Got up early as we had a reasonably long drive, but didn't have to set the alarm as the howling dingos woke us at 6 am. When we came out of the van, 3 of them walked past, in between our van and our neighbours, not too worried about the campers in their backyard.
The speed limit on the Stuart Highway in this area is 130km. We didn't drive that speed, but we made good time and arrived at Stuart Caravan Park, Alice Springs ($32 power & water), at about 2.30pm. This gave us plenty of time to set up before dark.
The caravan park is a good one with lots of shady trees. The park seems to have stronger security than usual and we need a key to enter the grounds. Like everywhere else we have stayed lately, it gets very dusty. The weather is cool and there is a cold wind, even during the day.
The following day we strolled around Alice town centre. It is not a big town, but has all the usual chain stores and lots of galleries showing Aboriginal art. There were lots of local Aboriginals in town, mainly wandering around the streets or just sitting around, seemingly with nothing else to do. Lots of police presence. We needed to stock up again, so shopped at Woolies and then found a butcher shop owned by a Scouser who had lived in Alice for 4 years. He and Pete had a good chat about Liverpool and we bought some camel & date sausages (I'll tell you what they were like next blog). Pete also treated himself to a pork pie (heaven!!!!!).
The MacDonnell Ranges run east-west through Alice Springs for 640km and we drove out there on our 3rd day. The traditional owners, the Arrente people, are spiritually connected to the Ranges through Dreamtime stories. The Ranges are protected through National Parks.
We stopped first at Simpsons Gap and after a short walk beside a dry creek bed, the towering gap in the range became visible. Quite a site!!! Apparently this is a good area to see rock wallabies, but unfortunately they weren't around while we were there. We did get some good photos of the Gap though.
Our next stop was Stanley Chasm, which is a privately owned property and therefore not part of the National Park and a fee is charged to enter. The path was very rocky and took us through a gully of ferns and tall gum trees, sometimes walking in a dry rocky creek bed. The Chasm is a narrow corridor sliced through the bright red/orange rock walls which are about 80m high and looks spectacular with the sun shining through the crack. More photo opportunities!!!! On the drive back to town we stopped at John Flynn's grave, the flying doctor's final resting place.
We made the most of what was left of the afternoon by cleaning the car inside and out as it was full of red dust.
Our last day here and I caught up on our washing. We had arranged to meet our 4 friends from Sydney in town for a coffee as it is unlikely we will be running into them again. Did a little more shopping and had to wait until 2.00pm when the liquor stores open to by more grog. There are very strick restrictions on the sale of grog here and everyone must show ID before being allowed to purchase. On the local TV stations we have seen several ads stating that your car can be confiscated if used for transporting grog into dry areas. Those who do are called grog runners.
We took a walk up Anzac Hill which is in the town and gives a really great view of Alice Springs town and the surrounding countryside before going back to the van to prepare for departing tomorrow. After leaving tomorrow we will be doing 4 different one night stopovers before arriving at Kakadu.
Oh, just for your information. The camel and date sausages were very tasty, so we bought a few more today and froze them for our trip North!!!!
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
Monday, 28 May 2012
Sunday, 27 May 2012
Uluru to Kings Canyon - 24 - 26 May 2012 - 306km
We only had 300km to travel so we didn't have to leave too early, arriving at Kings Canyon about 1.30pm. On the way we saw 3 wild camels which were eating the bushes at the side of the road (another photo opportunity!!!)
We stayed at Kings Canyon Resort caravan park ($42 power & water), where the sites are quite large with lots of shady trees. There was a very cold wind, even though it was a sunny day.
We met up with our friends from Sydney again for happy hour which didnt last long because it was too cold outside. These are probably the coldest nights we have had so far.
There are dingo warnings in the park and we have seen a dingo wandering around. It doesn't seem to be too concerned with the presence of lots of people, as he wanders around the camp. Early in the morning we heard them howling. Believe me, when I go to the shower block in the evening I am keeping a look out for them!!!
The next morning we had a sleep in before driving out to Kings Canyon to do the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. This is a 6km loop which begins with a steep climb to the top of the canyon, then follows the canyon around the rim on a well sign posted track. The climb up was pretty tough, but well worth it as the view from the rim was spectactular. The trail is very rocky and makes difficult walking. Again we didn't see any wild life. One section of the walk is called The Garden of Eden, a very pretty area which includes part of Kings Creek and has lush vegetation. It took about 3 1/2 hours to complete and we were ready for a rest. A great way to spend the morning.
That afternoon we took it easy and cooked a bar b q with our friends for dinner after happy hour.
There is no mobile or wireless coverage here so once again we are out of touch with the world.
On our last day we awoke to a very cold morning, so much so that there was ice in our milk. I am wearing flannelette p.j's, a thermal jumper and thick socks to bed to keep me snug on he these cold nights!!!
We drove over to Kings Canyon again and did the Kings Creek walk. It was an easy walk (2km) which meandered along Kings Creek, ending at a viewing platform where where there was a stunning view of the shear canyon walls.
We returned to camp and walked the Kings Canyon Resort Ridge Walk which took 45 mins. This track took us along an escarpment that surrounds the hotel, giving great views of the George Gill Range. When returning to the camp we say the scrawniest dingo we have ever seen.
Tomorrow we are driving to Alice Springs.
More blog from there.
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
We stayed at Kings Canyon Resort caravan park ($42 power & water), where the sites are quite large with lots of shady trees. There was a very cold wind, even though it was a sunny day.
We met up with our friends from Sydney again for happy hour which didnt last long because it was too cold outside. These are probably the coldest nights we have had so far.
There are dingo warnings in the park and we have seen a dingo wandering around. It doesn't seem to be too concerned with the presence of lots of people, as he wanders around the camp. Early in the morning we heard them howling. Believe me, when I go to the shower block in the evening I am keeping a look out for them!!!
The next morning we had a sleep in before driving out to Kings Canyon to do the Kings Canyon Rim Walk. This is a 6km loop which begins with a steep climb to the top of the canyon, then follows the canyon around the rim on a well sign posted track. The climb up was pretty tough, but well worth it as the view from the rim was spectactular. The trail is very rocky and makes difficult walking. Again we didn't see any wild life. One section of the walk is called The Garden of Eden, a very pretty area which includes part of Kings Creek and has lush vegetation. It took about 3 1/2 hours to complete and we were ready for a rest. A great way to spend the morning.
That afternoon we took it easy and cooked a bar b q with our friends for dinner after happy hour.
There is no mobile or wireless coverage here so once again we are out of touch with the world.
On our last day we awoke to a very cold morning, so much so that there was ice in our milk. I am wearing flannelette p.j's, a thermal jumper and thick socks to bed to keep me snug on he these cold nights!!!
We drove over to Kings Canyon again and did the Kings Creek walk. It was an easy walk (2km) which meandered along Kings Creek, ending at a viewing platform where where there was a stunning view of the shear canyon walls.
We returned to camp and walked the Kings Canyon Resort Ridge Walk which took 45 mins. This track took us along an escarpment that surrounds the hotel, giving great views of the George Gill Range. When returning to the camp we say the scrawniest dingo we have ever seen.
Tomorrow we are driving to Alice Springs.
More blog from there.
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Kulgera Roadhouse to Uluru - 20-23 May 2012 - 240km
On leaving Kulgera Roadhouse we topped up the tank and set off for Uluru. At Curtin Springs we paid $2.25/litre. Its getting more expensive the further north we get.
Again we drove through a flat landscape with long periods of straight road. As we drove closer to Uluru the vista changed to combination of rich red soil, pale cream long grasses and dark green scrub. It looked awesome.
We checked into Ayres Rock Resort caravan park ($41 power & water), and set up camp. The resort has 4 hotel/apartment/lodge complexes, a camping ground and shopping centre. It is very well designed and slots into the local landscape beautifully.
On our 2nd day, we drove out to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where we purchased a 3 day pass for $25 per person and then drove out to Mala carpark at the base of the rock. Here we joined a free Ranger guided walk, which lasted about 1 1/2 hours. We walked the Mala walk (about 2km) around the base of the rock while the Ranger explained the Anangu Aboriginal culture and the significance of Uluru. The walk was very informative and gave us an idea of what to expect the following day when we did the Base Walk. We then drove out to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and stopped along the way at Kata Tjuta Dune Viewing site where we ate our picnic lunch whilst enjoying the wonderful landscape.
After lunch we continued our drive to the Valley of the Winds where we hiked to Kara and Karingana Lookouts. This was a round trip of 5.4km along a track that was as much a climb as a walk, at times over very rocky, rough ground but it was worth every step as the scenery was spectacular. Although the day was hot and dry, when we walked in the shade of the huge rocks, the temperature dropped quickly and was quite cool. It took us about 2 1/2 hours to complete and by the time we finished we were ready for happy hour!!!
We were up early on our 3rd day as we planned to do the Uluru Base Walk and wanted to beat the heat. This walk is a 10.6km loop. It was a good, flat track and we did it comfortably, carrying plenty of drnking water. The scenery in this area is all about colours, which change constantly, according to the sunlight.
We are surpised about the complete lack of wild life. We haven't even seen a kangaroo and there is no road kill in this area at all. Before returning to camp, we visited the Cultural Centre which was worth a visit.
We had arranged to meet some travellers who we first met at Coober Pedy (Pat & Warrick, Debbie & Eric from Sydney) at Naninga Lookout in the caravan park to watch sunset over Uluru. We all turned up with drinks, nibbles, chairs and a table and enjoyed the sunset in comfort.
On on our last day at Uluru, we rose early to watch sunrise. The morning was really cold and we rugged up and walked up to Naninga Lookout again. It was a pretty ordinary sunrise, but something we had to see while we are here. Should have stayed in bed!!!!
We spent our last day doing a little shopping, preparing for moving on to Kings Canyon and having a bit of a lay day. Tonight we are going down to the Outback Pioneer Bar and Restaurant to have a few drinks and dinner and watch State of Origin. Go the Blues!!!!!!!
Next blog from Kings Canyon.
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
Again we drove through a flat landscape with long periods of straight road. As we drove closer to Uluru the vista changed to combination of rich red soil, pale cream long grasses and dark green scrub. It looked awesome.
We checked into Ayres Rock Resort caravan park ($41 power & water), and set up camp. The resort has 4 hotel/apartment/lodge complexes, a camping ground and shopping centre. It is very well designed and slots into the local landscape beautifully.
On our 2nd day, we drove out to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where we purchased a 3 day pass for $25 per person and then drove out to Mala carpark at the base of the rock. Here we joined a free Ranger guided walk, which lasted about 1 1/2 hours. We walked the Mala walk (about 2km) around the base of the rock while the Ranger explained the Anangu Aboriginal culture and the significance of Uluru. The walk was very informative and gave us an idea of what to expect the following day when we did the Base Walk. We then drove out to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and stopped along the way at Kata Tjuta Dune Viewing site where we ate our picnic lunch whilst enjoying the wonderful landscape.
After lunch we continued our drive to the Valley of the Winds where we hiked to Kara and Karingana Lookouts. This was a round trip of 5.4km along a track that was as much a climb as a walk, at times over very rocky, rough ground but it was worth every step as the scenery was spectacular. Although the day was hot and dry, when we walked in the shade of the huge rocks, the temperature dropped quickly and was quite cool. It took us about 2 1/2 hours to complete and by the time we finished we were ready for happy hour!!!
We were up early on our 3rd day as we planned to do the Uluru Base Walk and wanted to beat the heat. This walk is a 10.6km loop. It was a good, flat track and we did it comfortably, carrying plenty of drnking water. The scenery in this area is all about colours, which change constantly, according to the sunlight.
We are surpised about the complete lack of wild life. We haven't even seen a kangaroo and there is no road kill in this area at all. Before returning to camp, we visited the Cultural Centre which was worth a visit.
We had arranged to meet some travellers who we first met at Coober Pedy (Pat & Warrick, Debbie & Eric from Sydney) at Naninga Lookout in the caravan park to watch sunset over Uluru. We all turned up with drinks, nibbles, chairs and a table and enjoyed the sunset in comfort.
On on our last day at Uluru, we rose early to watch sunrise. The morning was really cold and we rugged up and walked up to Naninga Lookout again. It was a pretty ordinary sunrise, but something we had to see while we are here. Should have stayed in bed!!!!
We spent our last day doing a little shopping, preparing for moving on to Kings Canyon and having a bit of a lay day. Tonight we are going down to the Outback Pioneer Bar and Restaurant to have a few drinks and dinner and watch State of Origin. Go the Blues!!!!!!!
Next blog from Kings Canyon.
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
Thursday, 17 May 2012
Port Augusta to Coober Pedy - 16 May 2012 - 559km
We departed Port Augusta about 8.30am for the trip north on the Stuart Highway. It was another beautiful blue sky day and we drove through small dusty, dark green bushes and again the red earth. The road kill is getting bigger!!! We've gone from wambats and foxes to very big cows. The scenery changed to flat plains with just desert grass and not much vegetation for as far as the eye can see. We topped up with petrol at Spuds Roadhouse and then drove past Lake Hart, a very large salt lake.
On the last stretch of the trip we had 253km to drive without being able to top up with petrol. We thought we would be OK but weren't sure. No problem. We arrived at Coober Pedy with easily a quarter of a tank to spare. Now, at least we have some idea of our petrol consumption while towing!!!! We checked into Big 4 Oasis caravan park ($30 power,no water), had a few drinks with our neighbours from Sydney and had an easy dinner. We have good coverage for mobile phones and internet here, so I took the opportunity to do some forward bookings by using Skype phone. Easy peazy, and very cheap.
The next morning I took my first coin operated shower. 20cents for 3 minutes. It took me the first 2 minutes to adjust the temperature so I had a one minute shower before it cut out. Another 20cents and it started again at the same temperature and I was able to finish my shower for 40cents. Cheap at half the price!!!
We took a 1/2 day tour of Coober Pedy. Our bus driver as an ex opal miner who was 77 years old and very knowledgeable. We visited the opal fields and mines and the noodling area where anyone can go to fossick for opals, (and keep whatever you find). Also visited the Serbian Underground Church which was an amazing building, built underground of course and extremely beautiful. We drove all over town to Rudi's excellent commentary and lastly visited the Umoona Opal Mine & Museum which we found really interesting.
That afternoon we set off on a Sunset Breakaway Tour, first visiting an area of abandoned opal mines, where we were not allowed to leave the road because the area is pitted with abandoned prospecting drill holes up to 30m deep. Apparently its illegal to fill them in, in case someone is down there and could get trapped. Some of them have been almost covered with vegetation over the years, so the area is very dangerous.
Our next stop was the Breakaway Reserve, 32km north of Coober Pedy, which consists of colourful low hills, which have broken away from the Stuart Range, hence the name "The Breakaways". As the sun moves across the sky, the colours change. We stopped at 3 vantage points to take photos and view the Breakaways at sunset. This area has been used for several films (Mad Max beyond the Thunderdome and Ground Zero).
We also visited the Dog Fence. This 2m high wire barrier stretches for over 5,300km across 3 states to protect the sheep country in the south from Dingos. The Moon Plain lies on one side of the fence and has fossilised shells, grey, soft clay dirt and cracks that appear to be bottomless.
It was a great tour to a very beautiful, area.
George, our driver, is the manager of the caravan park where we are staying, and before dropping us off, offered to show us his home, which is a dugout. (there were only 4 of us on the tour). It was amazing. A very large 4 bedroom house, dug into the side of a hill with beautiful red sandstone walls with pick marks on them making a pattern. The only windows were at the front. We were very impressed with the original Aboriginal art in every room and its slate floors. This wasn't part of the tour and we were lucky to have been invited.
That night we walked up the main street to Jo's Pizza Restaurant for dinner.
Our last day in Cooper Pedy we took a walk up the main street which is full of opal shops and restaurants, filled up the car with petrol, and prepared the van for our trip into the Northern Territory tomorrow.
Tomorrow night we will be staying at the Kulgera Roadhouse, which is just over the border. Looks like I will be losing my lettuce again, as we will be passing through another quarantine station!!! I'm not expecting to have phone coverage or inernet access there so it will probably be Uluru before we will be contactable again.
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
On the last stretch of the trip we had 253km to drive without being able to top up with petrol. We thought we would be OK but weren't sure. No problem. We arrived at Coober Pedy with easily a quarter of a tank to spare. Now, at least we have some idea of our petrol consumption while towing!!!! We checked into Big 4 Oasis caravan park ($30 power,no water), had a few drinks with our neighbours from Sydney and had an easy dinner. We have good coverage for mobile phones and internet here, so I took the opportunity to do some forward bookings by using Skype phone. Easy peazy, and very cheap.
The next morning I took my first coin operated shower. 20cents for 3 minutes. It took me the first 2 minutes to adjust the temperature so I had a one minute shower before it cut out. Another 20cents and it started again at the same temperature and I was able to finish my shower for 40cents. Cheap at half the price!!!
We took a 1/2 day tour of Coober Pedy. Our bus driver as an ex opal miner who was 77 years old and very knowledgeable. We visited the opal fields and mines and the noodling area where anyone can go to fossick for opals, (and keep whatever you find). Also visited the Serbian Underground Church which was an amazing building, built underground of course and extremely beautiful. We drove all over town to Rudi's excellent commentary and lastly visited the Umoona Opal Mine & Museum which we found really interesting.
That afternoon we set off on a Sunset Breakaway Tour, first visiting an area of abandoned opal mines, where we were not allowed to leave the road because the area is pitted with abandoned prospecting drill holes up to 30m deep. Apparently its illegal to fill them in, in case someone is down there and could get trapped. Some of them have been almost covered with vegetation over the years, so the area is very dangerous.
Our next stop was the Breakaway Reserve, 32km north of Coober Pedy, which consists of colourful low hills, which have broken away from the Stuart Range, hence the name "The Breakaways". As the sun moves across the sky, the colours change. We stopped at 3 vantage points to take photos and view the Breakaways at sunset. This area has been used for several films (Mad Max beyond the Thunderdome and Ground Zero).
We also visited the Dog Fence. This 2m high wire barrier stretches for over 5,300km across 3 states to protect the sheep country in the south from Dingos. The Moon Plain lies on one side of the fence and has fossilised shells, grey, soft clay dirt and cracks that appear to be bottomless.
It was a great tour to a very beautiful, area.
George, our driver, is the manager of the caravan park where we are staying, and before dropping us off, offered to show us his home, which is a dugout. (there were only 4 of us on the tour). It was amazing. A very large 4 bedroom house, dug into the side of a hill with beautiful red sandstone walls with pick marks on them making a pattern. The only windows were at the front. We were very impressed with the original Aboriginal art in every room and its slate floors. This wasn't part of the tour and we were lucky to have been invited.
That night we walked up the main street to Jo's Pizza Restaurant for dinner.
Our last day in Cooper Pedy we took a walk up the main street which is full of opal shops and restaurants, filled up the car with petrol, and prepared the van for our trip into the Northern Territory tomorrow.
Tomorrow night we will be staying at the Kulgera Roadhouse, which is just over the border. Looks like I will be losing my lettuce again, as we will be passing through another quarantine station!!! I'm not expecting to have phone coverage or inernet access there so it will probably be Uluru before we will be contactable again.
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Flinders Ranges to Port Augusta - 15 May 2012 - 136km
We left The Flinders Ranges and drove to Port Augusta which was only a about 136 km.
This is just a stopover before heading North to Coober Pedy and we spent the day stocking up on food and drink and catching up on the washing.
We have also filled our water tank for the first time as it seems water can be a problem where we are heading.
Catch up with you all again from Coober Pedy (if we can get wireless coverage there)!!!
Cheers
Sam (Rhonda) & Pete
This is just a stopover before heading North to Coober Pedy and we spent the day stocking up on food and drink and catching up on the washing.
We have also filled our water tank for the first time as it seems water can be a problem where we are heading.
Catch up with you all again from Coober Pedy (if we can get wireless coverage there)!!!
Cheers
Sam (Rhonda) & Pete
Broken Hill to Flinders Rangers - 11 to 14 May 2012 - 593k
We departed Broken Hill at 8.30am on the Barrier Highway, crossing the NSW/SA border at Cockburn. We intended topping up our petrol at Olay but a very friendly guy at the roadhouse told us he hadn't had any for years, but if we were desperate he would give us some from his own car. We weren't desperate, we were simply topping up as we drove, so continued on and filled up at Yunta. We had to stop along the way to let a flock of sheep, handled by guys on motor bikes,cross the road. Very flat dry landscape. No hills or mountains. We crossed a lot of creeks that were all dry.
We left the Barrier Highway at Peterborough and stopped there to stock up on fruit and veg, as we had passed through a quarantine station and could not keep the few veg we had. It was a beautiful, sunny day and after we left the Barrier Highway it seemed like we were the only car on the road - very little traffic.
As there was no radio reception, we arrived at Hawker listening to C.D's and singling along to "Land of Hope and Glory" from "Last Night at the Proms" (thanks Chris). We arrived at Rawnsley Park Station camping ground at about 3.15pm and set up camp. The ground there was hard and rocky and impossible to put pegs in.
I took a tip from friends who have done a lot of caravaning and before we left Broken Hill had made up a bucket of soapy water and put some dirty clothes in to wash. The sealed bucket was placed in the stair well of the van and the motion of the caravan washed the clothes while travelling. After setting up we emptied the bucket, rinsed the clothes and hung them out to dry. Too easy!!!
It was very cold after sunset so - a few drinks, dinner and 2 episodes of "Mad Men" (thanks Mick) we were ready for some shut eye. Apparently is was 6 degrees through the night.
Rawnsley Park Station sits in shaddow of Rawnsly Bluff, amongst lots of shady trees and rocky, red ground and is quite large. We were connected to power and bore water which is OK when boiled. We can receive 2 TV channels (ABC & 7). There is no mobile phone or internet coverage here.
We woke up to a cold morning - perfect for porridge. We drove out to Wilpena and hiked to Wilpena Pound, which is an 80 sq km natural basin, ringed by gnarled ridges. The day had turned out sunny and warm, so we climed up to Wingarra Lookout which overlooks the Pound. Beautiful scenery. On leaving Wilpena we drove along the Blinman Road for a short way to Stokes Hill Lookout before returning to our caravan.
There is a fine red dust everywhere which sometimes makes breathing difficult and gives us the sneezes. The car and van look like they have been on the road a long time!!!
Another very cold night (it got down to 3 degrees) and we didnt feel like sitting outside for too long. Lucky for us our doonas are very snugg.
Next day we decided we would do a scenic drive through the Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges and Aroona Valley. We hesitated to do this as we dont have a 4 wheel drive, but after checking things out with both Wilpena Information Centre and Rawnsley Park reception we decided to give it a go. The road was a steep, winding, gravel road (about70km) and in places we actually had to drive in a riverbed. We had to drive very carefully as there were lots of loose rocks and in some places, shallow streams, but despite this and the dust, the scenery was well worth it. We saw a group of emu by the side of the road and took pictures of course. We stopped at Hawker on the way home for coffee and home made cake. The car seemed none the worse for its experience, but had to be washed and cleaned when we got back, as it was full of dust.
Our last day at Rawnsley Park we decided to do one of the hikes on the property, the Pine Caves Loop which was 5.4km. The track was well set out and easy to follow and passed through several dry river beds.After reaching the cave we hiked up 2 small knolls that gave us great views of the Chace Range, Elder Range and Rawnsley Bluff. Didnt see any wild life except for a tiny Red Capped Robin.
We spent the afternoon preparing to leave the next day for Port Augusta.
More blog from there.
Cheers
Sam (Rhonda) & Pete
We left the Barrier Highway at Peterborough and stopped there to stock up on fruit and veg, as we had passed through a quarantine station and could not keep the few veg we had. It was a beautiful, sunny day and after we left the Barrier Highway it seemed like we were the only car on the road - very little traffic.
As there was no radio reception, we arrived at Hawker listening to C.D's and singling along to "Land of Hope and Glory" from "Last Night at the Proms" (thanks Chris). We arrived at Rawnsley Park Station camping ground at about 3.15pm and set up camp. The ground there was hard and rocky and impossible to put pegs in.
I took a tip from friends who have done a lot of caravaning and before we left Broken Hill had made up a bucket of soapy water and put some dirty clothes in to wash. The sealed bucket was placed in the stair well of the van and the motion of the caravan washed the clothes while travelling. After setting up we emptied the bucket, rinsed the clothes and hung them out to dry. Too easy!!!
It was very cold after sunset so - a few drinks, dinner and 2 episodes of "Mad Men" (thanks Mick) we were ready for some shut eye. Apparently is was 6 degrees through the night.
Rawnsley Park Station sits in shaddow of Rawnsly Bluff, amongst lots of shady trees and rocky, red ground and is quite large. We were connected to power and bore water which is OK when boiled. We can receive 2 TV channels (ABC & 7). There is no mobile phone or internet coverage here.
We woke up to a cold morning - perfect for porridge. We drove out to Wilpena and hiked to Wilpena Pound, which is an 80 sq km natural basin, ringed by gnarled ridges. The day had turned out sunny and warm, so we climed up to Wingarra Lookout which overlooks the Pound. Beautiful scenery. On leaving Wilpena we drove along the Blinman Road for a short way to Stokes Hill Lookout before returning to our caravan.
There is a fine red dust everywhere which sometimes makes breathing difficult and gives us the sneezes. The car and van look like they have been on the road a long time!!!
Another very cold night (it got down to 3 degrees) and we didnt feel like sitting outside for too long. Lucky for us our doonas are very snugg.
Next day we decided we would do a scenic drive through the Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges and Aroona Valley. We hesitated to do this as we dont have a 4 wheel drive, but after checking things out with both Wilpena Information Centre and Rawnsley Park reception we decided to give it a go. The road was a steep, winding, gravel road (about70km) and in places we actually had to drive in a riverbed. We had to drive very carefully as there were lots of loose rocks and in some places, shallow streams, but despite this and the dust, the scenery was well worth it. We saw a group of emu by the side of the road and took pictures of course. We stopped at Hawker on the way home for coffee and home made cake. The car seemed none the worse for its experience, but had to be washed and cleaned when we got back, as it was full of dust.
Our last day at Rawnsley Park we decided to do one of the hikes on the property, the Pine Caves Loop which was 5.4km. The track was well set out and easy to follow and passed through several dry river beds.After reaching the cave we hiked up 2 small knolls that gave us great views of the Chace Range, Elder Range and Rawnsley Bluff. Didnt see any wild life except for a tiny Red Capped Robin.
We spent the afternoon preparing to leave the next day for Port Augusta.
More blog from there.
Cheers
Sam (Rhonda) & Pete
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
Nyngan to Broken Hill - 7 May 2012 - 707km -8 1/4 hours
Hi Everyone
We set off from Nyngan for Cobar 8.00am with half a tank of petrol. As we only has 124km to travel we thought this would be ample. Unfortunately, we didn't know about the continuous uphill climb which had a huge impact on the fuel consumption. Our petrol light came on with 20km to go and we started to wonder what we would do if we ran out in the middle of nowhere!!! Fortunately we made it. We have learnt our lesson though - top up continuously!!!!
There was very little traffic from Cobar to Wilcannia and we were driving on continuous straight road and noting red soil and goats by the site of the road. Lots of road kill, (roos, foxes and wambat) but he only wild life we saw were goats and 1 emu.
After filling up at Wilcannia,we drove about 70km out of town and ate lunch at a roadside stop over. Finally arriving at Broken Hill at 4.15pm.
We had not booked a caravan park, but had no trouble getting a site at Broken Hill City Tourist Park ($33 per night with power). The sites are very tight and the park was booked out by nightfall. 2 couples travelling in Maui campervans, asked us over for a drink, which of course we accepted.
The next day we walked into the city centre and walked the Heritage Walk. We then drove out to the Living Desert Flora & Fauna Sanctuary and spent a couple of hours walking the trails there. Enjoyed the walk but didnt see any animals at all.
We then drove to the Living Desert Sculptures in time to be there for sunset. There were quite a few others with the same idea, including a 40 seat tour bus of pensioners which mde it difficult to get good shots of the sculptures at sunset because they all sat in the middle of them to have snacks & drinks, blocking the views we had come to photograph (No we haven't forgotten we are pensions too)!!!!
Next morning we had a bit of a sleep in and drove out to Silverton which was originally a silver & lead mining town. Today it has a population of less than 60 and is the town where Mad Max and A Town Like Alice were filmed. After checking out the sites there we adjurned to the Silverton Hotel for lunch. A very interesting hotel with lots of nick nacks and film memorabilia, friendly staff and good counter lunches.
The road out to Silverton is 25km and has 39 signposted deep dips. Good job we weren't towing the van!!
On the way back to town we visited the Pro Hart Gallery and enjoyed seeing the art there. Back at the camp,we enjoyed happy hour with our new neighbours from Melbourne.
On our last day in Broken Hill we visited the Line of Lode Miners Memorial and then drove out to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base and did the tour there which we found very interesting. Hope we never need them!!!
Before going to bed we made sure everything was packed and ready for an early start in the morning as tomorrow we will be crossing the border into South Australia and heading for the Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound.
More blog from there -if we can get conneced.t
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) and Pete
We set off from Nyngan for Cobar 8.00am with half a tank of petrol. As we only has 124km to travel we thought this would be ample. Unfortunately, we didn't know about the continuous uphill climb which had a huge impact on the fuel consumption. Our petrol light came on with 20km to go and we started to wonder what we would do if we ran out in the middle of nowhere!!! Fortunately we made it. We have learnt our lesson though - top up continuously!!!!
There was very little traffic from Cobar to Wilcannia and we were driving on continuous straight road and noting red soil and goats by the site of the road. Lots of road kill, (roos, foxes and wambat) but he only wild life we saw were goats and 1 emu.
After filling up at Wilcannia,we drove about 70km out of town and ate lunch at a roadside stop over. Finally arriving at Broken Hill at 4.15pm.
We had not booked a caravan park, but had no trouble getting a site at Broken Hill City Tourist Park ($33 per night with power). The sites are very tight and the park was booked out by nightfall. 2 couples travelling in Maui campervans, asked us over for a drink, which of course we accepted.
The next day we walked into the city centre and walked the Heritage Walk. We then drove out to the Living Desert Flora & Fauna Sanctuary and spent a couple of hours walking the trails there. Enjoyed the walk but didnt see any animals at all.
We then drove to the Living Desert Sculptures in time to be there for sunset. There were quite a few others with the same idea, including a 40 seat tour bus of pensioners which mde it difficult to get good shots of the sculptures at sunset because they all sat in the middle of them to have snacks & drinks, blocking the views we had come to photograph (No we haven't forgotten we are pensions too)!!!!
Next morning we had a bit of a sleep in and drove out to Silverton which was originally a silver & lead mining town. Today it has a population of less than 60 and is the town where Mad Max and A Town Like Alice were filmed. After checking out the sites there we adjurned to the Silverton Hotel for lunch. A very interesting hotel with lots of nick nacks and film memorabilia, friendly staff and good counter lunches.
The road out to Silverton is 25km and has 39 signposted deep dips. Good job we weren't towing the van!!
On the way back to town we visited the Pro Hart Gallery and enjoyed seeing the art there. Back at the camp,we enjoyed happy hour with our new neighbours from Melbourne.
On our last day in Broken Hill we visited the Line of Lode Miners Memorial and then drove out to the Royal Flying Doctor Service Base and did the tour there which we found very interesting. Hope we never need them!!!
Before going to bed we made sure everything was packed and ready for an early start in the morning as tomorrow we will be crossing the border into South Australia and heading for the Flinders Ranges and Wilpena Pound.
More blog from there -if we can get conneced.t
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) and Pete
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Cessnock to Nygan - 6 May 2012 - 623km - 7 Hours
We intended leaving home at 8.00am, but unfortunatey had a problem with the electrical connections in the car and didn't leave until 10.30am. Our neighbour is a mechanic and fixed the problem for us. It was actually a stroke of luck that we discovered the problem before we left and not when we were on the road.
It was a beautiful sunny day and we stopped for a late lunch at Dunedoo and arrived at Nyngan Riverside Caravan Park just on dusk. The caravan park itself was OK ($28 for a powered site). It was a very cold night. A few drinks, a quick dinner and bed so that we would be ready for our trip to Broken Hill the next
day.
Next blog from Broken Hill.
Cheers
Sam (Rhonda) & Pete
It was a beautiful sunny day and we stopped for a late lunch at Dunedoo and arrived at Nyngan Riverside Caravan Park just on dusk. The caravan park itself was OK ($28 for a powered site). It was a very cold night. A few drinks, a quick dinner and bed so that we would be ready for our trip to Broken Hill the next
day.
Next blog from Broken Hill.
Cheers
Sam (Rhonda) & Pete
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