Australia!

So finally we reached Darwin, Australia!

 

In the wee hours of the morning we're picked up from the airport and taken to our campsite for a short, but much needed snooze.

Then we head out to the first taste of the Australian wilderness, Kakadu. Aboriginal art aplenty, along with billabongs, insects and the ever looming threat of crocodiles we camp for our first night.

 

aboriginal artist ayers rock

huntsman!!!

 

Next on the itinerary is Katherine, a beautiful gorge with a swimming pool for the less adventurous amongst us, to cool down from the mighty heat of the day.

Further south we travel, on endless, straight roads that seem to disappear to the horizon. A visit to the famous Daly Waters pub, and another refreshing dip in the thermal pools of Mataranka are both welcome in the searing heat and humidity.

outback camping

outback campfire

 

Slowly but surely we head ever southwards until we eventually reach Alice Springs and ultimately the world famous and widely acknowledged spiritual centre of this red land, Ayers Rock or Uluru as it's otherwise known. A stunning sun rise, in true Rolf Harris style, followed by a hike around the base of the monolith, then a trip out to The Olgas to marvel at their natural, sentinel like presence in the middle of the red desert.

alice springs sign

 



daly waters pub
 

devils marbles

 

Next was Coober Pedy, the opal mining capital of the world, and an amazing bush camp amongst the bull dust and harsh environment. Fully fed and watered we carry on still further south, taking in the open space and feeling of freedom only a country of this magnitude can offer.

stuck trailer at coober pedy

 

 

Port Augusta sees us heading East along the Barrier Highway, on to Broken Hill and Dubbo, through the wine region for a spot of tasting and then to Bathurst for a quick lap around the Panorama Raceway. No lap records set that day, but a great experience nonetheless.

bathurst trailer lap

 

Our last camp was at Lake Lyell where we prepared ourselves for the emotional end of our epic trip across 23 countries. The Blue Mountains were our final stop before heading into the suburbs of Sydney, over the ANZAC bridge and finally to The Sydney Opera House, where our 28 week Odyssey ended.

 

camp near sydney

 

Tears of joy, celebrations, farewells and photo opportunities saw the end of our adventure, as we all went our separate ways, some going home and some continuing their travels to other parts of this huge and diverse country.

the end! sydney

 

Good on ya mate!!!