8 October – Charlton to home

As we drove the last leg towards home we were greeted with rain, much the same as when we left 3 months ago.

We made it home safe and well, a day early and under budget after driving about 19,000km and taking over 4,000 photos (after deleting the rubbish). We had a fantastic time and are already thinking about next years trip. No doubt preparations will start soon.

The best part about returning home is catching up with family and friends, especially our grandchildren.

Maree and I wish to thank Gordon and Karen & David and Chris for their company along the way. The part of the trip we shared with them was particularly enjoyable.

We met dozens of friendly, like minded travellers during our trek that also made the trip more enjoyable. Thanks to those people also.

Keep those wheels turning.

7 October – Port Pirie to Charlton

Today was our longest drive (750km) but it was done because we got the smell of home and decided to get there a day early. With this in mind all photo taking was out the window (or not even that).

Below are a couple of photos of camper hire vans collected during our trip. Pity the people who drive them.

Tonights camp is a small caravan park in Charlton at $12 a night with power. This is cheapest powered camp for the trip. We just hope there’s not too many trains going over the bridge behind us tonight.

6 October – Ceduna to Port Pirie

The mission for today was to drive a far as possible with the goal of getting past Port Augusta. With that in mind we decided to abandon our usual time wasting ritual of visiting the beckoning tourist traps and instead resorted to taking photos of the GPS and a toilet block where we stopped for morning tea. No, not in the toilet block; there was a picnic table near there.

The GPS photo illustrates what you’re in for when setting off across the Nullarbor from Ceduna. The first turn is 1199km away.

The photo of the toilet? That was just plain amusing.

Todays plan came undone when we saw the big galah. We just had to stop and take a photo.

We achieved our goal by reaching Port Pirie this afternoon. A bit of shopping in Port Pirie buying presents for our grandchildren was our last outing for the day.

5 October – Eucla to Ceduna

We woke up this morning at our roadside stop with the tranquillity of the bush broken only by the buzz of generators. I guess some people can’t do without an electric toaster and microwave.

An hours drive down the road saw us at the head of the Bight where there is a new visitor centre especially constructed so we can view the Bight and passing whales. The admission price gives a new meaning to the term ‘Great Australian Bight’ but in the end it was worth it because of all the whales we saw.

After another long drive we reached Ceduna.

4 October – Balladonia to Past Eucla

We are looking forward to another long drive today including completing Australia’s longest piece of straight road that stretches 145km.

Todays highlight was seeing the old Eucla telegraph station that is almost covered by sand dunes. This was once the busiest telegraph station in Australia, outside of a capital city.

We also stopped at a couple of lookouts to take in views of the Great Australian Bight.

We again stopped at a roadside stop somewhere east of Eucla.

Our Free Camp

A Dew Covered Flower Opening At The Start Of Day

 

The Remains Of Eucla Telegraph Station

 

The Longest Straight Section Of Road In Australia

3 October – Kalgoorlie to past Balladonia

Today is the first day of our journey home and only 2935kms to go. As we left the goldfields area we had a look at what’s left of Coolgardie but most of it seemed to have been carted away many years ago.

The 2 guys who discovered gold here in 1892 and picked up 554 ounces in one afternoon. Six years later there were 2 stock exchanges and 26 hotels in this town. Today there are 2 hotels and a dog.

After a long drive east we stopped beside the highway at a free camp spot.

You Can Get Just About Anything At This IGA


The Sunday Hours Say It All About Coolgardie

2 October – Kalgoorlie

We started the day with a walk around Hannan Street, the main street of Kalgoorlie where we saw lots of interesting architecture. Only a few Kms away in Boulder many buildings are still closed and scaffolded due to quake damage sustained last April.

Next we took in the view from the town’s lookout then did an underground mine tour, after which there was a gold pouring demo.






The next priority was to watch the AFL grand final replay. Pity the Saints didn’t get up becauase now we’ll have a year of Collingwood supporters gloating.

This evening we toured Langtree’s 181 club, one of the town’s brothels. Ok, it’s called 181 because at 181 Hay Street. We saw many different rooms and got to ask lots of questions. This was a hands off tour but there were lots of things to see. We'll leave that to your imagination.

In The Roman Orgy Room At Langtrees

A New Hobby