Around the Lockhart Shire

3rd April 2024

Distance: 110Km

Fuel: 56 L

Started the morning with a fair walk looking at the town and Lockhart Street Art, it is spread out all over the town including a small park. (Don’t forget to click on an image if you want to see a larger version)

Like so many small towns everybody is at work, you could fire a cannon down the main street mid morning and not hit anyone.

It is a sunny day but you can feel an Autumn nip in the wind, I think the maximum temperature was about 23°.

After lunch filled up with fuel then went for a drive around the nearby town’s attractions which seem to be mainly beautifully painted water towers.

Actually driving was generally quite pleasant on mainly deserted roads.

Wollongong to Lockhart

2nd April 2024

Distance: 499 km

A few days away.

Was up early to connect the camper to the car and make a quick visit to the supermarket for bread even though I didn’t leave until 9am to avoid the traffic. Not a very successful ploy as the F6 crawled along until I reached Mount Ousley.

Set off under overcast skies which soon turned to rain by the time I reached the Hume hwy. Stopped briefly at Pheasants Nest to water proof the camper doors.

Pretty unevent full journey except for the terrible rain. but even that subsided after the Canberra turn off. The weather went from this:

To this:

Arrived at the Caravan Park at about 2.30pm so not a bad run. Quickly set up, the camper which took no time but the gazebo took a little longer as I manoeuvred it to cover the back of the camper just in case it rained.

Walked into the town but will explore it properly tomorrow.

Grenfell

17th November 2023

Distance: 257 Km

Fuel: 44 L

Spent the early morning wandering about Main Street of West Wyalong before the shops opened, it was cool, quiet and empty.

On the Road

About mid morning decided to visit Grenfell a town I have visited before and enjoyed.

For some reason the main road out of town was closed and I had to make a detour, The sat nav liked the idea and decided it was in fact quicker than staying on the main road. The problem with this was that the device didn’t know about the flooding that had occurred over the previous year and which had washed away or damaged sections of the road, but it is what it is.

First stop was the town of Caragabel where someone had decided it would be a great idea to paint a local shed with pictures of birds.

After stopping and taking a couple of snaps it was on to Grenfell. First to the silo in the town.

I must say I like Silo art it is big and colourful and repurposes these unused silos as a tourist attraction (grain is stored in a completely different manner these days on massive concrete pads) – the harvest was in full swing as I drove around.

Nearby was the old Grenfell Railway Station precinct, the trains stopped running a long time ago so the area is a free camp site and the buildings used by social groups including a Men’s Shed.

It was only a short drive to Main Street, I love these streets in country Australia built wide so a bullock team has space to turn around but these days leaving plenty of room for angle parking close to the shops (and on occasion in the middle of the street as well).

Grenfell is also the town where author Henry Lawson was born, his bust and statue are in the main street.

His actual birthplace is next to a sports oval on the edge of town and the location marked by an obelisk.

Close by is a tree originally planted by his daughter in 1924, now a massive gum tree.

It was nearly lunch time but there was just time to visit the Chrysler Museum. Mostly Valiants of course but one magnificent Charger.

Had lunch in the local Happy Inn Chinese Restaurant, a very large portion of Honey Chilli Chicken with fried rice which I quite enjoyed.

A Bit of a Hike

After lunch decided to investigate a sign I had seen on the way to Grenfell – Ben Hall’s Cave – Ben Hall was a famous Bushranger in the 1850s during the goldrush, he hid in the Weddin Mountains and carried out raids from here, this cave is one of his shelters and lookout.

I made a couple of mistakes not least of which was not taking into account my age, and because it was only 1.5km, described as “medium” I left my water bottle in the car.

The walk started off easily but steadily got steeper, the rangers had constructed steps but they are the worse thing for me I would have coped with a slope better.

Anyway I made it but to be honest it was a bit of a disappointment as the cave was barred off because of the danger of collapse, it was also very shallow, however the view was really nice. Going back I slipped and fell but apart from grazing my arm and hurting some fingers was able to get back to the car after several rests on the way.

Driving home from the Weddin Mountains National Park I think I took a wrong turning as it was dirt road a lot of the way but in reasonable condition so I made good time.

Once I got back to the caravan park that was the day done for me, I was pretty tired.

Packed up the gazebo once the sun was low on the horizon to prepare for leaving tomorrow.

Going Home

18th November 2023

Distance: 466 Km

Fuel: 47 L

There was no rush to leave but I was ready to leave just before 9am. The journey home was uneventful, being a Saturday meant there was little traffic even on the Hume Hwy. I stopped just once for fuel and to stretch my legs.

Statistics

Total Distance: 1358 Km
Total Fuel: 140 L
Fuel Cost: $294
Average fuel price: $2.10/L
Accommodation: $94.50

It was an enjoyable few days away, the weather was perfect, warm but not too hot probably mid to high 20s each day.

Exploring West Wyalong

16th November 2023

Distance: 221 Km

Wyalong and West Wyalong

Drove to The Wetlands first, I think it was part of flood mitigation but the shire council has made the most of it, providing a boardwalk and signage. There were a lot of waterbirds but as I approached they always moved a lot further away.

Almost opposite the Wetlands was Cooinda Reserve, it was a free caravan/camp site but it also contained a few interesting exhibits.

Weethalle

Time for a drive west to Weethalle to see a silo which is part of the NSW Silo Art trail.

Weethalle itself looks like it has fallen on hard times apart from the pub and the Road Kill Grillz the town looked the worse for wear.

The pub looked OK but the railway station which had been converted into a Cafe at one time looked overgrown and the sewsagent/corner store had obviously not traded for a very long time as the roof had collapsed. Sadly something happening to so many small towns.

Back to West Wyalong

Returned to West Wyalong and saw the massive mural on the side of the White Tank Hotel.

While I was at this end of town took the chance to see the old Douglas DC3 in the park as well as the Bland is not Boring or Dull photo op sign (Bland is the name of the shire council). I am not sure if the shire is twinned with the towns in Scotland and the USA but it was a nice play on words.

Nearby was a tree trunk carved into the shape of two birds. Apparently this art work was created with a chainsaw

Opposite the park was a statue and memorial to a local hero, Sergeant Reginald Rattey VC

Ungarie

After lunch I drove out to a little town north of West Wyalong called Ungarie. I had stopped here before on my way to Lake Cargelligo after seeing the somewhat incongruous Big Football on the main street.

While still not entirely sure why the town has an AFL Football in a state that plays Rugby League the town also boasts some other treasures.

The town’s Memorial Park is also well decorated as a tribute to the Fallen.

Like other small towns it also shows some signs of decay.

Russell Drysdale

Later, back in West Wyalong, I came across a bronze statue on the very spot where Russell Drysdale painted his view of the town.

From this corner he painted this:

A Few Days Away

15th November 2023

Distance: 471 Km

Fuel: 49 L

For reasons I can’t fully explain I decided to spend a few days in West Wyalong. There is a Wyalong but West Wyalong has dwarfed it.

Only made one stop on the way – in Harden (sort of half way).

Actually had a bit of a scare when I got out of the car at Harden, my back was very painful however when I arrived at the Caravan Park mid afternoon it seemed to have settled down but as a precaution, after setting up, I went nowhere.

Back to the ‘Gong…

22nd September 2023

Distance: 702 Km

Fuel: 76 Litres

Home Again

A long but relatively easy drive home. Most of it taking place on the Hume Highway (the main highway between Sydney and Melbourne)

One stop at Gundagai for lunch and a toilet break, otherwise plain sailing on familiar roads.

Trip Statistics

It seems hard to believe that just over a year ago fuel was hovering about $1.10 a litre, on this trip the price of diesel always started with a 2 and on one occasion a 3!

Distance Travelled: 6537 Km

Fuel used: 721 Litres

Total cost of fuel: $1727

Average cost: $2.39 per litre

Fuel consumption: 11 Litres per 100km

Cheapest fuel: $2.11/L

Most expensive: $3.03/L

Total Caravan site cost (all powered sites): $706

The fuel consumption figure is a little higher than usual, I think the first several days of gusty winds had a lot to do with it, as well as driving a bit faster to keep up with our younger travel companions.

Apart from fuel all the costs have all gone up, only one caravan park on the trip cost less than $30 per night for a powered site with all the rest charging in the mid $30 per night range. The exception ,as expected, was Yulara and Kings Canyon, the former was $52 per night the latter $62 per night, their sites were large and gravel with a heavy duty canvas area for sitting and cooking, The tent camping area, which was separate from the caravan sites, had grass sites.

The motel/hotel accommodation was very expensive at the Ayers Rock Resort, it ranged from $300 per night to over $900 per night with a minimum stay of 2 nights.

Port Augusta to Hay

21st September 2023

Distance: 846 Km

Fuel: 94 Litres

The Marathon continues…

Apart from a couple of stops, one for fuel at Renmark and another at Lake Benanee near the town of Euston it was a day of serious driving.

Lake Benanee was actually a very nice spot to stop and when we were there some caravans were already setting themselves up for a night of free camping. The council had even provided a toilet.

We, however, had more driving to do.

We had started driving at just after 8am and checked into Hay Caravan Park at about 5.45, just before it got dark. It was a long day. We also changed time zone, back to Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

Marla to Port Augusta

20th September 2023

Distance: 787 Km

Fuel: 93 Litres

A Long Day

Another long day driving over old territory. Set out at 8.30am with the intention of staying at Woomera and drove steadily south with that in mind.

Refuelled at Glendambo with 60 litres of diesel, that meant 12 litres left in the tank which should have got us to Woomera but it would have been a close run thing.

Stopped at a salt lake (Lake Hart) for a breather and a chance to stretch our legs a few kms before the Woomera turn off.

When we did arrive at Pimba where the road turns off to go to Woomera it was only 2.30pm, a quick look at the map showed Port Augusta only another 170 km further on, so made the decision to keep going.

Finally arrived at Port Augusta at 4 30 and booked in at the Shoreline Caravan Park, it is indeed right on the beach!

Deposited the camper and filled up with fuel at the local Coles Express and settled in for the night after a quick walk to the water front to watch The Ghan set off for Alice Springs and Darwin.

After the heat of Central Australia the cold wind here was a bit of a shock, down to 9° tonight.

Heading South

19th September 2023

Distance: 537 Km

Fuel: 55 Litres

Kings Canyon to Marla.

Our group broke up this morning, Katie and Geoff heading north on the Mereenie Loop to Alice Springs to visit a friend, The rest of us to our various homes, at varying speeds and in various directions.

I shall miss their company, Katie and Geoff’s new trailer was brilliant but also has plenty of scope for modification.

Andrew’s new tent seemed spacious and he has a great set up especially designed for free camping.

Dale had a swag on a stretcher another really good idea especially for free camping (I was sure I took a picture but I am blowed if I can find it), you can just see his car and swag in the background of the above photo. They are all so well set up.

We have decided to put in long driving stints to try to be home by the weekend, hence today’s long distance drive to Marla.

Marla Roadhouse is OK if a bit of a higgledy piggledy layout, we thought Andrew might be there but he had gone further on.

We intend to try to make it to Woomera tomorrow, by-passing Coober Pedy.

Kings Canyon

18th September 2023

Distance: 21 Km

Fuel: 38 Litres

Kings Creek Walk

Up a little after 6am before sunrise. Was woken by the young ones setting off on their trip to do the Kings Canyon Rim Walk.

My task for the day was less ambitious, I wanted to walk the Kings Creek Walk of about 2 km (there and back) on the canyon floor.

After having breakfast and getting yesterday’s washing on the line I drove to the car park where both walks commence. It was obvious that the Rim Walk was beyond me no matter how enthusiastic I was, the initial climb was a killer and far too steep for me! BTW the walk is one way only, you cannot turn back.

When I arrived I found myself behind a large school group but I needn’t have worried, they took off up the Rim Walk and apart from following them to the start of their walk I never saw them again. The Kings Creek Walk was lovely, the flat terrain though rock strewn it was relatively easy and I enjoyed every moment of it. There were only a few people on this walk and they either quickly passed me or were travelling in the opposite direction. It was a great morning’s walk.

When I finished the walk and returned to the car I found Andrew, he had left Geoff and Katie behind and was ready to go back to the campground.

By the time we got back to the campground it was still early morning so I called in at the servo to fill up with fuel, It seemed to take ages with a caravan blocking all the bowsers. Eventually I filled up and by the time I returned to the campsite so too had Katie and Geoff.

It was another hot day of over 35° so by 2pm we were already for the pub, the air con, a few drinks and many rounds of Exploding Kittens. The pub had happy hour from 3pm to 5pm which made things a bit cheaper and we followed this with a meal but neither Uluru nor Kings Canyon Resort are cheap places to eat out.

That evening we made some preparations for leaving in the morning, Kate and Geoff are going to Alice Springs via the Mereenie Loop while the rest of us are returning south the way we came. The bush fires at Tennant Creek and Barkly have meant a big change of plan for us because we originally intended returning home via Queensland.

One final moment – we wandered to the edge of the campground from where we could see the coloured lights of another light installation done by the same artist who created the Field of Lights, pretty enough but not exciting.