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Published: December 29th 2010
Grenfell
road floodingExtreme flooding in Central NSW meant that we had to choose the best route west in terms of floodwater. We had been checking the NSW RTA website for the past few days and plotted a course with no road closures. We were lucky. The water levels had started to drop and we travelled along the Midwestern highway without a problem. The only water on the road was at Grenfell and it was only about 600mm deep. As we drove through towns such as Bathurst, Cowra, Hay and Mildura, we realised that even though we have been on the road for nearly 8 months, there is still a huge amount of our great country that we are yet to see. There will be another trip (or 2). We arrived at Port Pirie after 2 days driving and rewarded ourselves with a pizza dinner. The most we normally spend in the car in any one-day is about 3 hours. We drove on the next day to Cowell and then to Port Lincoln. The kids didn’t know what had hit them. They did cope exceptionally well, considering we covered around 2000km. Stopping in Port Lincoln for 4 nights was a great break from the
Grenfell
road flooding car. The first couple of days were extremely cold and windy. It felt like we were back in central NT. Being school holidays there were loads of kids around. Jack was in his element. He makes friends so quickly but can never remember names, so calls everyone buddy. A short drive to nearby Coffin Bay National Park was fantastic. The coastal scenery and sparkling waters were inviting, just a little chilly. We stocked up on Christmas food and plenty of treats. Being in the seafood capital of Australia, The Eyre Peninsula had a great variety to choose from. What better way than to celebrate Christmas in the bush than with a seafood bbq. We stayed in Elliston for 3 nights over Christmas time. We had decided to hire a cabin to give ourselves a bit more space (yes the caravan walls are closing in) and air conditioning if necessary. The boys were able to spread out their Christmas Lego and play to their hearts content. Santa had also brought Jack a surfboard so we spent the morning at the beach, at Walkers Rocks. We took the cliff top drive to look at the sculptures that local artists had done. Very
Mildura
Bush walking quirky. Early on Boxing Day we started the long drive to cross the Nullabor. After hours in the car we setup camp at the Bunda Cliffs, 13km east of the WA-SA border and part of the Great Australian Bight Marine Park. The view was awesome but the wind blowing off the Southern ocean was freezing. We left early the next day and after stopping for the photo opportunity at the border and having the rig thoroughly searched at the quarantine checkpoint we crossed into WA. We were in the car for nearly 12 hours that day. Thank goodness for DVDs and the good “real” coffee at Balladonia. The kids were great, so we just decided to keep driving. After arriving at Norseman and filling up with fuel, we thought only another 2 hours to Esperance and just kept driving. We were tired after such a long day but with the next 6 nights in Esperance, that 1-day seemed worth it. Friends and family would be arriving in Esperance in another day to meet up with us. We were looking forward to sharing the journey with them and of course a drink or 2.
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Leah
non-member comment
Can't believe this is the first I written. Loved getting my blogs from you. Cant believe your holiday is almost over. Jack and Finn look just so big now. Drive home carefully. Catch up when you are home and settled. Love leah dean jenna sienna and bianca xxxxx