May 29-June 4
Not originally intending to be back in Brisbane this Winter we had our travels changed so much by our fridge problems that all had changed; we were effectively about 8 weeks behind when we left Broken Hill. As Thomas was coming back from China after around 10 years we thought we should be in town to welcome him back.
So, leaving White Cliffs we leave the gravel roads behind as the road to Wilcannia is all sealed; here we refuelled and moved on to Cobar for the night.
The Newey Reserve is the best known free camping spot around here and we were lucky to get a spot between the trees as the whole roadway was just about full. Later arrivals were camping outside the designated area, this place is that popular. Being the town reservoir it is right on the edge of the built up area, although a little too far to walk the shops.
Next morning we refuelled and shopped at the IGA to top up for the run back. Then, onward to the almost lost town of Girilambone. Located on the Newell Highway all you see in passing is the roadhouse/local store as the town was always on the other side of the railway line.
From here we crossed country to Brewarrina and the Four Mile Reserve where we stayed last year on our Darling River trip. Nothing much has changed here! We refuelled before going to the Reserve where there were several other campers for the night.
Moving on again the next day took us to the Collarenebri Primitive CampgOn again via Moree, more fuel and a little shop in Coles, then on to Gravesend, another diminishing small community. round; this is at the Recreation Ground on the outskirts of town (walking distance) and has hot showers as well, also a Dump Point for the toilet waste but no power or reticulated water. (Other photo at top)
On again via Moree, more fuel and a little shop in Coles, then on to Gravesend, another diminishing small community.
The Recreation Ground here used to be promoted as a community campsite with donation box but has more or less been abandoned except for mowing the grass. It is obvious that the tennis court is still used and maybe the oval for cricket but the days f the local Rodeo are over.
As expected we were alone again here.
For the penultimate day of the run we intended staying at a free camp spot at the Oman Ama store and did pull in and park.
However, our plans were undone when we ran out of LPG (hoping we had enough to get to Brisbane), the first time we have been caught with both bottles empty. The store here had LPG but no full ones left! So the only option was to move on as we needed gas to keep the fridge running. After looking at another local roadhouse option we ended up in Warwick and stayed in the truck park at the Caltex Roadhouse, partaking of their food for dinner – very nice fish and chips!
And so back into the Brisbane area and Zoe’s house for the next few days after 1532 kms in 7 days.
Paste Whole of Old post here