South Australia… Lake Bumbunga, and the Rest.

Back in November, I was in Adelaide for the Adelaide Fashion Festival, two nights of shows, and plenty of daytime to explore the city and surrounds.

By far, my favourite, was our trip to Lake Bumbunga….

* The perfect image of fluffy white cumulus on a cobalt background was mirrored in the water of the salt pan, mounds of salt forming the horizon . For a passionate photographer like myself it was something akin to nirvana, and we hadn’t even left the city!

 

Heading north from Adelaide following the Gulf of St Vincent coastline, I had come to see a salt lake, just hadn’t figured on one such a short way into my journey.

 

 

But the reflection pool, for all it’s beauty, was adjacent to the highway and had a smell of industry about it so, after a few more photos, I got back in my hire car and continued on to Lake Bumbunga.

 

 

Spanning some three thousand-odd acres to the north-east of the town of Lochiel – and legend has it, home to Nessie’s reptilian cousin, ‘Loch Eel’ – Lake Bumbunga is a very accessible salt lake that is well worth a look.

Bumbunga itself is known for the Province of Bumbunga, a micronation formed by secessionist and staunch monarchist, Alex Brackstone in 1976. After failed attempts of making his mark via dodgy tourist endeavours he eventually returned to the mother country, and Bumbunga was left with the lake.

 

Sonny's next contributor's photo…

(No photoshopping on any of these pics. Just a little trick out in the field)

 

 

 

On the day I visited, the colour of the water ranged from sky-blue to musky pink, with golden tones from the surrounding wheat fields highlighting the impressive palette. It’s a fickle vista that changes with light, season, drought or flood, a scene few city-dwellers would be familiar with, and that’s what makes Lake Bumbunga so exciting.

It's like some Pink Floyd album cover, isn't it!

 

A short walk from the main road and you’re on the salt, standing amidst rose-coloured crystal formations, part of a breathtakingly beautiful landscape, feeling as if you are the only person in a stark and alien world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We spent hours there, taking photos. Probably the best date I've been on with Sonny!

 

The glare was pretty full-on, though.

 

 

 

Nothing can live there – the carnage of hundreds of insects are a testament to the briny waters….

 …But they were waters I couldn’t resist. I took off my shoes and walked in. It was like walking on shards of glass, but I just had to experience it!

Like the Fijians and their firewalking, you could dead-set have a barefoot saltwalking challenge!

 

Loch Eel….

 

 

 

 

Love it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lake Bumbunga is an experience. It is stunning and surreal, and at just under two hours drive from Adelaide, I find it surprising this natural wonder flies under the tourist radar.

Sure, Adelaide has a lot to offer. In the short time I was there I became completely enamoured with it’s single-level, country-town feel, in a city that is buzzing with great restaurants and shopping. There is an energy, like being on the crest of the next big thing as it shrugs off the old ‘City of Churches’ moniker, but still maintains a wonderful sense of community. With natural surroundings like the wine-growing regions and the remarkable beauty of the coastline, you don’t need any more reasons to visit – just be sure to add the pink-salted Lake Bumbunga to your list of experiences when you do.

 

 

 

Heading back via The Gap on the Yorke Peninsula…

 

 

…in time for sunset

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next day, we headed to Port Wilunga. 

 

Really, really pretty. 

 

Shame it was so cold when we were there, otherwise I would have loved a swim.

 

Great spot for a lunch snack….

 

…like this, perhaps?

 

 

*The italics indicate a travel piece I have been busy writing – easier to copy it to here than to write something else. Gives me more time to enjoy this delicious summer weather!