Friday 26 April 2024

Well the trip has well and truly started.

Had been advising the co driver that we would leave at 8:00am. She was eager and we actually left at 7:50am.

The first stop was the usual, at this location. Cannot start the day without a coffee.

It was then off to Port Augusta for fuel and lunch.

Sorted out the UHF so we can listen to the semi’s and B Doubles we expect to have coming up from behind. Success at last. My fat tubby fingers must have clicked on a special button. Now will listen to Channel 40.

We were going to stop at Spuds Roadhouse at Pimba. But decided to come to Woomera as it was only going to cost $16 extra to have power and running water.

SATURDAY 27 April 2024

Today we shifted to Coober Pedy. Stopped to fill with diesel at an AM/PM Ampol Staion at Glendamdo. As we go further north the price will get a lot dearer. it pays to keep an eye on the latest prices online.

A reasonable distance for the day.

Our spot in the Opal Inn Caravan Park. Over the back fence is the Police Station. It was a quiet night.

Went to tea last night but the pizza tonight was a much better meal. Have not had a better pizza in a long time.

Went for a drive to the Kanku_Breakaways Conservation Park.

Interesting colourful low hills that are in this area.

A scenic drive that also took in the dog fence.

Monday 29 April – 30 April 2024

Monday morning we left Coober Pedy to travel to Erldunda. This is where you turn left to go to Ayers Rock. Just the roadhouse and the attached caravan park.

Filled up with fuel at Cadney Homestead. Just a roadhouse / caravan park.

B Double had stopped with a few suspicious looking animals.

Lorraine inspected them said the trailers were both rocking a fair bit.

Stopped at Marla for lunch at the roadhouse.

Erldunda was an interesting stop.

Out the back of our van was the turn off to Ayers Rock.

They did have a resident camel for people to talk to, even the dog wanted to converse.

Reasonable park with power and water. Bore water not for drinking.

Stopped at Stuarts Well Roadbouse for a coffee. Run by an ex South Australian who was a nurse at Memorial Hospital.

The entrance to the park at Alice Springs.

Friday 3 May 2024

Yesterday we went out to the Desert Park. It was set up to give tourists an idea of the flora and fauna of this part of Central Australia.

The first animal we saw was an emu.

You might not realise that the Light Horsemen of World War 1 would wear emu feathers in their hats. The following is an extract from the Department of Veteran Affairs, Anzac Portal.

“The emu plume was first worn by members of the Queensland Mounted Infantry during Australian shearers’ strike of 1891. Mounted troops were called to Gympie to keep the peace during the strike. It’s said that when they were not on duty, the soldiers created a sport of plucking feathers from running emus to place in their hats. The unofficial uniform fashion spread throughout the Regiment.

By 1903, a hat adorned with a plume of emu feathers became part of the Commonwealth Mounted Forces uniform, recorded in the official dress manual from 1903 to 1912.

In 1915, during World War I, the Minister for Defence, Sir George Pearce, permitted all units of the Australian Light Horse to wear the plume. They called them ‘Kangaroo feathers’ at the time.”

Then it was off to the Birds of Flight, where the vaious birds fly down low overhead. Some get to have morning tea.

Various birds with hunting skills.

The handlers are fortunate they must be loved by the various birds.

Some of the birds pluck their prey out of the sky. The person in front of us(blue hat) was actually someone that we had come to know from alongside the croquet club at Tumby Bay. Knew some mutual friends from one of our stays in the caravan park and walking into the shops.

They also have a facility where more fauna are housed. Quite interesting habitat set up for the little critters.

Monday 6 May 2024

Left Alice Springs on Saturday morning heading towards Tennant Creek. Thought we would visit the Information Center to see if it was worth stopping to see anything on the way. Learned that you need to have a Parks Pass to stop at Devils Marbles and National Parks controlled areas. Passes last for two weeks and cost $60 for two adults.

Seeing we were headed for the equator, I thought it was appropriate that I ride across Tropic of Capricorn.

Interesting the number of places that have closed down over the years. Wycliffe Well is one of them.

It closed because of the hotel side of the business lost their licence. Supplying alcohol to drunk people got them taken to court.

Devils Marbles off down the road.

Arrived at the Tennant Creek Caravan Park.

They have previously had issues with people wandering around the park. No more instances. Appparently they have only had one person try to climb the electric fence since installation. It surrounds six acres.

Albert Borella was one of the Tennant Creek blokes who enlisted for WW1 He was awarded the Victoria Cross.

He had to go to some effort to do so because at the outbreak of the First World War the military authorities were not accepting volunteers from the Northern Territory. Borella accepted a job as a cook for a survey party in  Tennant Creek and in January 1915 he set out for Darwin to volunteer for active service. With Charlie, an Aboriginal man, he walked 140 kilometres (87 mi) and swam across flooded rivers. After borrowing a horse at Powell Creek, just north of Renner Springs, he rode to Katherine where he caught the mail coach to the railhead at Pine Creek. He sailed from Darwin to Townsville on 8 March 1915 with four other men who were among the first 15 volunteers for active service from the Northern Territory.

The Battery Hill Gold Mining & Heritage Center was very interesting with the collection of old equipment used to get the gold out of the ore.

Mine tours are about to start up again soon. Entrance has been made safe.

Went to Lake May Ann for a drive.

It is actually a creek that has been blocked off.

Found this which gives a better perspective.

Then off to the Telegraph Station

After it was closed a local farmer used it as a butchers shop.

Tuesday 7 May 2024

Left Tennant Creek to go to Elliott. Got to Elliott and decided you can always keep going to Daly Waters Hotel. Did not like the look of Elliott.

Had to stop for roadworks as they had got 3 inches of rain in 20 days a few weeks back. Previously we had a 5 km drive alongside of road workers constructing the new road because of flood damage.

Stopped at Renner Springs for lunch. Lorraine had stopped there 20 years ago. Bought a can of Coke and left. Did not look like a good spot to stay or buy food.

Got to Daly Waters in time to get what we thought was the prime location. The park has 100 power and water sites and although it was late in the day we got site 1. From the inside of the outdoor area you can see our van.

Quite a busy place that is just getting ready for the busy season. $36 per night for power and water. We stayed for 3 days. Power went off the last night because a bat got tangled up in the generating plant.

Bar area is a museum just in itself.

The gopher belongs to the owner of the pub Tim Carter. We became the best of friends ! as I decided to ask him only 3 questions after I worked out where he was born.

Tim Carter was born at Wallaroo. His Grandfather as you can see was the Butcher.

He now owns the Daly Waters Pub, Adelaide River Motel out from Darwin and the Big Bucket at Coober Pedy. Also owns a couple of shopping centers and motels around SA

My questiions were where his grandfather was buried – He was a Green so could be related – but the jury so far says no.

Next question was did he know the following people in Moonta -Stephen Stock who owns an antique store and also Gordon Cavanagh who was my mothers cousin. He answered yes to both.

Last question was whether he was related to the land agent at Ardrossan who was a Carter. Answer was no but he did know him. He came back 3 minutes later and said “you are not going to tell me you own a couple of places at Black Point next to Glen Cooper are you” to which I replied I could only dream.

His dog leads a charmed life.

Also of a night time they have an alternative to a pedestrian crossing. It is a goat crossing.

Found a nice spot opposite a jewellery stand run by a very nice husband and wife that make everything themselves. The had spent 11 years riding arount the world with there 2 sons. Now based in WA but still travelling.

I bought Lorraine a present that I picked out. Bracelet for her wrist.

Lorraine has learnt to relax.

Great signs abound at the pub.

Kevin is a crocodile that lives in a enclosure in front of Tim’s house.

Lorraine even laughed at his one.

McDonalds even liked the place.

Next it was into Tims’s Museum. You could only dream of having one of the many FJ’s in mint condition.

The 2 Door EH Holden would be interesting to drive as it has a 5.7 litre V8 engine

Bicycle are also displayed

The last point of call before leaving was the dump point. Toilet cistern is brilliant.

Friday 10 May 2024

Left the pub to travel to Mataranka.

Went for a walk to the Springs and came across the following.

fore we left Bitter Springs in Mataranka a sight you do not see very ofter came to me.  Sitting in my comfy chair outside i saw in the distance

Thursday 15 May 2024

Not one but two caravans from Noel’s.  Found out they both purchased their vans in 2017 in the same week without taking to each other.  They were friends travelling together.  It got more interesting as one used to be a police officer that was in the same course at Fort Largs back in the 1970’s as two otherof my friends.  Both of my friends do not use the first names on their birth certificates.  Paul also knew two of our neighbours (over our back fence and side fence).  Also a fellow paddler from West Lakes Canoe Club days. Also knew an ETSA employee and one of Lorraines relatives.

Anyway travelledd to Katherine and booke into the park by the hot springs.  Decided on the park pool after a hot dayshopping etc.

A trip up Katherine Gorge was decided on whilst visiting the Information Center.  When booking the tickets had to give our names for the tickets.  The women is putting Lorraines name into the system and stops typing.  Looks at Lorraine and asks, does your middle name stat wth an “O”.  We look at each other and ask why?  She replies, well you could be LOL. We decided it could be Othelia.

Got on the boat similar to this.

The trip took two hours and we got out once to walk over some rocks to get into the next section for another ride in the next boat. Tour guide was very knowledgible and provided good information on the whole gorge past where we went.

Rock art was visible in one of the sections we had to walk.

Another example

The level of the gorge has dropped over the last 3 weeks in so much as they could have tracvelled over these in the boat we were in.

They do have fresh and salt water crocodiles, but primarily fresh water.

After the tour we thought we were going for a short 500 metre walk to a lookout.

They forgot to say how steep. Lorraine was not happy and we missed a good lunch by 5 minutes. She did however manage a smile for the photo. Before we missed out on cooked lunch.

Today Wednasday 15 we went to Edith Falls but not for a long walk. Falls in the background.

This is a better view.

View of the water after it has gone over the waterfall.

Had luch at this small place on the shore. They sold Villi’s pies and pasties. Did not know what a pie floater was ! Also unfortunately did not sell Golden North Giant Twins.

Tomorrow off to Darwin

Thursday 16 May 2024

Arrived in Darwin, or more appropriately Howard Srings which is 27 kilometres out towards Katherine.

Staying at the back of the park with only a motorhome a couple of sites over. Nice and quiet with some peacocks coming to visit at times.

Apparently there are 34 that live in the park.

Decided to backtrack and go to Adelaide River. Visited the War Cemetery to see how well it is kept. There are 434 burials, comprising 14 airmen of the Royal Air Force, 12 unidentified men of the British Merchant Navy, 18 sailors, 181 soldiers and 201 airmen belonging to the Australian forces, and seven men of the Australian Merchant Navy.

Exceptional work has gone into the construction and maintaining the grounds.

Interesting that information around Darwin gives a balanced view of both sides of World War II

Also details of the Aboriginal people that served as troops.

Reminds me of the story that an Army Captain that I had paddled with around 1999. He had served in East Timor and the troops that he served with came across an old timer that was wearing a slouch had. He was part of a village that had provided shelter to a wounded soldier that had been shot by the Japanese. They later found out that one of the WWII solderrs had sent money back to the village that allowed a young man to become a lawyer. A group of them repaired an old school building.

The following shows the details of the bombing of Darwin.

Also saw the Ghan travelling to Katherine where they stop to go on a tour of the gorge.

Then off to Litchfield Park to see a number of sites. Florence Falls

On our travels we also visited the Rum Jungle South lake. Part of an old uranium mine.

Came across a termite mound that must have been special. Had a fence built around it.

Bluey Rockhole was a good spot for kids because of the shallow water.

Also vistited Wangi Falls. No crocodiles but a couple of cages with nothing in them. Still no swimming.

Decided to go for a walk in Darwin and have lunch. They actually only have parking meters that take coins. Thus just after we left the car’ I thought we needed to be able to find the Navara eventually. No bread crumbs so thought next best thing was to take the following.

Thought we would go to the fishermans wharf for lunch, had no idea what direction to go so decided to use the GPS but failed the test. Ended up in a place and had calamari. Decided we were spoilt going to Tumby Bay and having lunch in the Fresh Fish Factory in Port Lincoln. Decided to go to the RFDS to view the display. Driving into the location LOL suggests that this is where she want to come for lunch.

The display was intersting as they have a visual representation of the bombing of Darwin. Also hologram display and the establishment of the origins of the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Walking out of the display we went and had a drink looking out to sea. Alongside the dock were a couple of ships.

Thought we would go back for tea one night. Spotted the meal in the water. Should be enough for the two of us.

Sunday 19 May 2024

It was off to the aviation museum. What a great place to see the work of the enthusiasts that are around. Interesting to see a B52 that is on permanent loan from the United Stares Air Force

The display has air pumped in to allow ventilation for those that want to sit in the pilots seat

The view would be awesome if you were very short and you wanted to be inside the aircraft for up to 30 hours. View from the copilots seat. I would say the height requirement would prohibit people over 5 foot 10 inches from applying. You also would have to be agreeable to confined spaces. Climbing up two narrow sets of steps to reach the flight deck. Only five crew. Aircraft commander, pilot, radar navigator, navigator and electronic warfare officer.

A photo of it landing prior to being put in the hangar.

They had to lower the tail to one side to get it in.

They also have a P 3 Orion on display which is more welcoming to get into. These were based at Edinburgh in Adelaide.

View of the controls.

View from the co pilot seat. I remember one of these flying over the top of my sea kayak down at Seacliff and being able to see the co pilots face quite clearly.

Also a Spitfire that has been restored.

Not that the Osprey were in the display but coming back from the Mindil Markets we heard the noise. Looked left and right and then saw these flying accross the highway in from of us. Col. Brian T. Mulvihill ( no not the West Torrens footballer), the commanding officer of Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 24.3, said he backed the tilt-rotor aircraft, which was  grounded after being involved in two fatal incidents last year.

We have also been to Stokes Wharf for a meal. We were going to take a photo of the Barramundi but ate it first so you will have to satisfied with a shot of people eating.

We did go to Mindil Markets to see what was on offer and tea.

Stayed for the sunset.

As the sun set the cheering and clapping started.

On Tuesday it was off to the jumping crocodiles. They did not get very high out the water. But you cannot always predict what they will do.

Some were better than others.

Little babies always need to sleep in the sun.

Well it had to happen, just before a right hand turn to go to the caravan park’ look at what I saw, not just one but a whole little family in the background.

On the other side of the intersection was a bike track that followed the the original railway line from Darwin to Birdum (Daly Waters).

Quite a nice railway track. Nice to ride on, but the next day they were back burning so quite smokey.

Sunday 26 May 2024

Up bright and early to go out to Kakadu National Park staying at the Aurora Kakadu Lodge Caravan Park. Cannot book a site but they do have over 100 powered sites.

Got theree with no problems but was confused picking out a site. Too many and had Lorraine and myself in stitches trying to find a site that was to our liking. We eventually decided on one after stopping in say four sites.

Went to the Bowali Visitor information Centre. Telstra was doing a sterling job in distrupting the whole area. Were upgraging the service to 5G prior to the Tasting Kakadu weekend.

Off to Cahill’s Crossing. Crocodiles gather in large numbers around this causeway to feed on mullet and barramundi as the tide pushes in and over the road that leads into Arnhem Land. We met our tour guide in Kakadu Natilional Park. We is an very interesting and animated 29 year old indigenous West Arnhemlander. He passed on many stories about his upbringing in relation to playng football and getting injured. Waking up in hospital and his mother telling him “no more football.” He had an arranged marriage organised between his Grandmother and his wife’s Grandmother. He cannot normally get from his home for four months from November because no one can get over Cahill’s crossing until after February. Such a gentle person who cannot stand any violence within his community.

Tyrone demonstrated spear throwing from the West Arnhem side of the East Alligtor River towards Kakadu National Park

We weent down towards Cahill’s Crossing and Tyrone was there just in time for him to give his mum a wave as she drove across the submerged crrossing.

Not everyone is fortunate enough to make it. Somepeople have to jump and swim very quickly. They can have six metre tides when the right conditions came int play.

After the tour we did sight someone crossinfg whist the level had risen. Notice the black log that is visible behind the Landcuiser. It had be progressively inching it way accross the crossing

They also have salt water and fresh waters crocodiles in the East Alligator River. These two were not friendly towards each other.

He explained the difference between the different trees and what they are used for.

The difference betwwn the various sections of Arnhem land was interesting in the way the sandy beaches were evident as we went upstream. He mentioned that he had seen water buffalo enter the water and disappear until they got out on the other side of the river in Kakadu National Park.

We came to a section of beach where Tyrone used to go and fish as a young man. No swimming though.

There was a water hole on the other side of the landing spot.

He also demonstrated spear throwing. Prior to the demonstration he indicted that the measurement was from hand the the arm pit.

The end of the spear has an indentation that the crocodile tooth (olden days) fitted into to give the spear flight.

The spear disappeared into the river hopefully to be recovered. Someone was sighted on top of rocks wondering if she was going to get back over the other side of the river to Kakadu National Park.

Itwas interesting to see the wildlife as we were taken back to the starting point.

Along the way various rock art was sigghted.

We also visited Ubirr which is another rock art location.

 

Later in the day it was off to the airport for a sunset flight over Kakadu to see this unbelievable park. At the end of the run way is the Ranger Uranium Mine which was closed after the lease expired in 2021. It should be fully remiated by 2026 at a cost of $500 million

Then off to the wonderous sights over the yellow stone areas.

Words are not really needed.

This is floating grasses the rangers float over in boats similar to what you see in Florida

Burn off’s are conducted regularly by the rangers in consultation with traditional land owners. It has been caluted that if a normal fire was itiated it takes Seven or so years for the land to recover but the animals may never come back to the area.

This is where Tyrone lives (we think) in West Arnhem land

We also went to the Nourlangie to see the rock art

Interesting that thry have lasted so long.

 

Some of the roads to attractions are closed whilst some of the falls are not flowing.

Saturday 29 May 2024

Saturday we left to go back to Katherine for a couple of days. Went back to the same caravan park and were lucky to get a spot. The people are coming north as we head south to go into Queensland..

We enjoyed the drive back to Katherine. Before we got to Pine creek we had sighted a few brumbies, one dingo and one rather large pig.

Left Katherine and had intended to stop in Larrimah for one night. Have never seen so many caravans going in the other direction. As we got closer we decided to go a bit futher and go back to Daly Waters pub.

Morning time is when the animals get to roam, or so it is in Daly Waters. Tim Carter was the leader of the pack.

He advised that Polly the horse is after carrots.

The old story of “Why the long face” and the answer was “No carrots” The Long horns get to go where ever they want.

More cattle eating off the top of 44 gallon drums.

Even the Christmas animals were present.

The old story of no room at the inn, did not apply at dinner in the pub. The donkey came in for a feed but unfortunately got asked to leave.

Waste not, want not, nothing is wasted even for the toilets. Old kegs are recycled.

When we were in the Pub previously a husband and wife were making jewellery and had a piece that I quite liked. An islander has asked who had made it, and was astounded that a Dutch person with no training had carved it. Fransisca, Michael’s wife thinks in a previous life he might have been an Island person. I suggested that one of Michael’s ancestors could have sailed with Abel Tasman and visited Tongo in January 1643. We have named him Nigel No Hands.

Next it was off to Barkly Homestead. It is really a giant roadhouse which is self sufficient for power and water. Van sites are only $40 per night. Included entertainment and reasonalbe prices for food and drinks. Coke for $3.80

The pot holes in the road had to be navigated with some care. People coming from Camooweal thought they had it worse.

Entertainment provided by Lou Bradley and Jeff was entertaining for three hours.

Lorraine thought the echidna family were cute.

This was on its way from Perth to the Coast os Queensland

Sighted at Barkly Homestead.. It looked like this in 2014 according to Aerial Visuals.

Off bright and early to get to Mt Isa.

Why did I book into the park for five nights ? Never again.

Did take some photos from the lookout.

Lake Moondarra looks interesting

 

The morning did not start off that well. We were going to get groceries and then leave for Cloncurry.. The Nissan would not start so a call to the RAA to get RACQ to attend. We did not have to wait long to be told the battery was dead. Fitted a new one as we did not want to find out that tomorrow we were in the same predicament.

So off to Cloncurry it was. Within a 100 km we had to slow down as a 4WD and van had gone off the road and rolled. Police, fire brigade plus ambulances were in attendance. We passed slowly and continued on our way. Not a bad caravan park in Cloncurry. Two well provisioned super markets and a bakery plus clothing store etc..

Tuesday morning 11 June 2024 we departed from Cloncurry for Winton.

Stopped at Kynuna for a coffee and a snack before continuing on to Winton. One of the most interesting roads for being something like a roller coaster and becoming airborne.

Reached Winton and decided to do a The Gondwana Stars Observatory tour. It was conducted at the purpose built establishment which is the first Internanional Dark Sky Sanctuary in Australia.

The talks covered basically

• What did the dinosaurs see.
• How do constellations change over time?
• Why are humans innately drawn to finding meaning in star patterns and how does that fascination continue today?
• what did the dinosaurs see.
• How do constellations change over time?
• How can we possibly understand time?

It was very interesting and quite different to the Charleville Cosmos Centre which we had attended in May 2022. They concentrated more on the planets and stars.

We stayed in this park in May 2024 and the upgrading is quite remarkable.

We are now on the downward part of our holiday and will be visiting towns that we have previously stayed in. Not much choice of locations that we can divert to.

Friday 14 June 2024

It was off to Longreach and the tourist park that we had stayed in before.

This time they had added a building called the Woolshed.

The entertainment after the meal that we enjoyed was provided by a gentlerman called Errol Gray. He did not sing one cover song. All the songs he sang were about caravaners. He thought he should change his name to Earl Gray !

Sunday 16 June 2024

What we learnt this day was never go over a dead kangaroo unless it is estimated to be 6 inches high. Got to the park and had to visit the local Mitre 10 store to puchase some PVC pipe. Back to the caravan park and spent the next 3 hours cutting pipe and getting brackets off the broken pipe. Measure and check it twice to ensure it stayed in place. Fortunate to have LED torches as I finished it after dark. It was cold and dark but I struggled on. Had some tea and got warm.

Monday 17 June 2024

It was off to Kidmans Camp at Bourke. As we drove the discussion turned to how far and how long we were going to stay. Stopped at the Port of Bourke Hotel for some lunch and decided Bourke was not the place we wanted to stay for a couple of days and then drive to Broken Hill.

Prior to getting into Bourke we sighted a Thomas Fine Foods building. Found out in the hotel it employees approximately 200 people and exports 99% of the goats they process over seas

Tuesday 18 June 2024

Off to Broken Hill for 2 days of rest and recreation

Had previously stayed in the park but the facilities have really been improved. The camp kitchen close to our van had automtic electric doors and heated. We walked every day to the local supermarket.

Saturday 22 June 2024

Off to Jamestown.

The last time we came from Broken Hill the roads to travel on were not enjoyable. It is far better to get onto highway 1 and go through Port Wakefield than Burra. Two nights in this splendid park were enjoyable and lunch in the hotel was really enjoyable. Also one of the best foodland store we have seen in a long time.

Anyway, we were off to Port Pirie to catch up with a brother who was not very well.

THE END3