Gigi finally travels
When Corona hit, Marius and I knew the days of our travels overseas would be on hold, for now. In all honesty, we do not mind one bit being confined to South Australia.
It was early January when we got the call that a black and white boy was born and ready to come home with us sometime in March. We could not wait for the first getaway we could do with our iggy (nickname for Italian Greyhound).
It was more the type of accommodation than the location itself that drew us to Carrickalinga. We had always wanted to experience a Tiny House and here we had one in our very own back yard. The Fleuriu Peninsula blesses us with so much to see and do. When the listing indicted it was permissible to bring a small dog, we did not hesitate to book a weekend away.
On the way we stopped for a break in Port Willunga, one of, if not, the most beautiful beaches in South Australia. It is a photographer’s dream to capture the ruins of the old jetty posts, at any time of the day, but the beach itself has so much more to offer than an Instagram photo. Both Marius and I have spent many summer days in the crystal blue waters. It is our dream location for a holiday house.
We continued our journey making a stop at the Yankalilla Bakery before heading to the accommodation. Located on Air bnb, Brian and Dawn’s Tiny House is situated at the entrance to their property. Built by Brian himself, the house overlooks a dam but more impressively is the views over the Carrickalinga and Normanaville cliffs and beaches. You’ll come across many Kangaroos on the property. It’s a treat even for Aussies to see so many Roos up close up! Just watch your feet as you’ll likely step in some roo poo.
The industrial style house itself was just to our liking. Cosy and comfortable with all the amenities needed. As non campers it really is the best way to feel as though you are sleeping under the stars, but in pure comfort.
We spent the afternoon walking along the golden sands of Carrickalinga beach. We had the whole beach to ourselves so Gigi had a field day, chasing waves, flies and seaweed blown long the shore.
For dinner we headed to Forktree Brewery and demolished a couple of beers, the beef burger and the sliders. The brewery offers an indoor dining, a deck area, perfect to take in the views and the downstairs outdoor area where you can park the pooches. The generous grass area, sandpit and playground makes this the perfect family spot for lunch or dinner.
The next morning we ventured on a walk of Brian’s property. It would have been a lovely bush walk but our little Gigi man is still learning to love walking. In addition, he discovered the aforementioned roo poo, which was apparently the greatest thing since boiled chicken.
When staying anywhere in the area, the best place to stop for a decent coffee is One Little Sister, located on the main street of Normanville. We picked up some fresh coffee and headed down to the Normaville beach for a walk and were lucky enough to share the beach with some miniature horses.
Neither of us had been to Myponga before so we took the scenic route via the Myponga Reservoir, a road worth taking just for the views and scenery itself. We were headed for the Smiling Samoyed Brewery, a place that epitiomises ‘dog friendly’. The family owned and operated brewery is named after the owner’s Samoyed Dogs and the staff made us feel very welcome in the outdoor patio area. Nearly every worker acknowledged Gigi and this made our experience even better. Of course the incredible food and beer helped! Luckily we had already inhaled our fries and salt and pepper chicken when the rain started to hit. All of us were welcomed inside to shelter from the rain, even Gigi. Given we had found ourselves under a cosy umbrella, we were happy to stay outside, but the gesture that we were welcome inside, even with our pup was reassuring.
On our return to Carrickalinga we stopped off at the only winery in the area, Allusion Wines. Regrettably, this is not the best the state has to offer by far. The cellar door experience was disappointing to say the least, which is unfortunate because the wine itself was palatable and the views stunning. It is a shame the current owners and operators don’t understand what a cellar door experience should and can be.
The rain started and didn’t really stop for the rest of the day which meant we returned to our cosy home to spend time relaxing in our comfy accommodation. The Tiny House had the most gorgeous pizza oven just outside and so we made the most of our night in and as soon as the rain passed we attempted to make some pizzas. We can’t say we will be opening our own pizza shop anytime soon. We best stick to ordering and eating in future!
The next morning we headed the One Little Sister again for some breakfast before heading our way back to the beach for another walk. This time we headed north along Carrickalinga beach, once again with all the space in the world to run. We can’t wait to return again soon and we certainly book Brian and Dawn’s Tiny House yet again.
What would we recommend?
The Tiny House accommodation for sure. However, best note that the stairs inside are quite steep so if you are travelling with young children or a pup who is prone to leg breaks just be wary.
Lunch or dinner at Forktree Brewery. We were told they also did breakfast but when we visited they weren’t offering it.
Coffee and/or breakfast at One Little Sister
Lunch and beer tasting at the Smiling Samoyed
Bakery stop at Yankalilla
Walks along Carrickalinga Beach
What did we learn from our first getaway with Gigi?
Always pack a doggy towel for the beach. Even if your pup doesn’t get wet it helps to clean up the sand.
Meal prep pays off. I made sure to bring Gigi’s favourite doggy grub, enough for each meal.
We packed containers of his dry food and treats. Again more than enough to see us through the trip and more
His licky-mat came in handy for meals on the go for both his wet and dry food.
Always have a travel bottle and bowl for the pooch.
A harness and retractable lead is helpful for when you do need to have the pup on a lead but also want them to have some freedom.