Ballarat

14th September 2026

Distance: 308 km

No rush this morning as we only had 300km to drive to Ballarat so after a lazy breakfast my daughter went to get fuel. She discovered her fan belts were squeaking so there was a change in urgency.

Fortunately she found a mechanic who tightened the belts almost without any wait so all was once again sweetness and light and we set off for Victoria.

The rest of the journey was uneventful, we stopped at Hamilton for lunch, probably a mistake as it was very busy and we should have stopped a bit later at Dunkelp a much smaller town only a little further on.

It was noticeable that Victorian roads (at least those we travelled on) were in a very poor condition compared to those in NSW and SA. They were full of potholes.

Arrived at the NRMA Holiday Park in Ballarat about 4pm and set up on two adjacent sites not far from the amenities block. After a bit of a chat decided to stay three nights, so an extra night was booked.

15th September 2026

Distance: Walking only!

Sovereign Hill

When we checked in to the caravan park the girl at the desk told us that Sovereign Hill was only a short walk away, Looking it up on Google maps it is indeed a mere 600 metres so just after 9.30am we set off through the back gate of the caravan park.

I wore my warmest feather jacket as the top temperature forecast for today was only about 11°

We arrived at the entrance to the park a few minutes before 10am and joined a small crowd assembled outside. There were already two coach loads of school children assembled and more arrived while we waited. They had their own entrance and as we had pre-purchased tickets we were nearly the first to enter.

I had been before some years ago but it has expanded a lot since then and seems more popular than ever.

We had a really fun day, saw many demonstrations/re-enactments, travelled into the workings of the gold mine, rode in a horse drawn carriage, had a Devonshire tea, an excellent sausage roll, my daughter even panned for gold and found some!

Amazingly we didn’t leave until nearly 5pm, there was so much to do, as I say it was a really good day out.

16th September 2026

Distance: 32 km

Fuel: 37 L

It was very cold this morning, I ended up wearing my big jacket and gloves, it took ages for my fingers to warm up.

We had few plans today other than visit Lake Wendouree – the site of water sports for the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. (canoeing, kayaking, rowing)

Our first stop was a shopping centre near the lake to get milk and other odds and ends plus a warm jacket for Katie. Because it is supposedly spring all the winter clothes had gone so there was little choice.

We then drove the couple of kms to the lake to see the Olympic rings etc. Because it was a miserable day we didn’t stay too long.

Following this we drove to Ballarat Vintage & Collectables Market just out of town, it was an interesting place to look around though it is sad to think that records and DVDs are now collectable items.

Filled up with fuel on the way back to the caravan park before returning to my book until dinnertime. While it rained overnight it didn’t actually rain today even though it looked like it might at any moment.

17th September 2026

Distance: 407 km

Fuel: 41 L

Into NSW

We are on the move today to Jerilderie in NSW. After breakfast. packing up and preparing to leave was the order of the day. Once I was hitched up we were ready to go. As Katie reversed out of her spot she noticed a puddle of oil left on the concrete. Not a good sign.

We stopped at a town called Elmer and using my tarpaulin she crawled under the the car to see where the oil was coming from. Turns out it was from the engine rear seal and not an insignificant problem.

After a bit of discussion is was decided to abandon the trip and return to Canberra from Jerilderie. We changed our route slightly so that we could buy some oil in Shepperton to keep the engine topped up.

We stopped at the Big Strawberry for a strawberry ice cream (of course) and at some Silo Art we saw by the roadside.

Eventually arrived in Jerilderie just before 4pm, filled up with fuel before going to the caravan park and set up our camp, unfortunately we didn’t have adjacent sites but were very close.

Spent a very pleasant few hours at the next door sports club where we had a few drinks and a very large meal which I could not finish.

18th September 2026

Distance: 430 km

Back to ACT

Sadly this was to be the last day of our trip for the reasons outline above. So it was a straight drive east until we hit the Hume Highway then heading north to the Barton Highway and Canberra. We stopped once at a village just outside Gundagai to make tea and take a rest from driving.

While it was disappointing that we didn’t achieve what the trip originally set out to do, we had a very enjoyable time, it was a good shakedown trip for the new home built motorhome. Even I have at least one thing I want to change on my camper when I get home.

We still have the Oodnadatta Track to conquer on another adventure!

Statistics

Distance Travelled: 3500 km

Fuel Used: 350 Litres

Average Fuel Price: $2.50/L

Total Fuel Cost: $880

Accommodation Cost: $360

A Spring Trip

5th & 6th September 2026

Distance: 274 km

Fuel: 23 L

The Target

Over the years decades I have made a few attempts to travel the Oodnadatta Track between Maree and Marla in South Australia. Every time I have got near the rain has come and closed the road for, sometimes, several weeks.

This month my daughter and I are going to try to travel the track.

She has a new campervan that she has built herself based on a Delica. It is not quite ready to go as I take my teardrop camper to her house for the weekend to prepare for this trip.

7th September 2026

Distance: 342 km

Fuel: 34 L

First Day Out

Today we set out but because of some minor fixes needed on the Delica we were late leaving to our original target of reaching Goolgowi or even Hay was far too ambitious, we would have been driving at dusk, a time I try to avoid as the animals start moving about. We decided to review our situation at Barellen.

Barellen is the place that Evonne Goolagong grew up, it is a small town but we decided it was the best place to stop if we could find accommodation.

Barellen Showground was mentioned in both the Camping and the Caravan book so we decided to have a look. Turns out it is $30 a night for a powered site, $15 for an unpowered site, the facilities were pretty good so we went to the town’s General Store and paid for a night.

We were lucky, the previous week had been the Horse Show when doubtless the town and showground would have been booked out

8th September 2026

Distance: 409 km

Fuel: 39 L

Barellen to Lake Benanee

We are still in NSW and still heading east.

Ah! the Hay plain, flat and desolate as always, tonight we are staying at a free rest area still in NSW.

Lake Bananee is a rest area that I have stopped at before but never stayed overnight, it has toilets but no other facilities. Pleasant enough place to spend the night.

9th September 2026

Distance: 440 km

Fuel: 53 L

Lake Benanee to Burra

We set off fairly early for Burra partly because there were no showers or facilities here in the rest area.Tonight we are staying at the Bon Accord Hotel in Burra, they offer free unpowered sites in exchange for a buying a meal, a powered site was $35

We arrived at Burra fairly early and booked into the hotel, after setting ourselves up we had plenty of time to explore the town. It is a town we have stayed at before but last time it was more of a social occasion where we all met up on our way to Uluru, I don’t think we even left the caravan park except to buy fuel on that occasion.

The camp stop in the hotel grounds suited us well as we were able to park close together.

Burra

The town itself turned out to be very interesting, it is an old mining town.

After visiting the mine we wandered the town and later enjoyed a coffee and snack there.

In the evening we had a very nice meal at the Bon Accord hotel.

Disappointment

Sections of the Oodnadatta track have closed after some rain and the rest is still 4WD only, so after much soul searching decided to abandon the original intention of this trip and revise our plans. What had been side trips now became our primary focus and a trip to Lightning Ridge was added.

10th September 2026

Distance: 365 km

Fuel: 41 L

Burra to Lake Albert

Our revised trip meant heading south toward The Coorong and Lake Albert near the mouth of the Murray River but before we left we had to make a small pilgrimage just outside of town to the house featured on the Diesel and Dust LP from Midnight Oil.

We headed south, on our way we came across some Silo Art which we had to stop for.

And Map the Miner.

Followed by a giant Rocking horse where we stopped for coffee

We crossed the Murray River on a free cable drawn ferry at Wentworth Road ferry.

Before eventually arriving at Meningie and our caravan park next to Lake Albert.

11th September 2026

Distance: 309 km

Lake Albert to Mount Gambier

Fairly easy drive initially along the Coorong.

By the time we arrived in Mt Gambier my windscreen and bullbar were a mass of insects, I have never seen so many in one day. The area must be a breeding ground for them, all that stagnant, fresh water I guess.

After setting our camp up we went for a walk into the centre of Mt Gambier – this sink hole is right next to the council offices.

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 mainly to look at the water management pumping station and weir – 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 not 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..