No Room at the Inn!

21st November 2025

Distance: 377 km

Fuel: 75 L

Headed off at almost exactly 10am. I intended to stay at Cowra Holiday Park and they don’t allow entry before 2pm.

First stop was The Utes in the Paddock on the way into Condobolin. I have stopped here before but, boy has it changed, now it has a massive visitors centre, new car and truck park.

I bought a coffee and an excellent egg and bacon roll after viewing the utes.

The visitors centre even had its own sculpture – a very large goanna.

While I was in the visitors centre I took a brochure for the Lachlan Shire, interestingly it talked about sculptures all along the Lachlan River in the shire. One looked very striking but strangely it didn’t give its location. However on the road to Forbes I saw signs for the various sculptures and stopped at a few though not all. Some were very good.

The rest of the trip to Cowra was uneventful, I had intended to make one more stop at a rest area but travelling on “B” roads they are few and far between.

When I arrived at the Cowra Holiday Park it was a good time (2.20) so parked at the office expecting to be able to check in. There was a sign “Bookings only – No drop ins”. When I spoke to the owner he told me that they had “ infrastructure problems” and I could not stay. Oh dear!

Decided to drive the extra 50km to Boorowa (there is another park in the centre of Cowra) and try that caravan park which I remembered as a small but good one. So set off on the 50 minute drive further on.

At Boorowa all was well, checked into the caravan park, excellent value at $25 a night and set myself up.

Decided to go for a short walk after a quick drive into town for fuel. It was quite a nice walk along the Boorowa River (or is it Creek?) before returning to the park for a cup of tea and a chance to read my book. It was actually quite windy and slightly chilly – at least enough to put my cardigan on after 5pm.

Shall be home tomorrow but doubt I will enter a blog post it will just be a trip almost entirely along the Hume Highway and Picton Road, Boorowa is only about 20km from the Hume.

22nd November 2025

Distance: 298 km

Home again

Arrived home after an uneventful drive from Boorowa, stopped only once to stretch my legs.

It was a lovely few days away, enjoyed it very much. The weather was pretty good most of the time only raining for a short while on the first day during the drive to Harden and again in almost the same place on the Hume highway today. The biggest complaint weatherwise for the whole trip would be the wind on the first few days and even that really was a very minor issue.

Trip Statistics

Total Distance: 2320 km
Total Fuel Used: 253 Litres
Fuel Cost: $499
Accommodation Cost: $263

Around Lake Cargelligo

20th November 2025

Distance : 54 km

First order of the day was to move to a different site. I waited until a particular one was vacated early then hitched up the camper and reversed into their old site.

After having some breakfast drove into town for milk and soft drink (thirsty work) and had a look around the town.

They have a railway walk along the old tracks.

In the same area is a statue of Mrs Foster showing her husband gold that she had found in the street now bearing her name.

Sat by the lake enjoying a surprisingly good coffee made at the bakery before going for a stroll.

The lake appears to have been affected by blue green algae though I could not see any and the ducks seemed quite happy.

Drove out to Curlew Waters many to look at the water management pumping station and weir but could not find it but it was a pleasant enough day out.

I never found the actual weir though I am sure I did last time I visited, am still snot sure if I am muddling up two separate places.

Returned to the caravan park in the afternoon and set up my awning to read my book and have a beer in the shade. Am still undecided about spending another day here.

Lake Cargelligo

19th November 2025

Distance: 259 km

Another fairly short run to my destination today, no rush to leave so yet another 9.30 start.

Got caught up in a dust storm create by a road train.

Am thinking of spending a couple of nights at Lake Cargelligo, I have been there before.

Stopped a couple of times on the way, one rest site was quite interesting. It is a pity that the rest stop itself was not better laid out

Arrived at the caravan park early afternoon, there was no one in attendance so I just set myself up in what looked like a shady spot.

By late afternoon all the shade had disappeared and the camper was in full sun until the sun set. I will move tomorrow to a place with less shade during the day but shelter from the sun in the evening.

To be honest this caravan park is not where I thought it was I must be muddling it up with another I have stayed at that is near a lake but I am blowed if I can remember which now

On to Cobar

18th November 2025

Distance: 408 km

Fuel: 43 L

Deciding to travel shorter distances each day has its benefits, every morning is very leisurely. I am still up at 6am for a shower followed by breakfast (invariably cereal), then there is time to look at any photos taken the day before, and write this blog.

Once again didn’t leave until after 9.30am. The morning was sunny with clear skies and that awful wind seems to have ceased, replaced by a pleasant breeze.

Set off past the reassuring sign that the road to Wilcannia was open.

Easy drive even after turning east onto the Barrier Highway, set cruise control to 100kph which seems to be the best compromise for speed and fuel economy.

Stopped a couple of time in rest areas because my sciatica was playing up as well as to make tea.

There were feral goats hanging about at the rest stop too.

Arrived in Cobar mid afternoon and set up my camper (which is basically unhitching it, opening the doors and the vent). It was much warmer than it has been the last few days with temperature creeping into the low 30s, though the humidity was only about 30% so it felt quite pleasant.

Drove into Cobar to fill up with fuel then spent the rest of the afternoon reading and eating.

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 Winking smile ).

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.

Heading West(ish)

15th November 2025

Distance: 314 Km

Fuel: 33 L

Wollongong to Harden

Have long decided that I am going to aim for drives of about 300km with over 400km the exception rather than the rule and the drive to Harden is about 310km so didn’t need to leave Wollongong until about 11am.

Most of the drive was on the Hume Hwy so easy and fast. There is one sign on the highway that I have never understood. It says that it is the end of the Motorway yet the road continues exactly the same as before.

Harden itself is one of those small towns that has grown and merged with the neighbouring town of Murrumburrah. Have visited many times before just passing through, I recall that the local cafe does an excellent fish and chips.

Arrived at the caravan park at about 2.30pm and rang the number indicated on the empty office, the lady said she was at the show but to select a site and pay in the morning. The park is right next to the main road and a block from the railway line though I can’t say that I have ever found traffic noise a problem, it dies down once it gets dark anyway. BTW won’t be staying here again far too expensive for very average facilities

There seem to be a lot of permanent residents here with children presumably, working in the local area, some in caravans some in cabins. The park is definitely not full the busy times of the Covid era seem to be over.

Once I had set up drove further into town to buy fuel. It was a very overcast afternoon with the skies constantly threatening to rain which it did overnight

16th November 2025

Distance: 289 km

Fuel: 32 L

Harden to Goolgowi

Once again only just over 300km to drive today so didn’t leave until after 9.30. so went for a walk just for the exercise.

Murrumburrah actually looked more prosperous than Harden and it looks like that is where businesses are congregating.

Stopped briefly at Barellan to see the Big Tennis Racket, a tribute to Evonne Goolagong who came from the town.

Only made one stop at a rest area on the way and arrived in Goolgowi sometime between 1 and 2pm. There was a sign on the facilities block giving the council phone number but saying that on weekends fees were taken at the Ex services Club which opened at 4pm.

Set up the camper, drove down the road for fuel, then went for a bit of a walk to explore the delights of Goolgowi.

It is a small town used many by truckers to stop and refresh, The town appears to have a General Store, a pub and a club as the only retail outlets. There was one other caravan in the caravan park owned by someone who worked locally.

Goolgowi seems a major rest area for road trains.

The Final Sprint Home

24th May 2025

Distance: 457 Km

Fuel: 45 L

Dubbo to Wollongong

Intended to set off very early today. Once again there was the slight chance of rain so set up wet weather protection. In the event, while it was cloudy most of the day it actually didn’t rain at all.

Not looking forward to today’s drive, it will take me through the Blue Mountains and the outskirts of Sydney on a weekend. I set off before 8am when it was still quite dull.

Lake Windamere told me that I was nearing Lithgow and the Blue Mountains.

Finally the mountains came into view.

Followed by a power stations and some villages.

No photos of the trip through theBlue Mountains but eventually I was in a traffic jam on the M7 – at least the Hume Hwy and home were getting nearer.

I eventually arrived in Wollongong at about 1pm quite exhausted as I didn’t stop at all on the drive, I was that keen to get home I just kept going..

Statistics

Where would we be without some statistics for the trip?

Total Distance travelled: 8671 Km

Total fuel used: 972 litres

Average Fuel Consumption: 11.2 litres per 100km

Total Accommodation Cost: $710

I had a lovely time in Darwin, it was so much fun. I do like Darwin.

Was disappointed that I could not travel the way I had originally intended because of the tremendous flooding in Quilpie, Stonehenge etc. The Aramac to Torrens Creek Road only opened a couple of days before I travelled it. Even on the return journey there was still flooding and road damage in that area so I avoided it.

During the last few days of the trip I really was just intent on getting home so I set longer drives than usual but it was still OK. The cost of accommodation at caravan parks has gone up a lot since Covid with powered sites sometimes over $40 but most were between $33 and $40 per night. Unsurprisingly many caravans could be seen making use of (free) rest areas for the night.

If I visit Darwin again I will fly.

Back in New South Wales

Wyandra to Bourke

22nd May 2025

Distance: 363 Km

Fuel: 54 L

I was up early and had my shower just before the sun came up – I have trouble sleeping after 6am anyway.

Breakfast this morning was one of my remaining porridge servings plus the inevitable coffee before getting ready to leave.

Have to stop in Cunnamulla for fuel, it would possible to get to Bourke without refuelling but it is over 240km with no fuel stops so I feel safer with a full tank.

It wasn’t long before I crossed into NSW. Stopped a couple of times to stretch my legs at rest areas.

One thing that was immediately noticeable was the number of feral goats at the side of the road, so many goats.

Arrived about 1pm at the caravan park, I have stayed here recently on my way back from Mitchell – co incidentally the park is called Mitchell Caravan Park.

Bourke to Dubbo

23rd May 2025

Distance: 384 Km

Fuel: 42 L

Similar to yesterday I was up early and after breakfast was on my way. Set up my wet weather protection in the camper (plastic protecting the bedding) as the weather forecast indicated a slight chance of rain. In the event it was sunny all day.

Stopped briefly in Nyngan.

Then only stopped a couple of times, quite keen to get home now.

As well as plenty of feral goats, the harvest must have been good this year because there were hundreds of cotton bails along the road

Have never stayed at this park before and had great difficulty finding it, the sat nav had it completely wrong, Google didn’t know even though it is marked on Google maps. Eventually got there after much hunting back and forth – have it marked in my sat nav for future reference..

I’m in Queensland Now

30th April 2025

Distance: 341 Km

Fuel: 37 L

Lightning Ridge to Surat

No rush to leave this morning so had leisurely shower then sat around before eating breakfast.

I think I have cured a problem with one of the indicators on the camper. Simple job – just slightly spread the pin on the connector. Unfortunately this change of routine led to a bad mistake, I left the support wheel down – usually do a walk round before I drive off but because of this change to routine I didn’t, fortunately only went a few metres before a clanking noise from the tow bar mount made me stop to investigate.

Easy drive in lovely weather, it is only about 60km from lighting Ridge to the Queensland border.

Used the heavy vehicle route to bypass St George.

No hold ups other than for a roadworks which only took a few minutes. Still lots of water lying about in the paddocks either side of the road but no major road damage that I saw. It was nice to see the road condition signs all green.

Stopped several times to stretch my legs and make tea,

Found the caravan park easy enough but not the pub that owned and ran it, they had given me a site number on the phone so set myself up then drove to get fuel and discovered the pub opposite the servo. After visiting them, paying and receiving the facilities key, left the car and walked around town, it is a small place so it didn’t take long.

Setting Off

Am going to visit my son in Darwin, yes, I could have flown there, cheaper and quicker but where’s the fun in that?

My original plan was to go via Quilpie, Stonehenge but the floods put paid to that idea. In fact for some time it looked like there was no route through Queensland. Eventually in the eastern part of the state a route started to appear, in a way it was a good thing because it brought a visit to Julia Creek into play. For some reason I have never been on the section of road between Hughenden and Julia Creek. This trip became a change to rectify that omission.

Day One

28th April 2025

Distance: 372 km

Fuel: 36 L

Started out just after 9am, heading toward the Hume Highway M7 and the Blue Mountains, not my favourite drive. The traffic was intense

It was lovely to turn off the Great Western Highway after Lithgow toward Mudgee and Gulgong ad country roads.

Arrived in Gulgong about 2pm and checked in.

Once set up went for a short drive into the town centre, it hasn’t changed at all over the years.

Saw a sign for a town lookout, it is a pity the view is so limited but better than nothing.

Followed this up with a stop for fuel before returning to the caravan park and something to eat.

Day Two

29th April 2025

Distance: 436 km

Fuel: 46 L

A much longer drive today to get me close to the Queensland border. Normally try to limit a day’s drive to below 400km but there will be exceptions especially in remote areas.

Woke up to find the campsite blanketed in mist, not cold but definitely cool, out came the cardigan. After having an early shower waited until I had rung a caravan park in Lightning Ridge to ensure there was a site – to be honest I think it is a waste of time there is usually plenty of room this early in the season.

Hitched up the camper and started driving at about 8.30am, it was still quite misty in spots. I followed a ute as far as Dunedoo, travelling at the same speed as me.

Later passed a few caravans and trucks, easy to pass out here. Stopped about three times as my sciatica is playing up, standing for a few minutes keeps it at bay.

Arrived in Lightning Ridge at about 2pm and checked in at the motel that runs the caravan park, unhitched the camper then went for a look at the town. I have been here a couple of times before, not much has changed. Bought a surprisingly good coffee at a local cafe/restaurant/supermarket. Also bought a postcard and a fridge magnet before returning to the caravan park for something to eat.

As the sun was going down there was a tremendous noise from a nearby tree, No idea of the types of birds but there were a lot of them. As the sun went down it was as if someone had thrown a switch and instant quiet.