Three flights and two days after leaving the USA, we arrived in Adelaide, Australia. We were greeted by our Aussie friend, Clo. She graciously hosted us for our first three days. In preparation for our visit she put together an action-packed itinerary and made tons of delicious food. So, when she picked us up at the airport, we went straight for downtown Adelaide for some sightseeing and lunch. Located on the south-central coast of Australia, in the state of South Australia, it is the fifth largest city in the country with a population over 1.3 million people. 
The city is beautiful and surrounded by parklands which include many sports fields, a fair ground, a botanical garden, a zoo and several museums. After visiting the city center, we went out to the suburb of Port Adelaide. There are shops and restaurants out by the port which support the fishing industry as well as the cruise ships that dock. Just before dark we made it to Mount Lofty for a view over the city with a beautiful sunset.
We rounded out first night with some proper Australian eats, quince paste (fruit spread), pasty (pastry shell with meat and veggie filling) and meat pie (exactly what it sounds like). All were very much enjoyed and we were sufficiently stuffed. Not being able to keep our eyes open anymore since we had been awake for more than 24 hours, we went to bed for some much needed sleep.
Our second day with Clo was just as fun-packed as the first day. The small town Clo lives in is on the edge of one of Australia’s largest wine region, McLaren Vale in Adelaide Hills. Howard Vineyards was our first stop. The wines were wonderful and the tastings are FREE! Clo picked out a few different stops that would give us a taste of the variety of wines produced in the area. We had a ball driving through the beautiful countryside and visiting the local wineries.
The last day in Adelaide area, Clo took us to a variety of places. We started in Murray Bridge and a visit to the mouth of the Murray River. Then ventured down to the wonderful little town of Strathlabyn. We stopped 
for lunch at a local fish and chips shop, Flying Fish Restaurant and Café. Continued along the coast ending in Victor Harbor. In the center of town is a bridge to Granite Island. A small island that is home to fairy penguins and seals. The penguins can only be seen at night when they come home from a full day of fishing. We were able to enjoy the spectacular views of the coast.
Our time with Clo had to come to an end as she dropped us off at the campervan rental depot. She sent us on our way with lots of food and goodies to get us started.
The weather has been rainy since we arrived. So we set out on our 3,000 mile camping road trip across east Australia in the rain. We sent our first night at a free camp site near town of Mount Gambier. A free campsite means of course there is no charge but there are also no facility except a “long drop toilet.” It was clean and waking up the next morning in the beautiful forest was worth it.
Our Australian road trip adventure continues on the Great Ocean Road…