Crossing the Nullarbor in July
Submitted: Sunday, Apr 18, 2010 at 13:46
ThreadID:
77808
Views:
5321
Replies:
5
FollowUps:
8
This Thread has been Archived
ribz
Hi all
We are heading accross the country from
Perth to NSW in July and was wondering if there are any new camps along the way or any recommendations for rest stops along the way?
Also, has anyone crossed the
Hyden to
Norseman track lately? We live south of
Perth and thought that it may be a quicker way to head than going around.
We are travelling in a 100 series cruiser and 2 kids with the aim for a quick trip there and a look around on the way back after the snow trip.
Its been a few years since we have done the trip so any info would be great.
Thanks
Eric
Reply By: Member - joc45 (WA) - Sunday, Apr 18, 2010 at 14:08
Sunday, Apr 18, 2010 at 14:08
Hi Eric,
It's been a bit over 12 months since I was out there on a border run. The
Hyden-
Norseman road can get sticky if it's had heavy rain, otherwise it's a good road used all the time by mining companies.
Check with the Shire of
Norseman for an update just before you go - it's worth the distance saved. On that road,
The Breakaways (signposted) is a nice overnight
campsite.
Lake Johnson is ok, but a bit exposed.
Out of
Norseman before Balladonia,
Newman Rocks is nice. Worth checking with Mt Fraser station to see if they have overnight camping again (had closed it a while back). Beyond there, it's pretty bleak all the way to the border, but there are what they call 24-hour stops, meaning you can
camp and there. The dunnies are pretty awful! There are the occasional outcrop of low trees near the highway which, if nothing else, give a sense of shade and shelter. These are popular sites, though, so they can be busy. Last one I camped at, there was a campervan load of European tourists with their sound system blaring into the night. But they did shut down when politely requested!
I tend to take one of the old tracks to the disused microwave sites so I'm
well off the road, out of sight and away from the noise of trucks all night (keep your eye out for a tower, then the track in is usually directly at right angles to the highway).
The inexpensive
campsite at the Amber Motel at
Eucla is a nice break - good view to the sea, and they have desalinated water showers.
Usually,
Mundrabilla and
Eucla have the cheapest fuel.
Cheers,
Gerry
AnswerID:
413410
Follow Up By: Member - joc45 (WA) - Sunday, Apr 18, 2010 at 14:45
Sunday, Apr 18, 2010 at 14:45
Meant to add; it gets freezing out there in winter. Just miserable cloud cover, no sun, no rain. Eyre has the record in WA for the coldest night ever at -7deg.
FollowupID:
683505
Follow Up By: ribz - Sunday, Apr 18, 2010 at 15:27
Sunday, Apr 18, 2010 at 15:27
Thanks Gerry!!
Some great hints there. We have not done the trip in the winter so good advice! I know about the boarder village but as you said, everyone is there. I like the idea of finding a tree away from everything to
camp under. Mind you, it will prob be in the car, not the tent like the summer months.lol...
I have been looking around for the sight seeing spots and I remember our last trip
well. But things change and I hoped for the better as far as
camp spots go.
I think the
norseman road is worth it as
well and will
check with the shire as to its condition.
Is the dis-used microwave site
well signposted?
Eric
FollowupID:
683511
Follow Up By: Member - joc45 (WA) - Sunday, Apr 18, 2010 at 16:30
Sunday, Apr 18, 2010 at 16:30
Hi Eric,
Don't confuse the Border Village in SA on the border (where the
quarantine checkpoint is) with Amber Motel, which is about 10km west of the border, right on the escarpment, near the old
Eucla townsite. I'd say it's the pick of the two. Take time to
check out the remains of the old Telegraph station and the remains of the jetty there. There is also
Weebubbie cave about 10km west of Amber Motel, but it's now closed off due to falling rocks (worth a look from the top). There are some interesting
blowholes out on the track there, which, if you're lucky, will be blowing. They're on the edge of the track on the edge of a claypan beyond the old
microwave tower on the way to the
cave.
If you've got time,
check out Eyre Telegraph station (
Eyre Bird Observatory), about 30km south of the highway, east of Cocklebiddy. If you're towing a trailer, you'll need to leave it at the top of Burnabbie Pass, as there is about 10km of sand track. Most interesting bit of our past.
Gerry
-
FollowupID:
683521
Follow Up By: ribz - Sunday, Apr 18, 2010 at 17:13
Sunday, Apr 18, 2010 at 17:13
Thanks for the info, digging into the maps as we speak!!!
I found some good links to do with rest stops as
well!!
Rest stopsRest Stops 2
FollowupID:
683525
Reply By: ribz - Sunday, Apr 18, 2010 at 15:09
Sunday, Apr 18, 2010 at 15:09
Hi Bob
Yes, we threw that idea around but its not just getting there, but the running around as
well. Nothing better than having your own gear. Kids are looking forward to the trip as
well and the cruiser has LPG.
Time,
well, we dont spend enough of it together so no problem there and theres nothing like a road trip!!
Yes, it will be winter but hey, we are going to the snow. Beats dealing with the heat I reckon.
Thanks
AnswerID:
413424