Coober Pedy to Alice Springs

The route will cover:

The journey will bypass Uluru mainly because it's a National Park and Buddy can't get in and also I will make arrangements to fly there in 2012 (without Buddy) and spend  few days looking around. I'm sure it's worth the visit, but not the hassle.  Alternatively I might find a dog sitter in Alice springs and fly or drive (4 hours each way) to Uluru, then again, I may just give Uluru a miss this time around.

Well, this is the destination from which this adventure was created. Perhaps not exactly half the journey, but close enough. My schedule has me arriving on the 26th July and staying 5 nights, then leaving on the 31st July

The caravan park:

Alice Springs Heritage Caravan and Tourist Park

Lot 8483, Ragonesi Road
Alice Springs
Northern Territory 0871
Australia

Facilities:


* BBQ Facilities
* Camp Kitchen
* Car park
* Vehicle wash facilities
* Communal Refrigerator
* Cots Available
* Gas
* Ice
* Iron
* Laundry
* Library
* Public Telephone
* Shop
* Tour Desk

I’ll place some photographs and/or video here, once I have had first hand knowledge of the location.

Mobile and TV reception:

Mobile coverage 

TV reception includes:

Work in progress

Rates: 

Surrounding area:

Woomera to Coober Pedy

The route:

Still on the Stuart Highway my travel will take me from Woomera to Coober Pedy which is an easy 374 Kilometres drive. I’ll be passing through a few small locations on the route, including Pima Glendambo, passing Mount Soward and Mount Sandy on my left, across Brumby creek (I hope!), Mount Pennine on my right, then leaving the highway and turning right onto Hutchinson street into Coober Pedy. I’ll rejoin the Stuart Highway when I continue my journey towards Alice Springs. My schedule for arrival in Coober Pedy is 24th July, staying for a couple of nights to take in the scenery, then leaving on the 26th July

The caravan park:

Opal Inn Caravan Park

Address Hutchinson St

Coober Pedy, SA, 5723, Australia

Main 08 8672 5054

Fax 08 8672 5501

I chose this park because I liked the name! it also allows dogs while on a leash. It’s also on the main road that I turned into from the highway, so I shouldn’t miss it!.

Other Features/Facilities mentioned by the caravan park include:

Central location

Van sites, all with double power & sullage

Drive through sites

Showers (coin operated), handicapped toilets

Guest coin operated laundry

Modern conveniences & ablution block

Introductory discount vouchers

Shaded BBQ area

The Adjoining Opal Inn Hotel/Motel offers a Restaurant, Bistro (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)

Bars, Bottle Shop, Poker Machines, SKY, X-Lotto, Keno & TAB

Pool Tables

Conference & Meeting Facilities

Tours & Airport transfers

Opal & Souvenir Sales

Internet Facilities

All Major Credit Cards accepted

DOGS permitted on leash/under control

I’ll place some photographs and/or video here, once I have had first hand knowledge of the location.

Mobile and TV reception:

Coober Pedy is served by both local and national radio and television services. The government-owned ABC provides three broadcast radio stations — local radio ABC North & West SA 106.1FM & and the national networks ABC Radio National 107.7FM and Triple J 101.3FM.

Commercial radio stations are Dusty Radio 104.5FM and Flow FM 99.7. Community radio is provided by indigenous broadcaster Caama Radio 102.9FM.

Mobile coverage 

TV reception includes:

Four broadcast television services operate in Coober Pedy: commercial stations Imparja Television and Southern Cross Central (formerly known as Seven Central) and the Government-owned ABC and SBS.

Digital Television transmissions are expected to commence sometime between 2010 - 2013. Additional channels that are available in most other areas of Australia are expected to commence transmission in the Coober Pedy area around this time. Analogue television transmissions will be switched off by 31 December 2013.

Rates: 

$30 per night

Surrounding area:

Wikipedia describes Coober Pedy as follows:

Coober Pedy is a very small town, roughly halfway between Adelaide and Alice Springs, that has become a popular stopover point and tourist destination, especially since the completion of the sealing of the Stuart Highway in 1987.

Interesting attractions in Coober Pedy include the mines, the graveyard, and the underground churches. The first tree ever seen in the town was welded together from scrap iron. It still sits on a hilltop overlooking the town.

Both the town and its hinterland, for different reasons, are very photogenic and have therefore attracted film makers. The town itself was the setting for the 2006 film Opal Dream. The town is a pivotal location in Wim Wenders' 1991 film Until the End of the World.[9][10]

The hinterland, notably the Breakaways and Moon Plain, have featured as backdrops in films including Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, Red Planet, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, Pitch Black and Salute of the Jugger which made considerable use of locals as extras.

Coober Pedy was featured in the second season of the TV series, The Amazing Race.

The book Wildfire by Chris Ryan includes Coober Pedy but states that there are only 3 buildings on the surface and the rest of the town is underground. Much of the 1996 novel Oyster by Janette Turner Hospital, which revolves around opal mining and tells the story of a reclusive self-appointed "messiah", is set in the fictional Outer Maroo, located near Coober Pedy.

The music video for INXS's "Kiss The Dirt (Falling Down the Mountain)" was shot at Moon Plains.

The town was featured on an episode of Sesame Street.

Port Augusta to Woomera

The route:

Well this is where I head North traveling between Port Augusta to Woomera for about 181 kilometres driving along the Stuart Highway, then turning off the Highway and travelling along the Olympic Dam-Pima Road to Woomera (I’ll have to return along this road and join the Stuart Highway again when I head of to Coober Pedy. I’ve made a mental note to check this road for suitability for towing a caravan (This is where Google earth comes into its own). By all accounts this is a short distance into territory that is totally new to me. I’m looking forward to the drive. I remember way back in my work life in the U.K. I worked on missiles for the British Aircraft Corporation and I understand, some of the missiles were destined for Woomera. The missile test area is still restricted to the general public however, an area has been opened up for travellers. If I have not altered my planned schedule, I should arrive in Woomera on the 22nd of July and leave on the 24th July

The caravan park

Woomera Traveller’s Village & Caravan Park.

Old Pimba Road

Woomera

South Australia

Australia

E-mail: info@woomera.com

Telephone: +61 (08) 8673 7800

Fax: +61 (08) 8673 7700

http://www.woomera.com

The caravan Park provides the following basic facilities:

Cudgee Bar (licensed on site & open daily, No B.Y.O), 

Coin operated gas BBQ’s with undercover seating and lighting, 

Coin operated washing machines & dryers, 

Camp kitchens, 

Coin operated public telephone, 

Gas bottle refills, 

Fax services available (fee applies)

I’ll place some photographs and/or video here, once I have had first hand knowledge of the location.

Mobile and TV reception:

Mobile coverage 

TV reception includes:

Work in progress

Rates: 

$15 for 1, $25 for 2, $6 per extra person,

Surrounding area:

The caravan park provided the following information about Woomera:

Woomera is in the 'outback' desert area of South Australia, approximately 488km north of Adelaide. An easement through the WPA allows public transit on the Trans-Australian Railway, The Ghan, and the Stuart Highway. Travellers are prohibited from leaving these routes. In 1982 restrictions on public access to Woomera township were lifted, allowing the town to develop as a tourist destination, while maintaining its support role for the WTR.

Wikipedia describes Woomera as follows:

Woomera's attractions include its historic aerospace site and the Woomera National Aerospace and Missile Park, located in the centre of town. It features missiles and rockets that were developed and tested at Woomera over the last 60 years, as well as a number of historic aircraft which were used in trials at Woomera. There is a visitors information and heritage interpretation centre as well as a museum which was formerly a recreation centre for USAF personnel and their families from Nurrungar. Other attractions include a movie theatre, a bowling alley, swimming centre, shops and stores, pubs and clubs. Woomera is also a haven for observing and understanding Australia's desert flora and fauna. The Woomera Marine Centre, which is located next to the Community Centre, offers an ironic attraction for the middle of a desert environment.

Broken Hill, New South Wales to Port Augusta, South Australia

The journey between Broken Hill and Port Augusta will be confined solely to the Barrier Highway, making the drive an easy one. The distance between Broken Hill and Port Augusta is about 412 kilometres.

The route:

If my initial plan is still on schedule I should be arriving at Port Augusta on the 19th July and leaving on the 22nd July. Again I will unhitch from the caravan and use the Prado to take a day to experience some of the local scenery that I missed on my last visit in 2010.

The caravan park:

Shoreline Caravan Park

Gardiner Ave, PORT AUGUSTA SA 5700

Phone/Fax:(08) 8642 2965

Email:info@shorelinecaravanpark.com.au 

I’m pretty sure I have stayed here before. The site nestles under the shadows of the Flinders ranges and almost reaches the water of the Spencer Gulf - A great place for anglers. Once again pets are allowed on a leash (so Buddy and I can rest our heads for as long as we wish).

The caravan park offers a substantial list of facilities that I’m sure will cater of everyone’s needs and expectations

I’ll place some photographs and/or video here, once I have had first hand knowledge of the location.

Mobile and TV reception:

Mobile coverage 

TV reception includes:

Work in progress

Rates: 

Powered Ensuite Site $35 per night, $8 per extra adult, $5 per extra child

Powered Site $25 per night, $8 per extra adult, $5 per extra child

Surrounding area:

There are galleries, fishing, lookouts and Museums of the past are all around and of course, the Royal Flying Doctors are represented. For rainy days there is the Augusta cinema.

The Sydney Morning Herald describes the location (in part):

There is no other town in Australia quite like Port Augusta for contrasts. Arrive in spring and the journey over the mountains from Wilminton is a magical experience. The car cuts through Horrocks Pass down onto the seaside plains near Port Augusta. To the west lie the beautifully contoured, undulating slopes of the Flinders Ranges. They are magical in their beauty and, in spring, they are impossibly green and fertile. At sunset they are gently coloured with a purplish hue. Yet this is only one angle on Port Augusta. The town is literally on the edge of the desert. Drive north along the Stuart Highway and only a few kilometres to the north, the edge of town gives way to flat scrubby land which stretches to the horizon. To the west lie five huge plateaux and their are dry salt lakes beside the road.

Port Augusta is located 322 km north of Adelaide and is a genuine crossroads with roads heading north to Alice Springs and Darwin, west to the Nullarbor and the Eyre Peninsula and east to Adelaide.

Nyngan, New South Wales to Broken Hill, New South Wales

A typical road train:

My past experience with drivers of road trains has always been a pleasurable one. I find them courteous and some with a dry sense of humour when chatting over the UHB (Channel 18 for caravaners). It just makes driving that much more of a pleasure, especially when being overtaken and getting into the practice of flashing lights and trafficators. I flash my head lights a couple of times to let the road train know he’s clear to come back in, in front of me and he flashes his trafficators to say ‘Thanks mate’.

The route:

Nyngan to Broken Hill is 587 kilometres The drive will use the Barrier highway from “go to woe”. The only two things I keep a lookout for on this highway is wayward Kangaroos and road trains. Just on signalling when on the highways. It’s common practice for caravaners to raise a finger (nicely!) to on coming caravaners and they in turn will usually respond with the same signal. It’s like saying ‘G’day’ to fellow travellers.

My initial plan is to arrive at Broken Hill on the 17th July and leave on the 19th July. I will unhitch from the caravan and use the Prado to take a day to experience some of the local scenery that I missed on my last visit in 2010.

The caravan park:

Broken Hill Tourist Park

1 Mann Street

Broken Hill

(08)8088 2250

I stayed here for a few nights stop over in 2010 and found the caravan park provided all the facilities needed. Pets are allowed on a leash. I haven’t seen a third party rating, however if I was to decide I would rate it 3 stars. The caravan park is reasonably close to the Barrier Highway and the Imperial Lake (No access for visitors)

I’ll place some photographs and/or video here, once I have had first hand knowledge of the location.

Mobile and TV reception:

Mobile coverage is poor.

TV reception includes:

Work in progress

Rates: 

Surrounding area:

Broken Hill is loaded near an abundance of National Parks and museums displaying historical artefacts and the Royal Flying Doctor Service - Visitors' Centre (A truly worthy cause to subscribe to).

Silverton is a worthwhile location to visit (The location was used n the Mad Max and other movies. The Silverton Hotel’s walls are covered in photographs from the movies).

Another location worth a visit is the Steamtown Heritage Rail Centre.

During my last visit I stayed 3 or 4 nights so I had time to take in the local attractions. This time around it will likely be just an overnight stay so time will be limited (unless I change my mind!)

Rooty Hill,New South Wales to Nyngan, New South Wales

The route:

Looking at the map, Nyngan looks like a possible one night stop over. It’s just 548 Kilometres from home. The initial part of the drive will take the picturesque "Bells line of road" (approximately 57 kilometres) then the open scenery surrounding the Great Western Highway for about 83 kilometres and finally travelling the remaining journey along the Mitchell Highway. As you can see, I intend passing through Dubbo so that I get a chance to see a new location (having previously stopped at Dubbo before). I usually have a quick road side stop every 2 or so hours to stretch my legs and allow Buddy to do the same (Maybe take a few snap shots). Before setting off from home I will likely make up a few bread rolls and a flask of coffee for the journey and repeat the process for each leg of the journey. My initial plan is to arrive at Nyngan on the 16th July, remain hitched to the caravan, and leave on the 17th July

The caravan park:

Name: Nyngan Riverside Caravan Park

Proprietors: Jack and Dione Carter

Location: Cnr Barrier Highway and Mitchell Highway - Nyngan NSW 2825

Postal Address: PO Box 78 - Nyngan NSW 2825

Phone: (02) 6832 1729

Mobile Phone: 0428 322 037

Fax: (02) 6832 1767

I have chosen the Nyngan Riverside caravan park. I read through a number of reviews by people that had stayed at this caravan park, and all gave it glowing recommendations. One can’t beat ‘word of mouth’! You need to leave the Mitchell Highway for a short distance, travelling along the Barrier Highway to the caravan park

The NRMA have rated the park 3 and a half stars

The park looks spacious, allows pets (on a leash) and boasts a list of facilities to make the stop over a pleasant experience. Nyngan Riverside Caravan Park is located on the banks of the beautiful Bogan River. The park is set well back from the highway on 15 spacious acres with a lot of grass and shady trees. 

If you are into fishing or bird watching, this is the place to be.

I’ll place some photographs and/or video here, once I have had first hand knowledge of the location.

Mobile and TV reception:

Mobile coverage is available for most telco’s.

TV reception includes:

Work in progress

Rates: 

Powered sites: $25.00 for 1 adult and $28.00 for 2 adults, $7.00 every extra person, or alternatively,

Drive thru private en-suites: $35.00 for 2 adults, $7.00 every extra person.

Surrounding area:

The Sydney Morning Herald described Nyngan (and Canonba) as:

 “A Pleasant country town and service centre on the Bogan River. Nyngan is a country town of some 2500 people, situated by the Bogan River on the eastern edge of the Great Outback. It is located on the Mitchell Highway between Narromine and Bourke, 583 km north-west of Sydney and 173 metres above sea-level. The Barrier Highway also starts at Nyngan, heading west to Cobar. Wool, wheat and cattle are the primary local produce in what is a very productive pastoral and agricultural shire”.