13/08/23

Feature Photo: Camping at North Lefroy, Ningaloo, WA.

3 weeks touring the north west of Western Australia, 4th to the 24th of June 2023.

“So what was the dollar damage”.

Food/Groceries = $698

Accommodation = $296 (10 nights)

Beer, wine, spirits = $488

Eat outs.= $292

Misc.= $85 (bulk water, dog tag & toy, car/camper wash)

Fuel Diesel = $943, 500.8L, average cost per liter $1.883

Kilometer’s = 3302km, (average daily km = 157.2km per day). Average fuel usage = 15.15 litres per 100kms. Daily fuel cost approximately $43p/d.  Total cost of 3 week tour = $2802.

Welcome back friends, this blog post has taken awhile to get out. Life, work and family commitments are slowing us down but we are still focused on the goal, a future living full time on the road and doing our own thing. This mini tour we’ve recently completed just proves to us that is what we want to be doing. 

The count down to that day is on and we are well into the final investing and saving stages of the plan to make it happen. Here are some of the strategies we have implemented over the past 2 years. Obtain and recommence full time work, purchase another house to rent out (or sell) in the future, salary sacrificing an extra 12% of my pre-taxable income, managing our own superannuation, having some on the side income streams like the AirBnB unit & Jenny’s bookkeeping business. Re-establish our emergency fund and/or one years worth of travel money. The vehicle and camper are already purchased and can be ready for full time travel on short notice if required.

We believe the path to an early retirement is to have enough assets and cash to last you 25 years living a modest lifestyle. Due to Australia’s rules for accessing your superannuation tax free and the fact we have piled so much of our savings into it over the last 18 years we need to get as close to the age of 60 without burning through all of our healthy, younger years between the age of 55 to 60. Ideally you should enter into early retirement debt free but at the moment we are aiming to be as close to debt free as possible and remain strongly cash flow positive. It would take us 4 to 5 years of aggressively paying down the mortgage on the Bunbury house to pay it off. I doubt we can both maintain that effort and keep working for that long. There is also the option to sell a property if need be.

What date does team wiljen plan on “pulling the pin” you may be thinking ? It’s to early to put that information out there on the internet but if you read between the lines above the clues are there. In the meantime Jenny and I have to remember to get a bit of joy and wonder out of every day. 

That’s enough about “The F.I.R.E Plan” for now, we are thoroughly enjoying the new house. Bunbury is starting to grow on us and it would not be unreasonable to say that when the time comes to settle down we would seriously consider living in this area permanently.  After spending a whole year diligently working and saving our annual leave the time had finally come to enjoy a well deserved break. I have a block of 33 days available and Jenny 21 days. 

Team wiljen ready for a long overdue adventure.

The basic plan of the trip was to spend 4 nights in Kalbarri catching up with our Kids at the Murchison Caravan Park, continue up the coast and enjoy 4 nights beach camping at North Lefroy (Ningaloo). Then randomly and slowly make our way back south via the inland route known as the “Wool Wagon Way” by turning off 5kms south of Yannarie (formally Barridale) then travel along the Towera Road, following the Yannarie River heading for the eastern side of the Kennedy Range National Park via Mangaroon, through to Gascoyne Junction, Murchison and finally terminating at Mullewa (approximately 800kms of dirt road).

3 weeks, 3302kms.

Then head for Mandurah to drop off the Camper at the Travel Home Base. From there I’ll fly out to Cairns, Queensland for one more week of warm weather and Jenny will return to Bunbury to recommence her work commitments.

So let’s get started, on my second last day of work I was feeling very average and at the end of the day went home sick. Thursday I called in sick on what was suppose to be my last day of work (now that’s not suspect at all !). Friday I was suppose to be packing and getting organised while Jenny completed her last day of work at the Collie Shire but I was still crook with the flu or covid and spent the whole day resting in bed. Saturday I’m feeling a little better, we had planned to depart but nothing was packed so we didn’t get going until Sunday the 4th.

While I’m sick I stay in the car, Jenny pops into the hospital to check on Dad.

4/06/23 Sunday, Day 1. 

Millbridge to Wannamal (south of Mogumber) via Pinjarra & Mandurah.

Depart 1000hrs, Arrive 1700hrs, distance 275kms.

Adding to the complication of starting our North West road trip was the fact my Dad “Bill” had taken a bad fall on the 29th of May and had been admitted to hospital with a fractured hip. The plan for our departure involved a “milk run” just to get somewhere north of Perth before sunset. 

We stopped at Bill’s house in Pinjarra on the Pinjarra Festival Day long weekend so traffic was horrendous. We needed to pick up personal items for him, dispose of food stuffs, rubbish, clean dishes and generally make sure the place is ok to be left vacant for an extended period. Next it was the Peel Health Campus Hospital to see how the “Old Boy” is doing, since I was still quite ill, Jenny did a quick visit while Rodgie dog and I waited in the car.

Next we had to stop in at Jenny’s Mum’s place to drop off some medication and see how she was doing. Then collect our Hybrid Camper from the Travel Home Base (THB) where we store it in the shed. Our daughter Harper and her partner Jen currently rent the place from us so we have a few agreements to assist with subsidised rent. One of them being half of the 8m x 8m shed is for our purposes. The Camper was pretty much ready to go so we hitched it up and began heading north at the late time of 2pm. We still hadn’t had a chance to do food shopping but always carry a reasonable quantity of non perishable food in the camper.

After a wet but ok drive done by Jenny through Perth we ultimately ended up at a free 24 hour rest area at the old Wannamal School Site. There was some other people vehicle camping there and the site was about 70% full. It was cold and wet so most people were bunkered down inside their respective rigs. There are two ancient but clean flushing toilets on site, constructed of painted asbestos sheeting. The original boys and girls dunny’s from when the Wannamal State School which closed down in 1986.

For dinner it was a 10 year old tin of Harvest Mild Curry and a sachet of Uncle Ben’s Rice, nice. Oh yeah, while repacking the travel BBQ I left Rodgie dogs food bowl in the shed . We never did find a chance to do a food shop before or during our departure.

Wannamal overnight camp (free, 24hrs). Dinner is what ever we can find in the food box, 10 year old curry and a pack of 90 second rice.

5/06/23 Monday, Day 2. Extremely bad weather NW wind with heavy sustained rain.

Wannamal to Ellendale Pool, via Dongara.

Depart 0830, Arrive 1500hrs. Distance 385kms.

Free camping, busy and a very wet night at Ellendale Pool, 30-40mm, difficult day driving with strong headwinds and lots of rain. Jenny drove the first section to Three Springs. We stopped at the Sports Oval, had a coffee, threw the ball for Rodgie dog then headed off north. Grocery shopping stop at Mingenew, first two free camp sites were fails due to their location and the strong wind. Ellendale Pool was a desperate plan C that required a bit of back tracking. Most spaces have already been taken but we did find somewhere to slot it, there are toilets so that is handy. 

Jenny cooked dinner early and we ate by 5pm. The weather is so bad there isn’t any option but to crawl into the camper and hop into bed.

Night number 2, a very wet evening at Ellendale Pool, near Walkaway (free).

Jenny has to catch up on work, she does book work for a couple of clients. We stop at the Brigade’s Football Club Sports Oval, Geraldton.

6/06/23, Tuesday, Day 3 better clearer weather still a NW headwind.

Ellendale Pool to Kalbarri via Geraldton & coast road.

Depart 0815 arrive 1300hrs. Distance 230kms.

Drove to Kalbarri, turned off at North Hampton and followed the coast. 4 nights with Hayden, Kirsty, Olivia, Jake, Annelise and Charlie.

On Friday the 9/06/23 we all drove 50kms south to Lucky Bay and did some beach 4WDing. Jenny remained back at the caravan park to have some rest. Kalbarri is a fantastic coastal spot and one of our favourite places. 

The Murchison National Park is worth a visit, the town has grown over the years but still has a small feeling to it. It was great to see our family. Jenny and I predominantly performed grandparent duties while the adults (Kids) all got out and about. Our stop over was from 6/06/23-9/06/23, four days in Kalbarri and we were rewarded with excellent weather, sunny, warm 25C days and great company, very nice.

Camp site at Kalbarri’s Murchison Caravan Park for 4 nights. ($40p/n).

Nanna with the grandkids, Kalbarri, WA.

Pelican feeding, Kalbarri. (Free).

Olivia & Jake check out the Murchison River NP.

Day trip to Lucky Bay, 50kms south of Kalbarri.

10/06/23, Day 7, mid 20’s C daily now, slight SW winds.

Kalbarri to Gravel Pit 20kms south of Overland Roadhouse (Shark Bay turn off). 238kms. Depart 1100, Arrive 1500hrs.

We said our goodbyes to the “Kids” they were all aiming for Jurian Bay on their return trip south. Jenny and I were aiming for more sunshine and a free, private spot to camp. It’s worth mentioning that we topped up with the cheapest diesel of our whole tour at the Billabong Roadhouse Independent. $121, @ 169.9cpl, 71.22L.

It was an easy drive to a premium gravel pit, you needed to go through a gate near the eastern parking/rest area. We found ourselves about 400m from the North West Coastal Highway and had our first camp fire for the trip, cooked some burgers for dinner on our new folding fire pit and settled in for a relaxing quiet night. It was wonderful !

Hayden & Kirsty amuse young Charlie at Jurien Bay.

We find a nicely hidden gravel pit for the night, 20kms south of the Overland Roadhouse.

One week into our trip and finally a camp fire.

11/06/23, Day 8, Sunday, mid 20’s C daily now, slight SW winds.

Gravel Pit 20km south of Overlander to Gravel Pit 22kms south of Minilya Roadhouse.  Another good spot is on the east side of the NW Coastal Hwy.

Distance 329km.

We stopped in Carnarvon at the IGA for a grocery resupply, next door is the fortified Bottle Shop, the sign on the door says open on Sundays from 12noon to 6pm. It’s now 12.30pm and they’re shut ? That’s weird I’m thinking when I notice a hand written paper note saying closed Sunday and Monday until further notice. Jenny comes back with a trolley full of groceries ($185) which we pack away and then head for one of the hotels on the Carnarvon foreshore.

We park up and I go into the main bar of the Carnarvon Hotel, I ask for a 30 can block of whatever midstrength beer they have on special. The young backpacker barman initially goes off to get my block of beer and then the lady bar manager stops him and “says sorry mate can’t sell you that” all you can have is a beer at the bar, no takeaways.

You can’t buy any beer or alcohol in Carnarvon on Sunday or Monday, take-away purchases are banned. Kind of sucks if you are travelling through. No doubt the locals all stock up on Friday and Saturday. Seems very discriminatory towards tourists to me. Never mind I’ll just do without until we get to Coral Bay.

We head north out of Carnarvon and end up in another gravel pit around 3pm. It’s free, clean, level and there is enough wood around to have a campfire. After a check around for anything weird that could hurt Rodgie we let her off the lead to have an explore. At 5pm just before sunset a 4WD Nissan Navara dual cab ute towing a mega van pulls in. They could have found a more secluded spot within the gravel pit but decide to park 30 meters from us right in full view. Not to worry, we’ll be asleep soon.

Breakfast at the Overland Roadhouse, near the turn off to Shark Bay. B&E Toastie, Ice Coffee only $30 for the two of us.

Another great overnight camping spot south of Minilya Roadhouse. Not to many beers had around the campfire.

12/06/23, Day 9 Monday, great SW tailwinds meaning 14L per 100kms. Sunny clear skies. (Exceptional fuel economy for towing 2.1 tonne of Camper Trailer).

Gravel Pit (GP) 22kms south of Minilya Roadhouse to North Lefroy (Ningaloo) 226kms (about 60kms of rough 40km/h dirt road).

Depart 0815, arrive 1500, stopped at Minilya rest area for 2 hours so Jenny could work then stopped at Coral Bay for fuel, snacks and beer.

• $50 Snacks and batteries.

• $103 ,Beer and UDL 6 pack.

• $150, diesel at 211.8cpl = 70.8 litres* (fuel consumption 14L per 100kms).

As mentioned, we ended up sharing the gravel pit with another caravan. We had a small campfire and went to bed well before 9pm. As usual the clear night skies are magnificent out here.

Just cereal for breakfast and on the road early, not very far to the Minilya 24hr rest area on the southern banks of the river with drop toilets, tables and large paved area to limit dust, lots of shady trees but popular and quite a few vehicles parked up. The northern river bank behind the communication tower is probably a more private option. I chatted to a retired couple Lloyd and his wife from Bunbury for awhile then went exploring with Rodgie. Jenny spent a couple of hours doing her book work.

From there it was an hours drive into busy Coral Bay for fuel and supplies. Still a nice place but no photos we just did our business and kept moving north towards the Ningaloo turn off. Just north of the turn off is a small rest area that is a good spot to deflate tyres, front 27psi, rear 30psi and trailer 30psi. Fit the Stone Stomper rock protector, have lunch and switch on the campers dust suppression system.

The drive into North Lefroy was a slow affair, sandy with rocks to avoid and heavily corrugated, I estimate we travelled at an average of 30-40km/h so it took about an hour and a half to drive in. The site we booked and payed for 6 months prior is quite exposed and sandy but we made the best of it. 

It’s the windy season for the north west coast to you have to learn to embrace the sand, ocean water is nice and happily there aren’t to many flies. 

Camping for 4 nights at a windy North Lefroy, Ningaloo ($16p/n, bookings online).

13/06/23, Day 10 to 13, Tuesday. Another 25C sunny day with 30km/h easterly winds.

North Lefroy.

Can’t spend money here and we are well off the information grid, no phone reception, Internet or comms. Some other campers have Star Link satellite internet, which is starting to gain in popularity.

We did set up the full awning & attached the shade cloth. We had to use our on board cassette toilet as there are no facilities and doing your business in the bush with so many other campers around isn’t a good option (or permitted).

You aren’t allowed to stay here without your own toilet, there is a black water dump point. If you want a fire you need to bring in your own wood and use a portable fire pit. At least dogs are allowed, they must always be on a leash, but the camp hosts and other campers turn a blind eye once the dog is on the beach. The maximum time you can stay is 28 days and the cost is $16 p/n. It is a good spot but very windy. Howling easterly’s in the morning switching around to strong south westerly in the afternoon. We had a couple of goes fishing from the beach but no luck catching anything.

On day three Rodgie’s damaged claw on her right rear paw came good, I did gently cut off the semi detached nail on our second last day at North Lefroy and chuck some antiseptic cream on it.

North Lefroy.

Jenny and Rodgie enjoying some beach time at North Lefroy.

Jenny climbs to the top of the dunes at the northern end of North Lefroy.
Day 14, 16/06/23

169kms, North Lefroy to Gavel Pit 50km south of Exmouth via track to Yardie Creek. Depart 1015 arrive 1600hrs.

$180 food.

$7 water for camper tanks.

$170 alcohol .

$70 fuel @ 201.9cpl, 34L.

It was a nice stop at North Lefroy and we met some cool people, Kris and John from Victoria, camped near us. Kris was 64 and John 72, they spend up to 6 months on the road travelling every year. Nathan, Bec and their family pulled in the day before our departure. They both work at Albemarle with me and are originally from Gladstone, Queensland, it was a shame we didn’t have a bit more time to catch up with them, but it was nice to see how a family of 5 with grandma and granddad do camping in the dunes. Not much different to how we use to do it really.

There was a rain band predicted to come through in the next 24 hours, so it was lucky we were heading off. We had been advised not to take the 28km track to Yardie Creek, boggy sand and thick scrub that scratches your vehicle and camper we were told to just return via the rough 60km track that we had originally come in on. 

The problem is we are loopy travellers, we don’t like to back track but prefer to take an alternative route whenever possible. Plus, we wanted to stop in at Exmouth, thinking we may even stay there for one or two nights, resupply and carry on. We have actually taken the Yardie Creek track a couple of times in the distant past but that was well over 20 years ago. It was rough and boggy from what I recall. We did see one stuck vehicle, a Landcruiser, Icon Hybrid Camper combination, fully loaded and kitted out. We offered to help them, but they were confident they could get themselves out by lowering their tyre pressure and using Maxtrax boards. Our tyre pressures were already down, but we dropped them a bit more for good measure.

There were scratchy shrubs as we got closer to Yardie Creek but our outfit was just skinny enough to avoid most of them. The shrubs had all been nicely hedged by mega vans and large 4WD American and Japanese cab over style trucks which are starting to become more popular. The crossing at Yardie Creek was dry but with about 150m of soft sand to tackle. I walked it and then watched a couple of rigs towing vans. Jenny walked across to get some action video but by the time she was organised I had crossed with no difficult, we had a good laugh about that. 

In the busy Yardie Creek car park we reinflated our tyres had lunch, made good use of the long drop toilets them headed 80kms north to Exmouth, driving through the scenic Cape Range National Park (No Dogs Allowed). Once at Exmouth it was shopping, top up the water tanks, which you had to pay for ($7 got us about 120L). All caravan parks were full, Bulara Station Stay about 100kms away also had no vacancies. The council had opened up the local sports ground as an overflow for the extra travellers but we weren’t keen on paying $50 for the night so we headed out of town in search of a gravel pit which was not marked on WikiCamps. Yet another peaceful relaxing night tucked hidden away from the road. Later that night the rain front hit.

A good section of the track to Yardie Creek (28kms from North Lefroy to Yardie Creek).

The Yardie Creek mouth crossing was dry & sand soft we all got across without getting bogged. There is bitumen to greet you on the north side.

Another great free camp site 50kms south of Exmouth.

17/06/23, Day 15, overcast day, 305kms via Towera Road (dirt).

Gravel Pit (50km from Exmouth) to Mangaroon Creek (Wool Wagon Way). Good dirt road, 70km/h easy and safe to maintain.

Depart 0845 Arrive 1520, took awhile to locate a suitable camp site.

Didn’t spend any money today, always a nice feeling. We did stop at a rest area for 2 hours with toilets at the Tee intersection of Burkett Road and NW Coastal Highway so Jenny could complete some book work. From there we do our last 30kms driving north before turning right onto the northern terminus of the Wool Wagon Way (WWW) and commence the long journey home. Finally some quiet good quality gravel roads to drive on. 

You could have driven at 100km/h+ on this dirt road but that would be insane. Always best to drive well under your ability, we’ve never been on this road before, we don’t know what’s around each corner. A wash out, rocks, cows, who knows ? About 70km/h is the quickest we’ll drive while towing on the dirt and if not towing we will do about 80km/h no matter how good the gravel road is, you don’t want any mistakes out here.

It was a pleasant drive through the bush and we decided to camp at Mangaroon Creek, which was dry. There was two other vehicles camped there and we were all nicely spread out.

Towera Road, the start of the Wool Wagon Way.

The gravel roads were in excellent condition and barely any traffic.

Camped at Mangaroon Creek.

18/06/23, Day 16, Sunday. Cloudy, some spits of rain in the morning, no wind, max 19C. Mangaroon Creek to Gascoyne Junction, all good quality gravel, “The Wool Wagon Way”.

Depart 0930 Arrive 1330, 150KM.

$160 Diesel @ 206.9cpl, 77.4L, (Gascoyne Junction).

$35 powered camp site at Gascoyne Junction Caravan Park. Topped up water.

After watching the bird life while enjoying a bacon and eggs breakfast we packed up and continued south on a well maintained gravel road. Jenny and I both love it out here in the Gascoyne region, it still hasn’t been discovered by the tourist hoards. We did manage to locate and check out the Lyon River Crossing campsite as we crossed the mainly dry Lyon River. It was ok, but due to all the cattle hanging out around the river it would probably be annoying, particularly with the dog. The biggest highlight of the day was checking out the 100 year old Cobble Stone Road 20 kms north of Gascoyne Junction. It has a connection with Sir Charles Kingsford Smith of QANTAS fame (see the information plaque).

Lyon River crossing.

100+ year old cobble road for the original petrol powered trucks.

Interesting information plaque.

Camped at the Gascoyne Junction Caravan Park, ($30p/n).

19/06/23, Day 17, Monday, rain started at 9am, then eased. We checked out our weather apps and it showed 1-5mm with a 40% chance. As we set out quite heavy rain started and 30kms east of Gascoyne Junction we were onto a muddy dirt road. Time to find a spot to wait it out.

Depart 1015, Arrive 1200. Only 61kms (wet and muddy).

We tentatively leave Gascoyne Junction, pondering whether we should just stay put for another day. 30kms along a newly constructed bitumen road heading east out of Gascoyne Junction, then suddenly it’s dirt. The rain was heavy enough to have the windscreen wipers on permanent slow speed. The dirt road was still open but already muddy and the road work sections very slippery, our OEM paved road orientated Dunlop Grandtrek tyres were not coping very well with the conditions. Ideally you shouldn’t drive on the dirt roads when they are wet as too much damage is caused to the surface. Not to mention how filthy your car and equipment becomes. The weather report on various apps indicated that if there was any rain it would be minimal, wrong again !

Originally, we were aiming to do 150kms-160kms and camp either at Bulong Gorge or Wooramel Gorge. In the end the light drizzle didn’t ease off until 2pm so Jenny and I decided to stay put at the Sea Fossil Rest Area about 1km east of the temporary Road Construction Camp. It is on the Sir Charles Kingsford-Smith Mail Run route to Meekatharra, Not the most ideal location but good enough for 1 night. Team wiljen made the most of it, we had a fire and relaxing afternoon that led into a chilled out night.

We pull out of Gascoyne Junction on a wet day.

We call it an early day due to the rain.

Small fossilised shells.

Settling in for the night near a small dry creek bed.

20/06/23, Day 18, Tuesday. Some cloud but a bit of sunshine until 8.30am when a cool fog rolled in from the west.

Fossil Rest Area to Wooramel River Gorge south, overlooking Wal-Arrie Pool and nice views of Coor-De-Wandy Hill (519m) about 20kms to the east.

Departed at 0915 arrived 1200 and explored the area, 10km of driving around exploring for a camp site. 113kms.

This is a cracker of a spot to camp, we checked out both north and south sides of the Wooramel River Gorge. Tracks to both are on the east side of the road at the top of the “hill” (river banks) out of the river crossing. We arrived early enough to have a good look around, you need to drive in about 3kms to each location. The south side has better views but is more exposed to the wind, the north side has better access to the river below down a scree rock slope that cattle use to access the flowing river water and is sheltered by trees.

Heaps of bird life to watch and we saw a couple of small kangaroos. Lots of signs of cows but we didn’t see or hear any. Sunset was at 1730 and it was magnificent with a small camp fire for cooking on burning away. Both Jenny and I feel you could easily spend 2-3 nights here and have a good explore up and down the 3 gorges. Just after we set up camp a couple in their late 50’s or early 60’s arrived in an old Turbo Diesel 100 series Landcruiser towing a 2006 Everview 21 foot van. We had a chat and they are now partly retired (picking up odd occasional casual jobs). Their last real job was at Useless Loop in Shark Bay. They were hanging around the Murchison/Gascoyne region to keep in touch with their daughter and two grand children who live in Carnarvon.

It was an enjoyable day with an hour stop at Bilung Pool where Rodgie had a swim, this is also a great camping spot but better known and more popular. Really loving the tour now.

Bilung Pool, great spot to camp but well known so can get busy. We had it all to ourselves during our lunch break.

Another easy days drive, we like to keep our travel time/distance short and enjoy the scenery.

Wooramel River Gorge, if we had more time we would have happily spent 2 or 3 nights here.

Exploring the Wooramel River Gorge area.

Both sides of the gorge are good for camping, the views on the southern side are better but you are more exposed to the wind.

21/06/23, Day 19, Wednesday, shortest day of the year, sunrise at 0705 over Coor-De-Wandy Hill on a cool still clear sky morning, max temp reached 17C.

From Wooramel River gorge south to Murchison River south/east side of the Ballinyoo Bridge, lots of cow activity and extra flies. Via Murchison.

Departed 0945 arrived 1500. 223kms.

It was a magical morning watching the sunrise over the Coor-De-Wandy Hill on the shortest day of the year, the winter solstice. We both lay in bed and watched the spectacle until the dog nagged us to get up. A very relaxing morning, Jenny walked 2.5kms with Rodgie back to the main road while I completed the pack up and picked them both up 500 metres short of the main dirt road.

After 50kms we stopped at an outcrop for a walk, explore and early lunch. A BLT toasted sandwich. Once we left Murchison township the next 70kms were average narrow bitumen road but it was a welcome change from the gravel roads of the past 4 days.

Tonight’s campsite will be ok, there is another Caravan on the north side of the river about 200 metres away we are about 1km from the road and bridge down a rough track that required 4WD to cross a bad washout. Some cows around so we need to keep vigilante or the dog will chase them.

We drove about 1km off the road for an explore and lunch break.

Camping on the Murchison River, south side, east of the Ballinyoo concrete bridge. We needed to use low range to get through a wash out.

22/06/23, Day 20, Thursday. Back to winter max temp 17C.

Murchison River to Koolanooka Spring (25km east of Morawa) via Mullewa.

Depart 1000, arrive 1500. 250km.

It was a very cold night camped on the Murchison River, relaxing morning, resurrected the fire in our transportable fire pit. Nice days drive. We stopped in Morawa for some supplies and headed east to enjoy some special camping at Koolanooka Spring. We had the whole place to ourselves, it’s a an island of remanent bushland surrounded by a sea of cleared farm land. It was cold and rained during the night.

A cold morning on the Murchison River.

Road conditions on the Wool Wagon Way continue to be very good.

Camping at Koolanooka Springs (free and we had it all to ourselves). Just east of the town of Morawa, birth place of a legendary Jennifer.

23/06/23, Day 21, Friday, max temp 13C, reconnoitring out future possible camping sites , Caron Dam, Buntine Rocks, Wubin Rocks. All good options for free camping.

Koolanooka Springs to Miling on the Great Northern Hwy (No.95). Camping at the Miling sports oval for $21, great spot.

Depart 0900 arrive 1500. 213kms

Miling Sports Oval Caravan Camping. Free washing machine, hot showers, toilets, BBQ and power.

After a nice hike to the top of the nearby hill to enjoy the early morning vista it was a rushed breakfast of scrambled eggs and pack up camp before the rain hit. There are respectable but old flushing toilets at Koolanooka and they were a welcome relief from digging a hole in the scrub (yes we have a cassette toilet in the camper but prefer to only use it in an emergency or when there isn’t any other option).

The next morning we climb a nearby hill to check out the view. Ancient flushing toilets, clean and respectable.

We spent the day checking out future possible camping locations and finally ended up at the small town of Miling. The Great Northern Highway has changed a lot over the last 20 years since we use to do the long haul drives from Meekatharra and Tom Price it now bypasses most towns. The Miling Sports Oval was a terrific option and we’ve noticed lots of smaller towns have followed suit and allow camping at their respective ovals. Rodgie dog sure loved it.

Caron Dam definitely worth camping at in the future.

Caron Dam was a water point for the steam trains back in the early 1900’s. The roof over the dam is still in good condition.

Buntine Rock is another great free camping option, keep in mind this is wild flower country so could be busy in August and September.

Some of the navigation apps we use that also function offline are WikiCamps, Hema & Maps.me.

For free and cheap camping during this trip we focus on sports grounds in small towns and random gravel pits. Miling was our final overnight option on this trip. $21 for the night.

24/06/23, Day 22, cold rainy return to Perth and Mandurah.

Miling (Sports Oval) to Mandurah, Nanna Lorraine’s place

Depart 0955, Arrive 1500. 273kms

Super relaxing morning, it did rain during the night and was pretty cold but fortunately the rain stayed away right up until we left Miling at 9.55am. We stopped at the Bindoon Bakery to pick up some pies for lunch. It rained during most of our drive south and the traffic in Perth was disrupted by multiple vehicle crashes which meant we had to take alternative routes to avoid the traffic jams. Eventually we arrived at Jenny’s Mums place, dropped off Rodgie, had a quick toilet break then headed to the car wash for a quick clean of the car and camper….

Big Rigs heading north, we currently use a handheld GME UHF 5w. radio to communicate.

Back in Mandurah. I prepare to fly out to Cairns, Queensland for a week, Jenny returns to work.

That’s it guys our 3 week North West Annual Leave trip is done, a couple of days in Mandurah sorting out some stuff, then I head to Cairns in Queensland for a week to have a rare catch up with my two younger brothers, Mum and Step Dad. Jenny will go back to work, starting Tuesday the 27th of June. 

The Cairns trip is a story for an other day, thank you for reading along. Will.

Catching up with the Bro’s, Mum & Jens in Far North Queensland. Going for a walk on 4 Mile Beach is a must when in Port Douglas.