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The Long Road Home

junio - noviembre 2021
Travelling the Outback with ute and caravan Leer más
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  • ViajeroThe Long Road Home
    Día 10

    Big Red Bash Day 1

    6 de julio de 2021, Australia ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    We had arranged to meet our camping crew at 9:30 in the morning so it was pack up, empty toilet cassette and fill the water tanks to the brim. We still have the water leak issue so will be very careful to keep the water pump off until we need it. We met the crew in town and took off to the bash site which was 33 km out of town in the shadow of the Big Red sand dune.

    We were one of the later groups to arrive so are out on the outer ring. The ground had been graded so was nice and flat but pure dirt so every time you move there is a cloud of dust. There are 10 000 people in attendance out in the middle of a dust bowl. Some of the camping set ups are very elaborate and a large majority of group sites have some sort of decorating theme.

    It was an amazing day so the shorts got an outing for the first time. After we had set up and got everything sorted we packed up a bag of essential supplies (gin and borboun pre mixes) and took our camping chairs down to the performing area. People who had been there before had really sussed out elaborate ways to get the chairs, eskys and food down to performances and most people stayed put from midday until the last performance finished at 8pm.

    It was such a cool afternoon listening to great music, watching large family groups hanging out with the kids spending time playing in the dirt and sliding down the sand dune. There were plenty of food options so we had a late afternoon snack watching the last act of the afternoon as the sun went down.

    We came back to the caravan to put on warmer clothes and grab so more food and then went back for the last act (Chocolate Starfish) which did covers of Meatloaf, Queen and INXS. We went into the mosh pit so spent the last hour singing and dancing. Back to the camp to share the communal fires and share what happened across the day.

    It was mind blowing thinking about the logistics of getting this event happening and the army of volunteers making sure everything worked so smoothly. There are composting toilets in each neighbourhood and also large sets down at the concert area. A great range of food trucks offering everything from a pie to a vegan hamburger and 12 different music acts across the 3 days.    Leer más

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  • ViajeroThe Long Road Home
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    Día 11

    Big Red Bash Day2

    7 de julio de 2021, Australia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    After a chilly night I managed to convince Julie of the value in getting out of the warm bed and hiking 20 minutes to climb Big Red and watch the sunrise. A few complaints but a coffee bribe helped. We climbed up just before the 7.30am sunrise with a couple of hundred others already up there. A spectacular site to be in the Simpson Desert to see a new day. While we were there the morning yoga class started up on the dune so we both jumped in and twisted and stretched with 100 others.

    Once we got back to the entertainment area we waited around as the Bashville Drag Race was about to start. There was a large turnout of drag queens who ran and walked from the top of Big Red back to the entertainment area. Was pretty impressive seeing the outfits of at least 200 drag queens at 10am.

    Finally back to the caravan for breakfast and a bit of R&R. We both did some reading and Julie did a large cook up of some vegetables that needed to be used. Once we go down to the concert area you don’t really come back to the van so tend to buy something from the food vendors for dinner.

    The afternoon entertainment were people we were not so familiar with but turned out to have preformed some original Aussie classics such Eagle Rock, and a number of Little River Band songs. The headline act was Paul Kelly and while he started slow he finished strongly.
    Just before the end I ducked off to the toilet but unfortunately lost the group when I returned. It was so hard to find anyone in the dark. As I was searching I helped a lady who was also lost. Neither of us found our groups but I made friends with another group who I “found” three times. The concert finished so I walked back to the caravan to be greeted by everyone. Next year I hope there’s a Lost Children’s (adults) tent.

    Walking home in the massive dust cloud, we are certainly going to leave here with a bit of Outback dust in our lungs. Another great day and one last one tomorrow to go.    Leer más

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  • ViajeroThe Long Road Home
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    Día 12

    Big Red Bash Day 3

    8 de julio de 2021, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    The last day of entertainment started with the attempt to break the world record for the most people to dance the Nutbush. Ok- for the non- Aussie readers I will explain ( Aussie readers can ignore this part). Somewhere back in Australian history Tina Turner song “Nutbush City Limits” was adopted and a dance routine created. Most kids were taught this as a rite of passage just after they took their first steps. I think this is also well before they ate their first “Australian” pavlova or listened to “Australian” Crowded House. Anyway......this dance routine was organised to break the world record which was set 2 years ago at the Bash.

    The organising of 3000+ people into lines, counted, scrutinised for style etc was incredible. The Guinness records people were there. This all took a lot of time but finally started and for 5 minutes everyone shuffled their feet, kicked and clapped to Tina Turner and broke the record. The dust rose and the people cheered. All proceeds from this went to the Royal Flying Doctor Service which overall raised about $70k. Soon after most of the dancers stayed to set a record for Chubby Checkers “ The Twist” - more dust and excitement. The Australian record was broken this time.

    The day warmed up. No wind and full sun so plenty of sunblock and hats. Music today started just after midday and went through til 9.30pm. Today’s line up was Caitlin Shadbolt, Wendy Matthews, Darryl Braithwaite (yes we got Horses in the outback), Thirsty Merc, Ian Moss, John Williams and finally Bjorn Again to rock out to ABBA classics at the end.

    We learnt that the people organising the Bash started it after they had started a charity run for Diabetes research as their son who is type1 diabetic. Then they thought that a concert in the desert could be fun. It’s now a full time job and I am in awe at the logistics behind it all. Hundreds of people volunteer to help. Most are people that just come to the Bash and are rostered to do a few hours tidying, toilet cleaning, marshalling vehicles/ people and smiling and helping. Everyone has traveled a long way to have a good time so there is always a friendly chat and stories exchanged.

    When the music finished there was a mix of sadness that this incredible experience was over but also some relief to be leaving all the dust behind. One final campfire with our Bash friends before crashing into bed.    Leer más

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  • ViajeroThe Long Road Home
    Día 13

    Big Red Bash Departure

    9 de julio de 2021, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    This morning was the pack-up for thousands of people at the BRB. We had expected everyone to be up super early to get in the queue early so was surprised to see most people still around our area when we got up at 8. I did a leisurely climb up Big Red to view the site that had a haze of campfire smoke and dust from moving vehicles.

    We packed up and said our goodbyes to our adopted Aussie friends. Trev and Kylie, Ian and Sally, Grant and Mel, Kayla, Sadie, Cooper, Josie and Rex, plus friends and family from NT as well. It was so lovely being with you guys, learning some camping tricks, laughing at our travelling misfortunes and sharing a few drinks and good cheer. You made the Bash extra special for us.

    After a 20 minute queue to leave the Bash site we travelled back into Birdsville to fill up, empty out and send some blogs. The village was busy but nothing like it was a few days back. Then we headed north stopping for lunch at Carcoory ruins, which was an abandoned homestead built using local limestone.

    The road was very busy as a lot of the Bash crowd were heading to Bedourie for the camel and pig races tomorrow. We decided to forgo these events and have a night at King Creek which was about a 150km trip with about 50km of dirt road. The trip started very dry and barren but as we drove there were hints of green and even the odd river with puddles. Julie remarked at lack of wildlife so Mother Nature assisted soon after with two emus sprinting along the wasteland not far from the road.

    Our stop tonight is a freedom camp on the banks of a river. We sat outside this afternoon enjoying the view in our bug free gazebo. I think it might be the best thing as the flies are certainly introducing themselves. We are now approximately 2500km north of Melbourne and really enjoying the better weather. Tomorrow we are aiming to drive through to Mount Isa and should have some better coverage for the blog publishing. We are a day behind due to the isolation in mobile reception. Oh well.....    Leer más

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  • ViajeroThe Long Road Home
    11
    Día 14

    Page 28

    10 de julio de 2021, Australia ⋅ 🌙 14 °C

    We decided to leave early from our campsite and have breakfast on the way. Today’s driving was just over 500km all on page 28 of the map book, so needed the whole day. The map showed some gravel road stretches but we were pleasantly surprised that these had since been sealed. The road was however single lane seal which meant we were slowing and heading to the gravel shoulder quite a bit as vehicles passed us.

    We bypassed Bedourie and pushed through and stopped at Boulia for brunch and fuel. This is a small town surrounded by dry barren plains. As we headed north the geography started changing. The moonscape started turning with a few trees and waterways. Still very dry of course. A lot of rocky outcrops and by Mt Isa we were seeing a lot of trees.

    For the last 40km into Mt Isa we caught up with a road train. These are the top dogs on the road so all vehicles pull over when these machines approach. This is a great advantage as we just stayed in behind this grain carrier as he barged his way along the single lane seal so although it was slower that our normal speed we stayed steady all the way with no one trying to get back onto the seal until we passed. I also had no desire to attempt to overtake him either as getting past a 50 metre long behemoth wouldn’t be fun.

    Arriving at Mt Isa motor camp just on 5pm, luckily we had prebooked earlier in the day. We got a great site and set up then promptly had showers and will look forward to a few days removing red dust from every part of the caravan and ute. We also walked to dinner and enjoyed choosing from a menu.    Leer más

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  • ViajeroThe Long Road Home
    Día 15

    Mt Isa

    11 de julio de 2021, Australia ⋅ 🌙 16 °C

    A rest day for us to repair, restock and recharge. Unfortunately Sunday trading in Mt Isa only exists for Bunnings and KFC. No supermarkets or camping stores which we need. Temperature has increased to about 26 degrees which we are really enjoying. Dipped our toes into the unheated swimming pool but thought no thank you.

    So a rest day which involved cleaning the ute and inside of caravan to remove as much outback dust as we could. Also 4 loads of laundry which takes a while as the camp is full from Big Red Bash people all wanting to clean like we are doing. A bit boring for the blog but the satisfaction of feeling cleaner is important.

    A drive around town and a walk down by the river with no flowing water was about all we did of interest. Mt Isa is a small town dominated by the open cast mine looming over it. It mines lead, silver, copper and zinc and is one of the worlds most productive mines. It wouldn’t exist without the mine but it’s quite a sight from town with the high chimneys bellowing vapour all the time.    Leer más

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  • ViajeroThe Long Road Home
    Día 17

    Last days at Mt Isa

    13 de julio de 2021, Australia ⋅ 🌙 17 °C

    The last few days here have allowed us to have a break from dust and driving. The caravan is clean again but I am sure we will find more pockets of dust as we travel. The camp was quieter today which was nice as the last couple of days here has been really busy with vans lined up from 10.30 both mornings trying to get a site.

    The bikes got a clean and a 20km ride around town and outskirts. The town is definitely built for mine workers. A lot of prefab housing built for purpose only. It sort of feels that the city was thriving in the 80’s but has struggled to maintain the progress since then.

    We did find the local lake later in the day. Lake Moondarra was created in the late 1950’s by the Mt Isa mine to supply water to the town. It continues to be used for recreation and town water. There are a lot of shoreline picnic areas and warnings about duck lice and mosquitoes but it’s a picturesque place nonetheless .

    The warning about freshwater crocodiles was high on my decision to avoid going near the water. But in saying that we were told at the Bash that “freshies” won’t eat you. Well I’m not keen on proving that fact. Also not ready on getting media attention where some stupid tourist went for a swim and got attacked!

    Tomorrow we head across the border into Northern Territory. Covid declaration done and will be staying at a roadhouse about 450km along the highway. Then back to civilisation with another 200km on Thursday to reach Tennant Creek.    Leer más

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  • ViajeroThe Long Road Home
    Día 18

    Barkly Homestead

    14 de julio de 2021, Australia ⋅ 🌙 23 °C

    Early start today as had 450km to travel to our next camping spot. Road out of Isa was really good, Wide sealed and not too much traffic so I got brave and offered to drive until Camooweal. We had identified this as our lunch destination and the last town on the Queensland side of the border.

    It took a little while for me to settle into the drive and determining the right line to set, I had a few vehicles pass me and even managed the road trains coming at me. I pulled off the road just out Camooweal so Regan could do the tricker stuff. In all I drove about 150km and felt quite pleased with myself.

    Camooweal was even smaller than we anticipated with two fuel stops and nothing else, so after we fuelled up and kept going. We crossed the border in the middle of nowhere but still had to go through a full police check. No dramas and we are good to stay here for a few weeks. We drove another 60km to a rest stop for lunch. All around us it was wide vast spaces with dry grass and no trees. You felt a bit like you had reached the end of the world. The Barkly tablelands are approximately the same size as New Zealand. Farming is mainly cattle stations which are some of the world’s largest.

    Our stop for the night was Barkly Homestead. It is a roadhouse with camping facilities and lush green gardens. It is such a contrast to the surrounding landscape. We found a camping spot, for an unpowered site it was first in first served. As the temperature had been over 30 degrees all day I was brave and had my first swim of the holiday at the pool.

    The roadhouse offered happy hour and meals so we took advantage of the convenience and had dinner out. Walked around the campground after dinner checking out all the different types of vans and camper trailers. There are hundreds of campers all sleeping over in this oasis. Hopefully most are travelling east away from us. Smaller drive tomorrow to Tennant Creek with similar temperatures of around 30-33 degrees.    Leer más

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  • ViajeroThe Long Road Home
    Día 19

    Tennant Creek

    15 de julio de 2021, Australia ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    Small drive today just over 200km which was a nice change. The road was extremely straight, only 4 bends in the 190km until we turned onto the Stuart Highway.

    We stopped just north of the town to check out the old Telegraph station. Back in the 1870’s there was a push to connect Australia to the worlds telegraph network. They needed to connect Australia to the cable they had laid under the Java sea. They then needed to build a telegraph wire from Darwin to Adelaide this required a network of stations to be built to repeat the signal. Over 20 stations were built in the middle of nowhere. It was great to look around the old buildings and realise the enormous task they completed in just 2 years.

     We arrived at Tennant Creek at lunchtime, back into a traditional camping ground with power. The access to power might be very useful to try out the air conditioning with an expected temperature of 33 degrees.

    After lunch we went exploring. The first stop was the cultural centre and art gallery run by the local Warumgu people. It was interesting to read about their land claims and how they are supporting the local community. We were tempted by the beautiful art but resisted temptation.

     We went to the info centre for some ideas of things to do around Alice and Uluru, and up to the lookout. Tennant Creek is surrounded by different ranges so makes for really interesting landscapes. Final stop was Lake Mary Ann which was the site of an old mine that has been converted into a recreational reserve.

    Back to the camp via a fuel top up and visit to the local IGA. They close the gates to the camping ground at sundown so decided to have dinner at the camp tonight. We had a great catch up with family and then a camp walk as it was such a beautiful evening.

    Tomorrow is a 500+km drive to Alice Springs with a sharp drop in temperature too.    Leer más

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  • ViajeroThe Long Road Home
    Día 20

    Into Alice

    16 de julio de 2021, Australia ⋅ 🌙 11 °C

    Left Tennant Creek early as the drive south to Alice was over 500km. The Stuart Highway is a good road overall and traffic was light. With NT roads having a posted speed limit of 130km/hr some vehicles flew past us with ease. I think the first bend in the road was at about 40km so an easy drive.

    Julie also drove for almost 200km and caught up with a road train which set our speed to around 90km/hr. Passing a road train is a tricky undertaking and as we have no timeframes we were happy to follow. We did watch one driver with caravan attempt once before getting past successfully on the second try. The windy day wasn’t helping either.

    We stopped at The Devils Marbles for a look around. These are quite impressive and as we are returning on this road in a couple of weeks we may try and spend more time there. A brunch stop at Barrow Creek then onward to arrive at Alice by 4pm. Alice Springs township is enclosed by a number of ranges so is surrounded by the granite rocks and is pretty green with lots of trees.

    Campground is very large with all the family features like giant bouncy pillows and an amazing pool area. After setting up we walked around and met up with a kiwi family we had met at the Bash. Small world sometimes with the caravan travelling fraternity. Tomorrow we will head into town to discover and stock up.    Leer más

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