Trip Report 2009 Days 1 – 7

Richard Kovac

Holiday
25th May – 7th June 2009 5385.7 km
Avg 7.15 Km/L
Cheapest Fuel $1.199/L @ Kewdale, Dearest $3.20/L @ Kunnawarritj
Avg. $1.7258/L
No damage to the Troopy
No flat tyres
No problems at all This was our first trip was without our dog Benny who’d died a month or so earlier. It was to cover the Hunt Oil Road, the Gary Highway, Gary Junction Road, Sandy Blight Junction Road and abandoned section of the Gunbarrel Highway.
Total water taken was 105litres and used a total of 65litres.

Day 1 – Monday May 25th.
Our first morning started off cold with a frost on the ground and clear skies overhead. We got up about 0700 and set off to get breakfast the bakery at Merredin. We didn’t rush and got to Coolgardie to fuel up at 1200 and got some lunch at the same time. We then headed up the highway and saw the usual road kill. Travelling between Menzies and Leonora we again spotted goats and again going out to Laverton. Arrived at Laverton at 1600 and the caravan park to set up camp within the 40mins and could then watch the sun setting between 1700 – 1730.

Laverton Caravan Park

Tyre pressure was front 40 and rear 50.
Richard made the HF radio sched for Perth so we’d finally had a drama free first day (for possibly the first time ever). That night we watched our first and last DVD for the trip.

Day 2 – Tuesday May 26th
Got up with the sun at 0630 to cold, clear skies (around 6°C) and got away from camp at 0800. Robyn had not replaced her batteries in the head light and it was very flat so we filled in time waiting for the shop to open to get AAA batteries. Headed out of town and lowered the tyres 10psi all round so they were now front 30 and rear 40 now we’d hit dirt – albeit wide open road dirt road.
Pulled in to Tjukayirla Roadhouse

to fuel up at 1330 and got some lunch at the same time. There was road works on the Great Central Road and along with a few rockholes and sights we saw camels and a few kangaroo’s.
Richards hip/knee was giving him some trouble but generally he was coping well, needing to get out periodically, to walk around.
We made camp (as in Mick O’s Blog) by a red low ridge about 18mk up the Hunt Oil Road.

The ridge was about 10ft high with many eroded “caves” that animals would normally utilise. This time we’d brought along a portable toilet and tried it out with success.
Richard made the HF sched.

Day 3 – Wednesday May 27th
Richard birthday saw us getting up at 0630 to clear skies (later turning to intermittent clouds) and a cool morning of 6°C. Reducing tyre pressure again a further 5psi on the front to 25 the rear remaining 40. We got off around 0800 and immediately saw camels and washouts with detours.

Road base is fairly good but surface varies between firm sand and small stones, some corrugation patches, dry spinifex and lots of dry creeks and gullies. As the spine fix increased we got out the home made shield for the radiator and did regular inspections under the vehicle. These inspections did not yield too much as there had obviously been two vehicles on the track at some recent point ahead of us.
We stopped for morning tea at the bore

and then around 1200 we got to the caves. We thought about going to the abandoned camp but the washouts were too deep at the commencement that we thought we’d cut our losses and not proceed. We had a look around the caves and got lunch ready to have. We travelled on and at 1500 made Mt Worsnop and then onto Alexander Springs.

It was a warm afternoon when we walked up to the springs that were unfortunately dry. The remains of a dead camel (a long time dead as no smell) was just below the springs so can only assume they had been dry for some time.

We headed back to junction of the road and turn off to Alexander Springs and set up camp for the night. At 1640 it was still 20°C. Toilet breather had leaked the cleaning solution and a branch had loosened one of the diesel jerry can lids (but didn’t loose fuel as we saw the wet patch around the mouth) but otherwise no ill effects from the road. Richards hip still holding up but giving Richard stabbing pains and he got through on the HF sched to give a progress report.

Day 4 – Thursday May 28th
Up again at 0630 to overcast skies and warmer morning (9°C at 0645). Set of at 0745 and at 0810 Richard spied a couple of caterpillar trains (processionary caterpillars) on the side of the road.

We got out to watch these curious creatures marching up the sides of the road. We then had a camel escort us up the road for a short time and then a bustard (or bush turkey)

did the same thing a short way later. 1015 we had morning tea at the potentially good campsite and at the Nissans burnt remains we learnt that the Williams clan travelled the Hunt Oil Road on the 22 may 09 (also from Perth). We got to Geraldton Bore at 1430 and set up camp. We’d also realised that day that the following Monday was a public holiday in WA so the planned stop for fuel would be closed. Richard tried to ring Kunnawarritj but got an answering machine. While the afternoon was still warm (22°C) and we had bore water available, Richard tried out the portable shower. Hanging some bits off the ladder and standing in a blue bowl we used to carry bulky items he had a shower and washed his hair which once becoming accustomed to the cool temperature was enjoyable. Robyn and already had a cloth wash so declined the offer of a shower. Lessons learned included not to stand so close to the Troopy.

About 1600 we saw a 70 Series Ute heading east on the Gunbarrel but didn’t stop. That evening Richard again made the sched but lightening could be seen clearly and plentifully in the east, the sched was not able to shed any light on the weather being a problem. The south/western sky was still clear and we practiced how to find south using the southern cross. A new moon rose to the north.

Day 5 – Friday May 29th
0630 saw the day warmer again then previous mornings, at 11°C and clear skies. Later there were high clouds and as the day progressed increasing amount of clouds prevailed. It became dark by 1700 because of the cloud cover with pink hues on the horizon to the west. Despite the overcast nature it was still warm being 23°C at 1630.
Richard’s leg gave him a hard time overnight. We headed out of camp at 0745 after Richard checked the weather with SA HF schedule. We got to Everard Junction at 0930 were Richard made a couple of HF calls.

DEC

One to DEC (Department of Environmental Conservation) as they had a sign saying they were planning burns during May June 09 and ring them, getting through and getting an all clear, the other to Kunnawarritj and while he got through couldn’t manage to speak to anyone. we visited Charlies Knob and found the stone compass on the ground, not further on we met 2 vehicles heading south (QLD & VIC) they had seen rain in patches and road still had puddles on it but not enough for them to issue warnings. They were heading to Kalgoorlie to visit family before heading back east. There were 2 individual vehicles heading north ahead of us.
Road was initially stony til about 10-15km past Charlies Knob but then more compressed earth.

Around McPherson Pillar turn off there was big evidence of previous “bogs” and the area was muddy.

We made the turn off at 1500 and got to the Mulgan Rockhole at 1530 (this road was very rough & rocky) and then got to the Pillar at 1600. There was water in the Rockhole and camels nearby. Camped at McPhersons Pillar base and had a wonderful view of it, despite our concerns at the weather. After setting up camp we took a walk up to the pillar and saw rain clouds dropping rain to the north and clouds marble like overhead. Nothing we can do is wait and see what happens. We saw a “message in a bottle” hanging in the tree at the base of the pillar and we read a couple. Richard recognised one of the messages from an online correspondent “27/06/07 Allan & Jerry McCall left to visit Lake Blair & Alfred Marie Range”. Richard put the photos on the laptop and see saw where we’d been.

Sounds of rumbles occurred around us but it sounded more like a plane in flight path rather than thunder. After the HF sched we listened to the Carlton vs. Eagles game which Carlton won. 🙂

Day 6 – Saturday May 30th
The alarm had somehow been turned off so we rose at 0700 to a dense mist low over the country. Cloud lifted about 0830 but remained patchy throughout the day. Richard made the morning HF sched and again later that afternoon. We left camp at 0820 and got into a boggy section of road as we got out onto the Gary Hwy. It is noteworthy that about 10-15 km either side of the Pillar turnoff is a section of road that becomes slushy easily and should be driven with caution if there has been recent rain in the area. Lake Cohen was dry and we were relieved to find that area of road was fine and we made Eagle Hwy Junction at 1035. We saw a grey feral tabby cat running up the road and then crouched beside the road as we drove by. As we slowed down it took off through the spinifex. We found the rough camp marked on the map and it had several “rooms” to the camp. The area was a tree capped ridge either side spinifex plains.

We prepared lunch at McDougall’s Knoll (1245) where you drive up onto the knoll to the Trig marker. It would be possible to camp in ample area’s in the hinterland. Initially after McDougall’s Knoll the road was more rutted and slow but then opened back up into spinifex country some with many bushes and small trees. Many of these plants crowd the road and you find yourself in “avenues”. Flowers were out on most of the bushes but not masses on the ground. Some area’s of road showed evidence of ripples on the road, so the rain must have been enough to have run off. Animal life we saw that afternoon included the occasional camel, kangaroo and bustard.
1445 saw us at Windy corner were again there was an open area were people have obviously camped but very open. 1530 we reached the Tropic of Capricorn (both the real and Len’s marker a few meters to the north)

and soon after found an area suitable to make camp (1600). As we unpacked we realised the little aerial had been broken off, the large one we took off every day due to the plants overhanging the road. Setting up the tent we had the dew from the morning running off it.
We’d set up camp and it was getting dark (1745) when we heard a motor and we saw a set of headlights coming down the road. It was the 70 Series Ute (that passed us at Geraldton Bore) heading south.

He stopped to chat and was a geologist who had worked this broad area for over 30 years and was heading to Leinster for Monday. We broke the bad news that it was a public holiday Monday and while irritated (like we had been) he could take the trip a bit more slowly. He told us something of the area ahead of us and headed off into the dark. We listened to the footy again that evening.

Day 7 – Sunday May 31st
We awoke to a dense mist that finally became low level cloud about 1000. We got up at 0630 and broke camp at 0800 with the entire tent etc wet with dew.

We turned up the road the Patience Well and looked in on a rocky outcrop with caves at 0817 that would have been an ok for a camping spot and extended investigation would have been worthwhile (if time and weather permitted). There was a lot of evidence that animals used the caves (probably to get out of the “pea soup” mist).

The country side kept changing from rocky outcrops and caves, natural bridge

and good quality camping in those regions for large crowds, to dense trees and then more open country. We did an off road excursion, to where we believed Patience Well was, but upon heading into what looked like a dense tree line doubled back to the track fairly disappointed. Tyre tracks headed off into the scrub SE where the track turned more to the North and we assumed this had been the geologist we met last night. We however turned back to the Gary Hwy and got back to the junction at 1125. 55 mins up the road we turned off to Well Number 2. It was a pretty drive about 3 km up the road you pass through an avenue of wattle (very overgrown) but quite pretty all the same. This 47km stretch of track had some loose, soft sections but was otherwise in fairly good condition. Got there at 1140, made lunch and had a look around. No 2 Well was opened in 2000 and closed in November 2003 and was >4km in depth!!

The pump looked to still be there and had the plaque with information on it. There were still plenty of old drums, tins, cement blocks, and old rubbish tip, bits of old tanks and the Aerodrome had white tyres and tins in large drill rod thread protectors to light it up when needed. Worth the longish trip out we thought and headed back, making it to Gary Hwy again at 1457. We heard a couple of vehicles on the Gary Hwy as we were about to turn back onto it, but didn’t see them (only their tyre tracks). We thought we’d make camp at Veevers Crater and headed out missing a large lizard (most likely a monitor) in the grass off the track. This track had some large washaways that had be detoured and mostly grass with some low scrub.

Reached the crater at 1540 and it was ~70m across and 5 m deep. There was no where to camp there so after a hurried look we headed back to try to find a camp. Just prior to the Gary Hwy turn off there was a cluster of and nestled with them for the night.

Richards’s leg was very bad tonight but he did miss the lunchtime voltaren. We had been camping in an L shape with the tent off the side of the drivers side rear of the vehicle on the ground sheet tonight we tried another option. We put out the awning at the back of the Troopy and the ground sheet under it with tent in line with the end of the awning. Pro’s being easier to unpack (and under cover) and having clear access to both sides of the vehicle, con’s being awning in the road of gas bottles on the roof (had to use ladder up the side) and because we put the tent on the ground cover we were fairly close to the back of the Troopy and therefore a bit cramped. We took the table and chairs outside initially.
Sunset was at ~1700 and was 19°C and made the Sched at 1800. We took a 10L water bottle from under the floor to fill the blue water bottle and top up the 20L bottle.

Words by Robyn and Richard Kovac
Photos by Richard Kovac

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Trip Report 2009 Days 8 – 14

Richard Kovac

Holiday
25th May – 7th June 2009 5385.7 km
Avg 7.15 Km/L
Cheapest Fuel $1.199/L @ Kewdale, Dearest $3.20/L @ Kunnawarritj
Avg. $1.7258/L
No damage to the Troopy
No flat tyres
No problems at all this was our first trip was without our dog Benny who’d died a month or so earlier. It was to cover the Hunt Oil Road, the Gary Highway, Gary Junction Road, Sandy Blight Junction Road and abandoned section of the Gunbarrel Highway.
Total water taken was 105litres and used a total of 65litres.

Day 8 – Monday June 1st
Up at 0630 we rose with the sun and met a clear sky for a change. It remained dewy so we killed some time to allow the gear to dry out a bit and Richard made the 0700 schedule with Alice Springs. We found a dead beetle that a brilliant metallic green. On checking out the Ghost Gums some were completely hollow and yet still growing, how do they do it!! We broke camp at 0830 and were at WhauWhau Well within 5 mins (good place to camp).

We got the WAPET road, Gary Hwy junction at 1012 and turned up the WAPET road to Kunnawarrtji. Robyn had forgot that it was a public holiday Monday and we were unsure if we’d be able to get fuel or if we’d have to camp the night at Well 33 (again). We had an escort of camels for a couple of kms until they finally vacated the road to allow us a bit more speed. Not long after we saw Kidson Airfield (1040),

we were back in dune country and large area’s had been burnt out, camels were more plentiful and we saw an abandoned vehicle in the middle of the road.

Looks like a Queenslanders Truck 🙂

We called into the solar bore/tank and put two gerry cans of diesel in the Troopy, odometer reading 1003.3km with both tanks just above empty and took off the spinifex shield.

We got into Kunnawarrtji at 1240, and while we had to wait for the managers to finish lunch we were fuelled up and gone by 1330. In the interim we were speaking with “John” from Pt. Hedland TAFE who was teaching in the communities about back hoes and attachment maintenance etc. While we waited an Ocker joined the queue for fuel.

There had been recent rains (within the last few days) and there was water lying in the roadside drains and low lying areas. The Gary Junction Road (Jenkins Track) was in good condition with a couple of rutted areas and occasional corrugations, but easily 60-80km/hr. Just up the road when it back evident that road speeds were higher Richard increase tyre pressure by 5psi so the front had 32.5psi and rear had 50psi.

Gary Junction

We were back at the Gary Hwy and stopped to mark the occasion then continued on. We were struggling to find a camp when Richard saw a drum out of the corner of his eye and turned in.

This proved to have large “rooms” that many could have camped in. A very pebbly base but otherwise tree lined rooms opened up into another similar space.

We picked one and made camp (back in the L shape). We topped up the blue water bottle again tonight. We thought we could hear/see bats flying around in the early evening. It was dusk at 1730 and Richard made the schedule at 1800.

Day 9 – Tuesday June 2nd
Again up at 0630 to clear skies, later a cloud bank followed us East becoming patchy at sunset. Richard made the Alice Springs sched at 0730 and we emptied the porta potty (refiling the reservoir with the rest of the water in the yellow water container on the roof), topped up both water bottles in the car (blue and 20L) before we broke camp at 0820, getting to Jupiter Well at 0903. Low lying area and quarries remained filled with water but road still good condition.

The desert oaks warning you of arrival to the region of Jupiter Well,

then you just look for the bore, using bore water we refilled the yellow container.

We also saw the original well site which was across the road and had fairly new plaques depicting it.

We got to Kirrirrkurra at 1140, had planned to fuel up but nothing was open. We met Peter and Heather from SA travellers having lunch while the store was closed for a 1-2hr period. We swapped call signs and road conditions and we left them to their lunch. We found the old burnt out truck that was once Len Beadell near the water tank, there was also an interesting aboriginal monument.

We put our clocks on 45mins.
We saw a few of Len’s plaques, and many land formations during the afternoon, and took pictures of several but generally didn’t stop for much. At the WA/NT border there was an out station with two vehicles that also headed east. We got to Kintore at 1545 and had planned to stay the night but that was not possible. So after mingling with two other vehicles waiting for the bowser to open (on the half hour) we got some fuel, supplies and then headed on down the road. Between Kintore and Sandy Blight Junction Road we passed another 3 vehicles heading West. The country was spectacular and Mt Leisler is very impressive, again running short of time we made camp near it’s base where someone else had been and using their old fire burnt cardboard and other flammable rubbish.

Mt Leisler

Not used to having a fire we enjoyed it during dusk (1500 WA time or 1850 NT time) and a temperature of 220C, which dropped to 140 within 90mins. We were confused about what time we should be using and decided to remain on WA time.
The evening schedule was not a happy affair with someone at Rudall River learning of a family death, the same person had put a stake through the bottom of their vehicle and they had several other mishaps. We must have come south enough to be in the flight path again and saw 2 planes overhead while around the fire. Camped in the straight line again and used the awning. Robyn’s head lamp batteries went again, so only a weeks use from the batteries, the sugar container was also topped up.

Day 10 – Wednesday June 3rd
NB: WA time.
Up at 0630 to clear skies, checked the tyres and dropped pressure again by 5psi, then left camp at 0730. At 0830 we got the Marker of Tropic of Capricorn, one of the post had fallen over so Richard dug a hole to put it upright again,

we then took a road that lead off to rockholes. It had a water resources post near it and evidence of camels drinking from it.

All day was game of hide and seek finding all the blaze tree’s and plaques littered along the way. We had Mt Leisler in the rear view mirror for many miles as it slowly got smaller. At 1100 we crossed the NT/WA border again. We moved into more dune country and many of the dune bypasses had short cuts over the dunes. We took the long way around including one that it seems was blocked off and became a washout that was nearly a river bed. Realising too late to turn around we preserved and was glad to re-join the road some time later. At 1400 we got to Sir Fredrick Range turnoff.

There were two vehicles coming down as we headed up. They had got to the 1.6m point, choosing not to do the last 0.3m as it was very rutted and covered in smooth stones that the tyres didn’t seem to grip that well.

We did the same, the view was amazing.
Then back into more dune and scrub country with some desert oaks and country changing every 30mins, abandoned cars became the norm. Over one rise from seeing a young family of camels we came upon a bus that was abandoned.
It proved difficult to find a camp that night so parked up the Troopy under a couple of desert oaks at 1630 and slept in the back with the ground sheet out only.

We topped up the blue 5L water bottle again and Richard made the sched at 1830.

Day 11 – Thursday June 4th
At 0630 and 90C we awoke and broke camp at 0735, the day held patchy cloud. At 0815 we were at the Tjukurla turn off and the road became wide and in good condition. We turned into Bungabiddy Rockholes at 0850. The people we saw yesterday at Sir Fredrick Range were there too. They were geologists and were travelling everywhere and hoped to end up in Broome. We saw them again at Giles later but not to speak to.

The Rockhole was spectacular, you could swim across the water hole and climb a rope to keep exploring, needless to say we stayed dry. Saw plaque on a tree of locals resting place, what a beautiful spot to put someone’s ashes.

We found more plaques and blaze trees before pulling into Giles at 1130 and fuelling up. A young couple were working 3 of their 12 month stint at the roadhouse (he was from NSW while she was from Adelaide). Then out to the meteorology station. We revisited the old grader that the Gunbarrel construction team used and the Blue streak rocket space junk then a guy said there was a show and tell inside one of the rooms. Worth a look, it included weather and history information, originals of Len Beadells

including the painting from the mess hall wall and information on Giles (the explorer) with a photo of his grave stone at Coolgardie. Then onto the abandoned section of the Gunbarrel Hwy, where we saw more blaze trees and plaques, changing landscape and road conditions. Again a few puddles on the road and odd shower nearby. We made camp at 1625 in the same fashion as the previous night and had a couple of light showers of rain in the early evening. Richard made the sched and that night we heard the noise of camels nearby.

We tried to see them with the night vision glasses but while Richard could see them Robyn couldn’t.

Day 12 – Friday June 5th
Up again at 0630 to clear skies until later that night when it became very overcast (~2000). We left camp at 0740 and got to more rockholes at 0910. Area’s around the west end of VanDerLinden lakes becomes a good road and continues onto Jackie Junction. Again the day was littered with finding various points of interest from Len’s books and nature (like rockholes), some cages to keep animals out, especially camels.

We got to Jackie Junction at 1112 and stayed with the Gunbarrel Hwy. We found bullet cases at the junction where people had taken pot shots at the signs.
Road deteriorates from this point becoming more corrugated and weathered, especially around Mt Charles (reached at 1300). The roads become water ways and the original road is >6feet deep in stages and the road is now the fourth detour since the original as they all become washed out.

Even the Heather Hwy had some serious washouts. At 1545 we got to the Heather Hwy/Tjirrkarli Road junction and raised the tyre pressure by 5psi again. We set off to find a camp which didn’t materialise and we pulled into Tjukayirla Roadhouse at 2000.

We had tried to call ahead but couldn’t get through, and after failed attempts of trying to get their attention (we could hear them around the back with friends) we were starting to make camp outside when they heard us and let us into the caravan park for $10/night. We filled the blue water bottle again, and apart from avoiding an emu who seemed at home there, it was wonderful to have a shower and wash our hair….

Day 13 – Saturday June 6th
Up again at 0630 but this time the cloud had not cleared and remained very dense overhead for most of the day. We left at 0750 and headed for Laverton and a refuelling and aired up the tyres to normal running ~10psi higher to front 45psi and rear 65psi. We visited the Explorers Hall of Fame, too much to see and we bought a few books and got some lunch as we were in Laverton from 1150 – 1250.
Got into Kalgoorlie ~1630 and drove to the Tourist mine to check out opening times (0900 – 1630) so we knew when to come back the next day.

Visited the super pit and took a drive around town before checking into a motel $136/night. Richard logged into the computer for the first time in a week and caught up on all his emails. Another shower, “Cantina” pizza, watching the “Wrestler” – who could ask for more…

Day 14 – Sunday June 7th
Up at 0700 and a leisurely breakfast, a drive around town then finally getting to the Old mine and Hall of Fame for opening.

Did the underground tour (tested out Richards hip) which was good and saw the sights, then into the Hall of Fame.

Robyn liked the gardens and we got lunch before leaving to see a blast at the Super pit along with many others.

Then a quick trip to the Museum and out of town via a lake reserve, where quad bikes and trail bikes were all the go, it included an old quarry dam.
At Coolgardie we got fuel and visited the cemetery to find Ernest Giles grave.

Then home to Bruce Rock, but didn’t quite make it in time for the sched so pulled over in a parking bay just out of town to call in. could only get through via relay from 333 (who’d relayed for many during the whole 2 weeks). We got home at 1830.

This has been the best trip we have had so fare, you learn so much as you travel, that it makes you have to do it all again….

Words by Robyn and Richard
Photos by Richard

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Caravan Trip 2006

Richard Kovac

Holiday
14th August – 11th September 2006 9296.4 km
Avg 6.68 Km/L
Cheapest Fuel $1.379/L @ Seymour, Dearest $1.773/L @ Border Village
Avg. $1.4996/L
No damage to the Troopy
No flat tyres
No problems at all
Van fell apart

We had bought an off road caravan earlier in the year and took possession of it on 24 June 2006 so planned a trip to Victoria that would test it out. Richards father had died 4th December 2005 and we thought it fitting to visit the family to see how they all were. We needed to go fairly quickly to Victoria (due to other family travel arrangements), thus planned to meander on the return trip to see different countryside that was not too rugged.

Day 1 – Tuesday August 15th.
The day was overcast and spitting rain when we left Bruce Rock (BK) at 0800. We arrived at Merredin at 0840 where we fuelled up at 0840 and left by 0900. The odometer on the Toyota Troop Carrier BLR 369 at this point was 77,044km. Tyre pressure was front 40, rear & caravan all 60.
At 1045 watered and walked Benny around the old building opposite Yellowdine Roadhouse and again for lunch at Coolgardie parkland between 1230 & 1300. We had difficulty closing the pop up on the caravan due to the windy conditions and amidst a dust storm continued onto a scenic trip around Kalgoorlie and Kambalda.
Entering Norseman at 1600 it was now raining heavily and we were starting to regret our leisurely drive around Kal so checked out the local caravan park. They were ok with pets so once we knew Benny was welcome we paid our $23.50 and stayed for the night (instead of our planned camp at the Fraser Ranges 24hour rest stop). We had set up the caravan by dusk (1730), established that we needed a longer power cord and enjoyed the luxury of flushing toilets for the night. Richard enjoyed the hospitality of fellow travellers and invited into their c’van asked about various issues related to caravanning (including the questions about battery systems). Arriving back at our van we commenced cooking to set off the smoke detector for the first of several times. Richard had discovered the laptop was within range and got the internet. We therefore planned our next nights camp thanks to a wonderful website http://www.### that told you how many paws a caravan park was. We had a comfortable nights sleep as the evening continued to be cool and the rain had settled down to drizzle after the first heavy downpour.

Day 2 – Wednesday August 16th
Waking up at dawn (0600) to cool, clear skies we started to break camp. By 0730 we’d fuelled up and left Norseman. We had an uneventful morning, taking note of our planned nights rest-stop some 79km outside Norseman, and after putting the clock forward 45 minutes pulled into Cocklebiddy for lunch at 1300. the day continued to remain cool and fine and again with the threat of light rain we pulled into Eucla Service Station at 1700, where we paid the $18 for a powered site at the Caravan Park. Again we could get internet access which surprised us.

Day 3 – Thursday August 17th
Up early, we awoke at 0500 to a very overcast day that continuing to rain on and off all day. We fuelled up at 0600 at Border Village and continued on our way within 30 mins.
Stopping at Penong around 1100 we broke for lunch and then again put the clock forward 45 mins. Arriving at Kimba early afternoon (1600) we fuelled up and paid for a powered caravan site ($17 and $10 deposit on the key). We took a walk into and around the town before getting back into the routine of cooking, eating, reviewing relevant websites and information for the next day, etc.

Day 4 – Friday August 18th
Up at 0630 it was again an overcast day with intermittent rain. We had to wait until 0730 for the roadhouse to open if we wanted to recoup our deposit and then headed off at 0745. By 0900 we were taking a leisurely drive around the town site of Iron Knob. At Peterborough we attempted to catch up with internet colleagues of Richards. They however were in Pt. Pirie so we arranged to drop in on the return trip. We left around midday via Morgan to Burra and down along the Murray, crossing by Ferry at Cadell, onto Berri. We set up at the caravan park ($22 with $10 deposit for the dog), a lovely spot on the river and strolled along the tourist river walkways.

Day 5 – Saturday August 19th
Cold and fine at 0600 we leisurely organised ourselves for the final day of this leg of the trip. Heading off from Berri Caravan Park at 0800 we travelled the Calder Highway, fuelling up at Sea Lake (worrying that we would not find anything open and turning the clock forward another 30mins) we got to Broadford ~1700.
Settling the caravan on the unsteady ground took up the first hour of arriving at Richards Mum’s. Richard had a quick visit to the pub to catch up on local gossip/news than back home for tea.

Day 6 – Sunday August 20th
Up late and got ready for the BBQ at Veronica and Noels. Another fine and cool day is was very pleasant for sitting out on the back veranda of their new extension to eat lunch. Janine, Chris, Samuel and Alexandra came up at about 1100 with Chris and Samuel heading off to Melbourne to look at some uni’s. Went to Veronica & Noels at 1200 for the BBQ, Jean and Keith Oliver were already there and we met Major (the Dalmatian). We looked at the big trip to Yugoslavia, Italy etc with the Keast and Mum. Samuel and Chris came back from Melbourne about 1730 and with a dog poo getting trampled inside on a shoe we left. The new extension was really lovely with a large sitting room, kitchen, bathroom/laundry and back veranda. The Keats left for Benalla about 2030, while we stayed up late talking.

Day 7 – Monday August 21st
The day was very overcast and cool so ideal for having a lazy day watching video’s, booking the car into Seymour for it’s service on Thursday. Richard was very sick after a big day at the BBQ.

Day 8 – Tuesday August 22nd
Drizzling with rain initially then became fine. Richard still feeling a off colour but we went for a drive around Broadford and local region between 1000 – 1200. Went to the pub for about an hour at 1830 and then visited Veronica and Noel, saw the NZ trip photo’s.

Day 9 – Wednesday August 23rd
Today the weather took turns alternating between fine and overcast. Drove into town to the caravan place and up Mount Disappointment past the dam. Then on past Strath Creek Falls, Murchison Lookout and generally drove around. Had a quiet night at home.

Day 10 – Thursday August 24th
Up at 0700 we headed off to Seymour in 2 cars to get the Troopy Serviced. Then took the other car (Mums) up into the highland via Yea, Strathbogie, Euroa and back to Troopy. Did some shopping, fuelled up and then back to Broadford and spent the afternoon at home.
That evening Ray, Marie, Sue, Yasmin and Max came up from Melbourne for tea. Veronica and Noel came up. Not everyone could fit at the table, so Mum and I sat in the lounge. Dick rang up and spoke with Richard. Lovely night had.

Day 11 – Friday August 25th
Had a quiet morning and then walked Benny to the shops. Later in the afternoon we drove up to Benalla via Flowerdale, Yea and Bonnie Doon. Arrived at Chris & Janine’s at 1730 had a good look around the garden. Had Pizza and then Dutch Jaffles. Benny disgraced herself by breaking into the dry dog food in their garage and gorging herself. Left about 2330 and arrived back in Broadford about 0100.

Day 12 – Saturday August 26th
Quiet morning, Benny up several times overnight. mid afternoon we drove out to Lavender farm but it was closed, so we took a drive around the Hells Angels property. Had a visit to the pub between 1730 – 1900 when we went back for tea. Should have gone out again as arguments ensued on and off more this night than usual. Eventually is peaked and we packed up and left at 0100.

Day 13 – Sunday August 27th
0300 we arrived outside Janine & Chris’s place at Benalla. Parking in the street so we could keep the driveway clear (Janine was working at 0700 at the hospital). We rose late and then around midday took a walk around the lake and river. Janine came home about 1330 for lunch, then Alexandra & I (with Lucy and Benny) took a walk to the video shop to get Firewall (with Harrison Ford) to watch that evening.

Day 14 – Monday August 28th
Another fine day (with a cold wind) we got up at 0700 and saw Chris, Janine & Alexandra off to work & school, Samuel had a day at home to study. We left Benalla at 1000 via Shepparton, Echuca and had lunch at Deniliquin ~1300. We got into Hay mid afternoon and after a quick drive around town, fuelled up, did some shopping, found the dog friendly caravan park, paid our $20 and set up camp around 1430. The man who showed us our site by bicycle was lovely and very chatty, he and Richard had a lengthy conversation about travelling, computers etc. Enjoying a warm afternoon we sat outside the caravan until dusk, enjoying reading and watching fellow travellers set up camp. We washed some clothes and once it got cooler moved inside to cook and read.

Day 15 – Tuesday August 29th
Up at 0730 to a fine and warm morning, we left the van park at~0830. The Hay Plains are expanses of grassy plains with no trees unless they’re at homesteads. We stopped to get lunch at Ivanhoe around 1130 and then finally got to the business of testing out the “off road” value of the Supreme Getaway Caravan. The road to Menindee basically followed the railway line and was in reasonable condition but with corrugations. We came into Menindee at 1530 to various types of orchards & wineries. We crossed the Darling River, having to slow down for the goanna waddling across the road, and drove around the town, called into the information centre and then out to the historic woolshed, past the dry Menindee Lakes and out to Copi Hollow (one of three Caravan Parks). During the drive we experienced Blue Tongue Lizards, Emus and corrugations in abundance. Copi Hollow is actually the Broken Hill Speedboat Club and for $18.50 you get a powered site on a lovely spot on the lake. This lake is dammed water from the Darling River, all the natural lakes are all now dry.
Upon opening the van door we discovered that the cutlery draw was the only casualty of the woolshed loop road. The catch had broken resulting in the draw and it’s contents spewing all over the place. Richard used the catch off the “false” door under the sink to fix it, we wrapped up the contents to prevent some of the “jiggling”.

Richard enjoyed a fire with the man from the caravan next door (from Bendigo) and another man and his grandson who stayed in a cabin. They were pest controllers from Renmark who did regular trips to Broken Hill & White Cliffs because it was difficult to get others willing to come out to the remote areas.

Day 16 – Wednesday August 30th
Another fine and warm day greeted us as we rose at 0730 and leaving 1 hour later we headed off to weir via the scenic road around the lake (again very corrugated and slow). There were many dead trees in the water and swimming warning signs were posted around the lake, because of the lake depth the water was very cold when you got in deeper. We then headed off to Broken Hill, the road following the water pipe and railway line. Taking a quick drive around Broken Hill we fuelled up and at 1030 we took off to South Australia, stopping at Yunta for lunch at 1300. We noticed the caravan windows had been working their way open, so realised we had not secured them properly.
Getting to Peterborough at 1400 we enjoyed a pleasant afternoon and evening with Judith & Willem Kempen, able to catch up on more washing. Their garden is lovely and being able to sit outside and bask in it was lovely. Judith is a painter and Willem a brilliant writer, keeping many on various 4WD internet sites entertained with his ventures. The roast dinner was nearly surpassed by the homemade prickly pear sauce over ice cream.

Day 17 – Thursday August 31st
Laden with Judith’s homemade jam and chutney we left for the Peterborough Art Gallery (where Judith and Willem are heavily involved and basically run). We viewed the exhibition on display and after buying a painting, a wooden painted “welcome” sign and some hand made cards we headed off at 1130 into the fine warm day. We had been told to calling into the “old gum tree” at Orroroo, situated a few metres off the highway it was truly amazing. We called into Pt. Augusta to see if we could find a place that might sell a latch for the broken draw catch. After much manipulation of streets and suburbs we came away empty handed and headed off again. We stopped again at Kimba Caravan Park and fuelled up at the roadhouse where we also paid our dues. Richard spent time talking to the family next door. They had Mother, Husband, Wife and several children. From WA they had been travelling about Oz and now heading home.

Day 18 – Friday September 1st
Up at 0730 we packed up and left at 0800. We had decided to tour through the Gawler Ranges National Park, which once we got there via a very poor road, was very nice. Good roads but unable to get out as National Park and we had the dog. Would have liked to see the Pipes but didn’t see the turn off so missed it. Got to Minnipa for lunch then back to the highway. Caravan stood up to it ok.

Got to Ceduna and fuelled up at 1500 and then headed to Fowlers Bay. Got there about 1730 and got a spot at the caravan park for $21 (pensioners rates we were given) and enjoyed a walk around the pier and town. Spent a bit of time talking to a couple from Ceduna. They had taken a year off and had been travelling for 19 weeks and their 2 dogs.

Day 19 – Saturday September 2nd
Overcast and cool again we got up at 0700 and walked around the Jetty. Leaving at 0830 we went to the Head of the Bight. For $10/head we went in with the other tourists so see many whales off the bight.

The walkways were full of people who like us were in awe of these fabulous mammals meters away from us. From here we found our way onto the old Eyre highway.

On this stretch of road we saw a Dingo several meters off the road and a family of shot camels. We got to Koonalda at 1400 and took a good look around.

Homestead made out of railway sleepers its been deserted for over 30 years with an old petrol pump and multiple abandoned buildings. Further up there are caves but we didn’t have time and with the caravan not sure we’d able to turn around. We passed a vehicle on the road (from NT) and saw some blowholes, just as it started to rain.

We got into Border Village as the rain became heavier, fuelled up, got through quarantine and again headed for the Eucla Caravan Park ($18). Due to the rain we settled into the van for a quiet night.

Day 20 – Sunday September 3rd
Up at 0700 to and cool and overcast day we left at 0800 and turned the clock back 90 mins. At midday the day became fine and warm and we had an uneventful day making good progress. At Balladonia (there was much roadwork’s) but it had been raining so we thought it unwise to head down to Esperance and kept heading west. We fuelled up at Norseman and then back via Great Eastern Highway to Bruce Rock at 2200.

Day 21 – Monday September 4th
Cool and wet we spent the day cleaning out the caravan and outside of the car, weeding, mowing, whipper snipping and washing clothes. Richard spent the evening at the club.

Day 22 – Tuesday September 5th
Fine and cool today but very windy. Cleaned the outside of the van, washed all van rugs, linen etc. Richard separated the front reticulation into 3 lines instead of 2 resulted in better pressure, he put up the “Welcome” sign we bought at Peterborough. Robyn did some cooking while Richard was at the club.

Day 23 – Wednesday September 6th
Weather continued more of the same. Pest control man came at 1200. Cleaned the Troopy and repacked both the troopy and van. Richard did repair work to the van and Robyn weeded the back yard. We reset the retic times and Richard headed to the club again.

Day 24 – Thursday September 7th
Overcast, raining, cool and very windy. Went into Merredin and bought some plants for the front yard. Prepared the back half of the house for painting. Gouged out flaky plaster and filled in holes/cracks. Richard, to the club for the evening.

Day 25 – Friday September 8th
Painted the back entry, toilet, laundry and back room. Went to the club for tea, Robyn left and Richard stayed on.

Day 26 – Saturday September 9th
Went to see the Bruce Rock Show (our 2 year anniversary of having the house). Returned all equipment into back rooms. RDK to club.

Day 27 – Sunday September 10th
Back to Perth and fuelled up.

Words by Robyn
Photos by Me

P.S. we miss Benney

 

The Gunbarrel Hwy, Connie Sue Hwy and more

Richard Kovac

Trip Report 2007 4000 km
Avg 7.3 Km/L
No damage to the Troopy
No flat tyres
No problems at all
The Gunbarrel Hwy, Connie Sue Hwy and more.Mon. 03/09/07 we left Bruce Rock at 7.30am and headed up to Merredin for breakfast, then on up to Beacon via Trayning turning west and travelling up the Maranalgo Road (the start of the dirt) to Paynes Find, nice road (only the second road I’ve seen gates to close the road in the wet) and Lake Moore is worth a look.
Fuelled up, and a famous home made pasties and on our way to Sandstone CP for the first nights camp, first time for me at Sandstone, very nice had a look at the Old Brewery in the breakaway’s, London Bridge and around town.
The caravan park was the first time we have set up camp without the CT or Van, it worked well, (only problem was it was about 18 deg at 9.00pm only dropping to 15 deg in the morning.

Tue. 04/09/07 we left Sandstone at 7.30am travelling up the Sandstone Wiluna Road, again a nice drive. Fuel up at Wiluna, then a quick look around (school sports day, so a fare bit going on) then out the Wongawol road, we had planed to stay at Yelman (stock yards) the second night, but the road was so good we made it to Carnegie Station and paid the massive fee of $10.00 each / night…LOL. A very nice place to stay and where greeted by a very nice woman that showed us around, heaps to read in the main kitchen (a word of warning don’t show up after dark, 3 vehicles did and she tore strips of them).

Wed. 05/09/07 left at 7.00am (the start or end of the Gunbarrel) good road for the first 130 km’s then the road turns into a track and what you would expect of a well travelled dirt track pushed through in 1958 (plenty of corrugations) but OK first and second gear stuff. Had a look at all the main attractions (saw David Carnegie’s plaque, did you put up the streamers Alan?), talked to 2 other travellers heading west, and got to Mt Beadell at 5.00pm and set up camp, tea couple of reds and off to bed and had a good nights sleep.

Thr. 06/0907 up at 6.00am packed up camp and drove to the top of Mt Beadell nice views, left at 7.00am off down the track when we got to Notabilis Hill we hear banter on the Uhf {look out for a pothole at 5.2 k’s, side track on left .. we may take it} boy that was going to be a long day. LOL. Anyway there where 5 vehicles and they where flying, the lead and the mouth piece came up that fast that when they pulled off the track they past us before they could stop. I don’t know I must be getting old.. ?.
We made good time and got to Warburton at 1.30pm fuelled up with diesel and a Sheppard’s Pie and off we went down the Connie Sue, road has been graded for the first 10 k then it turns into a track nice, a lot like the Kidson Track.
Found a camp spot at 4.30pm and set up camp, another nice night.

Fri. 07/09/07 up at 5.30am off at 06.45am when out too many of the gorge’s and hills, table tops etc. all very nice and could have spent more time looking around. Waterfall Gorge is wonderful place it’s amazing how this sort of thing happens in the middle of nowhere, (you just add water). By 3.30 – 4.00pm we where in the dune country and not to many camp spots, we tried to make Neale Junction but stoped on a shot road about 10 k’s north off the boarder to Neale Junction Nature Reserve, again a nice little stop and a good night sleep, the nights where starting to cool down. (Listen to the footy on the HF)

The Gunbarrel Hwy, Connie Sue Hwy and more part two

Richard Kovac

Trip Report 2007 4000 km
Avg 7.3 Km/L
No damage to the Troopy
No flat tyres
No problems at all

 

The Gunbarrel Highway, Connie Sue Hwy and more.