Millie Brown captures the essence of a summer in South Australia in Robe on the Limestone Coast.
Given South Australia has some of the most beautiful beaches in the country, summer for me is all about being by the sea, chilling and relaxing, winding down and warming up. Throwing the shoes off and the bathers on. Feeling the healing energy of the sea and breathing in the salty air.
These photos reflect time spent outdoors under the big Australian summer sky, appreciating the beauty of nature and interacting with it. Ditching the sensible car and jumping in the Land Rover.
My images were taken at beautiful Long Beach in Robe, located on the stunning Limestone Coast of South Australia.
This beach is one of the few drive-on beaches we have in South Australia and it is one of our most beautiful and loved. A dear friend of mine has a wonderful beach shack here and I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy many summer days on this glorious patch of sand.
Waking up to a sizzling hot breakfast on the deck, packing the Landy with an assortment of beach gear, food and drink, and heading down onto Long Beach to do nothing other than laze under the beach tent, sip a cool drink, play a little backgammon, and swim in the clear aquamarine water that this beach is renowned for, is magical.
As the sunshine fades, we pack up the Landy and cruise along the sand over to the famous Robe Obelisk to watch the sunset and the big beautiful waves of the wild Southern Ocean crash against the limestone cliffs. Sometimes the Landy needs a little help to get going, but mostly she is the perfect beach jalopy for the job.
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From pink salt landscapes to oases fringed by forests of red gums, the lakes of this rural region are astounding.
You’re going to find peace and quiet when you take a road trip through the lakes of the Wimmera Mallee region. Whether it’s mirror-like pink salt lakes that look like an inland sea, or lakes fringed by forests of red gums that showcase Victoria’s arid beauty, there’s a lake for you out here somewhere.
1. Lake Tyrrell
The colours of Lake Tyrrell blend into the sky. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)
Located in the dead heart of the Mallee, Victoria’s largest salt lake, Lake Tyrrell , is a landscape photographer’s dream – especially at sunrise and sunset when the pink salt flats look like a gigantic mirror. It’s easy to camp or park a caravan nearby, too, though the tiny town of Sea Lake is just south (with accommodation). In winter, shallow water covers the salt, creating surreal reflections of the sky.
2. Nhill Lake
There’s a permanent water source here, so there’s always plenty of water for water skiing, swimming and fishing (the trout and redfin fishing here is legendary). Located beside the pretty heritage town of Nhill with its main street of historic buildings, there’s options for eating and drinking right next door. There’s also a barbecue area with plenty of shady picnic spots and a boardwalk for walking around the lake.
3. Lake Bringalbert
Lake Bringalert is a great spot for aquatic adventures.
Located south-west of the pretty Mallee town of Kaniva, Lake Bringalbert epitomises the best of ‘outback’ Victoria. It’s ringed by red gums and red mallee and feels completely hidden from the world – you’ll barely ever see another person. There’s basic camping on its foreshore and Kaniva offers more accommodation options. It’s the perfect lake for swimming, kayaking and skiing, and the stars at night come without even a hint of city glow.
4. Lake Hindmarsh
If you’re a bird fan, you’ll love Lake Hindmarsh . Located north of Dimboola, Victoria’s largest natural freshwater lake is like an inland sea full of pelicans, swans and numerous species of ducks – but it also teems with everything from spoonbills to parrots. Sunsets here will blow your mind – the lake is a mirror for the pinks and golds you’ll see on the horizon. There’s free camping spots along the foreshore if you’d like to really contemplate the magic of the lake.
5. Pink Lake
The Pink Lake is most vivid after rain. (Image: Visit Victoria/Anne Morely)
Also known as Loch Lel , the summer months offer up some seriously vivid pink water colour at this lake north of Dimboola. The pink varies throughout the year, but is best after rain (hence why summer is the time to visit).
Pink Lake, also known as Loch Lel, is located near Dimboola in the Grampians. (Image: Tourism Australia)
There’s plenty of birds, including wedge-tailed eagles, but you’re as likely to spot big lace monitors, kangaroos and echidnas. Nearby, check out the uber-cute heritage town of Dimboola and its eclectic shops, and Little Desert National Park, full of walking trails through mallee heathland.
6. Lake Lascelles
You can camp at Lake Lascelles.
On a hot summer’s day, there’s nowhere better for a cooling dip, kayak or boat ride. You can camp by the lake , or at powered caravan sites – or the pretty town of Hopetoun offers numerous accommodation options a short walk away. At night you’ll see the lights of Hopetoun reflect off the lake. Fish for yellow belly, redfin or catfish, or try water-skiing. There’s also a great walking trail around the lake, where there’s more birds than you can count.
