BROKEN HILL - 28/09/11

Cadet Reporter:   Michael Gavin
Broken car in Broken Hill!!!    The weather for the day not looking promising with a lightning storm and tropical downpour to start the day.
The accommodation we were placed in by RACV was a renovated miners cottage – Hebbard Cottage.  It is great with everything you need and more including breakfast cereals etc.  A good view can be seen at www.uniqueoutback.com.  it is the white cottage with the bull-nose verandah.
The Prado is delivered to Toyota Broken Hill for assessment once the other jobs in the workshop are attended to.  Finally late morning we receive  the diagnosis of a collapsed/broken front shock absorber and spring damage……with Monday being a public holiday in NSW we are told that earliest Toyota could repair would be Tuesday next week, provided they had received non Toyota replacement parts.
Numerous phone calls are made to Melbourne and Paul at Patrolapart – Lilydale arranges for new shockers to be air freighted to Broken Hill that day.     RACV had extended the accommodation and hire car for us, until the repairs are resolved, which is a big relief.
Hopefully the parts will be here on Thursday to enable repairs by the NRMA/Repco Agent either Thursday or Friday morning.
Whilst we are waiting, Tony & Jen, Michael & Dot intend to take in as much of Broken Hill and surrounds as possible.
We hope to be on the road by Friday, heading to home.    We understand the grandchildren are in count down mode for our arrival…which has now been delayed by a day or so.
See you soon Belle, Mikey, from Nanna & Pa.
See you soon Asher & Jarvis from Nanna & Pa, Grandma & Grandpa.
This is the final blog entry for Tony’s Tag-along Trip.  It has been a wonderful trip experiencing such a diverse, rugged beautiful empty outback Australia.  Thank you to all members of the party for their contribution, fellowship and friendship during our journey. Dot has said how the next weeks will be somewhat lonely without the daily contact and interaction of the Group.

Thanks Tony for organising such a great trip and especially for inviting US.  We had a marvellous time and saw parts of Australia that we would never have been able to do by ourselves.

BROKEN HILL - 27/09/11

Cadet Reporter:  Michael Gavin

The destination target for our travels today from Tibooburra was the outback opal mining town of White Cliffs, some 250 klm away, so a leisurely start.   Tony wandered around the town taking approx. 10 minutes to take in the sites.  Hills of large boulders surrounded the park and town.  The drive in theatre accommodated a very small number of cars.   Tony was very impressed with the vehicle bull bars and setup of a couple of roo shooters in town at the time.

Off to White Cliffs where we again were on dirt and travelled through  diverse landscapes ranging from large treeless grassy plains, sandy tracts, stony and rocky plains.   Dry river and creek crossings had deep red sandy beds.

We saw wild goat herds on a number of occasions, as well as wild horses, and  for Dot & Michael’s first time swerving to miss snakes on the road.   Tony’s eagle eye again picked up a potential problem from wild horses at full gallop converging towards the road we were travelling on………I don’t know how he picks them up as these initial images were blobs of dust to us some 500 – 1000 metres off at 10 o’clock in the distance.  we thought once we saw the dust cloud they may have been cars or motor bikes, but Tony insisted they were animals.    He was right, they were brumbies………they stopped well clear of the road.

We arrived in White Cliffs and visited the Underground Motel to book in.     Unfortunately all booked out [school holidays for NSW & Qld] and no other underground accommodation in town.  So a quick lunch was decided and we would set off for Broken Hill.

This did not happen immediately as Michael noticed an issue with Prado’s front suspension – well down on the driver’s front side.   A local had a quick look and indicated a collapsed suspension arm, therefore need for a tow-tray truck…….so RACV contacted and truck despatched from Broken Hill – 300 klm away. 

We went for lunch to the local outlet.  We all ordered – Tony & Jen received theirs and after some 30 mins Michael went to ask where Dot & his lunch was, only to be told it had been cooked and handed out .  After convincing them that we had not received the burgers, they indicated they would cook new ones for us.    25 minutes later we enquire where burgers were, only to be told they had been cooked and given to “us”.   Another disputed discussion re non receipt and finally we receive them some 15 minutes later.

Tony & Jen stayed for awhile trying to organize accommodation in Broken Hill – very difficult.  Finally they went off to Broken Hill and we waited for the truck……a walk around town visiting an opal store and reading in the car, whilst waiting for the tow truck.    Finally it arrives around 4.30pm and after loading we head off for Broken Hill arriving at 8.30pm EST.

We have “Total Care” package for roadside service and this meant that the RACV organised accommodation for us…….in this case the NRMA tow truck operator has it all covered – towing, owns the accommodation as well as the hire car.

Home delivery pizza for late tea and off to bed in a daze, after another day in a town truck cabin – Longreach on Saturday and now White Cliffs to Broken Hill on Tuesday……

Tibooburra–26/09/11

Cadet reporter:  Michael Gavin

Today is the real outback of South Western Queensland [Channel Country] and Western New South Wales [Corner Country].

Up at the usual 6.00am and packed, fed and we are on the road by 7.30am, as we have a big day ahead.  As we leave the park and on the road we see more native wildlife – mobs of kangaroos , emus and chicks plus feral animals – pigs, wild dog, horses, than we have seen previously on our trip.

After 250 klm we arrive at Eromanga, for a morning tea break.  We fill up the vehicles at an Oil Refinery, which is supplied from numerous oil wells in the surrounding district.   The break is welcomed and we receive an update of the area from the locals behind the counter.

The off to Noccundra Hotel [160 k away] in the Channel Country……aeroplanes drive up to the back of the pub to fill up with avgas and then return to the runway some 500 metres away.

From here it is off to Tibooburra in NSW [ 246klm away].

This country is so big and empty…..vast tracts of treeless plains, bleached grass, and various shades of red soil.    Entering NSW we have to open/close the gate of the 6 foot high [1.8m] Dingo fence.

We arrive at Tibooburra and with the threat of rain for the first time we seek a cabin to save a wet tent pack up in the morning.

Welford National Park – 25/09/11

Cadet Reporter – Michael Gavin

Brolgas last night wandering around the camp sites, this morning a mob of kangaroos just over the fence then also wandering around the park.

Michael still in a daze from yesterday goes off for a shower in the park facilities……he hears Dot & Jen talking “next door” and on finishing dressing and exiting discovers Jen combing her hair in the general entry area.   He slips by very quickly but forgets to pick up his glasses.    Dot has to go searching for the glasses once he realises they are not to hand.

Fuel fill up and then off to the Longreach Stockmen Hall of Fame for Tony & Jen, Michael & Dot and Peter C.  This is a fascinating and interesting facility which we spent from 9.00am – 1.00pm  One hour was lost with a stockman/comedy show with his horses/camel & a team of bullocks.  After lunch, it was time to farewell Peter C who was heading for Brisbane.

Tony & Jen, Dot & Michael then headed for the Welford National Park , some 260 k away, the bulk on QLD’s super unmade roads.  We arrive at a billabong to set up camp….the only drawback being no fires due to the dryness and potential fire risk.

The area was a bird haven as flocks of birds of many types [including pelicans] arrived for evening roosting.  After dark some night birds [ possible owls] were flying over us.

Longreach - 24/09/11

Cadet Reporter:  Michael Gavin

Up at 6.00am and we awake to a foggy morning, which does not take long to burn off once the sun rises above the horizon.

Peter C and Tony go wandering and discover the remains of shallow diggings – sign indicated some gemstones.   Many trees in the hillside area had been blown over from a cyclone/hurricane that went through the district.

Eagle eye Tony located a  large flock of emus and mobs of kangaroos way off in the district…..without Michael’s binoculars many of these were just shadows or blurred images.   With binoculars Dot located some bustards as well.

We set off just before 8.00am and call in to the spectacular Porcupine Gorge formation – well worth the 500m walk from the carpark .  Arrive at Hughenden for a morning tea break stop, about 11.00 am.  We have a chat with some very laconic locals.   This town is part of the Dinosaur Trail triangle.   Dot takes a picture of one of the displays.

Next stop is Winton [214k away] where we come across the Winton Matilda Festival – arrive just in time for a lunch order as the place stops serving at 2.00pm  After lunch have a quick walk around the exhibits , and then off to Longreach another 175 klm to cover.  Hopeful of getting in before dark to setup and look around.

Things went smoothly and making good time until approximately 70k out of Longreach.  Michael & Dot’s Toyota Prado start to surge and then loose power for the next 5 – 6 klm….Finally we came to a stand still……..a fuel problem as nothing was coming through even with vigorous priming……..yet our fuel gauge indicated nearly a quarter of tank of fuel left.   We concluded that there was a problem in transferring the fuel from the reserve tank….…….similar to exiting Cobourg Peninsular

The location did not have phone coverage, so Tony pulled out the Satellite phone and after a couple of failed attempts at contacting RACQ, he rang his daughter Rhoda [our daugher-in-law] with the details.  Rhoda organised a call to RACV and arranged a tow truck to come from Longreach and collect us.   While this was happening Peter C. went to Longreach to arrange accommodation and return with some diesel.

Time was filled in whilst waiting with a local farmer stopping to see if he could assist…if it was not for the modern electronics he may have been able to help.   Finally the Tray truck arrives and Doug and his offsider were very helpful and informative as Dot & Michael rode in the cabin on our way to Longreach.   On arrival in Longreach Peter C. has approx 10litres of diesel for us…we put this in and the car starts up immediately….a  quick short run shows no problems, so we decide to fill up and keep the take well above quarter full on our journey home to Melbourne.

Tent set-up in the dark and then off to the caravan park eatery for evening meal and a few beers…….ginger for Tony.   The evening is very balmy as we sit outside.

BlackBraes Mining Reserve – 23/09/11

Cadet Reporter:   Michael Gavin

Everyone caught up with an early breakfast and then farewells to Greg & Wanda, as they were returning home via the coast initially.

The travelling group is now down to 3 vehicles – Peter C, Tony & Jen, and Michael & Dot.   We headed up to Atherton on the Atherton Tableland – very windy and picturesque road, then via rolling hills and valleys on to Ravenshoe – the highest town in Queensland for a morning tea stop………sent SMS & photo to past group member Peter Daunton of luscious vanilla slices eaten by Michael & Peter C.  Peter D phoned to advise he and Sue were home – had difficulty finding accommodation down the coast, with the last day driving from just below Mackay to Brisbane.

We hear on the news major fire at Mareeba, nearby to Atherton and where Dot & Michael were 2 days ago…coffee and banana plantations under threat.

From Ravenshoe it was off to the Undara Volcanic Park, just before Mt. Surprise.  In our travel we come across the Savannah Way [ Route 1 Cairns Qld to Broome WA] again.  We travelled the Savannah way previously in various parts of NT. We were taken on a 2 hr bus tour to the lava tubes in the Volcanic Park …….the remains from volcanic action some 120,000 years ago.   the lava tubes were the remains of the red hot rivers of lava continuing to erode the landscape after the upper portions had set as a basalt crust some 5 – 10 metres thick.  In some areas the upper crust had collapsed and remnants of rainforest could be seen growing in these sections.  A most interesting geological site that everyone should see.

After 3.00 pm  It was then off to Blackbraes National Park to find a campsite.   The roads everywhere in outback Queensland, were predominantly unsealed, but were super wide [20m – 30m] with generally a surface that 90 – 100 k per hour was safe and comfortable.   Major roadworks were being undertaken to upgrade to the above widths on most Developmental Roads….we encountered this again this afternoon.

Dusk was falling with cattle,  kangaroos and emus appearing on the roadside.   “Eagle eye” Tony, now in front, located a little track that lead into a Mining Reserve, adjacent to the National Park…..we followed the track for about 1klm so as not to be seen from the road.   Tents up in the dark and baked beans for all for evening tea in the dark.

Bed followed group discussion.

CAIRNS–tropical Heritage Hotel – 22/09/11

Cadet Reporter:   Michael Gavin

Last day in Cairns for all….Greg & Wanda, Dean & Karen, Michael & Dot all did the scenic Kuranda Village visit.    Up on the scenic winding train journey [ left at 8.30am taking approx 2 hours] to Kuranda up on the Atherton Table.   The railway was an engineering marvel, constructed 125 years ago.   The large curves enabled pictures of the front and rear of the train to be taken.  The gradient was very steep in many places.  A couple of waterfalls provided photo opportunities.

A wander round  Kuranda’s markets filled in time, along with a visit to the largest butterfly exhibit in the Southern Hemisphere.   A guided tour was very interesting, with details of a moth growing up to 14 inches wide [350mm].   The brilliant blue Ulysses butterfly was a favourite with everyone.

The return journey to Cairns was via – “SkyRail” - a gondola  high above the rainforest and a bus to our hotel.  The spectacular view of the rainforest  and coastal vistas was very special.  The return Skyrail trip took 40 minutes with a couple of stop-off points  which allowed time to get off and wander around and inspect close up the rainforest.

Tony, Jen & Peter C spent the day having car matters attended to, plus lunch at a Swiss bakery.

The above group all met for a final evening meal together at a Greek restaurant, which everyone enjoyed – Tony had his Hawaiian Pizza.    Ice creams from a Swiss ice creamery was had on the way to the hotel…..Then final packing for early departure next morning.

Farewells to Dean and Karen as Karen was flying home tomorrow and Dean was travelling with Greg & Wanda initially.