Travelling around Australia - michelle62

Back in Gordon

michelle62 — Sun, 12 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Well we are home and trying to get used to the winter that we have missed. It was lovely to be home and although it is an anti climax that we have not finished the trip. We are still ecstatic as the places we went, the people we met and the experiences we all had as a family were priceless. It doesnt get better than that!!

Or does it????

Well maybe it does ---As soon as I got home on Friday I booked a flight to Hawaii and I am flying there with my sister, Jacinta and Mum in two days for a seven day holiday. Very spontaneous but a great opportunity and after all you only live once. Some of you may be wondering if I will start a new blog for the Hawaiian trip but I think that you have probably had enough of my ramblings for a while.

Thanks for listening and I recommend to you all that to travel around Australia is a must for us all.

Regards for now.

Michelle62

Karratha

michelle62 — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We had been camping in the Karratha overflow which was the Karratha bowling club car park and had looked all around Karratha. We travelled out to Dampier which is about 27km away and had alook over the North West Project which is a mutli company project to extract liquid natural gas from the North West Shelf and transfer to China aong with other countires. It was a huge concern and the information centre showed us just how huge and what a multi billion project it is. I had to do some client business at the ANZ bank but encountered some problems so I reluctantly advised Glenn we would have to stay at that 'luxurious car park' yet another night. All I can say is 'Thank God'. I say this because the next day the truck started making strange noises and a visit to the diesel mechanic meant that we were now looking for a new engine and the prices he was quoting were like telephone numbers. If we had not stayed an extra day we would have been out bush, out of Mobile range, no where near anything so it was a stroke of good luck we were there. The long and short is that this is the end of the Around Australia Trip. We had our truck towed and it is being transported back home and we flew from Karratha to Perth to Melbourne and are now back in our home. This all happened in two days so it was a shock for all of us although Caitlin loved the flying and had all the passengers laughing around her at her excitement at the take off and landing. We had been away for 99 fantastic days but unfortunately did not finish the last two months.

Port Hedland

michelle62 — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We left the Coastal Reserve early in the Morning as Lisa and Paul had warned us about how had it was to get accomodation at Port Hedland due to the resource boom and we desperately needed a shower. We arrived at 10.00 and were advised that there was only one park available in South Hedland and this was letting places on a first there, first spot. So we fortunately were successful to get a spot in the overflow with power so we could recharge our batteries and have a decent shower. We realised that we had not had access to power for over seven days and we need it every so often. We had a very lazy day just reading the paper and relaxing. We bought Black Books so we are all really excited as this will be our night time viewing for the next month. I think we are all well over Scrubs now!!We found the South Hedland library where we updated our emails etc. and Riley sent his work off also. We are heading further South now and hope to stay at Ningaloo Reef so they can go snorkling again. We will probably be out of range for email and Mobile for the next couple of days also. Port Hedland and South Hedland is principally a mining town with all the big companies here such as Rio Tinto, BHP and a Dampier Salt- there is heaps of work and people are flocking here from all over Australia. It is also a cyclone prone area and the photos of the caravan park during the cyclone 4 months were frightening.

The Eighty Mile Beach

michelle62 — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We left Broome after a terrific time at the PCYC but it was time to move. We made some new friends Paul, Lisa, Grace and Eden, who are from Sydney and are travelling around Australia for twelve months, we went for a swim with them at their caravan park. Caitlin also organised a Teddy Bear Picnic as part of her School project and they all met us for the picnic at the market which was fun. Glenn organised Teddy Bear Biscuits, marshmallows and soft drink - fairly civilised by Glenn's standards. We stopped at a road side stop over night and then headed for the Sand Fire Road house where we were hoping for an icypole as it was over 30degrees and very dry. Unfortunately the roadhouse had burned down only three months ago and there was not much to buy from a makeshift ATCO. We refuelled and camped at the Eighty MIle Beach for the night. It was spectacular and Caitlin and Glenn collected heaps of shells- very beautiful big and small.
The next day we travelled to Pardoo Road house about 150km and then turned off to Cape Cardue Coastal Reserve which is a State run park. When we checked in with the ranger and were given all the rules he advised us that all shells in WA are protected. I confessed to him that we had collected some at the last beach as there were no signs to warn against it. We obviously did not collect any at the Coastal reserve and the ones there were bigger and better!!! We loved this place and camped with postcard beach views for three nights. Lots of walking and swimming and also plenty of school work. It was very relaxing but we were off after three nights. It is always difficult to leave a place as we fall in love with most places we stay but we have to keep moving and a shower was calling us.

Beach mecca

michelle62 — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We left Derby and stayed at a roadside camp on Saturday night before heading for Broome. We had been warned by many that we would have difficulties getting a spot there and they were right. The parks, hotels, motels etc are all packed. We got a space at the overflow which is the Police Citizens Youth Club and is very cramped. Although others are complaining we are enjoying it. Riley can go and play pool in the pool room, there is a basketball court which we have been all using, it is a short riding distance to town and Glenn has even joined the gym as a casual. We have stayed five days and intend to stay another two days before heading south. Every day we do school work in the morning and then head to Cable Beach and swim for the afternoon. Caitlin has made new friends from Sydney and we catch up with them practically every day. Today we are going to their caravan park to swim at their pool before going down to Cable Beach to watch the Sunset. We have also met another family from Ballarat with five kids who are travelling for four months. It is certainly a very small world!!!. Broome is a Mecca and I recommend it to all but especially Christine McD as she will really love the beach and the seafood!!!

Rest from the bumping

michelle62 — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We spent four days in Derby at the Kimberley Entrance Caravan Park which was nice and relaxing after the Gibb River Road. Life is quite relaxing and we are still enjoying ourselves greatly. Our wedding anniversary was on the 20th of July and we all went out to dinner at the Boab Restaurant. It was beautiful and I had a huge scotch fillet so I assume I have replenished my iron levels significantly. Caitlin had a 'Red Fire Engine' which was a red mocktail and she thought she was pretty flash with the umbrella etc. Riley had a yummy chicken meal and Glenn had a boring Vegetable stir fry. ( He enjoyed it though). Can you believe that I have been living with Glenn for 22 years even Brynley said he said it was better me than him having to spend 22 years with Glenn - But I think Glenn is Great !!!!

The Edge of Australia

michelle62 — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We travelled to Kununurra and tried to ascertain the standard of the Gibb River Road as it had been closed only two weeks ago and impassable. We had positive feed back at Kununurra but decided to drive on to Wyndham before making our decision. We camped just out of Kununurra in a road side stop and were up early for Wyndham. We travelled to Wyndham but on the way stopped at the Gibb River Road turn off and spoke to some of the people who had just come off it and they believed that it would be tough but possible. It is meant to be a road for 4WD and we only have a 2WD vehicle but we do have significant clearance which is in our favour. At Wyndham we said what the heck and filled our Jerry Cans with diesel and filled up on water and fuel and decided to tackle it. The Road was very corrugated and dusty and the first River crossing we came to was, although we didn't realise at the time, the widest and deepest. The kids thought it was great as we forded the river with the water rising higher and higher. We made it and after that we were confident that we could manage the road.

We are back at Katherine on the Way to the West

michelle62 — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We spent five days, four nights in Kakadu which was fantastic. I think the sites can't get any better. It is almost like travelling in the South Island of New Zealand where every turn is a Snow capped mountain or Glacier ( in other words a post card picture) - you almost become complacent about how beautiful it is. The last night in Kakadu we drove on 37 kilometres of dirt roads (4 wd recommended - alas our vehicle is not 4 wd but Glenn wanted to give it a go). After alot of jolting and eating of dust we arrived at a spectacular camping area. In the morning we walked up to a waterfall where there was large plunge pool which they all plunged into for ages. Only fresh water crocodiles there which are harmless, needless to say I am not brave enough to swim if there is any potential of crocodiles fresh or salty. It was certainly worth the corrugations and bumping to get to this site. At the rock pool we met another family travelling for nine months and they had a daughter (Caitlin's Best friend of course) who was 6 and her birthday was only a week after Caitlin. They had lots of fun together and when we walked back to our camp site Sophie came over and they watched Sponge Bob together. Caitlin is hoping we will meet up again as they are heading in our direction. Last night we left Kakadu and went to Edith Falls just 50 Kilometres North of Katherine where we camped for the night. This morning we went on another walk to the Edith Waterfall and a large plunge pool which they all dived into. We are now in Katherine getting fuel and doing a big shop before heading west for Kununurra. School holidays are almost over so we will savour the last couple of days

World heritage site

michelle62 — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We left Darwin and headed straight for Kakadu National Park. We stopped at Humpty Doo because with a name like that you have to say that you have been there. We stopped at Aurora, Kakadu for the night and we had dingoes and wallabies around our truck. During the night the dingoes were wailing and Riley was apprehensive when he went out to the toilet in the dark. It was a beautiful spot which was part of a resort so we had access to the swimming pool, (the only safe place to swim in Kakadu) so we swam in the pool despite the mosquitoes. They are ferocious here and we are constantly reapplying creams and sprays to prevent the welts that their bites create. We liked the spot so much that we decided to stay a second night and do a walk not far from there. In the morning all dressed and ready for a walk we found out that the walk was closed as the paths were still covered from the wet and there were numerous crocodiles on the way. We didnt take much persuading that this was not going to happen today. Instead we swam and relaxed all day in the sun and had a lot of fun. The next day we drove to Myrl to set up camp and also explored Jabiru before heading off to Ubirr to do an evening walk and watch the sun set. Ubirr is famous for its aboriginal rock art paintings which we checked out as we did the walk. The sunset was spectacular over the wetlands and I stayed lower to hear the Ranger talk but the others climbed up into the skies to get a better vantage point. We are really enjoying our time in Kakadu.

We are leaving

michelle62 — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Today we relunctantly leave Darwin after a lovely six days. We are off to Kakadu. I spent a day on my own travelling into town and looking at all the sites I am interested in. I went to Government House where the Administrator, Ted Egan lives, and to the Parliament House also. I spent some time in the NT Library which was spectacular (note for Rachel and Jacinta) with fantastic resources and facilities. The library is on the site of the Post Office which was bombed during the Darwin Assault - 9 PMG employees and volunteers lost their lives in this attack as it was a strategic hit by the Japanese. The Library building has incorporated the remaining wall of the post office to show where it stood and provides a record of the lives lost. I also caught a bus out to Stokes Wharf to get involved in the filming of Australia. I didnt see Baz but I saw Nicole and Hugh's body doubles though. It was fun watching the film being created and I saw some 'Big Shot Film Productions' Shot bags - I got a photo to prove it. I walked all over the town and was able to pick up my mail at the post office -Thanks Jacinta. Yesterday we rode to a recreation reserve where there was a huge pool and water park. In the water park there were water slides and sprinklers and even a large bucket up high (about the size of 10 people) which would filll with water over a period of time and then tip over everyone - we spent all day there - it was heaps of fun (Glenn liked it because it was free!!!)

Having a rest

michelle62 — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We have been staying at 'Shady Glen' (would you believe the moniker) in Darwin for the past couple of days and we intend to leave Saturday for Kakadu. We are having a great time exploring Darwin and really love it. We do not like the mossies which are constantly attacking us and we have gone through a power of Aerogard. We are riding our bikes all over town and are becoming familiar with the roads and the bike tracks. We even met Molly on Sunday in the mall - can you believe that. Sunday was Territory day the day which NT received self governance and it was a huge affair which we got involved in. In the night we went down to the beach market and watched the fireworks and we even let off some of our own - great fun.

Litchfield National Park

michelle62 — Sat, 30 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We went to the Litchfield National Park for two days which was really beautiful. A must visit for any prospective travellers. We camped at Buley Rock Pools and spent a lot of time down at the Rock pools which were really beautiful with cascading waterfalls down to seperate pools. We enjoyed our time there especially Caitlin who befriended a gang of young girls who played with their teddies, had picnics etc. The territory has four weeks holidays so there was lots of families down at the water hole. There were many fires happening while we were there which caused some concern until we realised that this was control burns regularly carried out over the dry season to keep the tall grass which grows during the wet under control. When we left the National Park we took the gravel road rather than the bitumen back throught Bachelor. The result was soft dirt, and large corrugations and lots of bumping. Caitlin thought it was better than a Dream World ride and the truck (and our bodies) survived the excitement.

We had a good swim

michelle62 — Thu, 28 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We had a lovely swim at Mataranka, it was beautiful. It was like a Hollywood set paved area around the pool with tall palms and gentle steps moving taking you into the pool. They weren't serving Champagne which would have finished it off nicely though. The pool was built by the army during the second world war while they were stationed in the North. It was for officers use only - obviously! There were signs that the fresh water crocodiles around there are harmless to humans but I am inclined to not test that theory and the first sign of one I am running faster than you could ever imagine I could.

I also forget to mention that at Daly Waters Pub when Glenn bought the drinks they tossed a coin and he guessed the result, if you get that right you do not have to pay for the drinks - we thought that was fun but unfortunately Glenn guessed wrong.

We are currently in Katherine and are planning to head for Darwin but stop for a day or two in the Litchfield Park before getting there. We are having a terrific time still - we havent got sick of each other yet!!!

At the hot springs

michelle62 — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We have taken the past two days since Tennant Creek to travel to Mataranka. We are currently in the town but will be heading out to have a swim in the hot springs which I hear are beautiful. We are still having a great time and amazingly the rain has stopped which is great. We will probably get to Katherine tonight but we will just see how we are going along the way. School work is now finished and posted for the school holidays so we now have two weeks off - Glenn and I are looking forward to that. Yesterday we stopped at Daly Waters which was a very interesting pub which had thong trees, bottle trees, underwear, license, money (even pounds) and hats pinned to the walls. It took us ages to walk around it and read and take it all in. There were even some tourists who had left their xrays - go figure. Off course we had to have a drink there - it was well worth the drive. I am off for a swim now.

We are now in the Northern Territory

michelle62 — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We travelled over the last couple of days on the Barkly Highway across the Barkly Tablelands towards the Stuart Highway . We camped at two nice spots but there lots of rain . It continues to produce unseasonal rains, we are definitely the drought breakers. Coming towards the Three Ways Roadhouse we were debating whether to stop there or to travel further to Tennant Creek. I said to Glenn I was definitely hungry and in need of coffee so we stopped at three ways roadhouse. You would not believe my surprise when I asked a school girl what trip she was on and what school and she told me Aquinas and was trying to explain to me where Ringwood was situtated. I immediately asked her was Molly there, Molly who?? and I said Molly Morgan off course and she was - can you believe our luck. We spent about fifteen minutes with her and she had to leave, we may be able to catch up again at Darwin. We will be looking out for a bunch of teenagers anyway.

We spent some time at Tennant Creek and we are now heading towards Elliot but the rain does not seem to be ceasing.

Nearly leaving Queensland

michelle62 — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We arrived at Mount Isa yesterday and we spent the evening here. Glenn and Riley went to the pictures last night to see Pirates of the Carribean 3 and Caitlin and I had a girls night in watch 'Wings Power'. It worked out well and we liked Mount Isa, but as our luck would have it we have arrived on Show day again and it was a public holiday so everything except for the pubs and cinema was closed. We didnt mind, we are getting quite used to show day now, and we relaxed and caught up on school work. We are now heading across to Tennant Creek so we will be out of computer and Mobile range for the next couple of days. I hope you all like the photos and Cole was satisfied that Glenn is on the trip.

"Aye Karumba" - Bart Simpson

michelle62 — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We camped just out of Normanton last night at Walker Creek and continued on to Karumba for breakfast. This is right on the Gulf of Carpenteria and it was very wet and cold when we were there. Again we have brought the unseasonal weather to the tropics. Karumba is known as the town where the desert meets the sea and this is a very apt name. This is where the catalinas left from with supplies for PNG (note for Granny Sue). There is also a very high presence of salt water crocodiles so we did not hang around long by the waters edge, the warnings are enough to scare you if the statue (refer my photos) hasnt already. We returned to Normanton to our friends the librarians, we seem to make friends with all the librarians as we spend so much time in them. After finishing school work it was off to Burke and Wills Road house but it was too far to go in one day. Particularly as the truck was driving into a head wind and Glenn could not go faster than 65-70km. We camped at a roadstop half way Burke and Wills.

Carpentaria

michelle62 — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We have now arrived in Normanton after a very long drive on narrow, sometimes muddy, dirt roads. They seem especially narrow when you need to pull off the road to give way to Roadtrains. The kids were really patient with the long drive and we were relieved to arrive in Normanton and camp at the caravan park where there is an Artesian Bore. We had a lovely soaking warm spa and the rest of the family dived into the pool and reinforced their snorkeling skills. This morning is the first time I have been able to get to the internet for ages so I have updated the blog and I will try and add some photos. There is still lots of rain happening so we are waiting to find out if we can continue on the Savannah way or whether we should take a different (ie. principally bitumen route.) I will keep you posted on this outcome.

Atherton Tablelands

michelle62 — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

We were going to travel to Cooktown but changed our minds due to the prevailing weather conditions and the standard of the road. Instead we travelled through the Atherton tablelands and stayed at a former military camp in Tolga. This was the site of a 3000 bed hospital and a training facility for Australian Soldiers to accustom themselves to the Tropical environment before being sent overseas during the second world war. There was even a farm where vegetables were grown for the use of the base and to be sent to PNG on Catalinas (note for Granny Sue). It was a beaut spot and Caitlin and I went and read every plaque which was placed there showing the colors, regiment, areas of service etc.

Daintree Rain Forest

michelle62 — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT

After spending some time in Port Douglas which was a very nice place to have lunch. We travelled to Daintree Village which was at the end of the dense Daintree Rain Forest which was spectacular. The road is similar to the Great Ocean Road in that you follow the coast with rugged beaches and dense forests on the other side. We seem to be the 'Rain Gods' bringing unseasonal rain where ever we go but in times of drought this is a good thing. We travelled back from Daintree to move inland again.