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Brisbane to Broome... live (ish) trip report
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It’s a big country. https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1829c17a8.jpeg After months of planning we are finally on our way. We are two couples with two caravans making the huge drive across this amazing continent, we have 6 weeks. All new to caravaning but no strangers to adventure. We’ve cooked planned and done a lot of smaller practice trips. Our first major destination will be Longreach, with overnight stops in Mitchell and Tambo. I’m going to try and update here regularly.... if I don’t get ‘car sick’ doing it. A very different trip trip for us, but thought it was time to see our own country. |
Safe journeys to you. I look forward to hitching a ride. Especially eager for the Kimberley bits.
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My parents enjoyed caravanning for years and reluctantly gave it up not that long ago. It's on our radar too, we would be complete novices so I'll look forward to your adventures.
Safe travelling. Kay |
ok, first of all I had to find out where Broome is, and then how far it is from Brisbane.
Wow - 4,664 kms, and according to google maps, 52 hours of driving, give or take. As this is probably the closest I will ever get to the centre of Australia, I'm going to hitch a ride on the back of your 'van [you won't notice me with such a large vehicle] and join in. Good luck to us all! |
Good for you! I’ll be along for the ride, too.
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Tuning in...looking forward to following along on your adventure!
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Hi Ann, welcome aboard.
We’ve had a wonderful couple of days. Left Mitchell and headed towards, Charleville, too early for lunch so just had a cuppa and a brief look around town. Headed on to Blackall home to ‘The Black Stump,’ (an old tree stump used by surveyors in the 1800,s as a marker. Anything west of the marker was considered remote and ‘uncivilised,. Therefore ‘Beyond the Black Stump’) If I’m honest, it wasn’t anything special to ‘see’ but as an Aussie it was good to read the story and tick it off the list of iconic Australian sites. We decided we were all fresh enough to have a long driving day, so actually made it to Barcaldine, about 8 hours from Mitchell. The scenery is amazing, so so dry, the drought has a firm hold on this country. The road kill is phenomenal, mostly kangaroo’s but did see a huge cow/bull and an enormous pig. We made it into Barcaldine (home to the ‘Tree of Knowledge’) late afternoon. Settled into our home for the night, the local showgrounds, what a great concept. Took a walk after dinner into town to have a look at ‘the’ tree. Wow, again another iconic Aussie story and in the day light, it is literally a dead tree stump. But at night it really is great, they’ve done an exceptional job of displaying it with lights, so that it appears to be a huge tree. Had a night cap in one of the 5 pubs in town and headed to bed with the resident Rooster asleep under our van. (fear not, he’d moved on by morning…phew) We had a short drive to Longreach yesterday morning and arrived in time to visit the Stockmans Hall of Fame, and see the 11am show. This should be a must visit for every Australian, what a fantastic facility and the ‘out back stockman show’ is such good value. Its equal parts funny and educational. Settled into our very dry and dusty park for the night and we were having afternoon drinks when we were visited by the resident Brahman Bull and its ‘rider’. So Aussie!!!!! He stayed for a while and chatted then told us there would be entertainment and drinks in the Woolshed from 6, so off we went. A lovely atmosphere and a great way to end a terrific day. We are staying here again tonight, will visit the Qantas museum and have a good look around Longreach. |
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Hi Aussiedreamer,
Wow that is some van you have there!!! And ah the red dust - it's been a while since we have been outback driving so joining in to enjoy this report. Our trips many years ago took place with at least two offspring on board (sometimes three) so they were a little less long but we loved being 'out there'. Just reflecting that it was you who inspired us way back in 2013 when you wrote about going to Mayrhofen for Christmas! We headed off the following Christmas to Seefeld and have since continued to go summer walking in the Tirol and now the Dolomites a bit further south. I love reading your reports so really looking forward to this one. |
Oh lovely to hear from you love_travel_aus. Yeah it’s a great van, it’s great to have the deck to get out of the dirt. Off to ‘The ‘Isa’ tomorrow to experience our first rodeo ��
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Goodness we packed in a few kms in our first day. It got a bit dusty on the back of the van there and that road kill was rather grim but the stockman show was great! Fab van too! Looking forward to the rodeo.
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Gosh your van with all the pullouts looks amazing. Is that your first van? We went to the recent caravan show at Brisbane showgrounds and just about every van we looked at had a bathroom with shower and toilet. Very different from when we were growing up. I'd be interested to know what things you use a lot in your van and what you could do without - oven, shower, microwave etc etc. We've been thinking of trying to manage with a small van but that means less 'things'.
Kay |
Count another one hitching a ride here!
Looking good, if dusty! |
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So many road trains but all very courteous. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e8b147449.jpeg Our wide brown land. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...53a207c6b.jpeg My ‘Isa steak. Greetings from Mount Isa. Great drive yesterday, some very diverse landscapes. But back to Longreach for a second, we were both disappointed with the qantas museum. Not sure why but just didn’t grab us. The others went to the school of the air and watched a class being run. Mary is a retired teacher and enjoyed it immensely. Kinda wish we’d done that. Oh well. Our drive Ive was about 7.5 hours yesterday, at a very unrushed pace. Thrilled to see The Walkabout Pub (from Crocodile Dundee) and the intersection to Julia acreek.... so close, maybe next time. Lunch in the park at Cloncurry, then onto ‘The ‘Isa’. Settled in and hit the pub for a steak dinner.... what else would you do in ‘Isa?? we are about to head to the Rodeo, our first ever, should be a hoot. Tonight some friends of Mary’s are taking us to an abandoned quarry to watch the sunset and have dinner around a bonfire....can’t wait. |
Love the photos, thanks for sharing the trip.
Kay |
Yes, great photos. The imp in me wants to liken that parched landscape to my back lawn but I know that the drought is not funny, and we have just had a couple of downpours that will quickly remedy our situation. Not so the drought in so many countries this year.
I hope that steak tasted as good as it looks! |
On the road this morning, we will cross the border into the Northern Territory and spend the night on a cattle station, Banka Banka. No power no water... should be fun.
Had a a great couple of days in Mount Isa, we all thoroughly enjoyed our first rodeo. Lots of bravery and skill, can’t say I’m now hooked but very glad to have experienced it. Our afternoon: evening at the quarry was my highlight. We headed about 30 minutes out of town, turned onto a dirt road a through a gate onto a station, the deal is you can’t tell anyone where it is. You have to be taken there, great idea. After a bit of 4W driving we stopped and climbed an awesome rock formation with stunning views. Then head to the quarry wow, so much sky, we had amazing views. Set up for the evening with bubbles and cheese to watch the sun set. Stunning!!! Then a bbq and bonfire while star gazing. There were two adorable kids with us, they had an app that showed you which star/ planet you were looking at. A very memorable evening. A look around town yesterday, afternoon at the rodeo , then packed up for our early departure this morning. Spent the evening at the rodeo watching the night time events. A fantastic couple of days and the steak was yummy, Ann. xx mobile wifi not strong enough on the toad to upload any photos. And the road is bumpy so excuse spelling!!! |
I’m enjoying this enormously, Aussiwdreamer! Thanks so much for sbaring your trip - and the photos.
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Really enjoying your story. We've visited most of Australia with a caravan during our retirement and absolutely loved it. Met great people and saw some wonderful country.
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This is a terrific journey and I am really enjoying following along.
The quarry excursion and the night sky sounds wonderful! And I am sure the rodeo was entertaining if a little scary. Looking forward to hearing about Banka Banka - and crossing into NT. Oh annhig - I do hope your back lawn recovers, and for all those facing drought we know what it is like - I grew up in Western Australia and my parents were very strict re using water to the extent that I still feel guilty if I let a tap run freely. Safe and happy travels aussiedreamer! |
Hi all. Just passed through Elliot, between Tennant Creek and Katherine. Another great day yesterday, big driving day. Crossed the Qld / NT decided we’d stop for photo op in the way. (Read ooops missed the turn into the only spot to park).
Arrived into Banka Banka station mid afternoon. Wow we weren’t expecting much but how wrong we were, such a great setup. You leave your van hitched and we managed to fluke a grassed area. So set up for afternoon drinks while watching the resident camels. Took a walk up to the look out they have set up, amazing views across the station to the horizon that seems unending. Then headed to the camp fire for refreshments and entertainment from a really talented country singer. Just the loveliest night, I can quite honestly say I’ve never seen so many stars. Earlish start rhis morning......im sure it had nothing to do with last nights refreshments?!?!?!? The station only has unpowered sites, but they have a communal camp kitchen with power. Don’t laugh.... we took our Nespresso machine and toaster and had a much appreciated breakfast. Staying at Katherine tonight, actually just past in the national park Sunset cruise on Katherine gorge tonight. Thanks for for the lovely comments, more photos soon. |
Don’t laugh.... we took our Nespresso machine and toaster and had a much appreciated breakfast.
Ha! A camper after my own heart! Proper coffee! |
Sunset at the he quarry photos
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Don’t laugh.... we took our Nespresso machine and toaster and had a much appreciated breakfast.
I wouldn't dream of laughing, aussiedreamer. After all, if you can't find room for things like that in a van that size, what's the point of taking it? Good for you. The photos of the rodeo are amazing - really fab. And the sunset is gorgeous too. Amazing. |
Good morning from Kakadu National Park, Northern Territory. Woh Woh Woh, just the most amazing couple of days. Katherine Gorge was everything I'd ever imagined,we arrived with just enough time to set up for our one night there and freshen up for our sunset cruise. We cruised through 2 of the 13 or so gorges, after the first gorge you take a lovely/easy walk over to the next gorge. The scenery and the colors in the golden hour or so before sunset, where breath taking. When we got back to the first gorge our dinner boat was waiting for us. White table cloths the whole nine yards, we cruised a little while having our welcome cocktail, then anchored up for dinner with the sun setting behind the sheer rock face of the gorge. It truly was a pinch yourself evening.
We woke early and took the hour or so walk up to the look out for sunset.....I just can't find enough superlatives. Stunning. A shortish drive the next day, towards Katherine, stopping there for a few essentials, then onto the National Park for the next 3 days. Fantastic park at Jabiru, we even have green grass, which we have seen much of. Had a lovely leisurely afternoon and evening for an early start yesterday. We were picked up at 6.30am and drove nearly 2hours on 4wd tracks into the park. We then walked (climbed/scrambled/crawled) another 2 hours into Jim Jim Falls. Although we knew there would be no water as its the dry season, it was simply amazing. A few people went in for a swim in the bottomless water, no sun, so a tad fresh BUT oh woh. Our next scramble was to the 'beach' for morning tea and a swim. I can't describe the clear beautiful water, so deep and fresh and amazing. I just tried to block out that there were definitely crocs lurking below. No I'm not insane, I've learnt quickly that the fresh water crocodiles are scared of us and the only reason they would hurt you is if you attack them. The 'salty's' on the other had will eat you alive. eeeeek We all decided that this day would forever be a highlight, we then had to scramble hours back to the vehicle. It was the hardest walk I've ever done, EVER but the rewards were well worth it. Today we are off to do a cruise on the Yellow River to see some big Crocs, no bathers needed today!!!https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...51eb46cd20.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...a83ed99ceb.jpg https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...70863a9172.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...85ba19f911.jpg |
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What an amazing and wonderful few days you have had.
Thank you sharing your story and the photos. We lived in the Territory for a few years 35+ years ago and whilst we got to a lot of places there was little tourist infrastructure and certainly not the wonderful cruise and tours you describe. We were always pretty terrified of coming across crocs especially when out at Gove, but fortunately they kept away. I am really enjoying your reports so again thank you. |
Oh my! What a beautiful country we have!
Thanks again for sharing your wanderings with us. |
Spectacular!! I love your country!
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I'm loving your trip report - great photos.
Thanks |
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https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3b1a848829.jpg https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...481f93bd8c.jpg https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...22bbfa7a2d.jpg https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6c611e12cb.jpg https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3f715ae9ad.jpg https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9714c3c09f.jpg https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...51102fbba4.jpg I wish I had the right words to describe our wonderful day yesterday. If anyone has ever seen photos of Kakadu, I’m pretty sure we saw those views. Drove to Cooinda from our base in Jabiru and took the Yellow Water River cruise, through the Yellow water billabong, up the river to the Yellow Water wetlands. The wild life, flowers and information were all fantastic. We saw an abundance of birds, so many crocodiles, water buffaloes, wild horses and cattle. All roaming freely in amongst the prettiest backdrop. The tour was about 3 hours that seemed to go by on 5. Had some lunch and a very excited debrief at the Cooinda lodge. Very tempted to jump in the beautiful pool, which is available to all visitors but we were in a mission. Next stop was Cahills Crossing/ causeway. This crossing is tidal driven, only the very experienced or brave drivers cross it. As the water is full of salt water crocs. We didn’t cross but stood on the viewing platform and watched the crocs catch fish as the jumped across the causeway. They are magnificent creatures, equal part graceful and terrifying. Went back to Ubirr, to the Warradjan cultural centre and did a short walking tour to view the awesome rock art. And to hear some really touching stories. Wether you believe in the ‘Dreamtime Stories’ or not, it’s great to hear them in that setting. Took a walk climb to the top to get a 360deg view of this part of Kakadu. Another amazing day. We left this morning and are now headed back down ‘a bit’ and then across to Lake Argle in WA. We will stop at Victoria river for the night. Vans are going great, weather is definitely warming up and the scenery is ever changing. |
Great report and loving your pics.
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Wow! Must be a wonderful season up there.
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Nice. This should be an incredible journey. Enjoy it
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<<Oh annhig - I do hope your back lawn recovers, and for all those facing drought we know what it is like - I grew up in Western Australia and my parents were very strict re using water to the extent that I still feel guilty if I let a tap run freely.>>
thanks, love_travel_Aus -it's gradually coming back and there's no way i would water it - our only water comes from a well and though it's never run dry yet, I don't want to tempt fate. We do use it for watering the veg garden though - food is more important than grass. aussieD - I am so pleased that we have now got to such a beautiful area with water. The gorge is gorgeous isn't it? What a great trip. looking forward to lots lots more. |
We’ve made it safe n sound to lake Argyle, absolutely stunning place. There’s no wifi or even phone service, which is tough when you are missing the grand kids. But it’s a magical part of the world. We’ve basically just been walking swimming and relaxing. Spending the morning in Kunanurra, tomorrow we will go to El Questro station for the day. Then head to the Bungle Bungles!!!https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...ade760344.jpeghttps://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c76b71dbc.jpeg
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Love your photos, especially the galahs. They always look comical but pretty too. Has the driving been easy or difficult? Any tips for novices like us?
Thanks, Kay |
Loving reading your report - lots of memories of things like a flight over Jimjim in the wet, Ubbirr . Couldn't stop laughing at your nespresso- nearly glamping ��.
looking forward to your Broome adventures - we go there at least once a year to visit my son and family . fab photos |
You're right, AussieD, stunning is the word. Really out of this world.
And is that an infinity swimming pool???? |
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