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The Great Road Trip 2026
  • Karen Cotton
  • Karen Cotton

The Great Road Trip 2026

A 95-day adventure by Karen Read more
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  • Trip start
    July 26, 2026
    Karen CottonThe Great Road Trip 2026Karen Cotton

    And we're off

    July 26 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Four vans, seven people and four very excited dogs.
    After years of planning and a huge day of packing we finally left.
    Made it to Kellerberrin. Only 13,000 kms to go.
    It's going to be 4 degrees tonight. Peter's about to head to bed before the sun sets (it's 5pm).Read more

  • Karen CottonThe Great Road Trip 2026Karen Cotton
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    Southern Cross

    July 27 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    Made the short drive to Southern Cross. If I had to describe Southern Cross in one word it would be COLD. If I had to describe Southern Cross in two words, well I think you can guess what goes before cold. Stevie is everyone's favourite dog because if you ask nicely she will sit on your lap and keep you warm.
    We learnt today that Sundays and Mondays in small country towns you will struggle to get a coffee and you'd think you had won lotto if you can get a pie.
    Kellerberrin was a lovely stop. Spent quite a few hours in the pub last night. Well actually outside the pub last night because we had dogs. Went back to our van and turned on our sparkly new diesel heater in the van. Worked a treat. Went to bed cosy, warm and smug. Look at us with our lovely warm van.
    About an hour after going to bed the heater reached temperature and turned off. But it announces itself as it turns off "heater off". Then it gets cold and turns back on, with another announcement "heater on". This continued all night. We are not so smug now.
    Graham and Dave went "gold prospecting" in Southern Cross and there are now a few less bottle tops out there. And Graham just about took Anne out when they returned back by driving into her chair. Apparently it was funny.
    Must go now as my hands are frozen and I can't type.    Read more

  • Karen CottonThe Great Road Trip 2026Karen Cotton
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    First bush camp

    July 29 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Today is our first night on the Nullarbor. And more exciting, we are sitting around a camp fire.
    We stayed last night in Norseman free camp then headed out to the Nullarbor today. The roads are quite good and there have been a few road trains pass, but we have it down to a fine art. Pretty easy drive so far.
    Pulled into a servo today and there was a road train with a driver in a hazmat suit. Turns out he is taking bees over East. That's a new one. There were bees everywhere and the driver dove into the cab and slammed the door before any followed him in. Peter felt something on his neck and brushed it away, and got stung by a bee. We are such lovely, caring people that we were all rolled up. Anyway, he lived to tell the tale and we made sure to share the story with the truck driver on the 2way, who also enjoyed it.
    It's lovely here. Apart from the risk of bait for the dogs. Dinner cooked on a campfire, sunset in one direction, full moon in the other. And did I mention tgat Julie lit the fire with a flint. LEGEND!
    What could be better.    Read more

  • Karen CottonThe Great Road Trip 2026Karen Cotton

    Welcome to SA

    July 30 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    We spent our second night under the stars but this time in South Australia. There are lots of areas to set up camp just off Eyre Highway.
    After three nights free camping we are all very much looking forward to a hot shower and clean clothes! Dogs will be looking forward to a lead free run too.
    There has been a full moon the last few nights which has been glorious, as are the sunsets.    Read more

  • Karen CottonThe Great Road Trip 2026Karen Cotton
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    We made it to Ceduna!

    July 31 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Woohoo we conquered the Nullarbor! Was so lovely to arrive to our caravan park, right on the foreshore. Took the dogs for a walk and met some of the local indigenous community, thanks to Graham. I told him to behave himself and he took that to mean he had to befriend them all.
    Had the best shower ever after 3 days free camping. Now for 3 days RnR.
    Photos courtesy of Gail, our official tour photographer.    Read more

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    Ceduna day 2

    August 1 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 13 °C

    Another relaxing day in Ceduna. It really is such a lovely town, if you can ignore the broken glass and rubbish left on the foreshore by the locals. Such a shame.
    Gail, Graham and Pete headed out on the jetty to go squidding. I warned Gail that the other two are shit at any form of fishing. True to form, Gail caught two good sized squid and lost two more. Pete's score was 0. Graham's score is negative - caught nothing but also lost his lure.
    Surf and turf for dinner, no thanks to Graham and Pete.    Read more

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    Kimba

    August 3 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    After a lovely few nights in Ceduna (seriously underrated) we headed for an overnight stop at Kimba Rec free camping site.
    Pulled in to get some fuel and there was a girl walking her cat on a lead. Imagine taking Koda on a lead!!
    This is a beautiful town with an abundance of street art. As you will see from the abundance photos I am about to post. Apologies for the photo spam.
    P.S. Stevie is in the group photo but hiding in the back row.    Read more

  • Karen CottonThe Great Road Trip 2026Karen Cotton

    Driving Day

    August 4 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Well what an adventurous day on the road we had today.
    Headed out from Kimba quite early on our way to Port Augusta for breakfast. Pete was voluntold to chart our course to the foreshore, but as we all know Google Maps has its own ideas. It took the convey down residential streets and made us do a u turn (with four vans – lots of fun!) Finally got us into the main town, dodging pedestrians and the cat that ran in front of us, to our final destination. And there’s a big sign “Caravans not permitted past this point”. Julie thought it was hilarious but poor Pete was doing his nut. Finally found a place to park at the shopping centre, and no coffee shop. So back to the servo for brekky. We all thought it was funny but I don’t think Pete did!
    Back on the road. The Flinders Ranges scenery was fabulous, and the sections with wildflowers really pretty. Drove through some cute little towns and past lots of green farmland.
    And then there was a 8 metre wide load covering both lanes of the highway. Two trucks, two police escorts pushing everyone approaching off the road, a front escort and a rear escort. It was a sight to see and also quite entertaining as the rear escort talking to us was a crack up. They had us overtake all of these vehicles on the left shoulder. Anne did an awesome job getting past, but said she felt a bit sweaty afterward! Not sure what happened to the bloke on the push scooter they were heading towards but the escorts in front thought it was hilarious to see what was going to happen to him. I take it he went bush when he saw them all barrelling down the highway towards him.
    We are a great team, the four vans. It’s generally us up front giving directions and road conditions ahead. Pete and Dave take turns bringing up the read and they are both doing a fabulous job at letting us know what is about to be overtaking and calling through any truckies behind us. Special mention to Pete who provides the comic relief over the 2 way.    Read more

  • Karen CottonThe Great Road Trip 2026Karen Cotton
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    Clare Valley

    August 5 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Wow. This place is pretty awesome. We are staying at a small, family owned caravan park in the small town of Leasingham and smack bang in the middle of winery country.
    In fact we are so close to wineries that there is one right over the back fence! So we wandered next door to Claymore Wines do a quick tasting. The wines were so good even I bought a bottle. Spent an hour or so drinking wine over a platter, and to top it off the dogs were allowed in. First winery down and there's already a case and a half heading home, thanks to Gail and I. 😁🍷
    Dinner around the camp fire, were we met some tree loppers from Qld down here for work.    Read more

  • Karen CottonThe Great Road Trip 2026Karen Cotton
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    Clare Valley day 2

    August 5 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    If you find yourself travelling in South Australia, in the words of the great Molly Meldrum "do yourself a favour" and spend some time in Clare Valley.
    So much to see and do here and we have only managed to scratch the surface. Drove to Burra today, which at one time supplied 15% of the world's copper. Had a walk around the town and then did a driving tour of the historic sites around town.
    Next to the caravan park is a new Blazing Bullocks restaurant in a 1880s restored house, with underground seating in the cellar. It is pretty special. We could stay here a month to try all the restaurants and wineries. We will be back!
    Went to the old prison, which was used for the filming of Breaker Morant. This had been a prison and then a home for naughty girls. We had a laugh looking at the crimes and sentences. I would have been locked up for the crime of foul language and maybe insanity. Graham would have been in the cell next door due to being drunk and disorderly.
    There are some photos of the old copper mine and its pump house. If you look to the top window you may be able to make out Ruby and Stevie.
    Having a fabulous time and counting our blessings.    Read more

  • Karen CottonThe Great Road Trip 2026Karen Cotton
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    Another cold morning in Clare

    August 6 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    We woke up to a 6 degree morning, which was a heatwave to yesterday's -1. It is so foggy!!
    Last night we went to Sevenhills Hotel for dinner as they have a heated enclosed outdoor area. The meals were ridiculously huge. There is an underground cellar where you can pick your wine or have a meal.
    Headed out this morning to Sevenhill Winery, which is the oldest winery in Clare. It was founded by Jesuit priests to make sacramental wine, which they still do today as well as table wines. Gail and Dave did some tasting and are single (double) handedly keeping the SA wine industry afloat.
    From there we went to their adjoining church and crypt, where the Jesuit priests are buried.
    On to the next winery!!    Read more

  • Karen CottonThe Great Road Trip 2026Karen Cotton
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    Renmark

    August 7 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Ok this is getting boring now, but here we are camped in another fabulous location. We are in Renmark, on the banks of the Murray River.
    It is very tranquil by the water, and there are some great bush walking tracks at the end of the caravan park to walk the dogs in.
    We spent the night around a campfire beside the river, thinking does it get any better than this. And then we got into our van which stinks like bushfire, as does the freshly washed clothes under our awning. Ah well, first world problems.    Read more

  • Karen CottonThe Great Road Trip 2026Karen Cotton
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    Laundry wars

    August 8 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    A wet day by the river today, but we have been pretty lucky so far. Have managed to take the dogs for a couple of bush walks between the showers.
    Went to "town" and bought Ruby her own chair.
    We have spent the day doing laundry getting ready for a week off grid. Everyone else in the park had similar a idea, and because it is raining you need to use the dryers. This is where the fun begins. There is a sign saying you can remove dry washing and put it on the bench if the owner is not there (normal camping etiquette). Both Gail and Julie copped a mouthful after removing dry washing from two machines. And Julie had been waiting 20 mknutes. I am going to send Graham in to the laundry with his complete lack of filter. Look out!
    We are hanging around the camp kitchen cooking a roast and look who rocks up - the hot donut and churro van. This is living!    Read more

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    Best laid plans, and all that

    August 9 in Australia ⋅ 🌧 14 °C

    We left Renmark this morning heading towards Pooncarie for a night of free camping. And then the rain began. And didn't stop. So we diverted to Wentworth Caravan Park where at least we knew there was a camp kitchen and some shelter.
    The Dunlop sign on the way is for my dear Dad, who spent most of his career working for them.
    The rain has not stopped. We can barely hear each other speak and the caravan park grounds are mini lakes. I am very happy for my wellies. There are seven dogs and a couple of tables of people huddled around outdoor heaters watching the footy. The boys are in the kitchen cooking us pizzas so we are dry and fed. Can't complain.
    The park is where the Darling and Murray Rivers meet. Just praying that none of them breech their banks tonight!    Read more

  • Karen CottonThe Great Road Trip 2026Karen Cotton

    Broken Hill part 3 - RFDS and more

    August 11 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    Next stop was to the RFDS museum for a quick tour. Started with a bit of background in the founding of Broken Hill, of which I was most impressed that in its heyday there were over 60 pubs! The founder of the RFDS, Rev John Flynn , is on our $20 note (bet you are looking). What an incredible man to have the foresight and drive to bring this to life. It was quite moving to hear the real stories of people whose lives were saved thanks to RFDS. Thanks to Pete I will always think of our tour guide when someone says to "walk this way".
    And now for a change of pace. We had a walk around town, visited a shoe shop (always a highlight) and had the worst rum and coke I've had in my life at the Palace Hotel. This is where Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was filmed.
    Next stop was the Line of Lode Miners Memorial, which is a tribute to over 800 miners who lost their lives in Broken Hill. There is a wall where all the miners are listed and it was awful seeing how young (one was 12!) and the terrible ways that they had died. Really sad.
    Our final stop of the day was the Living Desert and Sculpture park. It comprises sculptures created by artists which are located on top of a very windy hill. So I decided to do the express tour and raced around and back to the safety of the car, leaving everyone else to take photos for me. Thanks team.
    Home for dinner and a quick game of Kahoot! and a new game we invented called Find the Peaches. It involves buying tinned peaches and then searching all the vans for the peaches with no luck. Making dessert with tin apple instead, then finding the peaches. It was hilarious, particularly that the peaches conversations went for over an hour! Funny the things that amuse you when you travel.
    So that's it for the big day in Broken Hill.    Read more

  • Karen CottonThe Great Road Trip 2026Karen Cotton

    Plan B - Broken Hill

    August 11 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

    All roads are closed on the Darling River Run so we have diverted to Broken Hill. Disappointed to miss the three station stays but there will be another time.
    As we packed to leave Wentworth Graham walked out of the toilets after washing his hands. He saw Pete ahead so jumped at him, flung the wet water in his face and shouted RAR! The old lady, who was clearly not Pete, nwarly had a heart attack.
    Slight detour to Broken Hill for three nights. Lots to see and do here. In fact, so much to see and do here I will split today's post.
    First stop was Pro Hart Gallery and Museum. It is set in the garage where Pro worked, attached to his house. So interesting and all for the princely sum of $5 entry fee (dogs were free).    Read more

  • Karen CottonThe Great Road Trip 2026Karen Cotton

    Bell's Milk Bar

    August 11 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

    Stop two of the day was to Bell's Milk Bar, which has been in operation since 1892 and is Australia's longest running milk bar. They had a museum out the back which was a snapshot back to our childhoods. Had a traditional cola float, just like my dear old Nan used to make.
    The manager asked if the dogs could have a little icecream. I said no and was severely chastised by Anne so next thing out came icecream sandwiches made from tik tok biscuits for the dogs, and they weren't little. The girls couldn't believe their luck. A nice way to celebrate Ruby and Pep's birthday week.
    Bell's was a great place to visit and no entry charge!
    I warned you that there was lots to see and do in Broken Hill.    Read more

  • Karen CottonThe Great Road Trip 2026Karen Cotton

    Broken Hill part 3 - RFDS and more

    August 11 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 17 °C

    Next stop was to the RFDS museum for a quick tour. Started with a bit of background in the founding of Broken Hill, of which I was most impressed that in its heyday there were over 60 pubs! The founder of the RFDS, Rev John Flynn , is on our $20 note (bet you are looking). What an incredible man to have the foresight and drive to bring this to life. It was quite moving to hear the real stories of people whose lives were saved thanks to RFDS. And thanks to Pete I will always think of our tour guide when someone says to "walk this way".
    And now for a change of pace. We had a walk around town, visited a shoe shop (always a highlight) and had the worst rum and coke I've had in my life at the Palace Hotel. This is where Priscilla, Queen of the Desert was filmed.
    Next stop was the Line of Lode Miners Memorial, which is a tribute to over 800 miners who lost their lives in Broken Hill. There is a wall where all the miners are listed and it was awful seeing how young (one was 12!) and the terrible ways that they had died. Really sad.
    Our final stop of the day was the Living Desert and Sculpture park. It comprises sculptures created by international artists which are located on top of a very, very windy hill. So I decided to do the express tour and raced around and back to the safety of the car, leaving everyone else to take photos for me. Thanks team.
    Home for dinner and a quick game of Kahoot! and a new game we invented called Find the Peaches. It involves buying tinned peaches days before and then searching all the vans for the peaches with no luck. Making dessert with tin apple instead, then finding the peaches. It was hilarious, particularly that the peaches conversations went for over an hour! Funny the things that amuse you when you travel.
    So that's it for the big day in Broken Hill.    Read more

  • Karen CottonThe Great Road Trip 2026Karen Cotton
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    Silverton

    August 12 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 15 °C

    Took a day trip from Broken Hill to Silverton along the Road of 39 Dips. Yep, there were - it was like a rollercoaster in places. It's a small dirt road town with a population of 50, but for such a small town there is a lot going on. Its claims to fame are Mad Max 2 was filmed there, and 15,000 people descend into town to attend the Mundi Mundi Bash at a local station.
    When we arrived in town there was a welcoming committee of four wild donkeys that live in the town, as well as some sheep wandering around.
    Graham's highlight was the bakery, which had the best cinnamon scroll he'd had for a long time. After a pig out we went to the Mad Max 2 Museum - really interesting. Had some great stuff there (lots of behind the scenes photos) but unfortunately no photography allowed.
    Pete and I were dog watching and a guy from ABC Radio came over for a chat He was trying to interview locals about the influx of tourists for Mundi Mundi Bash but couldn't get any takers. After chatting for a while he asked if we would be interviewed. Pete said "yep no worries" and I said "here's my dog Pete, I'm out of here". Can't wait to hear the interview and see the photo of Pete the crazy dog man with his four dogs.
    The rest of the crew went to the Old Goal Museum, which they said was really good. And from there to the Pub!
    Final stop of the day Mundi Mundi Lookout, then back to Broken Hill via 39 dips.
    Special shout out to Pete and Dave from last night's ribs and chicken wings. Delicious!    Read more

  • Karen CottonThe Great Road Trip 2026Karen Cotton
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    Wilcannia & Cobar

    August 14 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    We hit the road again from Broken Hill, but not before Graham, Ruby and I were locked in our van in the morning, all of us busting for the toilet. Luckily Pete let us out or Graham was going out the window.
    We stayed last night in Wilcannia, which everyone said was dangerous but the most dangerous thing we saw were the prickles the dogs were covered in.
    Decided to cook dinner over a camp fire. At the mention of a fire the boys go all caveman and went rushing off in the bush to get firewood. They came back so proud. Last night Gail tamed the lighting of the fire with a flint. Good job girl.
    Headed to Cobar today, passing hundreds of goats on the way. So many cute goat babies to be seen,and so many mentions of goat curry on the two-way.
    Spent a lazy day wandering around Cobar. This is the first town that has not had a dog friendly pub. Maybe that's a good thing!    Read more

  • Karen CottonThe Great Road Trip 2026Karen Cotton
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    Cobar to Bourke

    August 16 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    Before leaving Cobar we went for a quick group photo at the Cobar sign. Graham and Dave set up their tripods and entertained us all dashing back and forward setting the timer. We have many many photos of them mid dash. Lots of laughs and luckily someone came to take the photo for us. Success at last!
    Last stop in Cobar was the bakery for breakfast (just for a change). Graham, Ruby and Dave headed over the road to the hardware store. When the came back Gail asked where Ruby was and Graham dashed back to the road to collect Ruby, still tied up outside the shop. Bad dog father!
    Not a great deal to see in Bourke but we did manage to find the pub! And last night had the best campfire of the trip.
    This morning we went to the cemetary to pay our respects Fred Hollows grave and found this peaceful historic weir on the Darling River. Until the dozen dogs at the adjoining station saw us and all hell broke loose. They won't get broken into! Turned my back for a minute then could hear Graham laughing. One wet dog.    Read more

  • Karen CottonThe Great Road Trip 2026Karen Cotton

    Lightning Ridge

    August 17 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    We are here! It was a very bumpy drive in (see attached photo) so we were glad to pull into Opal Caravan Park. The bays here are huge!! There are thermal baths 200m away so we may test them out after dinner.
    There is a local artist who has pretty much painted every building in town. Love his work!
    There is also a lolly shop in town. Pete has flagged it for a visit. Lots of opal shops. The girls have tagged them for a visit.    Read more

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    A bit of everything - Lightning Ridge

    August 18 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    Today we heading out to follow one of the car door routes. Visited an old opal mine and shop, bought some opal earrings. When in Rome and all that. Everywhere you look there are piles of white sand and rocks from people fossicking.
    We did an underground mine tour at Chambers of the Black Hand. A miner has spent 22 years carving into the rock using a single butter knife. It was absolutely phenomenal what he has achieved and I've only included a few of the 900 sculptures. If you are ever in this part of the world this is a must see.
    In the afternoon Gail, Dave, Peter and I wandered up the road for a dip in the artesian bore bath. The temperature in the water is 40 degrees plus, so you can't stay in too long, but you feel wonderful afterwards. Plus the benefit of clean fingernails and diamonds.
    The caravan park has two women bus poets and comedians who do a show every afternoon. It was wonderful! So funny and moving. We enjoyed it so much we will be back again tonight.
    Lightning Ridge is certainly ticking all the boxes!    Read more