SA - Week 1

Day 1 - Brisbane -> Warrumbungle Nat Pk

We set off from Brisbane heading south-west down the New England Highway through Warwick and into New South Wales. Then it was on via Armidale and Tamworth to Coonabarabran where we turned off the highway into the Warrumbungle Nat Pk. During this stage of the trip, we weren't stopping for sight-seeing en-route as we were to meet up with our friends John and Sandy in Western Victoria, then head off into South Australia. The first day was the longest leg of the whole trip as it was good bitumen and we could keep up a reasonable average.

We arrived at the National Park Ranger HQ at the Warrumbungle Nat Pk and registered for our camp site. It was just about dark when we finally got to the site, but setting up camp for just a 'quickie' overnighter was very smooth and hassle-free.

Day 2 - Warrumbungle Nat Pk -> Narrandera

Up bright and early and we peered out to find the camper was surrounded by kangaroos. As we had no intention of really setting up all the camping gear the night before, we'd stopped next to a picnic bench. Breakfast was set out and we were joined by a couple of inquisitive locals.

"No yoghurt on my muesli, thanks..."

This one was more interested in Sue's red sandals!

Another longish drive until evening through Dubbo, Parkes and Forbes, but this time with no nice quiet camping ground at the end. Tonight was at the back of a truck stop/lay-by on the Newell Hwy south of Narrandera. It had a toilet and picnic table set back from the road, but also had a parking area with semi-trailers and B-Doubles whose drivers were taking their rest breaks. It turned out to be a long and rather restless night as trucks came and went at intervals.

Day 3 - Narrandera -> Horsham

We can still access the trailer's interior with the sleeping area set up. This also makes sure no one's sleeping in!

We certainly didn't need an alarm clock this morning. After a quick breakfast, we were back on the road into Victoria via Deniliquin, Kerang and Warracknabeal to our friends' place in Horsham. After 1,900kms in 3 days, we were very pleased to see them!

Day 4 - Horsham

A day of peace, rest and a nice bed!!

Day 5 - Horsham (The Grampians)

John and Sandy took us out to see the mountain ranges in The Grampians Nat Pk just outside Horsham. They are a favourite destination for bush walkers and climbers in Victoria. Our first stop on the way to the park was at Mt Arapiles.

It's so high you can see the curvature of the Earth!! (Just kidding... It's the wide angle lens.)

From here you get a fantastic view of the wheat fields of Western Victoria.

As usual, there were numerous rock climbers out having fun.

After lunch at Mt Arapiles, we moved on and into the Grampians. There was a bit of low cloud and fog around, but it didn't spoil the day.

The rock formations were spectacular as we climbed up into the cloud.

Sandy looks like she's about to break out into a song from The Sound of Music. :-)

Needless to say, with all the cloud around us, there wasn't any great landscape photography today!

Day 6 - Horsham -> Tanunda

The first 'real' day of the trip started today as we set off in convoy for Bordertown on the SA/Vic border.

At Bordertown, we found a delightful park off the highway with cafe, bakery, picnic seats next to a pond, and ducks who were keen to see what we had for them.

As we reached the Barossa Valley, the scenery changed and we started to see lots of vineyards. Not really surprising in one of the better wine areas in SA.

One strange sight on the side of the road was this tree. You will remember the nursery rhyme about the old woman who lived in a shoe? Well, this hollow tree was the home to a German immigrant family (The Herbig's) from 1855 to 1860. It is estimated the tree is between 300 and 500 years old.

Pushing on into the Barossa Valley, we ended the day at Tanunda on a vineyard owned by Big Al and his family (friends of John & Sandy). This was the first time that we decided on erecting the tent and annexe for the trailer.

I didn't bother unhitching the trailer as it was just an overnight stop, but the annexe gave us some privacy and a place to put the Porta-Potty!

Day 7 - Tanunda -> Flinders Ranges Nat Pk

Guess which one is Big Al?

After thanking Big Al and family for a really enjoyable stay, we set off north through the Claire Valley (more grapes) and on towards the Flinders Ranges. We did a bit of essential shopping at Hawker and then entered the Flinders Ranges Nat Pk, stopping for the night just on the outskirts of the park as there was no way we could have made it to our planned camp site and still had daylight left to set up camp.

A delightful spot along a dry creek with a view...

... over the ranges as the sun set.

Tonight was the first real bush night, complete with camp fire and a brilliant display of stars.

Sue, the happy camper, with empty plate and wine glass in hand warming herself in front of the fire!

Continue to Week 2 -> SA - Week 2