Stokes Bay to Chapman River KI

At Stokes Bay on the north of KI we met a delightful young guy who owned the café, right on the beach. He told us how you can walk through a cave to get to another beach which was even more beautiful than the main Stokes Bay Beach.

A storm brewing over Stokes Bay

 Hoping the weather would be less windy on the north of the island, we moved to Emu Bay and stayed in the council camp ground, across the road from this delightful picture perfect beach. The first day was warm and sunny, thankfully.

More unsuccessful fishing from the boat ramp in the cold. We thought it would have been perfect for squid!

We were keen to visit some of the local food producers we had read so much about. We had a Ligurian Latte with bee pollen (lots of natural vitamins, and protein and anti-ageing properties!!) with scones and honey at Island Beehive  (famous for their Ligurian bees), Kingscote Wines on the headland overlooking Kingscote Bay, The Lavender Farm and Shep’s gallery. Shep had painted many war related pictures for use at ANZAC celebrations locally and on the mainland.

Kingscote Bay

We ventured out to Murray Lagoon NP in the central south east of KI and and were rewarded with lots of bird sightings the waterways. 

Despite the forboding weather, we set off for Cape Gantheaume NP on the eastern coastline. Its a wild looking place – Tinline Beach, Wreckers Beach, Wheatstone Beach with loads of coastal birds - crested terns, osprey and hooded plovers. Some brave young surfers ventured into the enormous crazy waves.

The sign demands that walkers past this point report to the ranger.

These are nearly all crested terns.

We had the NP camping area to ourselves but woke up the next day to very bad weather. Maybe everyone else knew something we didn't! Rather than desert this beautiful spot, we visited Andermel Marron farm café for lunch. It was a nice setting overlooking the farm with vines in the distance.

We then headed to the eastern section of KI and camped at tranquil Chapman River. Wild weather again and sadly Zest and Thyme café at the lighthouse was closed. We really enjoyed our quiet riverside campsite.

Next morning we walked to the beach and made more attempts to catch something!! 

After confirming they were open, we braved the dreadfully corrugated road out to the Cape Willoughby Lighthouse and thoroughly enjoyed the delicious burgers at Zest and Thyme Café as well as the magnificent view of the wild ocean. 

View of the coastline from the Zest and Thyme Restaurant

We also tasted wine at Chapman River Wines – loved their rose.

View of the Chapman River Estuary, looking north.

Reflections at the estuary

Chapman River.

We camped just on the bank near here - caught lots of bream and salmon.

Near the BBQ area at Chapman River.