Bathurst to Adelaide

What a "HOT" grid girl, Hels

Wet, wet, wet and cold - good old Bathurst!  Drove a couple of laps around Mt Panorama Circuit and still amazed how the Racing Drivers drive around at such great speeds.  Had a look through the National Motor Museum which had a good display of cars and motorbikes.

The Mountain

From the top of the mountain looking back over Bathurst

This brings back memories - 1976 winning L34 Torana driven by Bob Morrison.  We camped on the mountain that year.

Similar to the one and only Ford I owned, a Consul Cortina

More memories of my earlier cars. LJ Torana and my HK Monaro was blue.

After a couple of days we were back on the road heading for Wagga.  Stopped for morning tea at Blayney then travelled through Carcoar (est 1833), Cowra turning off Mid Western Highway onto Olympic Highway to Young, Cootamundra, Junee.  Free camped at Oura Beach Reserve (19km east Wagga Wagga) beside Murrumbidgee River - lovely spot).  Late afternoon had a storm come through - thunder, rain, hail!  Decided to stay a couple of days and moved to a spot closer to the River - just set up before the rain came down again!  Lovely view of the river and great to watch the abundant birdlife.  The weather cleared up on our last 2 days and we enjoyed relaxing days by the river - although the flies were very friendly!.  Were able to light the fire at night so all in all an enjoyable stay and quiet even though there were a few vans camped around.

Oura Beach Camp spot

Was a very good site

Had barely vacated our spot when 'ol mate' drove in and set up - he had his eye on our spot and when found out we were leaving he was ready and rearing to set up.   Travelled south through Gumly Gumly then back onto Sturt Highway before cutting through back road (Mates Gully Road) to Tarcutta.  Here we met up with another couple who we travelled Canada with, Garth & Rosemary and had a good old chat.  We continued onto Wagga Wagga and free camped at Wilks Park, leaving the van and stocking up on supplies in Wagga.

You have to call this farm art because it looks like sheep! 

Departed next day continuing on Sturt Highway where we stopped for morning tea at Lockhart - quite a bit of "farm art" on display as part of the Spirit of the Land Festival held in October.  Travelled to Urana before turning onto Newell Highway to Jerildirie then turned off  to Conargo.  From here we drove to Deneliquin, staying the night at friends house and thoroughly enjoyed being entertained by Tony and his son John paying guitar and singing.

Outside the Lockhart service station

Headed out next day on Cobb Highway towards Hay - turned off on Pretty Pine Road to Moulamein where we stopped for lunch.  Continued onto Kyalite before turning onto Balranald-Swan Hill Rd to Toolybuc then onto Murray Valley Highway towards Robinvale.  Free camped approx 2km east of Robinvale at Pump Road Camp - found lovely spot by the River - feeling the serenity!!

Camped on the River Murray

 Thunderstorms developed all around but only a few showers at night.  Morning however produced some heavy showers and posed a few problems as we were camped on clay area and things were becoming a bit sticky.  Afternoon however brought out the sun and we stayed on for another couple of days enjoying the birdlife and also keeping a close watch on a goanna who was climbing trees checking out bird nests in the hollows.  Had the place to ourselves as campers had disappeared due to the rain.

Visitor to camp, was not interested in us though.

Was more intent on getting bird eggs from the nest. Would have been 5 meters up the tree.

Late sunset over the river, was this tree we watched the birds coming and going from during the day.

Reluctantly departing we called into Bottle Bend on way to Mildura.  Quick coffee, supply shop and fuel stop in Mildura we drove to Lake Bonney to look for a camp but Hels did not think it was a good idea to drive down in the soft sand!! I thought it would be OK but continued onto Waikerie to camp at Overlander Hotel however wedding was in progress and no vacancy!!  Crossed the Murray River via ferry and camped at free camp Holder Bend Recreation (approx 2km out of Waikerie).  Late camp, both tired and grumpy!

Holder Bend Recreation camp, ski club on the opposite side.

From here we travelled to Gawler and stayed in Caravan Park to catch up with very dear friend Wendy - had a great visit.  Next day it was onto Adelaide where we stayed at Windsor Gardens Caravan Park for 2 weeks.