Final Leg – Perth to Birmingham, UK

Perth – 25^th to 3^rd August, 2012

We arrived back in Perth at around 3.00pm on Wednesday 25^th July and it was straight down to the car wash with the 4wd and Camper trailer for a well-earned scrub. The car wash would only remove the surface red dirt and we were to spend the next couple of days giving the vehicles the birthday they deserved.

Friday lunch time we headed over to Crikey Camper Hire in Scarborough Beach Road, Osborne Park to return the 4wd and Camper Trailer. Well done Crikey on the vehicles provided for our adventure, as both performed well beyond our expectations over some of the most gruelling and challenging roads in Australia. Both the Toyota Landcruiser 76 Series and Camprite TL8s were faultless over the 12,000km journey……Many thanks to Andrew and his crew at Crikey Hire.

Boo-hoo – Dropping off the 4wd and Camper trailer at Crikey Hire…miss you guys!

With a week left in Perth before we returned to the UK, we spent the time with family and friends.

Greg and cousin Helen

Greg with his daughter Rebecca and soon to be son-in-law Brett

Greg in party mode at Cousin Helens house

Meal out with Julie and cousin Helen

Rebecca and Bretts new house – Fish and chips on the floor

We have been back in the UK about a week now and have had time to reflect on our two months in Australia. I’ve been asked what the highlight of the trip was and strangely enough it’s a tough question, as we did so many different things. In hindsight, the only thing we would do differently are the dates to avoid the school holidays.

We would like to take this opportunity to say thanks to all our friends and followers for taking the time to read our blog and look at our photographs. Also a special thanks to our neighbours Don, Pat and Steve for their vigilance in looking after our house during our absence. It was certainly a good feeling to arrive home and see everything safe and sound……much appreciated guys!

Please don’t hesitate in contacting us if you have any questions or need advice on planning a similar trip as we are more than happy to help.

Take care and keep safe,

Greg and Julie

x

Leg 7 – Coral Bay to Perth, West Australia

Coral Bay – 21^st to 24^th July, 2012

We arrived at Coral Bay late Saturday morning and in keeping with our routine headed straight for the local bakery to evaluate the culinary delights that were on offer. Our fears were put to rest as we settled into our Aussie meat pies and a nice cappuccino to plan the days ahead.

We called into the Coral Bay visitor centre and booked a fishing charter before heading over to the Ningaloo Resort to check-in for our three day visit. We stayed at the resort on our last trip in 2010 and were looking forward to once again enjoying a relaxing stay next to the beach and overlooking the Ningaloo Reef. Our room had a great view over Coral Bay and in the distance we could see the waves breaking over the Ningaloo Reef.

View from our room, Ningaloo Resort, Coral Bay, West Australia

View from our room, Ningaloo Resort, Coral Bay, West Australia

On the lead-up to the fishing charter on the Monday we spent the remainder of Saturday and Sunday on the beach making the best of the warm weather, which would be in short supply as we headed for Perth…..we won’t talk about that just yet

Julie blocking the sunset over Coral Bay, Ningaloo, West Australia

Sunset over Coral Bay, Ningaloo, West Australia

Monday morning we were up bright and early and being Mr and Mrs Predictable, headed for the bakery to stock-up for an anticipated hard days fishing. We had decided to use Sea Force Charters , which turned out to be a great decision as we had a most enjoyable and rewarding day out on the reef and beyond. An added bonus for the day was to see some of the local wildlife out and about, including a couple of Whales and friendly albatrosses and even a sea snake that cruised past the boat while we were fishing.

The average depths we were fishing were around the 80-100 metres and on a couple of occasions we had to up and move due to sharks taking our caught fish as we would reel them in. When I say take our fish they would be bitten in half as single clean bites.

Julie with her big one, Ningaloo, West Australia

Greg with his big one, Ningaloo, West Australia

Fishing is a serious business, Ningaloo, West Australia

We brought the lines in at around 2.30pm and made our way back to Coral Bay. Utterly exhausted after a hard day’s work, we spent the return journey on the fly bridge taking in the sun, sea-air and a cold drink; or two.

After a hard days fishing, Ningaloo, West Australia

Upon our return the crew, Captain ‘Bushy’ and first mate Kirsty filleted and bagged our catches ready for the freezer and the trip to Perth. What a great crew and a day out we had….absolutely perfect and a big thank-you!

After a hard day’s work we slept well that night and made our way out of Coral Bay first thing on Tuesday morning……..and yes we did  go via the bakery . Heading south we called into Carnarvon and then onto Northampton, before making camp for the last time on the trip. The next day would see us arriving back in Perth and spending a few days with family.

Our last campfire, Northampton, West Australia

Our next post will be upon our return to the sunny UK, though in the meantime please have a look at some of the other pics we have posted on the ‘Photographs’ page.

Keep safe and warmest regards to all,

Greg and Julie

x

Leg 6 – Broome to Coral Bay, West Australia

Broome – 16^th to 17^th July, 2012

This was our second stay in Broome this trip and a most enjoyable couple of days to recharge with a stay at the Mecure-Continental Hotel. Both being lovers of Chinese food, we ate three times at the Son Ming Chinese Restaurant and ended on a first name basis with the proprietor.

We had intended on seeing a movie at the Sun Picture Theatre, though being the school holidays here at the moment, there wasn’t anything showing that was suitable……all kids’ stuff. If you have seen the movie ‘Australia’ with Nicole Kidman, they used the outdoor theatre in one of the movie scenes. It’s really good to sit outside under the stars on a warm night watching a good movie.

Gantheaume Point Broome, WA

Gantheaume Point Broome, WA

Gantheaume Point, Broome, WA

Sun Pictures, Broome, WA…Remember the movie ‘Australia’

Son Ming Chinese Restaurant, Broome, WA…..just love those chicken feet!

Broome – Pardoo 18^th July, 2012

Post the usual vehicle checks and the mandatory stop at the local bakery for breakfast, we headed out of Broome for the trek south. We were both a little quite this morning as we were both very aware that our time in the Kimberley was drawing to a close. In fact, it had hit us that the trip was now in it’s final stages and we would soon be on a plane heading home for the UK.

Recovering form from the short bout of depression we headed out of Broome and camped that night near the Pardoo Road House, around 460km to the south.

Pardoo – Karratha – Millstream – 19^th July, 2012

This morning we were up and about early and making ourselves just that little bit more respectable as we had an interview with the ABC in Karrathajust after lunch. Some months ago we had received an invitation from Gemma Snowden for the interview.

We were met at the ABC offices by Gemma, who made us very welcome with a good cup of coffee and a brief chat before we got down to business. Cristy-Lee Macqueen took us through the recorded interview giving us the opportunity to talk about our adventure and some of the highlights. The interview will be broadcast on the ABC radio at around 1130-1140 on Wednesday 25^th July, 2012. Cristy promised us a copy of the interview, which I’ll post on the Blog when it arrives.

After a top-up with fuel we headed out of Karratha, making our way inland from the coast to Millstream National Park, our first stop being Python Pool  19km off the Tom Price Road. It was getting a little late in the day to spend too long at the lovey spot as we wanted to make camp near Millstream Homestead 60 odd kms to the south.

Greg, Python Pool, Millstream, WA

Python Pool (Julie the photo queen), Millstream National Park, WA

Millstream – Panawonica 20^th July, 2012

Millstream – Chichester National Park is a beautiful spot nestled in the middle of the Pilbara region and it has to be said with some of the best facilities that any traveller would like to find at a national park and is a credit to the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC)…well done guys. Let’s hope the people at Karijini National Park learn a little from your example.

Good old Aussie Gas BBQs at Deep Reach Pool, Millstream, WA

Billy no mates Pelican , Deep Reach Pool, Millstream, WA

Crossing Pool, Millstream National Park, WA

Views of the Pilbara, Chichester Ranges, WA

Views of the Pilbara, Chichester Ranges, WA

The Fortescue River flows through the park and there are some great spots to spend your time such as Crossing Pool and Deep Reach Pool.

After spending the morning having a good look around, we headed west and called into Pannawonica for lunch. I couldn’t get over how cheap the fuel was at Pannawonica and squeezed as much as I could into the tank for the forward journey. For those fuel price conscious people it was $1.47 per litre for diesel, which is a round 30c cheaper per litre than anywhere else in the region.

Iron Ore Mining Bucket, Panawonica, WA

Over the next day we made our way to Coral Bay and Ningaloo Reef, though I’ll be including the commentary in the next post……..and the fishing charter.

As always there are some additional pics on the ‘Photographs’ page and you can follow our progress via the live satellite tracking page.

Keep safe and stay tuned,

Greg and Julie

x

Leg 5 – Kununurra to Broome, West Australia

Gibb River Road, Kimberley – Wednesday 11^th July, 2012

We were both up early this morning after a couple of pleasant days in and around Kununurra staying at the Kimberley Hotel in the centre of town. I know it’s a camping holiday, but a little luxury never hurt anyone. The highlight at most of the hotels we stayed at was a good hot shower!

After hooking-up the trailer to the Toyota and doing a few last minute vehicle checks, it was straight over to the bakery to purchase a few delights and then head down to Lake Kununurra and sit on the shore to feed our faces….and of course admiring the wildlife and views.

Leaving Kununurra, we headed west on the Great Northern Hwy to the Gibb River Road Turn-off to make our way eventually to Broome. The Gibb River Road is a real shocker in places and this in part is due to the amount of traffic using the dirt road at the moment. After all it is the tourist season and there are visitors from all over spending time in the Kimberley region. We finished the day with around 350km covered and made camp just south-west of the Hann River crossing.

Hann River Crossing, Gibb River Road, WA

Gibb River Road to Talbot Ranges, Tablelands Track – Thursday 12^th July 2012

The original plan was to travel the length of the Gibb River Road, though having done the run a few times over the past few years and the amount of traffic currently using the road; we decided to take a detour via the Mornington Road and Tablelands Track.

We called in at the Mt Barnett Roadhouse for a coffee and a bit of a chat with the locals and then had calls at Calvins and Adcock Gorges along the way. Both are beautiful spots and worth a visit.

Can you find the dog in this pic?, Mt Barnett Roadhouse, Gibb River Rd, WA

Mt Barnett Roadhouse, Gibb River Road, Kimberley, WA

At the turn-off to Mt House Station we took the Mornington Road south and then onto the Tablelands track, making camp at the foot of the Talbot Ranges.

Camped near Tablelands Track,Talbots Range, Kimberley, WA

Tableland Track to Windjana Gorge – Friday 13^th to Sunday 15^th July 2012

We spent a couple of leisurely days making our way via Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing to Windjana Gorge. Windjana has always been one of our favourite stops in the Kimberley and has such mystical feel about the place.

Windjana Gorge, Kimberley, WA

Windjana Gorge, Kimberley, WA

Julie at Windjana Gorge, Kimberley, WA

Julie with new found friends (Freshwater Johnstone Crocs), Windjana Gorge, Kimberley, WA

Having had morning tea at Windjana, it was time to move onto Broome. We arrived at around 2.00pm and checked into the Mecure-Continental for the second stay of our trip. After unhooking the trailer and hitting the showers, we walked into Broome’s China Town for a Chinese meal. As per usual the King prawns and other associated seafood was up to the Kimberley standard…we both waddled back to the hotel feeling sorry for ourselves having eaten too much.

Please remember to have a look at our photographs page as there are a few more pics to see. Keep safe and stay tuned for the next update in a few days’ time

Greg and Julie

x

Leg 4 – Katherine to Dundee Beach, Northern Territory

I gather you are all wondering if we had sprung off the planet, as it’s been a few days since our last update. I just love technology….when it works! We have had nothing but problems with our Telstra 3G mobile broadband and for a few days had no contact with the outside world, though maybe that’s not such a bad thing. Anyhow, all sorted now after a few phone calls at $1.50 per 30 seconds on the satellite phone. I could hear the meter ticking over……

Katherine to Dundee Beach – Saturday 30^th June, 2012

It was a leisurely circa 400km drive from Katherine travelling north via the Stuart Hwy to Dundee Beach, with a stop-off for a cuppa with some old friends at Bees Creek just south of Darwin. We hadn’t seen Greg and Beth for around 25 years so there was a lot to talk about and catch-up on. Greg had a few tips for us on the best fishing spots. Their ‘estate’ at Bees Creek was amazing! As we pulled into the property, we thought we were entering some sort of holiday ranch.

We arrived at Makill House, Dundee Beach at around 4.00pm and after unloading the vehicle, we had the pleasure of watching the day draw to a close with a beautiful sunset across the Timor Sea. Quite a contrast after watching the sunrise on the opposite side of the Northern Territory a few days earlier at Turtle Beach, East Arnhem Land.

View of sunset from Makill House, Dundee Beach

Julie checking out the beach outside Makill House, Dundee Beach

Dundee Beach – Sunday 1^st July, 2012

Orientation day – After sitting on the veranda having a leisurely feed of bacon and eggs, watching the boats go by, we spent the remainder of the morning having a look around Dundee Beach and seeing what was on offer.

Just after lunch Viv and Peter, from Hooked-up Boat Hire arrived at the house with our boat for the week, having just driven down from Darwin. Greg was like a kid in a lolly shop and all excited, trying to act his age and not look too enthusiastic. The boat was a beaut and everything was tip-top…….there would definitely be a little willy-waving once we hit the water!  Peter gave us a good run-down on the operation of the boat, with a few good fishing tips thrown in.

“Our Boat” for the week, anyway!!!

“Our Boat” for the week, anyway!!!

1^st Fishing Trip – Dundee Beach, Monday 2nd July, 2012

Having prepared the rods and associated fishing tackle the day before, the boat and crew headed-off with the boat in tow to the Dundee Beach Boat Ramp for a day of ocean fishing. We arrived at the ramp around 7.00am, though it’s only 500 metres from the house and purchased some suitable bait and ice for the eski.  We were met at the ramp by Jethro, who drives the local tractor at the ramp for the launching of the boats. Due to the extreme tide changes it’s impossible to use the 4wd for the launch of boats.

We didn’t travel too far and concentrated our fishing on the reef areas inshore. In all we probably travelled around 10km out to sea to give the boat a good run, though the further out we went, the rougher the water became.

The daily catch included Garfish, Sharks, Catfish, more Sharks and a couple of ‘yellow fish’. We didn’t have any luck with Salt Water Barra, Black Dhufish or Snapper, which were on the original shopping list.

‘Son of Jaws’ – Julie fishing off Dundee Beach

Baby Garfish – Julie’s first catch of the day, Dundee Beach

2^nd Fishing Trip – Finniss River (Fresh), Tuesday 3^rd July, 2012

As the wind had picked-up a little from the day before, we decided to put the boat in the water at the Finniss River (fresh). The ramp is located around 50km east (inland)of Dundee Beach and the water there is fresh and not to be confused with the Finniss River section which comes out at the coast south of Dundee Beach.

We spent the day travelling the river, which is absolutely beautiful as can be seen by the photos that we have included. It would be very easy to fall into a false sense of security based on the surroundings, though don’t be fooled as there are large saltwater crocodiles lying in wait both in the water and along the banks. (yes, you do get salt water crocs in fresh water)…..oh, did I mention the snakes in the trees?

All in all it was a great day, though the locals said it was ‘too cold’ to catch Barramundi at the moment….they were right. But hey; who cares we had a great day out with me as Captain and Julie as first mate.

“Captain Greg”, Finnis River, NT

View from the boat, Finnis river, NT

3^rd Fishing Trip – Milne Inlet, Wednesday 4^th July, 2012

Well the wind hasn’t got any calmer so we decided to take the boat out via Milne Inlet and Byone Harbour areas. The ramp is located around 45km north east of Dundee Beach. Today was another great day on the water with warm temperatures averaging 30c and things being very calm for the first few km’s from the ramp.

Fishing wise it was mainly sharks and more sharks and while we had to fight them into the boat, we let the majority go again. By the end of play that day Julie had christened me ‘shark man’.

After 3 days of using the boat we were pretty much getting the hang of things and were really impressed with the boat. Each time I found the opportunity (or excuse) to push the throttle forward; the boat would literally stand-up in the water…very quick indeed.  I was told off on more than one occasion as Julie wasn’t too impressed with the spray coming in where she was sitting. Personally I couldn’t see a problem from where I was as it was relatively dry….I think it’s a guy thing!

Rest Day – Thursday 5^th July, 2012

After three days out and about in the boat, we decided to have a day to recover around Makill House, Dundee Beach. While we were both really enjoying ourselves, there was a need (at our age) to pace ourselves a little. Did I mention the plunge pool and spa at the house? Julie and I spent the morning sitting in the spa looking out to sea watching the boats go past….It’s only fair to give the other guy a chance

Greg, resting from trying to get his phone to work!!

Dundee Beach – Friday 6^th July, 2012

Today is the last day with the boat, so we decided to head-out from Dundee Beach Boat Ramp for a last crack at the Dhufish and Snapper.  The wind had settled a little from the previous days, though we didn’t have too much luck with what we were chasing. Having said that, my winning streak on catching sharks continued, with a total of 9 pulled onto the deck. By the end of the day I was ready for that spa as I ached from head to toe. It’s a tough job this fishing, but somebody has to do it.

Last days at Dundee Beach – Saturday and Sunday 7^th & 8^th July, 2012

Saturday was spent packing all the fishing gear away and getting ready to head-off Sunday morning. Viv and Peter from Hooked-up Boat Hire arrived to collect the boat around lunch time and were kind enough to bring along with them a couple of freshly made local Aussie meat pies for our lunch. Mmmm; they were the best!

Sitting on the veranda with Viv and Peter having a cuppa gave me the chance to practice my fishing stories before getting back to the UK…..HOW-BIG!!! I could tell they were both impressed

If you are ever in the Darwin area, please look them up. The boats are brilliant and we haven’t enjoyed ourselves so much in a long time.

We made a good distance on the Sunday, travelling from Dundee Beach, the 400km down to Katherine and then continued west after a bit of food shopping. We camped that night around the Buchanan Hwy turn-off from the Victoria Hwy. Total distance covered for the day was around the 650km mark.

The next couple of days will be spent in and around Kununurra, before the next leg will take us down the Gibb River Road to Derby and Broome.

Lake Kununurra, West Australia

Ivanhoe Crossing, Kununurra, West Australia

Boab Trees – On Track to Ivanhoe Crossing, Kununurra, West Australia

Stay tuned for Leg 5, which I’ll update you all on once we arrive in Broome. In the meantime, please have a look at the pics we have placed on the ‘photographs’ page  and follow our progress live via satellite on the ‘live tracking’ links.

Thanks for taking the time to read our Blog……

 

Greg and Julie

x

Leg 3 – Katherine to East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory

Katherine to Nhulunbuy – 20^th – 25^th June, 2012

In keeping with our traditional start to a new journey leg, we stopped off at the local bakery in Katherine to select a few treats before heading out of town for the long drive to Nhulunbuy, East Arnhem Land via the Central Arnhem Road. Transit permit granted by the Northern Land Council in hand we had a distance of around 720km to travel.

After 223Km permits only for Central Arnhem land

Central Arnhem Road, West of Nhulunbuy, Arnhem Land

The road out of Katherine is bitumen, taking us south for 50km along the Stuart Hwy and then turning east onto the Central Arnhem Road, which is also bitumen, but only for the first few kilometres. We found the Central Arnhem Road to be a real shocker and it has to be said one of the worst (or least) maintained roads I’ve ever travelled on. It makes the Kalumburu Road in the Kimberley of West Australia look like a city freeway. In fairness to the people/authority responsible for it’s maintenance, it is very hard due to the heavy unpredictable rainfall and the many rivers along the way that often burst their banks…..It gives a new meaning to the word corrugations.  

We stopped off along the way at the Mainoru Safari Lodge, which is located some 200km along the Central Arnhem Road for a well-earned cuppa and of course Julie made me have an Magnum ice-cream as she doesn’t like to eat hers alone. Who am I to refuse :) . The Mainoru Safari Lodge or better known as the Mainoru Store has really been transformed over the past couple of years into an oasis by Sonja and Barry Jones and is a real credit to what was once a shed by the side of the road. Job well done guys!!

Gardens at Mainoru Store, Central Arnhem Road

There had been a worry for us in crossing the Goyder River, as it was listed by the Northern Territory authorities as being ‘impassable’. After arriving at the river and having a good look first, we decided that we could make the crossing with minimal risk. An aboriginal chap we met at Mainoru had given us a few words of encouragement and advice on the path to take (miss the deep bits). He was spot-on and the deepest point was just under a metre deep and the Landcruiser made easy work in getting to the other side…….The crocs were very disappointed that day!

Goyder River Crossing, Arnhem land – Fast flowing and deep!

Goyder River Crossing (different to Little Goyder) – Keep left!

No one mentioned the ‘Little Goyder’ a few kilometres further on, though a narrower stretch to cross, it was deeper and had a swifter current. The steep banks didn’t help either as I lowered the Landcruiser into the water. For a moment there Julie was getting ready for a swim

Little Goyder River Crossing – I think I can (metre deep)

Continuing on we made camp around 300km west of Nhulunbuy and spent the night under a blanket of stars and a good campfire nearby. In the distance we could hear the call of Dingo’s; well Julie did as I slept like a baby (and snored like a trooper).

West of Nhulunbuy, Arnhem Land – Overnight camp

Julie relaxing in front of the fire after a day on the road, East Arnhem

Next morning we were up and away early, heading for our first special permit area of Gapuru (Memorial Park) and arrived there just after lunch. The track in was a bit rough, though worth the effort as the surrounding water hole and falls was spectacular. We did have approval to stay the night, though decided on something on the coast and made for Ngumuy (Turtle Beach).

After some serious negotiation with the 4wd track (and numerous complaints from the passenger area) we arrived at Ngumuy and at once knew we had made the right decision to move on from Gapuru. We ended up camping here for 4 x nights with lots of sunshine, swimming (carefully) and generally lots of relaxation and contemplation of the days ahead.

Turtle Beach, Arnhem Land – View from bedroom (camper trailer) window

Dawn from our bedroom (camper trailer) window, Turtle Beach, Arnhem Land

Stroll along Turtle Beach, Arnhem Land

Turtle Beach, Arnhem Land – Yes we did go for a swim. I sent Julie in first..

25^th and 26^th June, 2012 

We had a leisurely start to the day and after breaking camp, headed into Nhulunbuy for a few supplies, refuel (and a trip to the bakery). Leaving Nhulunbuy, we took a short drive out to Galuru (East Woody Beach) and then onto Yirrkala and the Art Centre. We had the privilege of meeting with one of the local artists at work and the opportunity to see the painstaking effort and patience needed to achieve the level of detail in many of the works.

From Yirrkala we retraced our steps along the Central Arnhem Road, for our return journey to Katherine. We stopped off again at Mainoru for an iced coffee and chat with Sonja and had a leisurely walk through the gardens with her before heading west again.

27^th June, 2012

On the way back into Katherine today we called in at the Cutta-Cutta Caves for a look and took a guided tour. Well worth the experience. After a week of camping out we decided to spoil ourselves a little and booked into the All Seasons Hotel in Katherine for three nights. Once we had settled into our room it was time to hit the showers. To our disappointment we found most of our hard earned tans washed-off in the first few minutes. (You know what they say about sand getting into everywhere; red dirt can find spots you didn’t know you had)

Please take the time to have a look at the pics we have included on the ‘photographs’ page and keep an eye on the tracker page to see our movements live via satellite. The next instalment will be posted once we move up to Dundee Beach on Saturday 30^th for a few days fishing and maybe a little more relaxation.

Regards to all,

Greg and Julie

xx

Leg 2 – Broome to Katherine, Northern Territory

Broome to Fitzroy Crossing – 15^th June, 2012

It was a relatively early start this morning, though via the Broome bakery to collect some fresh pastries to eat along the way. We had three great days in Broome, which is definitely one of our favourite locations.

I’m not sure if I mentioned in one of my earlier posts that we went to see ‘Salmon fishing in the Yemen’, that was showing at the Broome out-door picture theatre, though nothing beats watching a good movie sitting out under the stars on old fashioned deck chairs. If you have seen the movie ‘Australia’ with Nicole Kidman, they used the theatre in part of the movie….A real classic which has been part of Broome’s history for a long time.

Fitzroy Crossing – 16^th June, 2012

A good feed of bacon and eggs to start the day before heading out from Fitzroy Crossing to Geikie Gorge to have a look around. Julie and I took the boat tour of the gorge, which is the only way to really see all the sights. My last trip to Geikie was in 1977, though nothing had really changed. The trip down the gorge by boat was pretty relaxing and a few pictures were taken along the way.

Fresh water Croc and ‘Snake’ Bird…just a little closer, please. Geikie Gorge, WA

Geikie Gorge, WA

Post the trip to Geikie, we returned to the Fitzroy Crossing Inn Caravan Park to prepare for the next day’s trek to Halls Creek and beyond. It was an early night for an early start.

Fitzroy Crossing to Sturt Creek Station – 17^th June, 2012

After an early start this morning, we made the 290km run to Halls Creek, where it was a brief stop to fill the fuel tanks, before heading east via Wolfe Creek Crater. I’ve included a couple of pics on the ‘Photographs’ page along with the history behind the crater. While there is obviously the significance relating to when it hit, it was also a necessary visit post watching the movie with the same name.

Wolfe Creek Crater, WA

Leaving Wolfe Creek Crater, we travelled via Sturt Creek Station backtracks (and the help of GPS) and made camp 15m south of the Duncan Road. It was a relaxing evening, with a clear sky laying back counting the stars and who could spot the most satellites as they passed over-head.

Sunset at camp, Sturt Station, WA

Sturt Creek Station to Top Springs – 18^th June, 2012

First stop this morning was a short 50km drive from the previous night’s camp for a morning swim at Marella Hole to take in a swim before tackling the drive onto Top Springs and Katherine in the Northern territory.

Geikie Gorge, WA

The 450km drive from Marella took in some beautiful country and we had covered 300km before we passed our first vehicle for the day, though we did see a few of the local inhabitants. They were always ready to jump out and say hi.

Emu’s coming out to say hi, Buntine Hwy, NT

Kanagroos playing dare, Buntine Hwy, NT

Top Springs to Katherine – 19^th June, 2012

We arrived in Katherine just after lunch, having completed the 330km drive from just south of Top Springs. Tonight we have decided to live-it up a little and stay in a hotel in Katherine as it will be the last hot shower for a few days as we head-off into east Arnhem Land in the morning.

We will do a little last minute shopping to ensure the supplies will be adequate, as we will be on our own for the next 8 days as we make our way to the eastern most tip of the Northern Territory.

Stay tuned folks, though it will probably be a few days before we have any sort of telephone or broadband coverage to send the next update.

Please have a look at some of the otrher pics that we have placed on the ‘Photographs’ Page

Bye for now,

Greg and Julie x

 

  

Broome, West Australia – 14th June, 2012

Broome – 14^th June, 2012

Today is our last day in Broome and we took in a visit to the Malcolm Douglas Wilderness Park, located just outside Broome and were greatly impressed by the standard of presentation and generally what the park has to offer the visitor. We have added a couple of pics to the ‘Photographs’ page.

Julie at the entrance, Malcolm Douglas Wilderness Park, Broome WA

Broome is one of our favourite places to visit and we have a couple of extra days planned on the return journey from the top-end. The weather here has been perfect, with a daily averages around 30c and 20c overnight.Late this afternoon was spent preparing the vehicle and trailer for a few days hard work. From Fitzroy Crossing (and in particular Geikie Gorge) we take the Great Northern Highway to just south of Halls Creek and make a right turn to have a look at Wolfe Creek Crater (remember the movie?) and then travel dirt roads into the Northern Territory, emerging near Katherine…….preparation and safety are paramount for the country we will encounter on this leg.

Please note that the updates will go quiet for a few days, as we will have no internet access, though you will still be able to follow our progress via the live satellite tracking link I’ve provided on the ‘Plan and Live Tracking’ page.

Thanks everyone for your kind comments and encouragement relating to the Blog; much appreciated, though keep them coming.

Cheers for now,

Greg and Julie

x

Broome, West Australia – 13th June, 2012,

Wednesday 13^th June, 2012

We had a relaxing day in and around Broome today, taking in the sights at Cable Beach and replenishing the supplies for the next leg beginning Friday.

Please have a look at the pictures we have added today under ‘Photographs’ of the trip to date. There are also a couple there from Cable Beach, Broome today.

Greg and Julie x

Leg 1 – Perth to Broome

Apologies for the delay in putting-up the first real post of our trip, though this has been the first opportunity since leaving Perth to gain access to the internet. Broadband coverage in the areas visited to date has been non-existent.

I see that the ‘vehicle tracking’ via satellite has been working ok, though this is the first opportunity I’ve had to see if it works.

Wednesday 6^th June, 2012 – Loading-up

Just after my last post entitled ‘Preparation’, Julie and I headed over to Osborne Park to collect the Toyota 76 Series 4wd and Camprite TL8s Off-road Camper Trailer from Crikey Camper Hire and then complete the final checks before heading back to my father’s place to load-up. All went to plan with a little huffing and puffing, though there was plenty of room for all our gear to sustain us for a couple of months. Everything was set for an early get-away first thing in the morning.

Loading-up Wednesday 6th June 2012 – Dads Place

Thursday 7^th June, 2012 – Perth to Nannine

Early start this morning and we are on the road by 6.30am. The original plan was to travel the 780km and camp just north of Meekatharra, though as this was our first night away decided to make camp early and get a little practice in with setting-up the trailer. They always make it look so easy in the demonstration and brochure, though we had it all sorted by the time it was dark…..it only took us 1 hour and the brochure says 15 minutes…..Practice….Practice.

We camped near Nannine, which was originally a gold mining town, though is now a ghost town around 45km south of our original goal, so we didn’t do too badly for day 1 of the trip. After recovering from setting up our trailer, we spent the evening sitting around the camp fire telling stories and eating our barbecued meal on our laps.

8m Wide load – Gt Northern Hwy, Meekatharra

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Friday 8^th June, 2012 – Nannine to Newman

Having been tucked-up in bed at 9.00pm the previous evening, everyone was raring to go early and we were on the road again just after 7.00am. We found the camper trailer was easier to pack-up and we had everything in place in around 30 minutes.

It was a brief stop in Meekatharra to refuel, before heading north. Looking over the fuel used, the current average was around 16mpg with the 4wd and trailer combination, though based on the weight and a 4.5litre V8 diesel to feed, I was relatively happy with the result.

The Great Northern Hwy took us further north, travelling a total of 505km for the day. We made camp around 100km north of Newman, giving us an easy reach for Karijini National Park the following morning.

Stopping for lunch – South of Newman

Saturday 9^th – Sunday 10^th June, 2012 – Newman to Karijini National Park

It was a relatively short hop to Karijini, arriving at the campground at around 10.00am. We spent a few minutes setting up the camping arrangements and I unhooked the trailer to make it easier to travel around the park as we visited the different gorges…….lots to see.

I’ve included the following pics to give you an idea of what there is to see at Karijini, though there are other gorges that we didn’t have the time to visit. What a beautiful place it is……

Having a rest at Dale Gorge, Karijini Greg and his Dad

Fortescue Falls, Karijini National Park

 

Joffre Falls, Karijini National Park

Oxer Lookout, Karijini National Park

Julie and Greg’s Dad – Stopping for a cuppa

 

Monday 11^th June, 2012

Plan A today was to travel to Millstream National Park from Karijini, though due to unseasonal weather, which included heavy rain and damage to some of the unsealed roads, we decided to make our way North via Port Hedland to Pardoo. Distance covered today was 470km.

Millstream will definitely be on the bucket list for the next trip.

Tuesday 12^th June, 2012

We had a comfortable (and dry) night staying in motel accommodation at Pardoo and had a hearty Aussie breakfast at the Roadhouse before setting off for Broome. The 452km drive had us in Broome at just after lunch, so we made our way to the Mercure Hotel, where we are staying for the next 3 days while we have a good look around.

I’ll try to place a few more pics on the blog before we move on, as it will probably be a few days before the next opportunity to have any sort of broadband coverage.