Day 1 video

Wrap up

Well it was a fantastic trip

Did 7505 klms since leaving home and averaged 18.5ltr per 100 klms seeing as over 4000 klms was on dirt corrugated roads and tracks the damage was not too bad

CAMPER

Rear corners of camper roof has minor cracking

Left hand trailer brakes wiring destroyed

Few new stone chips

1 screw for door holder need replacing 

1 screw found but have yet to find out where it came from

1 shock absorber has developed a small oil leak

Crack in corner of laminate bench top

2 alko prop pads need replacing

Plumbing for external shower to be repaired

FJ

Needs new rear window

Stone chip in front windscreen

All the above I am quite ok with and would have expected worse due to some of the places we dragged the Jayco to. Heard so e horror stories whilst away people having vans destroyed on the roads we went on..

The two Camprites t18,s Dan and Austin hired came of worse with electrical and plumbing issues etc

Well as I said we had a fantastic time, with great company, to Austin, Kate, Dan, Maya, Sophie and Nicky we would travel with you guys again any day we did a couple of big days and the Sophie and Nicky were fantastic travellers. They kept us entertained around the campfire at nights well.

can't wait to start planning the next adventure.

To those that have followed our trip, I hope my little blog has Inspired you to do the trip you dream off. With a bit of planning and traveling companions that are prepared to be flexible you can have just a great a time as we did and see this great country of ours

A final word, we laid Herb (Gayes  Dad)to rest at a majestic spot he would have liked, where he can forever watch the comes and goings in one of natures great locations. I have GPS co-ords if any one ever wants to visit him. He is easy to find and you can be sure he will be there.

Day 23 and 24

Spent the day wandering around the old princess Royal Fort before sailing away whale watching for the afternoon. We were truly blessed that they came right up to the boat was a great way to wile away a afternoon

The final leg drive to Perth was uneventfull we could have stayed away longer but work and stuff needs doing.

Day 21 and 22

The wet and wild weather continues here on the coast, made our way to Albany to shelter it out for the next few days.

The pink lake at Esperance was on display as we past

As you can see the weather is terrible

Went to Whale world and the sites along the coast,almost got blown away at the Gap... Whale world had had heaps of changes since we were here last approx 20 years ago. Was pricey at $28 each to go in but the free tour is included

Days 19 and 20

Crossed the Nullabour and are now camped just north of salmon gums, cancelled the Ballidonia track due to the weather, have had rain and storms for most of today and set up I. The rain last night. We have decided to go through to Albany today and stay there a coup,e of days

Haven't stopped many times for photos but here are a few of whales at the head of the bight.

There are a bit hard to catch on camera but was a enjoyable hour watching them, must have been a dozen or so up close to the viewing platforms

Day 18

Made our way from Coober Pedy to Streaky bay via the Gawler ranges

Always love this area some great scenery of Lake Gardiener and Lake Everett on the way through.

The road was good but rain is forecasted so glad we got through before it arrived, came out at Wirilla and then cut down to Streaky bay.

Set up for a windy night and of to the pub for dinner.

Tonight we said goodbye to Austin, Kate and Sophie who have been travelling with us for almost 5000 klms. It has been great to have them along for the journey. Have a safe trip home and we will see you in Perth along with Dan and Maya soon for the post trip BBQ.

Gaye and myself are heading to Cape Le Grande or Cape Arid at the moment the weather may decide this for us.

  

Day 17

Sent the day exploring the area around Coober Pedy, including the extensions underway at the hotel.

Went and did some noodling and found some shards of opal worth about $1.50, but it was great fun would not want to work here in the heat but.

Visited Crocodile Harry,s dug out he was a bit of a weird character.

 Had a bit of a reputation around Coober Pedy apparently,

Austin and Sophie have caught Opal fever 

We then went out to the Breakaway a stunning area full of colour

Then a quick look at part of the longest erection in the world ---- The Dog Fence that runs from Dalby in Queensland to Streaky Bay, our destination for tomorrow.

Day 16

Departed Dalhousie for Coober Pedy via Oodnadatta. The road was still terrible very rutted but an improvement to the Alice to finke section from yesterday and slow going with it winding through the sand dune country. 

Past the ruins of Dalhousie station

Although it improves as we head south across the paddocks of Hamilton Station

Back onto the main track after our detour through Witjira and the edge of the Simpson desert.

Then onto the Oodnadatta track for a short hop to the famous Pink Roadhouse for a burger

Shame to see it is up for sale after the death of Adam Plate was a great burger and worth the stop.

The next 180 odd kilometres into Coober Pedy was on fast grave roads with hardly any flora to be seen

Arrive at our underground hotel for the next coupe of days, Dinner in town tonight for Austins birthday.

Day15

Departed Alice for Dalhousie spring following the Old Ghan Route vis Finke and Mount Dare

Got 40 klms out of Alice and bang the rear window exploded, a rock got past the rock Tamers and shattered the rear window

Some quick use for woollies bags and duct tape got us back on the road

Gate getting practice opening gates along the way

Bad luck Austin no firewood allowed in Witjira

The road to Mt Dare was terrible badly corrugated at one stage could not do more than 30kp/h for over a hour and after the the border it did improve.

Stopped at the Mt Dare pub for lunch.

 We arrived at Dalhousie and had a swim in the balmy 37 degree water

Great camp spot with ernie the resident dingo hovering around all night.

So far the Jayco has done really well lost a bit of external plumbing from the shower fitting, but I have been amazed how it has coped with the rough roads and we have been driving fast when possible.

Day 14

Today we toured the gorges of the West McDonald ranges. My favourite was Roma gorge a little know  area full of aboriginal etchings requiring a 8.5 klm drive up a riverbed to reach

From there we went to redbank and Ormison Gorges then in to Standley Chasm

Day 12

Hmm day 12 seems to have vanished. But it basically was a travel day into alice spring. 

Day13

Well today we said goodbye to Dan, Maya and the little one, hope they have a safe journey home and enjoy there trip. It's was fantastic ti have your company on the trip and looking forward to seeing the video when we get home.

 Dan on rock ledge at Kings Canyon!!!

Spent the rest of the day at the Transport Hall of Fame, Ghan  museum and the old Telegraph station.