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Travelling Oz in our PearcyPod
  • Brad and Mandy Pearce
  • Brad and Mandy Pearce

Travelling Oz in our PearcyPod

We have the van and now the plan is to travel around our great land. From East to West and North to South we hope to take our time exploring all the states (and territories) in 2025. Read more
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  • Trip start
    March 24, 2025
    Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    2Set up in Pottsville North caravan park
    Murwillumbah showgrounds - where we were supposed to stayCurlew family come for a visitThat's a big lizard1My bruised ankle caused by a torn? calf muscle

    We have left.... or have we?

    Mar 11–25, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    The lead up to us departing on our journey certainly had its challenges. We have had a busy time preparing our home for new tenants when, the final weekend before we left, Tropical Cyclone Alfred raised his ugly head and threw a spanner in the works. While our home escaped relatively unscathed, it did alter our plans. Originally we were headed to Murwillumbah showgrounds for a week but as it went under a metre of water, we changed our destination to Pottsville North CP - a whole 2km away from our home. We will stay here for a couple of weeks as there are some things we still need to attend to. I guess you could say we adjusting to caravan life in familiar surroundings.
    So, our PearcyPod Adventures have started.... sort of!    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Iluka - very peaceful
    South wall is Yamba, North wall IlukaYamba from lighthouse1Cheeky willy wagtail hitching a ride1Had to get a picture - 2000km on my ebike1Riding across Grafton bridgeAvenue of fig trees1Wild and woolly at Woody Head100's of seagullsPeaceful river - Ulmarra... and againFlying fox colony - quite noisy1Magnificent water dragon on lunch tableFrom Maclean lookoutOne of the magnificent buildings on our heritage walkThis was the operating theatre for the hospital up until the 1950sBrad, Cookie and Howie - original Byron Bay boys

    Iluka and Clarence Valley towns

    Mar 24–Apr 2, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C

    Day one of our PearcyPod Adventure saw us arriving at Iluka through some periods of heavy rain but it held off enough for us to set up in the Anchorage Holiday Park - our home for the next three nights... which was to become nine nights ( but more about that later). We used this as a base to explore Iluka, Yamba, Grafton and Maclean.

    We took the bikes on the ferry that runs between Iluka and Yamba and spent a lovely few hours exploring the town. Clocked up 2000km on my ebike. We started to ride through a forested nature walk, got about 50m in and the mosquitoes were so ferocious we quickly got out of there while we still had some blood.

    We spent a day in Grafton visiting the art gallery (and tourist info centre), the Crown hotel overlooking the river for lunch, rode our bikes over the double storey old road and rail bridge, and visited historic Schaeffer House which was very interesting. Also took a pic of the rather impressive avenue of fig trees.

    Ulmarra, just north of Grafton, was always our first stop when we travelled south with the kids when they were little. The slippery dip of doom (the old fashioned, metal, steep slide) has been replaced with safer play equipment, but the flying foxes had set up a colony in the trees around the park. We did a walking tour of the heritage buildings and had a lovely lunch at the hotel overlooking the river.

    Our final day in Iluka we visited Maclean, the Scottish town. Drove to the lookout then visited the Stone Cottage and museum (very interesting). We cycled around the heritage walk, checking out the original buildings of significance. Stopped at the Argyle Hotel for lunch when Brad noticed the 2 guys at the table next to us were boys he went to school with since kindergarten - probably hadn't seen them for 30 years. They had a great time reminiscing about their youth.

    When travelling, you always need to remain flexible as circumstances are constantly changing, whether it be the weather or family issues etc. On our second day, my brother contacted me to let me know dad had passed away. He had been in hospital with pneumonia and influenza and RSV. I had only spoken with him (briefly), the night before and he had improved somewhat. So, we have made the decision to return home, travel down south for his celebration of life, return and resume our travel in a couple of weeks time.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Autumn colours over Glen Innes
    .. and surroundsStanding stonesExcalibur!Brad couldn't remove the sword from the stone... neither could I.Raspberry Lookout at the top of the rangeLand of the Beardies museumIn the transport displayThis made me giggleRevolving pantry - looks very practicalThe old hospital operating theatreImpressive town hall buildingImposing Catholic ChurchBalancing rockMany boulders at Stonehenge Recreation Area1Nope... won't budgeLots of different shapes

    Pause, rewind and start again... take 2!

    Apr 9–15, 2025 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 12 °C

    After travelling from Iluka back home (well, to Mitchell's place because we don't have a home available to us at the moment), then drove to Queanbeyan and onto Crookwell for Dad's funeral before returning back to Murwillumbah. Funerals are always difficult but it was a beautiful celebration of life - all 90 years of it. This detour to our travels has not been included in my travel blog.

    So, we return to where we left off - back to Coffs Harbour attending to a few small warranty items on the van and some housekeeping like getting a haircut and our flu shots. Leaving Coffs, we head west to Glen Innes. Brad was a bit tentative about driving up the range, particularly as it was raining when we left, but it stayed dry enough and we arrived in Glen Innes incident free.

    Glen Innes is looking lovely with autumn foliage (and noticeably cooler temperatures). After setting up at the showgrounds we rode to the Standing Stones - a tribute to the Celtic history of the area. Looks as if it should be ancient but is only 30 odd years old. Also some lovely views over Glen Innes.

    Next day we checked out the Land of the Beardies Historical Museum. The building was the old hospital and they had some excellent displays in themed rooms (communication, agriculture, hospital etc.) The area is called Beardies either because a couple of men discovered the area happened to have long beards, or perhaps the local fish of the area resembles catfish and is known as a beardie, or maybe because the area was settled by Scottish who brought their bearded collie sheepdogs with them. We then did a heritage walk around the town as Glen Innes has many historic buildings.

    Final day in Glen Innes, after lunch at the Central Hotel, we checked out the balancing rock and Stonehenge Recreational Area (lots of Granite boulders) before finishing our day with a visit to the Super Strawberry for afternoon tea. Tomorrow we move onto Narrabri.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    National Transport Museum
    Messerschmitt - room for 2Courting bike - 3rd seat for the chaperone1923 Rolls RoyceModel T Ford Coca-Cola truckSolar powered carFrancis Birtles car (same type, not actual car)Australian Telescope Compact Array1Sawn Rocks1These columns have fallen downThey are 40m high

    Narrabri - cars, telescopes and rocks

    Apr 15–17, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 24 °C

    We left Glen Innes and for once it wasn't raining. We stopped off at the National Transport Museum in Inverell. It is supposed to be the largest display of cars, bikes etc. on the east coast. A really impressive display and well worth the entry fee. Brad was thrilled to find a car the same as the one Francis Birtles drove across Australia several times (Brad had recently read about Francis Birtles and his antics in the early 1900's - he was a household name of the time)

    From Inverell through to Bingara where 30 years ago Brad had applied for a job. At the time it was in drought but we must admit the town looked much prettier now. The road from Bingara to Narrabri was horrible with narrow winding roads full of potholes and causeways which may or may not have some water in them. Staying at the showgrounds in Narrabri right next to the track where we had the horses (trotters) exercising in the very early morning.

    The next day we head out to the Australian Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) - A group of 6 radio telescopes. Interesting if you are into this sort of thing (Brad is). Then drove to the other side of Narrabri (40km) and visited the Sawn Rocks. Hard to believe they are not man made. Also drove past the school where I did a prac over 40 years ago. Now, that makes me feel old.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    This and next few photos are all part of sculptures in the scrub
    Father and sonLovely colours in the rockMosaicsWalk through gorgeThe father and son sculpture seen from belowViewing towerThe view over the PilligaSandstone caves

    Exploring the Pilliga

    Apr 17–19, 2025 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 21 °C

    South of Narrabri is an area known as the Pilliga scrub. We based ourselves at Baradine, a small town on the western side of the scrub in a nice quiet camp-site and spent the next day exploring the attractions in the area.

    First attraction is sculptures in the scrub. Only about 30km from Baradine but that was on dirt roads that were sometimes heavily corrugated. We questioned as to why anyone would install a sculpture display in an area where access to them is on such woeful roads. Anyway, it was a perfect day weather wise and while there are only a few sculptures, they were interesting and the walk through the gorge was very pleasant.

    Another 30km drive, again on dirt roads, we headed up to the salt caves and viewing tower which gave a great outlook once we had climbed the 80 steps to the top. Didn't even notice the salt caves.

    The sandstone caves were 50km away (around 40km on dirt) and they were worth seeing. Beautiful colours and shapes. Finally we thought we would stop for afternoon tea at Pilliga Pottery, After all, it was only 10km off the highway - it can't be that bad - Wrong! The worst corrugated roads to get to a cafe. There was much cursing (by Brad), made worse by having to return on the same road after our coffee and scones.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    The Big Bogan
    1Just to put some perspective on size1Water tower at Coonamble on the way to NynganClose up - artist is1The school bus sculpture Coonamble (inside info centre which was closed so difficult to get a pic)Thousands of cotton bales on the road to Nyngan1The Bogan River next to caravan park (hence Big Bogan)Plenty of boat activityNyngan solar farm

    Overnight at Nyngan

    April 19, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    We are trying not to travel more than about 250km at a time which is why we ended up at Nyngan. I was pleasantly surprised with Nyngan. The riverside caravan park was very nice - a lot of activity on the river with speed boats (it is the Easter weekend)

    Rode our bikes into town and found the Big Bogan (Nyngan's contribution to Australia's Big Things). We only stayed overnight and upon leaving we checked out the solar farm made up of over 1.3 million solar panels.

    Only a short entry - next stop Cobar where we will spend a few days.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    1In front of the COBAR sign - car and van are still white - how long for?
    Fort Bourke mineMiners Heritage Park2Pretty budgie in the caravan parkRock art at Mt GrenfellNewey reserve in Cobar - lots of water birds

    Cobar - place of many goats

    Apr 20–23, 2025 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    A straight stretch down the road from Nyngan (@ 150km) we arrived at Cobar and immediately got the obligatory photo of the caravan under the Cobar sign. The grassed site in the caravan park was quite dusty and the ground as hard as concrete when trying to drive the awning pegs in, but it was quiet enough and we were not jammed in like the sites with a concrete slab.

    We took a look at Fort Bourke open-cut mine then did a tour of the museum / information centre which was basically all about the mining history of the town. Got a bit of a shock when we bought some groceries as basic food items were considerably dearer but that is what happens in these isolated towns (and when there is no competition in supermarkets (2 supermarkets - both IGA - both owned by the same people so I was told)

    Drove out to Mt Grenfell to view some Aboriginal rock art. It was a pleasant walk. The road out of Cobar is where we encountered goats. There were thousands of them in a variety of colours and the baby goats were so cute. They are feral and I'm sure quite destructive but fortunately they seem to have road sense as we only saw one carcass beside the road. We also saw our first emus in the wild - funny birds. (Haven't got any photos of either of these yet)

    Before leaving Cobar, we met up with the son of friends of ours, who is a teacher at Cobar. He is into his 5th year here and loves the town - very friendly and a great sense of community.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Line of Lode and slag heap dominate Broken Hill
    Line of Lode miners memorialOverlooking Broken HillOverlooking mine areaThe big red seatSome lovely buildings in Broken HillHistoric Town HallPro Hart's grave1The big picture - just showing a portionBell's DinerLiving Desert areaSculptures1My favourite

    Broken Hill - an interesting mining town

    Apr 24–May 2, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    We based ourselves at the Broken Hill Outback Resort - about 20km out of Broken Hill. When we were not going to Cameron Corner, Menindee Lakes and Silverton, we explored the town.

    Line of Lode miners memorial - perched high on the slag heap overlooking Broken Hill. Over 800 names are on the memorial wall with their name, age, year of accident and how they died (mine collapse, suffocation, heart attack, crushed in machinery, falling down the shafts). There is also the big red chair which I don't think you are supposed to sit on so I just stood in from to give some perspective (bit high to climb on anyway).

    We joined a walking tour of the town which gave some very interesting history of mining, the beginning of BHP, the influence of unions which were really the catalyst for our 40 hour working week. We also learned about the time the war came to Broken Hill (before the bombing of Darwin) when a picnic train was ambushed by a couple of disgruntled Afghans who rolled out a Turkish flag and proceeded to shoot the passengers - 4 were killed and many were wounded. Happened on the 1st January 1915.

    Art is a big part of Broken Hill. While we didn't specifically visit any galleries, we did check out Pro Hart's grave. A big slab of Granite over 4 plots etched with his signature dragonfly. Interesting fact: Pro's name is actually Kevin - Pro is short for Professor and is a nickname he got when working in the mines because he was very inquisitive.

    We saw the Big Picture - world's largest acrylic painting on canvas done by one man. Almost 100m long and 12m high, it depicts all the scenes around Broken Hill.

    Had lunch at Bell's 1950s Diner. Good old fashioned burgers and milkshakes with flavours like coconut rough and lemon cheesecake - a bit sweet but delicious nevertheless.

    Finally we did the Living Desert where a group of sculptors from around the world worked on a large sandstone block each in situ over a period of 6 weeks. I made a stupid mistake of driving to where the sign said Sculptures walking trail and ended up walking (only about 1 km) up a mountain, only to discover when we got there that we could have driven up. Brad had pointed out there was another sign for driving access but I ignored him. The Sculptures were OK - the Aztec one the best and most commonly photographed.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    The Tibooburra sign
    Me at Cameron Corner... and BradBilby sculptureBandicootSpotted quollMother (or father) Emu with youngDifferent mobMumma goat and kids (not a great pic but they are cute)Wedgetail eagle1Road to TibooburraLandscape around Cameron's Corner (and the bandicoot sculpture)The road crossed what looks like a dry lakeOne of the muralsElephants can't flyA slightly raunchy mural - there are other full frontal nudes but didn't include hereStagecoach at town sign on Northern endAnother sculpture in town -Afghan and camel3Nice sunsetHalfway between Tibooburra and Broken Hill at Packsaddle (there is a hotel/roadhouse there)

    Tibooburra and Cameron Corner

    Apr 25–27, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    After Cobar continued west towards Broken Hill stopping overnight at Wilcannia. Initially we were going to head to White Cliffs then Tibooburra before heading back to Broken Hill but as we were unsure of the condition of the road we opted to use Broken Hill as a base and travel to Tibooburra and Cameron's Corner from there without taking the van with us.

    Us Aussies must be mad to consider driving 140km each way on a pretty average dirt road to take a photo of a geographical point on the map where 3 states meet. But that's what we did. We tried to get a drone shot but failed dismally - we need more practice at operating it. Part of the problem were the flies which swarmed around you within seconds of getting out of the car. We need to purchase fly nets as they really are unbearable.

    There are three large sculptures made from wire on the way out - a bilby, bandicoot and spotted quoll. Also saw some magnificent wedgetail eagles feeding on some road kill, and plenty of emus (got photos this time).

    Back in Tibooburra we had dinner at the Family Hotel which is known for murals on the walls that were apparently started by some artists who were working in the area back in the 60's and were flooded in for weeks so started doodling on the walls. Over the years the murals have been added to and some of them are quite raunchy. One of the original artists was Clifton Pugh who painted the portrait of Gough Whitlam in parliament house. Another was Russell Drysdale.

    So Tibooburra - population 150 - had a couple of interesting things but it is so isolated I'm really not sure what anyone does here. It's a 'been there, done that' kind of place. We did catch a nice sunset though.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Menindee Lakes
    Birdlife at Menindee LakesEmus by the lakeWatched him climb the treeBig lizard we encountered - top of treePelicans at the weirPelicans enjoying their spaDaydream mineUndergroundIconic signSilverton Hotel with Mad Max car out frontSilverton HeightsSchoolhouse where Dame Mary Gilmore taughtMundi Mundi lookout panoramaThe Bash is held on the flat out there (somewhere)Sunset at Mundi Mundi. Going.....Going......1Gone!

    Menindee Lakes and Silverton

    Apr 29–May 1, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    While based at Broken Hill we have done a couple of side trips to nearby areas (when I say nearby, they may be 100km away). We spent a day at Menindee Lakes which we had heard about and described as a "must see". Unfortunately we found it a bit underwhelming, probably because when we got there we found several roads closed due to a heavy storm they had on Anzac night. This included the main drive around the lake. We were able to drive down the river drive (Darling River) where we found dozens of pelicans enjoying a spa bath at the weir.

    Another day we went to Silverton. On the way we did a tour of Daydream Mine. Well, I only did the surface portion as I didn't fancy going underground. Brad did and said I wouldn't have enjoyed it. Had nice Cornish Tea and scones afterwards.

    In Silverton we had lunch at the iconic Silverton Hotel and visited the old school and old gaol/ museum. I had an interest in visiting the school because Dame Mary Gilmore (the lady on the $10 note) was a teacher there and she was also born on our property in southern NSW where I grew up. We didn't bother with the Mad Max museum or other art galleries as time ran out.

    Drove up to Mundi Mundi lookout where you can see forever (at least that's what it feels like). I'm sure the pictures don't do it justice. We could see where they have the Mundi Mundi Bash music festival. We hung around to catch the sunset.

    The Broken Hill section I'll cover in another footprint.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Our spot by the river
    Ahh.. the serenityThe Rothbury paddle wheel boat,... and the MundooHouseboat passing through Loch 11... and goneConfluence of the Murray (R)/Darling (L) riversJust to prove I was therePerry Sand Hills1The God Tree1Trunk is buried under the sandSeveral bird pics now - A kiteRed rumped parrotAnother red rumped parrot (I think)1Don't know what sort of bird1Pelican was interested in the fish (carp) but not for long - too big? Taste horrible?

    Turn left and we arrive at Mildura

    May 2–7, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    After travelling west for the last few weeks we headed south to the town of Mildura on the NSW/Vic border. From dry, dusty red dirt to a lush green oasis - what a contrast. Managed to score a site right on the river for $20/night (had to stay 5 nights so $100). Lots of birdlife and paddleboats and houseboats floating by. Ahh the serenity... except for the rev heads doing laps on Friday and Saturday nights.

    Contacted a friend who used to live near me many years ago and now lives in Mildura. It was lovely catching up with her over a coffee for a couple of hours - hard to believe it has been over 20 years since I last saw her.

    As far as touristy things, there has not been that much that interests us but we have spent the time relaxing, going on a couple of bike rides, watched a houseboat passing through a loch, reading/doing my craft and generally just enjoying the peace.

    We did go to Wentworth, about 30km West of Mildura. They have one of the best tourist info places I've seen. Wentworth is where the Darling River meets the Murray River and you can see the difference in the junction. We also headed out to the Perry Sand Hills that originated after the ice age (40,000 years ago). Skeletal remains of giant mega fauna (kangaroos, emus, wombats and lions(?)) have been found there. There is also a tree known as the God Tree that is believed to be over 500 years old. A River Red Gum whose trunk is buried under 20 feet of sand and still survives. You are actually standing in the canopy of the tree.

    We have enjoyed our stay at Mildura - weather has been perfect - warm and sunny. We leave here and head into South Australia.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    1Sunset over Lake Bonney
    Very peaceful lakeside setting for our caravanThis is Bob the railway dog. Read about him next pic.One of the old hotels in PeterboroughA bit about the Steamtown museum1Sleeper carriage - note the zigzag corridorThis Toby carriage was never used as it didn't meet legal requirementsThe ladies lounge carVery dry and barrenThat's a downhill slope...right?

    West again and into South Australia

    May 8–10, 2025 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 8 °C

    It has been 39 years since we have been in South Australia and then it was only as far as Adelaide. We crossed the border near Renmark making sure we didn't have any contraband on board (fresh fruit and veges) as they are very strict and the fines are quite severe. Stayed overnight at beautiful Lake Bonney, then headed north to Peterborough, a once thriving railway town, but now serves as more of a junction for people heading to the Flinders Ranges or to Adelaide (from NSW).

    The landscape has changed dramatically to large, often barren rolling hills. It doesn't help that they are experiencing a bad drought - haven't had rain for about 3 months. It would look spectacular if it was green but it still had a certain appeal.

    In Peterborough we did the Steamtown Train Museum. It was quite interesting, even if you are not into trains. Had lunch at Orroroo (try saying that 3 times fast) and then we went to Magnetic Hill where we experienced a weird phenomenon. We drove to a point where we were facing downhill. Turn off the ignition, put it in neutral and take off the brake. We started rolling .... backwards ... uphill! It is an optical illusion but you'd swear we were being pulled uphill. We did try it from the other direction and it did not have the same effect. Have included a couple of videos but I'm not sure if it will give you the idea.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Early morning at Wilpena
    Rawnsley lookoutWestern side of FlindersOchre pits /cliffsBeautiful colours

    Spectacular Flinders Ranges

    May 10–11, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    We only spent one night in the Flinders Ranges at Wilpena Pound, mainly because I couldn't seem to book 2 nights. It was the weekend and mothers day as well so that may have been why it was busy. Anyway, we saw enough to satisfy us and got some nice early morning and late afternoon photos of the very photogenic mountain Ranges. We checked out a few lookouts but didn't do any walks. Also got some photos of the western side of the Ranges as we travelled further north. There were some ochre cliffs which had beautiful colours. As usual, photos do not do it justice.Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Arid Air 12 seater Cessna
    CosyCrashed plane in the dry lakeWater on the lakeFlood waters coming down the river systemPelicans on Lake EyreEdge of the incoming waterInteresting shapes on lake bedA smallish poolAlmost looks like waves on a beachThe Marree ManDesert coloursLumpy landscapeThese were almost circularRipples in the hillsOodnadatta TrackMarreeMini Appoloosa

    Lake Eyre and the Marree Man

    May 12–14, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Leaving the Flinders Ranges behind us, we travelled further north to the small outback town of Marree to witness the rare phenomenon of Lake Eyre with water. Usually a large dry salt lake, the recent flood waters in Western Queensland are slowly draining down the river systems and filling Lake Eyre. The water is not visible from the road.... yet, but maybe in a couple of months time, so the only way to see it is from the air.

    It was a perfect early morning flight, visibility was great and it was amazing to see the sheer size of the salt lake. Where the water was coming in at a rate of 2-3km per day, the lake was coming to life. There were even pelicans.

    There were other interesting geological formations as well as the Marree Man - an enormous geoglyph etched in the ground. It is about 3km tall and 28km perimeter and depicts an aboriginal man with a throwing stick and is believed to be one of the largest in the world. However, it's origins are a bit of a mystery. It only appeared in 1998 and the artist/s have never been identified. It could have been made by army personnel stationed in the area at that time... or it could have been organised by the owner of the Marree Hotel to drum up some publicity. I have positioned the marker on the Marree Man on the map so you can see it from Google Earth.

    So, it was an interesting trip to see Lake Eyre with water but the town of Marree has nothing going for it. At least it was a sealed road to get there ( and we can say we have been in the Oodnadatta Track)    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    The big projection screen
    Several photos and a couple of video clips of the silo art showOne of the stories about bush tuckerView to the Flinders Ranges from our caravan parkTrain crossingIt's a very long trainView over Port Augusta from the water tower...and again in the other directionThe red cliffs - early morning shot to get the colourHancock's lookout - views over the Spencer GulfWould look more spectacular on a clear dayWadlata Outback CentreLoch-eel monster at Lochiel2Lochiel is on the way to Adelaide

    Port Augusta and surrounds

    Jun 1–4, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 14 °C

    Back in Port Augusta again after our hurried trip back home. We had placed the van in storage at the caravan park and it was a relief to find it still there when we returned. Two weeks were spent organising and then celebrating the life of Brad's mum. We are back now and continuing our journey.

    Last post was from Lake Eyre. From there we travelled back down to Quorn at the southern end of the Flinders Ranges. Quorn is a quirky little town, once a major railway town but now runs a tourist train on the Pichi Richi line to Port Augusta (we didn't do this). Every evening they have a silo art display where four or five stories relevant to Quorn are projected on the silo. Very colourful and the stories were interesting and best of all, it was free.

    Port Augusta is a reasonably short drive from Quorn. Touristy things we did included a visit to the Arid Botanical Gardens, checked out the red cliffs, climbed an old water tower for good views of the town, drove to Hancock's lookout for great views over the Spencer Gulf and visited the Wadlata Outback Centre. This was very interesting, taking you on a journey through time and history of the outback, from geological forces, first nations people, early explorers, the railway, school of the air, to mining.

    Leaving Port Augusta we are heading north, via Woomera to Coober Pedy.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Don't ask me what all the rockets are - Brad got carried away
    Meteor jet fighterCanberra bomberSalt lake on the way to Glendambo

    Woomera

    June 4, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Heading towards Coober Pedy, we passed through Woomera. A strange town - felt almost deserted, yet clean and tidy. Reminded me a bit of an army base from the 1950s and this is understandable because it has always been a defence owned facility. Only opened to the public since 1982, it now displays some of the rockets etc that were tested at Woomera. We checked out the rocket park and the museum before continuing on to and overnight stay at Glendambo.Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    The obligatory photo
    The big winchViews over Coober Pedy from the big winchUnderground mine tour - dugout room old styleMore modern version complete with chandelier and window - well curtainMine tourLooking up a shaftAt each pile there is a shaft - there are probably a million shaftsOpen cut opal mineProspecting hole - testing to see if there is any opals down there1Coober Pedy golf course - didn't actually playThe 'green' is sprayed with sump oilUnderground Catholic ChurchSt Anthony entrance windowExterior of Serbian ChurchInterior of Serbian ChurchIn boot Hill- gravestone had a beer keg inscribed with "have a drink on me"Well being labyrinth- we walked it

    Coober Pedy - a most unusual place

    Jun 5–8, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    It was very windy when we arrived at Coober Pedy and it didn't really let up in the 3 days we were here. We booked into the caravan park and also booked the 2 tours that George - the owner of the caravan park runs. The morning tour took us to the major sights of the town - the underground mine and museum, underground Catholic Church, the golf course where Brad did a posing shot (the wind was so strong it would have landed on the other side of town), an open cut opal mine and a tour of his own dugout house.

    The afternoon tour I'll cover in a separate post because I'm limited to 20 photos per footprint.

    The spare day we went to places that were not covered in the tour. Boot Hill cemetery had some interesting headstones - one fellow had a beer keg as his headstone inscribed with "have a drink on me". We saw the Siberian Underground church and also walked around the wellness labyrinth (which is becoming a little uncared for).

    So, Coober Pedy was an interesting place to visit but I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would choose to live there. Summers are excruciatingly hot and there is very little rain. I guess the hope of making it rich by digging up a perfect opal is the main attraction.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    1Part of The Breakaways
    Panoramic viewCamel laying downThe white patch is supposed to be a fishThese are the two dogs - white and golden oneThe wind nearly blew me off balanceLove the colours1Old man emu and chicksSunsetDog fence2Original postsThe moon plains looking towards the breakaways

    The Breakaways - sunset tour

    June 6, 2025 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 21 °C

    The second tour we did with George was to the Breakaways - amazing rock formations that show beautiful colours, especially with the evening sun. It was a 70km round trip from Coober Pedy and took us to an area called the moon plains (because of its barren landscape), the dog/dingo fence (longest fence in the world at over 5600km), and the spectacular breakaways.

    One formation looked like a camel lying down, another was supposed to be two dogs and there were various outlines in the rocks that were supposed to look like a face or a fish - but you really have to use your imagination. Climbed a small hill and it was so windy I felt as if it was going to blow me off balance (plenty of surface area here 😁)
    Ended the tour watching the sunset while drinking a cuppa and munching on a blueberry muffin.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    We are in the NT - the other side was in the sun but that said Welcome to South Australia
    1View from our caravan park1First half of the climb for the rim walkCloser viewView from about half waySome of the rock Sculpture- and me trying to negotiate the pathSheer cliffsWill see this bridge from the other sideAt least this bit is smoothLooking across the gorge - notice the people on the other side1Staircases to be climbedThat's the bridge from a previous photoMore unusual rock formationsRipple Rock- from when there was an inland seaBudgie (at Kathleen Springs)Ring neck parrotKings Canyon Creek walkFull moon rising over Kings Canyon1Was a strawberry moon apparently (whatever that is)

    Watarrka National Park - Kings Canyon

    Jun 10–13, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 18 °C

    After Coober Pedy we continued northwards staying overnight at Marla, crossed into Northern Territory, overnight again at Erldunda and then spending 3 nights at Petermann on the edge of Watarrka National Park - more commonly known as Kings Canyon.

    Kings Canyon is aptly named because this place is majestic! Sheer red cliffs and interesting rock formations are a sight to behold. The main activity here is to do the rim walk - about 6km around the top or rim of the gorge as the name suggests. I found this walk very challenging. The first section consists of about 500 steep rocky steps to get to the top. Took me a while with numerous stops and plenty of encouragement and assistance from Brad. Around the top it was somewhat smoother but there were still steps and rocky areas to negotiate. Even coming down while it was a more gradual descent, it was taken at a slow pace. Finally reached the bottom after almost 5 hours.

    So, was it worth it? Most definitely! Unfortunately looking at the photos, the camera does not capture what the eye can see. I have tried to include photos that include people to get an idea of perspective.

    Am I glad I did it? Yes! Just wish I was a bit younger, a bit fitter and had longer legs. I looked on in awe at the younger people who scrambled up and down rocks like mountain goats and wondered if I was ever like that.

    Would I do it again? NO WAY!! (Brad, however, would have no problem doing the hike again)

    We did a couple of other much easier walks at Kathleen Springs and the Creek walk at the base of the gorge. They were very pleasant with plenty of birdlife - budgies and zebra finches.

    Brad got a nice photo of the strawberry full moon rising over Kings Canyon (from the caravan park we were staying in). Very nice park - fairly new - not cheap. Fuel was $2.81/l. Also saw our first dingos in the wild and could hear them howling during the night.

    Back at Erldunda overnight, then we will head to Alice Springs tomorrow for a week. We decided not to go to Uluru (Ayres Rock) because we were there just a few years ago and I guess the rock hasn't changed much in those few years.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    View from Anzac Hill
    Anzac HillViews from Anzac HillTodd River - usually dry but does flood sometimesWedgetail eagleBarn owlA buzzard doing his party trick - breaking open the egg with a rock to get the foodFalconDingosZebra finchWhite headed stiltRev. Dr. John Flynn grave (his ashes are buried here)They had to change the stone - original came from the Devil's Marbles area and had to be returned.Ring neck parrot - nearly landed on my head - lost a footGalahs enjoying the water

    Alice Springs

    Jun 14–21, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    We have just left Alice Springs, having spent an enjoyable week here. Alice Springs has got a bit of a bad reputation over the past couple of years due to antisocial behaviour but we did not experience that (except for the young fellow who walked through the shopping precinct yelling obscenities at the top of his voice - but that could happen anywhere). Mind you, we didn't go out at night and felt totally safe and secure in our caravan park, which was just a little out of town.

    It is a very interesting town to look at - almost surrounded by rocky red sandstone cliffs with the River Todd (a dry river bed) running through it. It has some great bike paths and we rode out to the Telegraph Station one day and on another from Simpson's Gap to Flynn's grave (John Flynn - Royal Flying Doctor Service), a distance of 35km return. Brad's ebike battery decided to die - fortunately only a couple of km from the car.

    We visited the Alice Springs Desert Park and spent almost 5 hours there. So interesting listening to talks about emus, dingos, the nocturnal house with one of my favourites - the bilby - very cute. There was also a raptor flying show with eagles, falcons and kites etc. which was fantastic. I believe Sir David Attenborough gave this park a tick of approval as one of the best of its kind.

    We also explored the West Macdonnell Ranges but that deserves a footprint of its own.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Redbank Gorge
    Glen Helen Gorge1Ormiston GorgeOchre Cliffs1Serpentine GorgeEllery Creek Big Hole2Standley ChasmStandley Chasm (taken with my phone compared to one before taken with camera)1Standley ChasmSimpson's GapSimpson's Gap looking the other wayAnd againOn the way to Palm ValleyStart of the walk - not too badAt least there is a handrail here (but we climb to the top of the rock on our left)From the top looking down on the palms1Nearly back.. but we have to descend to the bus1Lots of Cycads .. a bit hard to see

    West Macdonnell Ranges and Palm Valley

    June 20, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    While based in Alice Springs we explored the West Macdonnell Ranges over three days. There are quite a few gorges and waterholes - some better than others. We drove to Redbank Gorge (@150km from Alice). The walk wasn't to my liking- dry rocky creek bed navigating around boulders etc. I gave up and left Brad do the last 50m or so as you had to climb over large rocks to reach the waterhole. The water was quite murky and not very inviting.

    Working our way back to Alice was Glen Helen Gorge (poorly maintained track through a dry creek bed), Serpentine Gorge (quite pretty), the Ochre Pits (not as colourful as the ones up near Marree in SA), Ormiston Gorge (one of my favourites - easy walk too), Ellery Creek Big Hole (this was nice too - but it was getting late and the sun was setting). That was a big day - over 18000 steps and 300km driving - and we still had a couple of other places to visit which we did a couple of days later.

    Probably the most dramatic and well known is Standley Chasm with its sheer crevices which glow orange at the right time of day (@noon). Simpson's Gap was the other point of interest and it, along with Standley Chasm, are usually featured in tourism advertising for Alice Springs and the Northern Territory.

    On our final day in Alice we picked up a tour to Palm Valley which included serious 4WD experience. After about 20km of corrugated roads and dry sandy/rocky river bed crossings, the last 4km had the 4WD bus going up and down rock shelves and creek crossings. There is no way we would tackle it in our vehicle. When we reached Palm Valley there were hundreds of palms and cycads that seem out of place in the desert environment. Once again, another walk that didn't suit me - climbing up rocks and descending again - I'm going to stick to the easy walks from now on as I really don't enjoy rock hopping.

    So, a busy week in Alice Springs, saw plenty, time to keep heading north. Photos of all the stops to give you an idea.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Anmatjere man -12m high - 17m to spear tip
    Aboriginal woman, child and goanna (and me for perspective)Devil's marbles - Karlu KarluSplit in halfInteresting formationLarrimah Pink Panther hotel (between Daly Waters and Mataranka)Bitter Springs - looked more inviting with sun on itUsing pool noodles we floated down the springBit of an idea how clear the water wasThis is the tourism photoPark closed because a crocodile was sighted about 10m upstream from last photo

    Alice to Litchfield

    Jun 26–Jul 2, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    It's a long way from Alice Springs to Darwin - around 1500km - and we made our way up slowly, spending an overnighter every 250km or so. We have hit the start of Northern Territory school holidays and there are an awful lot of caravans heading both north and south. Many caravan parks / camp spots cannot be prebooked and operate on a first come first serve business. Most places we stayed were full every night and for the most part they were pretty rustic.

    Not a great deal to see along the way, but there were a few photo worthy opportunities.

    Stop 1 - Ti Tree - just before this town at Aileron there is a 12 meter high statue of an Aboriginal warrior set high on the hill. At ground level there was another large statue of an Aboriginal woman and child (and goanna) looking up at the man.

    Stop 2 - Devil's Marbles or Karlu Karlu - we were too late for a campsite at the Devil's Marbles hotel but were able to free camp out the front along with another 20 or so caravans. We walked around the Devil's Marbles - I kind of imagined them to be bigger.

    Stop 3 - Renner Springs - nothing to see here... moving on.

    Stop 4 - Daly Waters - this is an iconic stop... apparently! We had heard that the caravan park at the pub was extremely busy so we stayed a few km down the road which turned out to be a good choice. Not only did we get a nice quiet site looking over a horse paddock, they also gave us a voucher for a free beer and wine so of course we had a meal there which was of generous proportions. We checked out the other caravan park and there were vans lining up to get in, packed in like sardines. The attraction? Just quirky I guess. There were donkeys wandering around and old junk planes and cars littered around. The beef and barra at the pub is supposed to be good and they have live music every night. We were more than happy with our choice though.

    Stop 5 - Mataranka/Bitter Springs - if we thought Daly Waters was a mad house, then Mataranka was unbelievable. We arrived about 10.30am and there were only about 10 unpowered sites left. By 11am the park was full and vans were being turned away. Anyway, we got our spot and spent a lovely afternoon floating down the crystal clear springs. They were a little warm (thermal springs) but it was relaxing. I sent Brad down later to take photos and he came back saying the rangers were closing the Springs because a croc had been sighted just a few metres from where we entered the water. So, no swimming for several days. Lucky we got our turn.

    Stop 6 - Pine Creek - just a halfway point between Mataranka and Litchfield National Park.

    We will be glad to be able to stop for a few nights at Litchfield and then a couple of weeks in Darwin as moving on every day is a bit tiring.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Wangi Falls- swam here - easy access
    Plunge pool near Tjaetaba FallsTjaetaba FallsTolmer FallsFlorence Falls from lookoutFlorence FallsFlorence Falls from bottomPretty creek crossingsSpiral effect on palmsBuley Rockpools - one sectionThis is were we went for a dipMore pools cascading downPretty, but slipperyThe bottom poolA lovely kingfisher at the caravan park - a bit blurryMagnetic termite moundsThey look like gravestonesCathedral termite moundClose up of the termites

    Lovely Litchfield

    Jun 27–30, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Set up camp at caravan park just outside Litchfield National Park - to be our home for next 3 nights. - a bit of a relief to not be packing up and moving on each day. No tv or phone reception but at least starlink solves that problem.

    We just visited the main points of interest, such as Wangi Falls, Buley Rockpools and Florence Falls. These ones we had visited about 10 years ago. The nicest was Wangi Falls as it was easy access to the water. The Buley rockpools are very popular but I found them too crowded and the rocks are very slippery. I prefer floating down the creek at home - much more enjoyable.

    There were a couple of other waterfalls / lookouts / bushwalks we went to as well as checking out the magnetic termite mounds which almost looked like a cemetery with lots of similar sized grey headstones. They are built in a north south alignment - something to do with temperature regulation. Nature is fascinating.

    Off to Darwin now for a couple of weeks and a chance to catch up on some housekeeping (washing, grocery shopping etc) and generally just relaxing for a bit.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    Darwin sunset
    Sunset on Mindl Beach - with camelsCompare the number of people on the beach....... with the crowds before the fireworks (same spot)Quite a spectacle1The finaleFrom the EsplanadeLooking towards Stokes Hill WharfThe waterfront precinct during the daySimilar spot at nightFrom the WharfView from our table of (almost) full moonAquascene fish feedingAquascene - mostly mulletA big gun for protecting Darwin (at military museum)Floating down creek at Berry SpringsGot a nice massage under the waterfallPretty popular spotPeaceful

    100 days to Darwin

    Jun 30–Jul 14, 2025 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Well, according to my blog, we have now been on the road for 100 days (since we left our home) and have spent a fortnight in the Darwin area. As we been to Darwin twice - 20 years ago and 10 years ago - we have been to the main attractions so we didn't do too many tourist things but still found plenty to occupy our time.

    We arrived the day before Territory Day (1st July) - the one day of the year when fireworks are legal to purchase and let off - and Territorians did it with gusto. Fireworks were exploding from about 5pm (not dark - such a waste) until the early hours of the morning. We went down to Mindl Beach where there were food stalls and entertainment, waiting for the fireworks display at 8pm on the beach. A very pleasant afternoon/evening chatting to various people who shared the table we sat at. They were mostly caravanners like ourselves. At about 5pm the airforce did a flyover with 4 or 5 F-35 jets. The noise, the speed ... such an adrenalin rush ... it was awesome, but unfortunately I was too slow to get my phone ready so you'll just have to take my word for it. We wandered over to Mindl Beach for the fireworks display and there was another surprise. The Beach was packed with thousands of people. The fireworks were great too.

    We went to Aquascene where they feed fish on the incoming high tide. It was OK but the fish were mainly mullet and some catfish plus a couple of other bigger fish but as it was not a particularly high, high tide, the barramundi didn't turn up.

    Went to the deckchair cinema and watched Black Bag (Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender) a thriller movie. Great atmosphere, really enjoyed it. We wandered around Stokes Wharf and the Esplanade; visited East Point military museum (had been here before but it has been improved - well worth visiting); had dinner at the Jetty buffet restaurant (food average but location superb); saw How to Train Your Dragon (exactly the same as the animation but the live action version - very enjoyable); Brad had a game of bowls (synthetic/carpet green with huge shade covering - essential in this climate).

    As it has been hot (mid 30s every day) we have been using the pool most days as well as one day down at Berry Springs. That about wraps up Darwin and we have enjoyed our time here. We leave on Monday slowly making our way further west.    Read more

  • Brad and Mandy PearceTravelling Oz in our PearcyPodBrad and Mandy Pearce
    1Entry to WA - quarantine queue (we are 2nd from back)
    Lookout over Timber CreekTimber Creek area - Victoria RiverNackeroo monumentSome interesting stories about these soldiersOur first boab tree (photographed)Feeding time for the freshiesCrocodile smileKites feedingOn the fly (we should have filmed them)Close up - there were probably about 20 of them

    Hooray! We're in WA!

    Jul 14–16, 2025 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 22 °C

    We left Darwin heading south again towards Katherine which was just an overnight stopover on the way to Western Australia. We were a little delayed getting away from Darwin and didn't arrive in time to enjoy the Katherine Hot Springs, but they were similar to Bitter Springs and Berry Springs

    Next day we travelled to Timber Creek - about 200km from the WA border. Timber Creek is a township surrounded by escarpments, the Victoria River and a long way from major supermarkets (about 220km to Kununurra and 280km to Katherine). We were early enough to get a powered site in the only caravan park - by 2pm the park was full. We drove up to the town lookout and monument to the Nackeroos (a group of soldiers whose job was to protect Australia's north from the Japanese threat during WWII). At this time we noticed the outside temperature hit 40°C - this is in the middle of winter!

    Back at the campsite, they feed the crocs (freshwater) and kites which was quite a spectacle. Also got photos of our first Boab trees. Had to make up a big chicken curry with lots of veggies because the quarantine rules for WA are quite strict - no fresh fruit or vegetables, no seeds and no honey. Cross the border and onto Kununurra - the gateway to the Kimberley and our home for the next week.    Read more

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