ALICE SPRINGS - WOOMERA - PORT AUGUSTA - MILDURA

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ALICE SPRINGS - WOOMERA - PORT AUGUSTA - MILDURA

We have been to Alice a number of times but never stayed more than a couple of days.


This time we had a week and enjoyed every minute.


We loved the Alice Springs Desert Park so much that we went back a second time spending a day and a half there. They have obviously spent many millions of dollars setting up this magnificent glimpse of Australia’s desert. Hundreds of species of plants, birds and animals found across Central Australian deserts can be seen, smelt and heard.


We drove west from Alice out to Palm Valley and the Hermannsburg aboriginal community. Hermannsburg was originally a Lutheran mission established in 1877. The Aboriginal artist Albert Namajira came from this place, the art and history is well preserved and interesting.


Another day we travelled 110k east to the Arltunga Goldfields. Gold was found here in 1887 by prospectors who had come to the area after hearing about rubies that had been found at Ruby Gap. The old mines, buildings and equipment have been well preserved and the history of this area makes interesting reading.


Whilst in Alice I had occasion to visit Mr Toyota for what I thought would be an oil change and a quick once over. Wrong ! my back pocket is now very light and Mr Toyota is a far bit richer. I suppose I shouldn’t complain, the eight new diamond tipped solid gold spark plugs should really increase the Land Cruiser’s performance.


From Alice we headed south staying in a free off road site just before Coober Pedy.


The next day we ate lunch in Coober Pedy and continued on to Woomera.


Woomera presented us with a mixed bag, the display of rockets and museum was great.
The dust storm that arrived without much warning was not pleasant. Visibility was reduced to 30 feet and the dust found every crevice.
We stayed two days in Woomera waiting for the wind and dust to subside.


The next stop was Port Augusta for two days.


The recently build interpretative centre showing the history of Port August was excellent.


Day two was a drive to Quorn to visit the Quorn show and take a trip to the past in the form of the Pichi Richi Steam Train ride.

The train clickerty clacked along the old Ghan line through the mountains north east of Port Augusta.
I came back with soot in my hair and smelling of burnt coal.
I even saw Jacquie stick her head out of the train window as we crossed over one of the old trestle bridges.


We had a few hours before dark so I asked Jacquie if she would put some more paint on the caravan tow frame while I fixed the bike rack.

It was a bit hot outside and I thought this would be an ideal time. I went to the car to get a spanner and I see Jacquie busy painting. She was wearing her coat with an rain coat over the top.

I said what’s with the coats and she replied the can says “Best result if applied with two coats” !.
What can I say ?.


We then headed for Broken Hill to meet Jacquie’s brother David and his wife Carolyn.


Our eight days with Carolyn and David first at Broken Hill and then Mildura were terrific.
The recounted childhood stories get better as better as we age.


The highlight of this time was a day trip to Menindee Lakes and the river boat trip up the Darling River.


The Darling is really alive at this point, a great variety of birds entertained us as we cruised up the river sipping on our Champagne and Sav Blanc.
There was a picture around every corner and we returned just on sunset.


The trip back to Broken Hill of 110k just as it became dark was a nightmare.
I have never seen so many kangaroos on one stretch of road, at times our speed was reduced to 30 KPH to avoid them.
To make matters worse we encountered many flocks of sheep grazing on the side of the road and wandering across as we approached.


We managed to make it back to Broken Hill about 8pm and did not hit anything. More good luck than good management. !


We are now in Mildura about to head home.

We have been away just on six months.

Travelled 25,000 kilometres and spent $7100 on fuel.

Stayed in 53 Caravan Parks

I hope you have enjoyed our travel blog and my pictures.


Thanks to everyone that sent us messages,
it’s nice to hear from friends while you are away.

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Photos

Red Flowers
These little red flowers hung on a flowering tree at Alice. Can you see the ant crawling on one of the flowers.

Coroboree Rock
This is one of the places we visited in the east McDonald ranges. It is estimated to be 800 million years old.

Owl
It was very hard to get a good photo of this owl in flight. I was pleased with the result

Lizard
This lizard darted across the path infront of us and scooped up and ant. If you look closely you can see it in his mouth.

The Scooter
There were many old building like this at Silverton near Broken Hill.
The scooter out the front is a bit of weird art.

Donkey
Jacquie said that this guy remindered her of someone close to her ?.

Darling River
There was a picture on every corner as we cruised along the Darling River at Menindee.

Darter
This is one of the many birds we saw on our Darling river cruise

Water Hen
This is another bird we saw on the Darling river cruise.

Stumpy Tailed Lizard
These littlle guys love to sunbake on the road.
This one stuck his tounge out when I took his picture

Shearing Shed
This shearing shed in the National Park near Menindee was one of the largest in Australian in it's day.

Steam Train
This is the Pitchi Richi steam train we rode on from Qourn.

Comments

[Libby]

Hi Guys
What a wonderful trip, can't wait to see you both. Your photos are spectacular, happy travelling. Love Lib xx

[reg burubu]

fantastic
I am envious of you both. Suzie and I could not do it, especially in a van. We are looking forward to seeing you both. Cheers Reg and Suzie

[Rod Hunt]

Hi Bob and Jaquie thanks for the wonderful travel blog. I have thoroughly enjoyed keeping up to date on your adventures. Your photos are incredible. Cheers Rod H