• David Wimbridge
  • Gail Wimbridge
Actual
  • David Wimbridge
  • Gail Wimbridge

The Great Road Trip East

7 people, 4Vans, 4 Dogs Leer más
  • Day 6 - Nullabor to Ceduna

    31 jul.–3 ago., Australia ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Did I mention how cold it’s been….lol. It’s a bit hard to take to be honest. Today was probably one of the coldest mornings I’ve experienced here in Oz. So cold we passed on breakfast at the campsite.

    Packed up and was on the road at 8.45, no 8.00, no 8.45. Weird stuff happening with the Timezone on certain Apple Watches.

    A short 30 km trip up the road to a little stop to view the Great Australian Bight……WOW. What a view. A few obligatory photos and then on the road for the remaining 370 kms to Ceduna.

    We’ve been extremely lucky with traffic. Not overtaken by much and not having to overtake anyone ourselves.

    Having said that we ended up behind one van 30kms out of the Nullabor Roadhouse travelling at around 90km/hr. We decided to sit tight till we got to the roadhouse.

    A big rig came up behind us who was also going to the Nullabor roadhouse (the UHF is a wonderful invention). He decided to remain behind us as well. He eventually regretted that decision given the up and down speed of the van in front of us.

    Arrived at the quarantine station, got our vans checked and then proceeded the 2 or 3 kms to the Ceduna Foreshore Caravan Park.

    Wow, we couldn’t have got better sites.

    Spag Bol and some left overs for dinner in the camp kitchen then topped it off with a Kahlua coffee for Graham, Peter and myself.

    Bed time now with no impetus on being up early
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  • Day 5 - Still on the Nullabor

    30 de julio, Australia ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    A mirror of yesterday in some regards. Woke early and rekindled the fire. Left over meat and fresh eggs in wars for brekkie.

    Packed up and ready to head off about 9am.

    A panicked indecipherable rant by Gail caused me to bring the car to a halt. One gets very frustrated when the commotion that frightens the crap out of you is not readily identified.

    It took a couple of seconds before Gail could convey a somewhat large arachnid had decided to scamper along her leg.

    I do wish to point out, I did NOT sight said arachnid so I’m having to take her word, but her sudden complexion change may have been a hint.

    I was ordered to open the van, retrieve the anti arachnid spray and proceeded to fumigate the car.

    Thank goodness it was a low irritant low odour version.

    Pulled into Eucla for a quick bite to eat. Upon rejoining the highway an oversized load took ownership of the Rd before we did. Stuck behind this for about 40kms travelling between 70 and 90. Travelled a further 40 or so kms and pulled off the road about 4 oclock to make camp for the night.
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  • Day 4 - Norseman to The Nullabor

    29–30 jul., Australia ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C

    Another cold morning……thank goodness for the diesel heater. Nothing much to pack again so a decent start at about 9am.

    One gas cylinder was low, as it ran dry during the night. Managed to get a swap and go so all good.

    Pulled out onto the Eyre Hwy for the start of the Nullabor.

    Pretty uneventful drive to be honest. Pulled in to Balladonia for fuel and pet exercise.

    Filled up and headed off again. Another fuel stop at Caiguna which provided us with little entertainment. Graham’s heightened situational awareness spotted a very unusual sight on the Nullabor…..a man in a Hazmat suit examining his truck. Again, Grahams heightened awareness determined the truck was carrying Bees. The fun started when the driver off loaded the suit and tried to make it to his cab without being stung.

    The second humorous moment (for the rest of us) was Peter attracting a few of them and actually receiving a sting. He managed to extract it though amongst a volley of expletives.

    Drove another 30 odd kms East of Caiguna and pulled into the bush for the night.

    Collected a load of firewood and we’re set. Julie used her skills obtained by watching “Alone” to light the fire with a flint, for the first camp fire of the journey. And a wonderful moonlight fireside evening it was.

    The aim is to traverse the border tomorrow.
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  • Day 3 - Southern Cross to Norseman

    28–29 jul., Australia ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Up around 7 this morning to thick fog and lots of moisture. Frequented the camp kitchen for a magnificent bacon and egg feast.

    Not much to pack up after a 1 nighter so we were underway by about 9, heading to Coolgardie for lunch. Got a recommendation from a good friend in Esperence (Stuart) to visit the museum. It was well worth it.

    Had no idea Herbert Hoover (a US President) was a Mine Engineer here in the Goldfields.

    Filled up, set off on the road to Norseman. Not 200 metres down the road a kind fellow traveller alerted us to a minor potential issue, but all went well.

    Arrived in Norseman about 3.30. Got quickly set up and settled in for a few quiet ones. Managed to get the Drone up for a group vehicle shot and also the new telescope. Not having used a telescope before I didn’t really know what I was doing. So my bedtime homework tonight is to RTFM.

    Jules cooked the best sweet and sour chicken for dinner.

    A bit of a chin wag then in the warmth of the van. Did I mention how cold it is?
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  • Day 2 - Kellerberrin to Southern Cross

    27–28 jul., Australia ⋅ ☁️ 13 °C

    After a cold night (thank goodness for the diesel heater) it was off to find a public amenity. Im under strict instructions on what i’m allowed to deposit in the onboard facility. A coffee and toastie at a local establishment before our departure to Southern Cross (SC).

    Only a short day in the drivers seat today. Arrived in SC late morning and went for a walk through town. Found the obligatory country museum which was awesome. Such a variety of historical memorabilia. And of course finding a dog exercise park was well patronised.

    Cotts decided there was the possibility of locating some of that yellow rock so off he and I went to do a little detecting. No luck though!

    Pre-preped sauce with pasta was tonight’s fare. Thanks Graham, it was great. A few quiet bevvies then into the warm van for an 8.30 retirement.

    Tomorrow will take us to Norseman
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  • Day 1 - Perth to Kellerberrin

    26–27 jul., Australia ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Day 1 - Farewelled Perth with Val and Neil, Bri and Trent and a surprise visit from Jarryd, Mega and Evie. Then our lovely neighbours Lars and Lena.
    Left Perth solo at 1pm to meet our fellow travellers at the Lakes BP roadhouse on the corner of Great Eastern Hwy and Great Southern Hwy.
    From there the first stop is Kellerberin where we enjoyed a few drinks and a great country meal. Eating at the pub gave us authorisation to park up for the night in the car park. The diesel heater was set well in advance of returning to the van…..bbbbrrrrr ❄️🥶
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    Inicio del viaje
    26 de julio de 2026