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We packed up camp and farewelled the sand and salt scrub of Cactus ready to begin the ominous task of crossing the Nullarbor. As we set off a flurry of clouds began to cover the sky and we were treated with the sight of rain falling over the Nullarbor Plains. Our aim for the day was to cover 730km to the small town of Eucla. The girls and I busied ourselves with art work, reading, watching DVD’s and knitting, while Matt knuckled down for the drive.
To the west of the Nullarbor lies the Great Australian Bight, also known as “Land’s End”. The plain drops up to 90 metres into the pounding Southern Ocean. The Bunda Cliffs stretch in an unbroken arc for over 200km. There are several coastal lookouts that provide the opportunity to stand on the ‘End of the Continent’. The view is spectacular but scary when three children are too overzealous near the precarious edge of the cliff. After a quick photo a stressed Mum grabbed hands and made a run back to the car. A sight worth seeing, but one lookout opportunity is enough!!
After many hours of low scrub we arrived at the WA
Border in the late afternoon after passing through quarantine and handing over all fresh fruit and veg. We were on to a can and frozen food diet for the next couple of days as there are no shopping opportunities. It is amazing how all the girls suddenly want some fruit when there isn’t any available!
Just a short 12km past the border lays Eucla. In 1877 the Eucla telegraph station opened and helped link WA with the rest of the world. Eucla was the busiest telegraph station in Australia beyond the capital cities. The old telegraph building is now a ruin engulfed by drifting sand. We arrived to the spectacular view of the sun setting over the sandy ruins. The girls loved exploring the ‘Eucla Ruins’ especially Kianna who thought that she was Peter Pan as she stood in the centre of the tallest chimney. Entranced by the beautiful views we decided to set up camp right at the ruins. We enjoyed a quiet night under the stars and a beautiful morning climbing the ruins as the sun rose The scene was amazing as the morning sun captured the surfaces of the sand producing an awesome view. Before entering
the car for another days driving we stretched our legs and walked down to Eucla beach, a scenic spot with jetty ruins and massive sand hills in the background. The girls were up at 4:30am so we made good time that morning and were on the road by 7:00am.
Matt's Eye View
Leaving Cactus was a sad feeling, not much to look forward to for a few days, surprisingly though Eucla was great. I’m not sure the ancient Telegraph Station is meant to act as a kiddy climbing frame, but it does a good job at it. We camped right on location and walked to the beach and watched the sun come up over the Nullarbor. Filled the tank at the going rate of $2.04...get used to it, the “dinosaur blood” is only going to get more expensive, or so they tell me. Then headed into WA, minus all our fresh food...they must eat well at the border station.
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Amy
non-member comment
The nervous Aunty is extremely pleased that you survived the lookouts!