Crossing the Nullarbor 1

wheat fields west of Ceduna - goes forever

beachfront at Fowlers Bay, west of Ceduna



eastern boundary Nullarbor Plains




Des showing Kathy the camel (probably the only one to be seen)




view from caravan, can you spot the dingo?




evening storm over the Nullarbor



sunset in storm cloud on Nullarbor



morning after the wild storms (Ha! Ha!).  Flat for as far as you can see

 After leaving Port Augusta we headed for Iron Knob.  This is a pretty desolate place, but the mining site was pretty impressive.  We didn't take the trip into town but we saw the old abandoned mining operations.  Didn't stop for a photo which was a mistake. Had an overnight stay at the tiny town of Kimba where the local Lions Club have set up a fabulous free camping facility.  Has flush toilets, free bbq, camp kitchen, water and two shaded pagolas and was well off the highway.  All they ask is you spend some money in the town.  Next morning off to Ceduna.  Acres and acres of wheat fields along this stretch, and beyond.  Collected our mail at Ceduna, refuelled at the Mobil roadhouse and asked if we could park down the back of the truck parking area for the night. $3 for a shower, everything else free.  Didn't know there was also a train line about one hundred metres away, bit of a noisy night, but not too bad (the trains had to sound the whistle right next to us before they could cross the highway).  Ear plugs worked well for some. Out of Ceduna next morning, more acres of wheat, and took a side trip to Fowlers Bay.  A very quiet, but popular spot for fishing.  The beach was completely covered with sea weed to a depth of about 2 mtrs - you would think they could find a use for it.  Not much of a beach by Queensland standards.  Stopped at the Nundroo Roadhouse for a magnum and a lady told us to fuel up there as it was 40cents a ltr dearer at Nullarbor Roadhouse - 140klm down the road.  We checked out prices when we got to Nullarbor, and it was!  So all they got from us was $2 each for a shower.  We were surprised how hilly this section of the road to the beginning of the plains was.  Still waiting to see the camel which they display on many signs.  The Nullarbor looks really great, lots of greenery and some water lying beside the road.  The vegetation is only about 1mtr high here but will let you know when that changes.  We camped at a truck stop 2klm east of the Nullarbor roadhouse where we were greeted by the local male dingo who showed no signs of being frightened of us, staying within about 50mtrs of us.  This morning when we looked out, he was about 10mtrs from the van and just wandered off.  A thunder storm came through early evening, followed by our friend, the howling gale, which persisted all night, rocking the van.  We decided to stay here for the day rather than drive into a very strong head wind. (not good for fuel consumption). This morning we had 2 or 3 thunder storms pass through.  (Not what we would call a thunder storm - 3 or 4 thunder noises and 50 spits of rain).  The flies are something else.  Thousands of them.  You daren't open your mouth outdoors.  Yesterday was the hottest day we have experienced - about 34deg.  and when the front came through last night, we were pleased - for a while.  Today, we have the ice in the wind AGAIN.  Everyone is complaining about the wet weather.  It must be nationwide. We plan to cross into Western Australia tomorrow, providing the wind eases.  Talk to you from the west.