20240718 – 20240720 -
Ceduna. After our trip across the Nullarbor, we spent a few days in Ceduna
cleaning up and restocking after a trip across the Nullabor. I just happened to pick a caravan park right
next door to a club, which just so happen to have a couple of little
pokies. We had planned on going to the club
but the weather was terrible – wind gusts over 80kph with rain. We weren’t leaving the motorhome, which was
rocking. (The Big Fella got out and filled the water tank and grey tank to stop it blowing away.) We did end up making it over to the club the next day, we had a feed
then Dave had a few chores to do and left me at the club – very dangerous of
him. But I did behave and I didn’t lose,
so we were both happy.
20240720 – 20240727 -
Ceduna – Dubbo. We spent several nights free camping as we meandered our way to Dubbo. One of the towns we stopped at was called Iron Knob (population approx 120). We thought that it was interesting that you could go to the golf club, which is opened for a meal on a Sunday from 5pm - 9pm.
There has been some amazing paintings on the Silo's. This was the nicest at a town called KIMBA.
We also drove through Broken Hill as I wanted to see the Palace Hotel - it was part of the movie Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. We arrived a the Hotel around 11:30 - but it doesn't open until noon.
Many of the small towns are getting smaller as years go by. Stations and Farms are getting bigger, mining towns having FIFO workers which results in less services required in the towns. It is a downward spiral turning many into ghost towns.
Another one of the free
camps was in a very small town named ‘Hermidale’– population around 150. The free camp was right beside the Hermidale
Pub, which opens at 3:00pm. We went over around 5pm for a
meal. A couple who was also staying here
invited us to sit with them – and it all went downhill from there (for me
anyway). This tiny Pub had one Poker
machine. So of course, the publican
turned it on for me – so I just had to play it.
We had a great night meeting and drinking with the local farmers who seem to enjoy getting city folk perspective on life and travel. I think I got home sometime
after 11:30pm (Pub had a license till 10:00) – yes Dave had tried to get me home, but I thought I needed one
more, it sounded good at the time.
Needless to say, I wasn’t feeling very well the next morning and it was
probably our most expensive stay in any camp this whole trip - it certainly wasn't free.
20240727 - Dubbo - We’ve stopped in Dubbo to go to
the Taronga Western Plains Zoo Dubbo, it has a great review. Dave has been there before and thought that I
would like it. He wasn’t wrong. We drove our little car around the Zoo and
saw some magnificent animals.
After reading and listening to the pace that some of these amazing animals can run - we were happy to see something more our speed - the Galapagos Turtle.
20240728 - 20240801 - Dubbo - Broken Head. We spent a couple of nights travelling from Dubbo to Broken Head. Staying in free camps along the way. One of our stops we spent behind a hotel in Delungra. Of course it had been raining and yes it was very cold yet again. (Overnight temp was -3C). We were parked out the back on the grass lawn, it didn't appear to be too wet - Wrong. The ground under the grass moved as you walked on it needless to say the motorhome moved it a lot more.
We didn't get too far trying to leave, before we realised just we weren't going anywhere. So we start by unhooking our car and try getting them both out separately - our little car no problems, not so much the motorhome. (Now bogged to the axles.) Okay next step get the MaxTraxs and shovel and get to work. (Where is Pete's F250 when you need it.) We managed to dig enough to get the MaxTraxs under the front wheels and after several dig and repeats we managed to get it out. (Obviously Lisa's skilful driving and nothing to do we Dave being knee deep in mud.) Success - whilst this was a great little overnighter we didn't need to spend any longer here in downtown Delungra. It was probably best to get out of town because their parking area needed a top dressing. (We did try to reinstate it as best we could.)
All across the nation, as we travelled we came across these wide loads. This little one was 8 meters wide. Having the two way was really beneficial as it gave us plenty of warning of what was coming so we could get off the road safely.
Another little rest stop with its own waterfall and swimming hole. Way to cold to swim.
We are spending a couple of nights in Broken Head prior to going home. We are both feeling different emotions, whilst we are both so excited to get home and see family and friends (and of course for Dave to play his golf), we realise our amazing trip is coming to an end.
We have both had an absolutely fantastic time discovering what stunning scenery Australia has to offer. It was way above our expectations. Swimming with the whale sharks was definitely our highlight, Whilst we have had some great learnings on what we would do better next time, the main one, don't travel South in winter to our beautiful beaches. We really hadn't realised how cold, wet and windy the weather could be, we do now.
Most importantly - after 3 months in our motorhome, we are still married. Dave has done an amazing job looking after me, the motorhome and the car. He has kept us all safe and secure. We have had a lot of laughs along the way and made some fabulous memories. Big Fella, thanks for all the things you do. I've learnt a lot of things on this trip, who knew that I would become knowledgeable about tire pressures and fuel economy. The only thing that I'm disappointed about is - he has beaten me at Yahtzee. (I taught him how to play and the student has become the master...) As we only own half of this motorhome, our half has made it home in one piece. The Eames's half will keep Tony busy.
Now to go home and start planning our next trip.
