camp grounds located close to the other resort facilities if needed.

This place has it all. Its own IGA Supermarket, petrol station, free wifi (because you know, need to upload all the scenery pics to the gram), visitors centre, restaurant (helllloooo buffet breakfast), bar and a swimming pool fed from a natural spring. These words just don’t do it justice and the photos really tell the story. Our room was very modern and comfortable, but the views outside our window is really where it excels. One of our fave moments was at night, with the curtains open, just looking at the scenery outside. If it wasn’t for the kids fighting it actually would have been really relaxing.

You could really spend a week or two here and not see or experience it all. Make sure you don’t miss the Welcome to Country held each night by the Adnyamathanha people. It really enriches the experience to learn the history and meaning behind the awesome sights around you.

Then sign up for one of the many cultural experiences or tours on offer.

We took part in a 2hr cultural walk, from which I learnt not only about the history of the indigenous people who had lived in the area for thousands of years, but that I probably should have packed more water. Tip from me, take lots of water. It isn’t a long walk and there are heaps of breaks, so even the little kids won’t struggle too much.

And for something really special check out their Scenic Flights, available from 20 minutes flights over Wilpena Pound and the Flinders ranges, to 6 hour flights taking in Lake Eyre and stopping for lunch at William Creek Hotel.  

You’ll find Wilpena Pound Resort at
Wilpena Rd, Via Hawker
Reservations: 1800 805 802
Email: reservations@wilpenapound.com.au

Famous for their ‘feral’ menu including emu, kangaroo and camel, we tried the feral antipasto and feral mixed grill and everyone, including the kids, loved it! Well it was a sliding scale from loved it, down to ‘didn’t know what he was eating but ate it anyway’. An absolute gourmet experience. They offer a range of other choices too, but we pushed our stubborn little kiddies to try it all and they weren’t disappointed. I mean I told my 5yo that the camel label was because it was food that camel’s ate. Still counts.

Apart from the gourmet experience, they offer a learning experience too. Now before your kids groan because learning, this is actually really cool. The area is world famous for its fossil deposits so while you eat the kids can do fossil crafts and wander around looking at the fossil displays within the restaurant. For the adults, the rooms contain some amazing artwork which I can only describe as amazing because when it comes to art, apart from saying it looks nice I have no idea what I am talking about.

We drove back to the Prairie the next day because they have the only phone coverage in a few hundred kms, but while there I noticed there was so much more that I hadn’t noticed on my first visit. Located next to the railway line, the rail history was also on display for the train buffs (me) and just anyone who likes history (also me). The kids will just like the large sculptures because the are big and they look cool. It may also distract them from the fact they just ate camel. For what its worth, the goats cheese is to die for.

You’ll find the Prairie Hotel at
Corner of High Street and West Terrace, Parachilna
Phone: 1800 331 473

We were met by the friendly Kylie, who showed us the very handy office building which doubles as a shop where you can buy cool merch or BBQ supplies (beer) that somebody (me) had forgotten to bring.

With a few maps of the property handed out, we checked into our lovely cabin and set out to explore. Bendleby (which has its own newsletter I might add!), is famous for its 4×4 tracks and to be honest, I was quietly jealous that I wasn’t able to try them out in my Subaru Forester (Although we did push it to its limit on some of the tracks). Even without a big 4×4, there are plenty of amazing areas to explore and you certainly won’t miss out. I recommend Hidden Valley, which is poorly named in hindsight as the track goes right to it. Anyway it is a beautiful spot and well worth the short drive from your cabin or camp ground to have a look.

Bendleby have a number of accommodation options from camping to cabins and a 5 bedroom homestead suitable for larger groups.
We couldn’t have asked more from our Acacia cabin. Separate rooms for adults and kids, a nice comfy lounge room and a TV if you want a break. It will be hard to watch though because right out the window is a view to die for. With a great outdoor BBQ area and firewood supplied, what else could you want! As this was our first night, we packed some BBQ supplies from home which helped save on eating out costs for the trip too.

My favourite part of our stay at Bendleby was night time. Luckily for me the kids were a little scared of the dark so when I wanted some quiet, I could just go outside, stare at the stars and enjoy the silence. Bliss. It really does cater for all, with camp grounds galore, several cabins and helpful staff. A real winner for kids and adults alike.

You’ll find Bendleby Ranges at
741 Crotta Road, Orroroo
Phone: (08) 8658 9064
Email: admin@bendlebyranges.com.au

The nature style playground was amazing, let alone a playground at a pub! Dickie, who has owned the pub for about 3 years, built a lot of it himself and with materials sourced locally from his own property. I found that so cool and from someone who barely has one talent, let alone several, to be able to build that plus run a brilliant pub is really inspiring.

As good as the playground is, the large dining room that opens up onto it just really tops it off. The kids can run around while you sit and have a beer (or another type of beer….I didn’t check the wine list sorry) and watch the kids run around. Can’t think of a more nicer pub setting anywhere, let alone in the Flinders.

Now the big test. The food. My little food reviewers classed it as ‘The best pub food ever’ which I whole heartedly agreed with. Try the specials board too. I had the pie on Dickie’s recommendation and wasn’t disappointed. One of the best pies I have had and trust me, I have eaten a lot of pies. Those I played cricket with will say I bowled a few too. Little cricket humour thrown in for free.

They also have 6 updated accommodation rooms, camp grounds and new bathroom facilities so it really is a one stop shop this. Absolutely must fit this in to your trip and can’t wait to pop in again on our next trip.

You’ll find the Cradock Hotel at
25 Black Oak Drive, Leigh Creek
Phone: (08) 8648 4107

Leigh Creek fit this bill for me. Apart from knowing it as a mining town, I knew very little else. The first thing you notice about Leigh Creek is how big it is! It kind of just pops up in the middle of nowhere, after seeing tiny towns along the way, you get hit with this giant town that looks like a normal city suburb. The mine that employed a lot of the population has since closed, but the town remains and for the Flinders explorer for us it was a great experience. The check in area for the resort is a nice little bottle shop which is part of the Leigh Creek Bar and Grill, a fantastic pub which we immediately locked in as our dinner for that night.

The town has an IGA, school, new playground (which Mr 5 tested thoroughly) and the most incredible mirage of a thing I saw on our trip, a pristine olympic sized swimming pool and smaller undercover kids pools. After miles and miles of red dirt, to see such a facility was really cool.

We stayed the night at the Leigh Creek Outback Resort and our rooms were huge! Separate cabins essentially with kids on one side and parents on the other, with a door (which can close and lock out the sound!) dividing the two cabins. Absolutely loved this and after hours and hours of driving, to have a bit of space was probably only slightly better than the thrill of finding cheap petrol.

If you do head out to Leigh Creek, you have to visit Aroona Dam. Only a few kilometres outside of the town, it used to supply the town and mine with water. Now with the town finding water via another source, it has become basically a large recreation playground. Fishing, kayaking and canoeing are all welcome and if I heard the locals correctly, they have recently whacked in a huge number of fish to boost numbers. If I knew how to fish I would have had a go, but sadly I had to settle with the awesome sights at the dam. It is bloody huge and has one of the best BBQ spots I have ever seen.

You’ll find the Leigh Creek Outback Resort at
25 Black Oak Drive, Leigh Creek
Phone: 08 8675 2025
Email: info@leighcreekresort.com.au

The Flinders region is massive. It is so daunting to look at it and wonder where to even start. I have broken it up into southern, middle and northern, because the drive from the southern flinders to the north can be several hours!

We stayed 3 nights. One night each in the south, north and middle. We found this worked really well and allowed us to see as much of the entire region as possible, with travel between accomodation doubling as exploring time!

Our Itinerary.…because we found it hard to know where to start when planning our own trip!

Flinders Ranges Itinerary – Day 1

The drive for us from 91¹û¶³´«Ã½ to Bendleby was about 4 hours. Pack snacks. Lots of snacks and plan a stop or 2. We stopped at Clare which was about half way, which was the ideal coffee stop. Allow plenty of time for stops and detours that you might want to explore.

Activities – Magnetic Hill – From the category of ‘Attractions that seemed like they would suck but actually were really cool’ comes Magnetic Hill. Just out of Orroroo, follow the signs to this geological marvel, where your car will actually roll up hill when left in neutral. It is worth the small detour trust me! I am pretty sure the kids liked it. Dunno. I did which is all that matters.

Accommodation – Bendleby Ranges (Southern Flinders) – A fave with the kids and adults alike. Offering lovely cabins, great camping spots, 4×4 tracks and views that have to be seen to truly appreciate, we will definitely lock this one in for our next trip.

Read more about our stay at Bendleby Ranges below

Night time here was pretty awe inspiring for us simple city folk. The night sky, silence (well apart from kids fighting) and darkness was fantastic. They provide supplies for campfires and BBQs which is a must. We packed food from home for our BBQ which saved on eating out costs too.
We can’t wait to return with a 4×4 and try out some of their famous tracks.

Flinders Ranges Itinerary – Day 2

Activities – Bendelby to Cradock short cut (Southern Flinders)

If you happen to take our advice and spend a night at the fabulous Bendleby Ranges before heading north, ask the staff about the short cut to Cradock. Google maps won’t recommend it but staff will give you a map to lead the way. An absolutely stunning half hour or so drive will not only save you time as you head north, but will give you a sample for what is to come. We saw eagles, countless emus, sheep, camels, kangaroos and goats all roaming casually just doing their thing. Well sheep weren’t casual. Usually they saw the car and lost their minds and bolted. This was one of those unplanned awesome little adventures that just makes a trip like this so fun.

We then stopped at Hawker which gives you your first real glimpse of the mountain ranges that the Flinders have to offer. It also provided coffee a playground and a spot to momentarily break up the back seat bickering.

Activities – Moralana Scenic Drive (Southern Flinders)

Just after you leave Hawker and head north to the national park, you will see a small sign for the Moralana Scenic Drive on your left. Take it! It will take you along some amazing scenery and give some great views of the southern part of the larger rock formations. You will pop out on the Outback Highway and if you are like us, you will head to lunch or dinner at the Prairie Hotel a short way up the road.

Food – Prairie Hotel (Northern Flinders)

Located about 2.5hrs from Bendleby and right in time for lunch as we headed north we stopped into Parachilna and the famous Prairie Hotel. Famous for their ‘feral’ menu including emu, kangaroo and camel, we tried the feral antipasto and feral mixed grill and everyone, including the kids, loved it!

Read more about our visit to The Prairie Hotel below

Activities – Dam (Northern Flinders) – If you head as far north as Leigh Creek like we did, Aroona Dam is a must see. Once the supply of water for the town and now-closed mine, it has now been recently opened to the public for fishing, kayaking and canoeing. It also boasts one of the best public BBQ spots I have ever seen.

Accommodation – Leigh Creek Outback Resort (Northern Flinders – Night 2) – The best part of our trip was exploring and seeing where our sense of adventure would take us. I had never been to Leigh Creek and I am so glad we did. With spacious accommodation (Separate living areas for kids and parents!!) and a lovely hotel for meals and arcade games, it was a top spot for us to explore the northern part of the Flinders from.

Read more about our stay at Leigh Creek Outback Resort below

Flinders Ranges Itinerary – Day 3

Activities – Blinman Mines Heritage Tour (Northern Flinders) – A real winner with everyone. Blinman is a small town built around a copper mine in the 1850s. The mine has long since closed, but the passionate local volunteers have developed the mine tour into a really unique and awesome experience. If you are tall like me, you will bang your head and be warned that any helmet dings will incur a 50c ‘fine’ to go towards maintenance and keeping the tour running. Cost me a fortune! If confined spaces aren’t your bag, there are some great short walking trails around the mine to give you that colonial miner experience. Lock this one in as a must do! Follow it up with a meal at the Miner’s Crib, which sell traditional cornish pasties, like the miners used to eat.

Activities – Gorge drives – We then headed south towards Wilpena and decided to hit some gorge drives. With so many tracks, trails and scenic drives, it was hard to know which ones were worth the detour. The gorge drives were probably my favourite thing to experience with the kids on this trip. Take your time and soak it all in!

– Brachina Gorge (Middle Flinders)

This drive, which we did in conjunction with the Bunyeroo Gorge drive, was one of the absolute highlights of our trip. The scenery is just awe inspiring and take your time, because we saw about 8 yellow footed rock wallabies just chilling off the road.

– Bunyeroo Gorge (Middle Flinders) I didn’t think it could get much better after the Brachina Gorge, but Bunyeroo was a once in a lifetime drive. Winding up the ridges near Wilpena, the views from some of the lookouts seemed to stretch forever. Don’t miss this one whatever you do.

Accomodation – Wilpena Pound Resort (Middle Flinders) – This really is the jewel in the Flinders crown. An incredible resort nestled amongst the trees in the heart of Wilpena Pound. The kids will love the pool, the parents will love the decking next to the pool overlooking some amazing bushland. A great restaurant and bar are ready to serve and be sure to attend an inspiring Welcome to Country, which is held in the evening most nights by the Adnyamathanha people. Their influence is strongly felt in the resort and their passion and willingness to share their history was fantastic. You really could spend a month here and not experience it all. Not to mention modern and very comfortable rooms, a supermarket, visitor centre and petrol station, this really is a one-stop shop for your Flinders Ranges holiday.

Read more about our stay at Wilpena Pound Resort below

Flinders Ranges Itinerary – Day 4

Activities – Yura Udnyu Cultural Walk (Wilpena Pound Resort) – On our last morning before coming home, we took part in one of the activities offered by the Wilpena Pound Resort, a 2hr cultural walk. This was fantastic, with the insight and history from the guide a real highlight and well enjoyed by our group. It isn’t a long walk, so even the little kids won’t struggle too much, but take lots of water as it can get warm even in the early morning.

Food – Cradock Hotel – On our way back home, as we reached the southern Flinders area just near Hawker, we stopped in for lunch at the Cradock Hotel. As a parent who has eaten at hundreds of pubs and restaurants with kids, I will comfortably say this was the best I have ever been too.

The Flinders was an absolutely brilliant family holiday. Highly recommend it and we are already planning our next trip back (hopefully with a 4×4!)

To read more about the places we stayed on our Flinders Ranges family holiday click here