After work Saturday afternoon we headed off for a much anticipated two days meandering through the desert country to our north west.
From Beulah we went west to
Rainbow and then via country tracks to the beginning of the Milmed Rock Track through the western edges of
Wyperfeld National Park. As soon as we entered the park we stopped to lower the tyre pressures of both the Prado and the camper trailer then set off through the first sandy sections.
We’d been on this track several times and this was the worst conditions we’d experienced out here. The tracks were extremely cut up and corrugated with the dunes so badly affected that they resembled giant roller coasters. This made them quite difficult to cross since each of the “bumps” slowed the forward movement and we lost impetus. We navigated the obstacles steadily and by 4.30 reached Round Swamp campground where we set up in splendid solitude for the night.
Round Swamp Camp
A fire was soon set up and going in the pit provided and we cooked up a damper and sausages for tea. It was such a relaxing night that even my beloved Carlton getting beaten by four points by Essendon didn’t dampen the enjoyment.
Next morning, a cuppa in bed then a very slow breakfast of bacon, tomatoes, toast and coffee in the sunshine saw us dawdling around in no hurry at all.
On the road by about 10am we continued on our trip around to Milmed Rock and the Murrayville track.
Wildflowers Wyperfeld
The track was still rough and the bigger dunes we crossed were all cut up badly. We had one with a sharp turn before the ascent that held us up on our first try but after assessing the situation we made it up and continued merrily on our way.
We make it up the dune
From Murrayville it was highway driving to the border and a dash into Pinnaroo for some milk and a couple of other supplies and then we were back to the border and the beginning of the
Border Track. The road began as wide, well formed gravel but before long dwindled to a sandy track. We opened the
gate (and shut it) and continued on. Immediately we were delighted by this track. It wound its way along the border over small to medium sandy rises and tree lined ridges. Here and there were reminders of the past in the remnants of old machinery left to rust beside the track.
Remnants of the past
We could see sections of the old Border Fence with its wire netting and iron droppers. At Bolton’s soakage we stopped for a look around then continued on through another
gate and Walls Road which would take us in to Peebinga.
Border Track
Deciding not to head to Peebinga we turned to our right here and headed for the narrow track to Beerook School site. Our sand flag was causing friendly fire to the roof of the Prado because of the overhanging branches on this narrow road. After taking a few “hits” we stopped to remove the offending article. Before long we were at the entrance to the Murray Sunset National Park with the Sunset Track to our right. We continued northwards to stop for a look at the Rock Holes.
The next detour we took was from the Rock Holes back to the
Border Track and this turned out to be another interesting drive. The road narrowed again and we soon encountered more sandy tracks and high rises - great stuff. We were enjoying ourselves. At Merribah
Gate we found the National Park campground and once again we had it all to ourselves.
Merribah Gate Camp
This campground is set in a large clearing well away from the tracks and has a table and a couple of fire pits. We got a fire going and as the sun went down sat back to enjoy a quiet drink and appreciate the peace.
Sunset colours the bark
Morning came all too soon and today we were away earlier and back on the
Border Track.
Border Track north of Merribah Gate
From Merribah
Gate the rises continued but the white sand gave way to redder soil and the country began to flatten out with sparser vegetation and more farmland.
Noora Gate
We stopped to look at Taplan and Noora Gates
then before long found ourselves on the Sturt Highway near Renmark. A short stop to put air back in the
tyres and we were off again, but this time turning our heads towards home.
We left the highway on the Morkalla North Road then headed east towards Red Cliffs on a very good bitumen road which had the benefit of less traffic than the highway. Once at Red Cliffs we joined the throng of travellers on the Henty Highway but by Hattah we’d had enough of that. We took the Trinita Road to the west and then followed the Galah North Road down to cross the Mallee Highway at Galah and continue on south west through small bushland reserves to Timberoo.
Log Tank Timberoo
We stopped here beside the old Log Tank for lunch then it was on past Walpeup Lake to the
Hopetoun /Walpeup road and the final leg of our trip back home.
We were blessed with beautiful
weather, interesting tracks, some challenges in sand driving and overall we had a great few days. We especially liked our trip up the
Border Track and are hoping that in the next few months we can head back out and do the southern section.
