Change of Direction

17th November 2025

Distance: 322 km

Fuel: 39 L

Goolgawi to Ivanhoe

Was browsing maps and possible routes yesterday evening when I discovered that last year the road from Ivanhoe to  Wilcannia was finally sealed its entire length. I think this means a change of plan. Instead of returning south I shall be heading north at least until the Barrier Highway when I will turn east toward Cobar.

This wind has played havoc with my fuel economy I am using at least a litre per 100km more than I normally do towing my camper (which is also approximately a litre/100km more than when   not towing).

Anyway today was cold and overcast when I woke up, it got down to 10° overnight, surely not normal for weather as we near summer? So glad I threw my cardigan in just in case.

The Hay Plain was as flat and apparently empty as always. I didn’t even see the odd Emu  just lots of sheep and cattle. Generally it was quite overcast but occasionally the sun broke through

Took the opportunity to fill up with fuel in Hay (even though I only needed some 14 litres) before turning north because I knew that it was 40c a litre dearer in Ivanhoe.

Got slightly better fuel economy driving north but very little traffic, just road trains of stock heading south.

It was very dry. This dam wasn’t even muddy at the bottom.

Found the Caravan park easily but the servo looked deserted however I rung the number on the sign and it turns out the servo is a bit further on, drove up there paid for a night and filled up with fuel while I was there ($2.33/litre!). Returned to the caravan park and set up.

Wandered out for a look at the town, at the other end of town is the RSL Club, went in for a beer and discovered that they do meals after 6pm. Lovely couple of girls behind the counter. I suspect they are backpackers on an extended work visa, not sure where from as I didn’t recognise their language (it wasn’t French, German or Spanish ).

The town even had a sculpture, though I couldn’t make out what it was about.

Opposite the caravan park is the Pub though on closer inspection it is shut and for sale.

I must admit I do like the fact that no matter where you go there are call boxes and the calls are free.

That evening returned to the club, I thought the meals were a very reasonable price, I had Salt and Pepper Squid though was tempted by the steak or the fish. Last couple of bars I have been in had neither Tooheys New or Carlton Draught on tap so tried Carlton Dry which turns out to be quite nice.

Returned to my camper quite late, watched another episode of “Riot Women on my TV before sleep.