Hello All It's been several months since I posted here but have been keeping in touch with "Forum" news whenever I've had access.I left Rockhampton in early March for Victoria to pick up my new home and have spent some time exploring Vic and spending quality time with the daughter and Grandkids in and around the state.I love the travelling life more each day but,boy,what a learning curve. I'm back in Rocky to service van and truck and plan the next leg of my journey to see my son.Like many others I'm heading west and turning right at 3 Ways..some caravan parks along the way at Longreach,Winton,the Isa, and Katherine along with free camping or other at Wonarah Bore,Banka Banka Station,and Daly Waters. I'm hoping fellow travellers may have stopped recently at some of these places or perhaps have an opinion, story or suggestions that may enlighten me on my first trip on an unfamiliar trail. Am leaving around 16July planning to arrive in Darwin around 29/30.I know it's a bit of a rush, but am dictated to by circumstances to a degree. Looking forward to enlightenment.
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David (going solo) Landcruiser and Coromal Capri 600
We are currently sitting at Mataranka after spending the last three months travelling from Lake Macquarie area (near Newcastle) NSW via Broken Hill, Port Pirie, Port Augusta and then up The Centre. Have had an absolute ball.
We have free camped quite a bit but also used caravan parks but the one thing that has amazed us most of all is just how many caravans, campers and trailers are on the road. We have found that if you want to free camp then you have to be at your chosen free campsite early (ie before 2.30pm-3pm) or you will have trouble finding a spot. The last four free camps we stayed at had in excess of 20 fellow travellers staying for the night. While it is great company it does make it difficult for those who want to arrive later. The majority of people staying were heading north towards Darwin and we seem to be leap frogging each other up The Centre.
The caravan park here at Mataranka is large and quite reasonable with the cost being $24 per night for two and the bonus is being able to spend time in the thermal pools. The hardest part about that is trying to get out when you have been in there too long. They have Happy Hour and entertainment each evening and a movie shown during the day.
We have passed many roadhouses which have camping/caravan facilites attached but as we have preferred free camping I am afraid we cannot provide you with costs.
We hope your have a safe journey and it seems we will both be arriving in Darwin about the same time. We are booked in there from 29th July. Great minds think alike!
All the best with your trip and I am sure if you chat to some of the people along the way they will give you info re other options for places to stay overnight and to visit on your journey.
Regards Diane and Bruce
We stayed at Daly Waters Pub last night and once again we were there early (1.30pm) and by 4pm they were turning people away as they had no room. We heard from staff member that they had turned away 27 vans in all. It is a fantastic place to stop. What a great night we had. Happy Hour, Toss the Boss (flip a coin and if you call it right you get free drinks), Entertainment from 5pm right through to 9.30 or so. Each night they have a Beef and Barra BBQ and it is well worth the money and delicious. It was a great night with plenty of audience participation so would recommend you putting this on your list of 'Must See/Stay'.
