31-Dec-2006 -- S35 E137 Confluence visit by Stephen and Fiona Langman

Seeing that it had been over 2 years since our last visit to the bottom end of the Yorke Peninsula, in South Australia, what a better time to make the most of it and accomplish two objectives in one trip. The first was to log this confluence, that was first logged nearly 7 years ago, and no one had ever logged another visit since, and the second was to visit the new Wattle Point Wind Farm, about 40 minutes drive east of the Confluence.

Leaving our home town of Clare at 8am, we set off to make the most of a 640 kilometre round trip in one day. Stopping off at the many small towns along the way, it was great to see these towns full of holiday makers, who were making the most of perfect summer weather. There are many historic points of interest to see down there, so anyone ever wishing to see to part of South Australia, make the most of it and allow plenty of time to drop into all the towns along the way. If you enjoy fishing, you will be in your element, as there is great fishing all the way around the Peninsula.

Wattle Point Wind farm commenced construction in July 2004. Over the next 10 months, 55 Wind Turbines, covering 17.5 square kilometres, were constructed at a cost of $180 Million Aus Dollars. This wind farm produces 91MW of power and reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 360,000 Tonnes. When the Wind Farm was officially opened on the 16th June 2005, it was Australia’s largest Wind Farm. If you are near Edithburgh, drop into the viewing area to see these giant 68 metre towers at work.

After leaving Warooka, head due west on the main road to Corny Point, then turn left onto the dirt road signposted, “Gleesons Landing”. After about 9 kilometres, and rounding a small bend, to Confluence will be 88 metres on your right hand side of the road and hidden in a clump of dense vegetation. Prior to entering the vegetation, I was having 3 to 4 metres accuracy from my GPS. Complete tree cover dropped the accuracy to 6 metres, but it was still possible to get those magic figures. To our surprise, someone else has visited this confluence, leaving a Wheel Trim at the exact location, so I do not know why this person did not log their visit.

With photos in hand, it was time to head back to Clare, arriving home at 9.15pm after a very enjoyable day in one of South Australia’s great spots to visit.