Barossa Valley South Australia
Mt. Lofty Ranges
Today we travelled to the Clare Valley to visit our daughter. Along the way we drove through the Mt. Lofty Ranges from Murray Bridge to Gawler. We passed through the picturesque Mt. Crawford pine forest area. This drive is beautiful at any time of the year. During the summer the paddocks are covered in dry grass which contrasts with the lush green canopies of the tall eucalypt (gum) trees. Their stark white trunks glow in the harsh summer sun like stately ghosts guarding the grazing sheep.
The Barossa Valley in Autumn
We are now in the middle of autumn here in Australia. This season is perhaps not as dramatic as some other parts of the world, but in certain areas it is just as beautiful in its own way. Before reaching Gawler we travelled through parts of the world famous wine growing district, the Barossa Valley. The vineyards are changing from their summer green and the leaves are orange and gold and starting to fall, carpeting the ground like confetti strewn all over by the wind. The other fruit trees, like apricots and peaches, are also losing their leaves.
New Growth
Scattered in between the vineyards and orchards we saw a patchwork of fields. Some of these paddocks are a carpet of green with the fresh pasture growth. The early rains have resulted in quick growth. Grazing sheep scattered over these paddocks make the scene an idyllic one and so typical of many parts of rural Australia. Some farmers have commenced preparing the soil for seeding wheat and other grain crops. The cultivated ground adds yet another texture to the amazingly beautiful patchwork pattern.
Mid North district
North of Gawler we left the ranges and travelled through the farming lands of the lower and mid-north region of South Australia. We went through the growing town of Roseworthy and its Agricultural College. On to the small towns of Tarlee and Auburn with many wheat fields either being worked up ready for seeding or being applied a pre-emergent spray to prevent unwanted weed growth.
Plant nursery
A roadside sign at Auburn interrupted our journey. We followed this sign and several others until we found a new plant nursery we had heard of but had not yet visited. Over a half hour later we were on our way again, together with a box full of native Australian plants to add to our collection at home.
It was a lovely sunny day with a cool breeze; the temperature was about 18 degrees. It was just right for a drive through a beautiful part of South Australia. This drive is one of our favourite drives.
Do you have a favourite drive? I’d like to hear about it. Why don’t you share it in the comments section?