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.