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Tuesday, 28 June 2011
June 24th, 2011- Desert Oaks Rest Stop
Friday June 24th we travelled South from Kings Canyon where we rejoined the Lassiter Highway travelling East to the Stuart Highway. We filled up with Diesel at Erldunda ($1.90/litre). Hard to believe we were actually excited about this price and many vehicles were lined up. As one fellow traveller put it; "It's hard to believe we are all lined up to be ripped off". Unfortunately, you just have to pay the going rate as you certainly can't make much progress without fuel. We also caught up with internet and phone calls as we had been without mobile coverage since Yulara. We then continued North for another 30 Km for a total of 300Km to the Desert Oaks Rest Stop. Nice roadside free stop with new toilets installed. Also had covered picnic areas and fireplaces. We had an enjoyable afternoon and quite a cool night before leaving early for Alice Springs Saturday morning. Recommended free stop!
June 21st-23rd, 2011- Kings Canyon Resort
Tuesday June 21st saw us travel back part way along the Lassiter Highway and then north to Kings Canyon Resort. About a 300Km trip on sealed but narrow road. We saw a number of wild camels and horses along the way. We arrived around noon and checked into the caravan park at the Resort. While the location was beautiful the Resort did not score well in our books. The reception and general store both stunk of mice. The amenities were complete but disgustingly dirty and didn't improve during our 3 day stay. We left very negative feedback at the front desk. Suffice it to say this was the most expensive location so far at $42/night and the dirtiest. Even some of the free campsites we stayed at were cleaner. Everything was also very expensive (diesel $2.20/litre). Well enough of our winge and on to the highlights of the location.
We went on a short walk around the resort in the early afternoon. It is a built on rock and was a rough but interesting walk. The day was beautiful and the forecast wasn't too good for the next day so we decided to take our planned helicoper trip that afternoon. The Ransleys, Sandra, Diane, and I all went on a 15 minute flight over Kings Canyon. We went in two separate trips with Sandra and I on the first trip. It was amazing and of course we have a number of wonderful photos. The other three enjoyed their flight just as much. We all couldn't stop talking about it that night.
Wednesday morning was cloudy and windy which was our first cloudy day since Broken Hill I think. As such we decided to postpone the Kings Canyon Rim Walk for a day. All six of us enjoyed a short walk at Kathleen Creek which was very easy and nice in the morning. We returned to campground for lunch and as the weather had cleared up somewhat we decided to do the Kings Canyon base walk in the afternoon.
We (less Terry) spent an enjoyable 1.5 hours walking to the end of the Canyon along the base. It was a fairly easy walk with a beautiful waterhole at the end of it. Once again the vegetation was incredible and totally unexpected for this part of the world. We thoroughly enjoyed and all went to bed hoping for great weather in the morning to do the Rim Walk.
Thursday morning was cool with some wind; but mostly sunny and clear. The six of us travelled to the Canyon again to do the walk. Terry did the base walk while the other five attacked the Rim Walk. It was a tough walk with a steep climb to begin with. Diane was quite uncomfortable with the climb but with all our help made it to the top. The majority of the rest of the walk is more level with a more gradual descent at the other end. The scenery as expected was incredible, although somewhat scary in parts. I ventured on a few sidetracks by myself as the others weren't as adventuresome with heights. Even I was somewhat nervous at stages as the edges are unguarded and the first wrong step would be a doozie to say the least. Coloring of the rock and vegetation was out of this world. The Garden of Eden was also spectacular and a surprise. You descend into a section of the Canyon via steep stairs and find a river/waterhole with lush tropical plant life. Of course this meant we had to walk up again to complete the walk. Well worth the extra effort. We all made it to the end and as you can see below Di was quite happy to be back at the bottom!
We had therefore experienced the Canyon from the Air, the Base, and the Rim. All offered a different but spectacular perspective. Some people had said there was nothing to do other than the Rim Walk and we shouldn't waste more than a day at Kings Canyon. Although the caravan park was not that good I would certainly recommend taking at least a few days and enjoy the Canyon and surrounding area from a variety of perspectives. A must see in any trip around Australia!
We went on a short walk around the resort in the early afternoon. It is a built on rock and was a rough but interesting walk. The day was beautiful and the forecast wasn't too good for the next day so we decided to take our planned helicoper trip that afternoon. The Ransleys, Sandra, Diane, and I all went on a 15 minute flight over Kings Canyon. We went in two separate trips with Sandra and I on the first trip. It was amazing and of course we have a number of wonderful photos. The other three enjoyed their flight just as much. We all couldn't stop talking about it that night.
Wednesday morning was cloudy and windy which was our first cloudy day since Broken Hill I think. As such we decided to postpone the Kings Canyon Rim Walk for a day. All six of us enjoyed a short walk at Kathleen Creek which was very easy and nice in the morning. We returned to campground for lunch and as the weather had cleared up somewhat we decided to do the Kings Canyon base walk in the afternoon.
We (less Terry) spent an enjoyable 1.5 hours walking to the end of the Canyon along the base. It was a fairly easy walk with a beautiful waterhole at the end of it. Once again the vegetation was incredible and totally unexpected for this part of the world. We thoroughly enjoyed and all went to bed hoping for great weather in the morning to do the Rim Walk.
Thursday morning was cool with some wind; but mostly sunny and clear. The six of us travelled to the Canyon again to do the walk. Terry did the base walk while the other five attacked the Rim Walk. It was a tough walk with a steep climb to begin with. Diane was quite uncomfortable with the climb but with all our help made it to the top. The majority of the rest of the walk is more level with a more gradual descent at the other end. The scenery as expected was incredible, although somewhat scary in parts. I ventured on a few sidetracks by myself as the others weren't as adventuresome with heights. Even I was somewhat nervous at stages as the edges are unguarded and the first wrong step would be a doozie to say the least. Coloring of the rock and vegetation was out of this world. The Garden of Eden was also spectacular and a surprise. You descend into a section of the Canyon via steep stairs and find a river/waterhole with lush tropical plant life. Of course this meant we had to walk up again to complete the walk. Well worth the extra effort. We all made it to the end and as you can see below Di was quite happy to be back at the bottom!
We had therefore experienced the Canyon from the Air, the Base, and the Rim. All offered a different but spectacular perspective. Some people had said there was nothing to do other than the Rim Walk and we shouldn't waste more than a day at Kings Canyon. Although the caravan park was not that good I would certainly recommend taking at least a few days and enjoy the Canyon and surrounding area from a variety of perspectives. A must see in any trip around Australia!
Monday, 20 June 2011
June 17th-20th, 2011- Ayers Rock Resort
Friday June 17th we packed up our vans and headed West to Uluru which was a short trip of just over 100KM. We arrived early and checked in at the Ayers Rock Resort which is the only campground in the area. It is expensive at $41/night and the spots are fairly cramped with very few drive through sites. Amenities are good and clean however. The resort has several hotels, a petrol station, and a number of stores including an IGA. Everything is expensive though so would recommend limiting purchases to basic needs. The girls quickly got into laundrey and did about 8 loads between them. I think we used up every bit of clothes line space in the campground. I got caught up on my Blog and computer as we once again had phone and internet coverage. Don't realize how much you miss it until you don't have it. We went up to a lookout in the resort to view the sunset. Fairly distant to Ulura and the Olgas but they colours were still beautiful.
We were able to get in touch with both our girls electronically. Stephanie is in the USA and Canada for the next 6 weeks (with Tim and Gen) so we will mainly talk via email. She managed to land herself in a Las Vegas hospital on her first day there for a lower back problem It was an expensive experience but luckily she will be compensated by travel insurance at some point and she is able to sit again (although gingerly I believe). Justine is at home with the other room mates and we have been able to talk to her on the phone. They have had a lot of rain (flooding in some areas) and a bit of a roof leak in our alfresco area. Seems to have eased off now and hopefully won't get any more rain for a bit while things dry out.
Saturday we got up early to watch the sunrise from the same lookout. We then travelled into the National Park and did a quick tour of the Cultural Centre before venturing on to The Rock itself. We parked and completed the base walk in just over 3.5 hours. Breath taking views and many photos along the way. So green in areas and some water around as well which was a bit surprising for me. The walk is relatively easy but fairly long at just over 10KM. No toilets or much signage re distances etc would be small complaints of the experience. The climb was closed when we arrived but open when we returned to the start. Stephen went up as high as where the chains start to say he had done it. I would have completed the climb in the morning when I was fresh but was buggered after the walk and thought better of it. We drove back to the campsite in mid afternoon before returning to Sunset Lookout near Uluru in the late afternoon. We enjoyed drinks, crackers, and cheese while watching the sunset up close. Amazing how many people drive out to watch it and the colours are incredible. We returned home for a rather early night as we were all exhausted.
Sunday was an easy day for most of us. Carol and Stephen took a helicoptor trip around Uluru and the Olgas around lunch. They said it was beautiful. We decided to save our flight for Kings Canyon where we are going next. Did some more laundry and Sandra, John, and Terry all had haircuts. Watched football in the afternoon and did a bit more computer work.
Monday morning we were up early to travel into the Park to watch the sunrise at Kata Tjuta ( The Olgas). Got away just after 6AM and arrived at the viewing area about 6:45AM. Got some nice pictures of the colours changing and were all thankful that we had dressed warmly.
From there we proceeded to the Picnic parking area for breakfast we had brought with us. The six of us then did the Walpa Gorge Walk (well Terry did most of it). Incredible sites again as we walked to a viewing platform at the end of the Gorge and then back to the parking lot.
We returned to Picnic area for morning tea and toilet breaks before tackling the Valley of the Winds Walk. This one was considerably longer and steeper than the first one and only the Ransleys and Bewells completed the circuit of 7.4 KM. It was a great walk and one not to be missed for future travellers. A bit rocky and steep but the views were incredible. The photos, of which there were many, do truly not show the magnificance of the views. The Valley section in the middle of the walk is so green! Greener than most areas we have seen on our travels actually. Everyone we see says that this is so unusual as it is usually red dirt for miles. We saw some lovely wildlife as well with a great shot of a hawk and even a wild camel on our return trip. The four of us made it back to the car in just under 3 hours and we were exhausted! Returned once again to the Picnic area for a lovely chicken lunch before heading back to the campsite. We all did some preparations for leaving in the morning before dinner and a early night.
I think the majority decision was that although Uluru is fantastic the walk through the Olgas was far superior and a definite must see! It was voted top spot so far by a few of our group although Sandra & I still rate the Flinders very highly. However this would be a very close second if not the best. Can't wait for Kings Canyon tomorrow and all the other great sites we will see on our adventure.
Talk to you all again soon!
We were able to get in touch with both our girls electronically. Stephanie is in the USA and Canada for the next 6 weeks (with Tim and Gen) so we will mainly talk via email. She managed to land herself in a Las Vegas hospital on her first day there for a lower back problem It was an expensive experience but luckily she will be compensated by travel insurance at some point and she is able to sit again (although gingerly I believe). Justine is at home with the other room mates and we have been able to talk to her on the phone. They have had a lot of rain (flooding in some areas) and a bit of a roof leak in our alfresco area. Seems to have eased off now and hopefully won't get any more rain for a bit while things dry out.
Saturday we got up early to watch the sunrise from the same lookout. We then travelled into the National Park and did a quick tour of the Cultural Centre before venturing on to The Rock itself. We parked and completed the base walk in just over 3.5 hours. Breath taking views and many photos along the way. So green in areas and some water around as well which was a bit surprising for me. The walk is relatively easy but fairly long at just over 10KM. No toilets or much signage re distances etc would be small complaints of the experience. The climb was closed when we arrived but open when we returned to the start. Stephen went up as high as where the chains start to say he had done it. I would have completed the climb in the morning when I was fresh but was buggered after the walk and thought better of it. We drove back to the campsite in mid afternoon before returning to Sunset Lookout near Uluru in the late afternoon. We enjoyed drinks, crackers, and cheese while watching the sunset up close. Amazing how many people drive out to watch it and the colours are incredible. We returned home for a rather early night as we were all exhausted.
Sunday was an easy day for most of us. Carol and Stephen took a helicoptor trip around Uluru and the Olgas around lunch. They said it was beautiful. We decided to save our flight for Kings Canyon where we are going next. Did some more laundry and Sandra, John, and Terry all had haircuts. Watched football in the afternoon and did a bit more computer work.
Monday morning we were up early to travel into the Park to watch the sunrise at Kata Tjuta ( The Olgas). Got away just after 6AM and arrived at the viewing area about 6:45AM. Got some nice pictures of the colours changing and were all thankful that we had dressed warmly.
From there we proceeded to the Picnic parking area for breakfast we had brought with us. The six of us then did the Walpa Gorge Walk (well Terry did most of it). Incredible sites again as we walked to a viewing platform at the end of the Gorge and then back to the parking lot.
We returned to Picnic area for morning tea and toilet breaks before tackling the Valley of the Winds Walk. This one was considerably longer and steeper than the first one and only the Ransleys and Bewells completed the circuit of 7.4 KM. It was a great walk and one not to be missed for future travellers. A bit rocky and steep but the views were incredible. The photos, of which there were many, do truly not show the magnificance of the views. The Valley section in the middle of the walk is so green! Greener than most areas we have seen on our travels actually. Everyone we see says that this is so unusual as it is usually red dirt for miles. We saw some lovely wildlife as well with a great shot of a hawk and even a wild camel on our return trip. The four of us made it back to the car in just under 3 hours and we were exhausted! Returned once again to the Picnic area for a lovely chicken lunch before heading back to the campsite. We all did some preparations for leaving in the morning before dinner and a early night.
I think the majority decision was that although Uluru is fantastic the walk through the Olgas was far superior and a definite must see! It was voted top spot so far by a few of our group although Sandra & I still rate the Flinders very highly. However this would be a very close second if not the best. Can't wait for Kings Canyon tomorrow and all the other great sites we will see on our adventure.
Talk to you all again soon!
Friday, 17 June 2011
June 15th & 16th, 2011- Curtin Springs Rest Stop- Lassiter Highway
Wednesday June 15th we travelled the short distance north to Erindunda where we topped up the diesel at $1.89/litre before turning West on the Lassister Highway. We travelled West as far as the Curtain Springs Rest area east of Curtain Springs. We setup around noon and had a lovely afternoon collecting firewood and taking some short walks. Got some nice pictures of Mount Connor which is beautiful and often mistaken for Uluru. We had never heard of it but it is quite impressive in it's own right.
We met some nice people from Victoria, Queensland, and Tasmania at this free campsite. No facilities other than garbage bins and picnic tables but nice and spread out with trees. Lovely sunset with a next to full moon. Stephen watched some of the Origin game on the Queensland fellows satellite TV in his huge motorhome. He was very gracious in defeat and congratulated us before they left in the morning. We will catch up with them again at Uluru. Very cold morning again as was under zero again.
Thursday we spent the day relaxing and celebrating Stephen's birthday. Started off with a big Bacon and Eggs breakfast. Kept the campfire burning all day and enjoyed a makeshift game of golf around the campsite with a mat and a bucket. Everyone had a crack at it and we had a fun and enjoyable couple of hours entertainment. Di was busy in the kitchen making omelettes for all of us for lunch. Yummy! Di also found out that you can't shove the cheese through the fly net when you are trying to eat it!
The afternoon was spent busy cooking. We had a nice barbeque dinner with a large potato bake, Veggies, and Gluten free Apple pie. We sat around the fire for a bit after dinner before turning in. Talk to you next from Uluru. How exciting!
We met some nice people from Victoria, Queensland, and Tasmania at this free campsite. No facilities other than garbage bins and picnic tables but nice and spread out with trees. Lovely sunset with a next to full moon. Stephen watched some of the Origin game on the Queensland fellows satellite TV in his huge motorhome. He was very gracious in defeat and congratulated us before they left in the morning. We will catch up with them again at Uluru. Very cold morning again as was under zero again.
Thursday we spent the day relaxing and celebrating Stephen's birthday. Started off with a big Bacon and Eggs breakfast. Kept the campfire burning all day and enjoyed a makeshift game of golf around the campsite with a mat and a bucket. Everyone had a crack at it and we had a fun and enjoyable couple of hours entertainment. Di was busy in the kitchen making omelettes for all of us for lunch. Yummy! Di also found out that you can't shove the cheese through the fly net when you are trying to eat it!
The afternoon was spent busy cooking. We had a nice barbeque dinner with a large potato bake, Veggies, and Gluten free Apple pie. We sat around the fire for a bit after dinner before turning in. Talk to you next from Uluru. How exciting!
June 14th, 2011 SA-NT Border Rest Stop
We got an early start on Tuesday the 14th heading north on the Stuart Highway. Travelled through Cadney Homestead, Marla Rest Stop stopping on the the Border between South Australia and Northern Territory late in the afternoon. Very straight road with good scenery. Outback is quite unusual with much more vegetation and greener than usual or what we were expecting. We have been told by a number of people that this is much different than usual. We met up with a couple that Sandra and I had met on one of our weekends at Clarencetown before Christmas. What a small world. The rest stop was fairly basic but did have toilets and nice paved parking lot for caravans. This was simply an overnight stay on our way to Uluru which we are booked into starting June 17th.
We had an early night as it had been one of our longer travel days. There were many mice at the rest stop much to everyone's disgust (especially Diane who hates them). The night was our coldest yet and definitely below zero as we had to scrape the windscreens in the morning. The tap at the toilets was also frozen solid. With no power we all packed quickly and got on the road early. Warmed up quickly in the cars as was a very sunny morning.
We had an early night as it had been one of our longer travel days. There were many mice at the rest stop much to everyone's disgust (especially Diane who hates them). The night was our coldest yet and definitely below zero as we had to scrape the windscreens in the morning. The tap at the toilets was also frozen solid. With no power we all packed quickly and got on the road early. Warmed up quickly in the cars as was a very sunny morning.
June 10th-13th, 2011- Riba's Underground Camping- Coober Pedy
Friday June 10th saw us head North on the Stuart Highway to Coober Pedy. We stopped at Lake Hart for Photo op and Sandra drove with caravan for first time. Did very well and gave me a break for an hour or so. We arrived around lunch and got setup at Riba's just south of Coober Pedy. A very unique place set in the middle of Opal mines. The office and TV room were underground as well as a number of areas for tents to setup. They have an old mine below that we did a tour of Friday evening. Quite interesting. We had a covered, power site and had full facilities. Special note of the Thunder Dunny which you used between 10am-1pm while toilet blocks were being cleaned. As we had arrived in good time we did some sightseeing in the afternoon. Went to a couple of underground churchs (Serbian and Catholic) which were very interesting (Serbian is the best). We then toured Faye's underground home which was amazing. Guided tour by the people living there. Several rooms including underground pool and bar room. Recommended! Also toured Desert Caves underground Hotel complex. Very high end hotel and many expensive underground shops etc.
Saturday morning we drove out to the Dog Fence, Moon Plains, and Breakaways! What a wonderful trip. Like many things we have seen you are driving along thinking what are we going to see when all of a sudden the Breakaways appear out of nowhere and are fantastic. Beautiful colours! Many, many photos! Returned to campground for lunch and then went into town and did a tour of the Old Timers Mine. Very imformative and entertaining. Toured the old mine, underground home attached, then had a live demonstration of some Opal Mining equipment. Also included a museum section with many old artifacts re mining history. We also visited the lookout with the Big Winch. Took a wrong turn there and met an enterprising Oriental man with a lookout and the Small Winch. Gave us a bit of a tour including his home but turned out he wanted to sell us some Opals. Funny!
Sunday was an easy day with lots of rest and relaxation. Had a big breakfast and girls did some cleaning. Guys did some minor maintenance on caravans and vehicles. Stocked up on water and had a lovely baked Chicken dinner.
Monday the Ransleys and Bewells got up early to travel out to the Breakaways again for sunrise. A very early and very cold experience! Beautiful colours again. We returned to campground or breakfast before Stephen and I tackled the world famous Cooper Pedy Golf Course. What an experience! They supplied us each with tees, 3 balls, and a small grass piece of carpet as part of our $10 greens fee. On request the lady threw in an extra 6 balls at no extra charge. On the recommendation of the lady at the Old Timers Mine we left Stephens golf clubs in the car and used a set of rentals. Wise choice as the course is beyond tough on equipment. There was also no danger that we would try and steal the rental clubs which are left unattended at the course. Greens are black dirt and the rest is desert with clumps of rocks and tufts of wild grass and various dessert vegetation. To make it easier it was very windy and black flies were in abundance. We quit after nine tough holes. I don't think we would have survived the second nine as was a very long course. I proved better suited to the tough conditions and brought home a memorable victory. We spent the latter afternoon preparing for the next leg of our journey.
Coober Pedy is a very interesting place which should be experienced. Wouldn't want to live there but well worth the visit. The Breakaways are amazing and should be on your must see list.
Saturday morning we drove out to the Dog Fence, Moon Plains, and Breakaways! What a wonderful trip. Like many things we have seen you are driving along thinking what are we going to see when all of a sudden the Breakaways appear out of nowhere and are fantastic. Beautiful colours! Many, many photos! Returned to campground for lunch and then went into town and did a tour of the Old Timers Mine. Very imformative and entertaining. Toured the old mine, underground home attached, then had a live demonstration of some Opal Mining equipment. Also included a museum section with many old artifacts re mining history. We also visited the lookout with the Big Winch. Took a wrong turn there and met an enterprising Oriental man with a lookout and the Small Winch. Gave us a bit of a tour including his home but turned out he wanted to sell us some Opals. Funny!
Sunday was an easy day with lots of rest and relaxation. Had a big breakfast and girls did some cleaning. Guys did some minor maintenance on caravans and vehicles. Stocked up on water and had a lovely baked Chicken dinner.
Monday the Ransleys and Bewells got up early to travel out to the Breakaways again for sunrise. A very early and very cold experience! Beautiful colours again. We returned to campground or breakfast before Stephen and I tackled the world famous Cooper Pedy Golf Course. What an experience! They supplied us each with tees, 3 balls, and a small grass piece of carpet as part of our $10 greens fee. On request the lady threw in an extra 6 balls at no extra charge. On the recommendation of the lady at the Old Timers Mine we left Stephens golf clubs in the car and used a set of rentals. Wise choice as the course is beyond tough on equipment. There was also no danger that we would try and steal the rental clubs which are left unattended at the course. Greens are black dirt and the rest is desert with clumps of rocks and tufts of wild grass and various dessert vegetation. To make it easier it was very windy and black flies were in abundance. We quit after nine tough holes. I don't think we would have survived the second nine as was a very long course. I proved better suited to the tough conditions and brought home a memorable victory. We spent the latter afternoon preparing for the next leg of our journey.
Coober Pedy is a very interesting place which should be experienced. Wouldn't want to live there but well worth the visit. The Breakaways are amazing and should be on your must see list.
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