5th May 2025

Distance: 3.6 Km

Fuel: 25 L

A Rest Day

After my morning shower I hand washed yesterday’s clothes plus my towel and hung them on the line even dripping wet I suspected they would be dry by midday (and they were).

After a lazy breakfast drove into town to get fuel and have a look around. Julia Creek’s population is about 550 so it is not a big town. Probably its main feature is the Wine Glass water tower at one end of the town and a windmill at the other.  While I was buying fuel I couldn’t resist a crumbed sausage!

After getting back t0 the caravan park had a cup of tea then went for a walk (and remembered to take a water bottle with me).

About midday decided to set up the car’s awning, while I was setting it up, I remembered the side awning that had arrived with it. I had never even taken it out of its bag never mind set it up. Actually it isn’t bad, my only complaint is that it is two metres wide whereas the awning is 2.5 m. The whole lot cost less than $200 so can’t complain.

It was nice sitting in the shade reading, had a couple of beers and a cup of tea – very restful.

4th May 2025

Distance: 265 Km

Hughenden to Julia Creek

What a difference a day made! Lovely sunshine this morning though quite a brisk, warm wind.

Definitely no rush to leave today, less than 300km to travel so didn’t leave until after 9.30am. Easy drive just heading west.

Most of the time it was a flat drive across Queensland plain country (with the occasional train in view).

The only interruption to my smooth progress was a convoy carrying two massive mining trucks with a police escort that completely blocked the road.

Made one stop on the way but it was too windy to make tea. Didn’t mind the wind I am sure it improved my fuel economy. The problem with Queensland roads in my opinion is that they have fewer rest areas and rely on “Stopping bays” which are just like the UK’s “Layby” just a roadside stop with no facilities at all. Rest areas on the other hand have shelters, rubbish bins and sometimes toilets.

Arrived in Julia Creek before 1pm so after setting up it was straight to the laundry to get some washing done. Pleasantly surprised to find the machines only cost $4 (often they are $6) my washing was all on the line by 2pm and dry by 4pm. very pleased with that as my clean clothes will now last me until Darwin.

Am staying in Julia Creek for two nights just to give me a break from driving. I think my age is showing as these long driving stints are really tiring.