En route to Bourke

Woke up to a stunning morning...big breaky and a shower before setting off. Jacinta, from Carinya Station Eco Offgrid Camping (HipCamp) where we had booked for our stay at Lightning Ridge called to advise they are closing Lightning Ridge. We would be able to get in but not out. So we decided to head to Bourke but stop at Brewarrina for the night. After a discussion with the Ranger and a call to his Father-in-law who was Wee Waa born and bred, we took his advice and headed to Pilliga to then determine the best route to Brewarrina. And after speaking with Stacey at Walgett council and getting advice that the road from Pilliga to Burren Junction was open we thought that was the best route. Stopped at Pilliga to check on local advice...only a young bloke at the corner store/post office who wasn't sure but an older gent wandered in who said the road to Burren would be ok as we were in a 4WD. So grabbed a chicken and salad sanga and off we went. 10 mins down the road we came to some water across the road...yikes. I didn't like the look of it but the guy in front of us (in a Commo station wagon w/camper trailer) proceeded and was getting thru it. We followed...I was freaking out as the water was half way up the doors. We got back to the bitumen and we both breathed a sigh of relief. 10 minutes later Stacey from the Council rang me and said "sorry you won't be able to get through, the road has been closed". We were already though 😬 Ended up getting to the turn off which had just closed...so went a 170km dirt road alternative route...we saw emus, sheep, a few storms in the distance, many cattle grids and alot of red dirt! Finally arrived at Brewarrina...bloody hot here - 39 degrees...set up and headed to the RSL for dinner. Friday night - packed as for Christmas raffles with legs of ham-a-plenty and a comedy show to boot! Big day 😴Read more