The girls had picked this weekend to go camping as it fit uni commitments, but with the dog in tow, we needed somewhere dog-friendly and close as we only had a few days for a quick trip. Georgia lucked across Bolinda Vale whilst doing some googling and what a find!
Bolinda Vale is a working sheep and cattle farm located just south of Sepertine, approximately 70kms from home or a quick 1-hour drive. At this time of year, October, the grass is lush and green, and the Dirk Brook that runs through the property flowed strongly with beautiful, clear and clean water.
Jules and I arrived at Frog Gully, our campsite for the weekend, at about 4 pm on Friday, and the girls arrived with the dog at about 6 pm. Harriet, our dog, had no idea what was going on but got very excited when she saw us at the campsite as the girls pulled up. For a dog, this place must be equally exciting and strange, possibly a little scary, as her nose was working overtime following the new and numerous scents.
Settling in for the night beside the fire, we spotted satellites and shared silly stories.
The girls and dog were first to get up on Saturday morning, only to be greeted by a small herd of cows that were going to town in our firepit chowing down on the ash and charcoal. This was despite the firepit still having a fair bit of heat in it and a log with glowing coals. However, the cows weren’t fazed and they cleared the firepit before taste-testing every other part of the campsite, including the girl’s tents, chairs, Harry’s dog bowl and the caravan. Harry wasn’t sure what to make of the cows, alternating between low growls to feigned ignorance that the cows even existed.
Luckily the cows in our paddock were young steers as the paddock next to us contained Highland Cattle who all sported impressive-looking horns!
Following breakfast we took a short drive through the farm to check out the other campsites, deciding that ours, Frog Gully, along with Kelpie and Kangaroo Gullies were the pick of the lot. We definitely need to come back to check out the other campsites.
Following our drive Harry decided to do some swimming in the brook, chasing and nearly losing both her frisbee and balls in the water. Whilst we spent the rest of the day taking pics or reading books in the warm afternoon sun.
Saturday evening was similarly spent around the roaring campfire, sharing a couple of bottles of wine and admiring the beautiful colours and clouds in the setting sun.
Thanks Bolinda Vale. We had a great time and will definitely be back!!