Warrandyte to Flinders Rangers 24th-29th Oct

We hooked up the camper and drove out of Warrandyte at 6.30pm on Friday 24th October. The following two nights were spent in luxury at the Dugan family Estate in Cobram. We were not prepared for the grandeur of the magnificent mansion (100+ years old), and the expanse of the olive grove, but we coped! Excellent company, perfect weather and a spectacular view of the Mighty Murray from the back lawn ensured a memorable weekend. Events co-ordinator, Andrew, had the 13 children (and Dads) constantly entertained, and thankfully very tired each night. Archery, target-shooting, canoeing, swimming, quad-biking, spotlighting, fishing (Devin caught the only fish within seconds of casting his line).

Sunday afternoon arrived and we left well rested and ready for adventure. The six of us on the open road and thousands of kilometres of bitumin (and dirt) ahead of us. Balranald (just short of Mildura) was our evening stop and we didn't venture far off the main road to find a quiet and free camp spot. With some willing helpers the camper was up in minutes. Beds were comfy (thank goodness, could be a long trip if not) and the pack up in the morning was pretty quick too.

Made our way on the Silver City Highway to Broken Hill, a town that reveals its importance as a mine as you drive in and the massive skimp pile behind the town dwarfs the buildings. I had no idea that it is the largest known silver, lead and zinc mine in the world and the birthplace of BHP. Lake View Caravan park (no water in sight) was friendly and cheap and we set up and left it promptly to drive up to the Broken Earth Cafe which is right up on the skimp pile, offering the best view of the expansive town. The town feels like its stuck in a time warp, classic old buildings, some a little run down, more pubs than you would think necessary, but then it is a mining town (and a bloody hot one at that!) It struck me as a hard mining man's town with soft artists edges. Spent Tuesday really checking out the local hot spots. Drove to Silverton, and had an obligatory beer in the Hotel, used in many Aussie movies (Mad Max, Town like Alice). The kids (and Matt) were stoked to see Mad Max's car parked out the front. Checked out some local artists and soaked up the Aussie Outback at its best. Back to Broken Hill to see the Miner's Memorial and read of the countless casualties of the mines. Visited Pro Hart's gallery which was a visual feast. Monday Morning Miner was my favourite. Unable to afford a painting, I settled for a jigsaw. The Big Picture impressed us at 12 metres high and 100 metres long, set conically around you with dirt and vegetation on the ground to really set the scene. Caught the 5pm session at the old cinema of WALL-E and then drove out to the Living Desert Sculptures. The kids managed the 2km ascent (Devin ran the whole way) to the most amazing 360degree view of the surrounding land. We watched the setting sun make pinks and blues becomes golds and purples on the flat land around 12 beautiful sculptures of rock. It is the most impressive setting for artwork and a perfect ending to such a beautiful day. The harsh and unrelenting heat of the day dissolved around us and we watched wallabies bounding ahead as we raced back to our car in near darkness feeling ever so pleased with the sight we had just seen. Time to leave the beautiful Broken Hill. Decided to head for the Flinders Rangers on our way up and were so pleased we did. How magnificent is Wilpena camping ground? Our massive site backs onto a dried creek with kangaroos hopping past and the remnants of a camp fire just beckoning to be lit. The kids explored the great grounds and we toasted marshmallows (glad I packed those!) All the things I have heard about the beauty of this place are true. Can't wait for tomorrow.