Travel Blog 2014.1
3 to 18 March 2014
![Wilpena Resort Campground, Flinders Ranges]()
Wilpena Resort Campground, Flinders Ranges
Day 1 (Mon 3 March 2014)
Travel:
Brisbane to "Mehi River"
Rest Area, NSW
Distance: 568km.
Route:
Brisbane to
Toowoomba via
Warrego Highway
Toowoomba to
Goondiwindi via Gore Highway
Goondiwindi to
Moree, NSW via Newell Highway
Moree to "Mehi River"
Rest Area via Gwydir Highway
Campsite: "Mehi River"
Rest Area.
GPS: -29.45302 149.00534
Cost of
Camp Site: Free.
This basic, level, sealed
rest area beside the Gwydir Highway is free, and has limited shade. It is on the westbound side of the highway, 89km W of
Moree and 51km E of Collarenebri.
Facilities: Covered picnic tables ; No barbecues : Drop (smelly)
toilet; NO water to tap – wheelchair accessible : Rubbish
bins provided : Suitable for all sized caravans - Vans camping off the sealed area note this is black soil country; if it rains, you may be there a little longer that planned! No River
views : Can be a tad noisy with Road Train and heavy vehicle traffic noise.
Being a designated
Rest Stop, you are likely to have truckies pull in for their regulated break. The night I was there, I had a refrigerated double for noisy company from late afternoon until early morning: but, it's his job.
Activities: Driving, 1 hr delay on
Warrego Highway due to fatal road accident near "Rusty's Garage", just East of Plainlands. Daihatsu between two fuel tankers. Great start to Monday. Visited Aunt in
Toowoomba, then on the road to NSW.
Day 2 (Tue 4 March 2014)
Travel: "Mehi River"
Rest Area, NSW to
Nyngan, NSW
Distance: 425km
Tom Tom directed Route: "Mehi River"
Rest Area to
Walgett via Gwydir Highway
Walgett to via Collarenebri via Carinda-
Walgett Rd
Collarenebri to Carinda via Macquarie Valley Way (and spectacular Macquarie Marshes)
Carinda to
Nyngan, via Macquarie Valley Way, Buckinguy Rd and Colane Rd.
One lane poorly maintained road with occasional collapsed shoulders, heavy vehicle damaged road base and pot holes. Frequent stock on the road (sheep, cattle and 'free range' emus). Drive accordingly.
Campsite:
Nyngan Riverside Tourist Park, Bogan River,
Nyngan![Nyngan Riverside Tourist Park]()
Nyngan Riverside Tourist Park
![Bogan River, Nyngan, NSW]()
Bogan River, Nyngan, NSW
![Friendly old man 'roo, Nyngan]()
Friendly old man 'roo, Nyngan
Cost of
Camp Site: $30 for powered site for 1 person.
Location: Just West of
Nyngan along the Barrier Highway.
Facilities: Very comfortable and spacious Caravan Park on the grassed areas of the Bogan River just West of
Nyngan - well marked once outside
Nyngan.
Activities: Driving, slowish trip for reasons explained. I would do the trip again, to have a closer look at the marshlands, particularly the abundance of wild flowers and fauna. I was unable to safely pull over the Camper, or I'd still be there until a dozer came along to extract me from the primeval bogs. Need a passenger, dear!
Day 3 (Wed 5 March 2014)
Nyngan, NSW.
Campsite:
Nyngan Riverside Tourist Park, Bogan River,
Nyngan![Skiing on Bogan River, Nyngan]()
Skiing on Bogan River, Nyngan
Activities: A bit of local exploring was in order in this pretty town in the Bogan Shire while I wait for the arrival of my old mate Ron - a close friend for almost four decades. We have been planning for some time a visit to South Australia with the intention of exploring
Wilpena Pound in the
Flinders Ranges, as well as some of the famous and historical sites from South Australia's settlement.
$3:00 entry to the Museum near the railway overpass. The Museum, accommodated in the old Railway Station office, was interesting, but nothing significantly different from those in many outback country towns. However, the photographs of the 1990 floods, when the Bogan River
broke its banks for the first time in recorded history, received pride of place. That the townspeople were evacuated by chopper to high ground was notable, albeit nothing extraordinary for someone born in flood-prone
Charleville, and raised at
places along the North-Eastern seaboard which have experienced flooding from the occasional cyclone. A least, I was told, while
Nyngan's flooding caused major damage, there were no fatalities.
With Ron's arrival mid-afternoon, I would have company for the rest of the trip. After chin-wagging as you do, we set up Ron’s
camp for the night. Fired up the free electric BBQ in the
camp kitchen for a feed.
Day 4 (Thur 6 March 2014)
Travel:
Nyngan to
Broken Hill, NSW
Distance: 588km
Route: Barrier Highway via
Cobar,
WilcanniaCampsite:
Broken Hill Tourist Park, Rakow Street,
Broken HillCost of
Campsite: Top Tourist Discount - $99.90 for 1 powered and 1 unpowered site for 3 nights.
Location: Western side of
Broken Hill.
Facilities: Good, clean facilities a reasonable way from office at rear of Caravan Park.
Activities: On the drive to
Broken Hill, we stopped at the somewhat infamous town of
Wilcannia to obtain photographs of the
heritage-listed Centre Lift Bridge over the
Darling River.
![Centre Lift Bridge over Darling River, Wilcannia]()
Centre Lift Bridge over Darling River, Wilcannia
![Plaque - Centre Lift Bridge, Wilcannia]()
Plaque - Centre Lift Bridge, Wilcannia
![The mighty Darling River, Wilcannia]()
The mighty Darling River, Wilcannia
![New(er) bridge over Darling River, Wilcanna]()
New(er) bridge over Darling River, Wilcanna
![Darling River, Wilcannia - Dumpsite?]()
Darling River, Wilcannia - Dumpsite?
One had to use their imagination to envisage the River taking navigable river boats with heavily laden barges working up and down the Darling.
Wilcannia has somewhat of a “bad lands” reputation from research before the trip. talking to several people we spoke to en route. Driving through, and carefully parking and securing our vehicles, we did a careful and quick look at the
Darling River, and the
old Bridge. One look into the shallow River from the Bridge clearly illustrates its use as a dump.
Day 5 (Fri 7 March 2014)
Broken Hill Tourist ParkActivities: Today, we set out for the historic town of
Silverton. Some 25km north west of
Broken Hill.
Silverton was a mining town settled in the 1880s before the ore riches of
Broken Hill were discovered. We explored real pioneering history here, and absorbed the ambiance of the numerous films and TV commercials shot there since the mid-1970s. They include Mad Max II, A Town Like Alice, Adventures of Pricilla, Queen of The Desert, and Mission Impossible II :
http://www.filmbrokenhill.com/.History beckoned us. Especially as copper was discovered in 1845, and mined at
Silverton, before valuable ores were discovered at
Broken Hill.
![St Carthage Catholic Church, Silverton, NSW]()
St Carthage Catholic Church, Silverton, NSW
![St Stephens Church of England ruins, Silverton, NSW]()
St Stephens Church of England ruins, Silverton, NSW
![Half a house, Silverton, NSW]()
Half a house, Silverton, NSW
Many
ruins of bygone days of the rich history lay around; some beautifully restored and preserved stone buildings, including the secured St Carthage Catholic Church built in 1886. Only stone
ruins remain of St Stephens Church of England also built in 1886.
![Relic outside Halls of Justice (closed), Silverton, NSW]()
Relic outside Halls of Justice (closed), Silverton, NSW
!["Sculpture" at Silverton, NSW]()
"Sculpture" at Silverton, NSW
![VW at Silverton, NSW]()
VW at Silverton, NSW
The Cafe, Mad Max II "Halls of Justice" Museum, with pretend "tough" looking look-alike vehicles, were closed.
![Silverton Gaol, now a Museum, Silverton, NSW]()
Silverton Gaol, now a Museum, Silverton, NSW
![Silverton Gaol/Museum Admission Fees!!!]()
Silverton Gaol/Museum Admission Fees!!!
![Not so public toilets, Silverton Gaol, NSW]()
Not so public toilets, Silverton Gaol, NSW
So, it as off the
Silverton Gaol, built in 1889. The Gaol, built in 1889, now a beautifully presented Museum, is well worth spending some time exploring. It has to be one of the best Outback Museums I’ve seen in my travels. If you hold a Senior’s Card, show it on entry to get the Senior Card Holder’s Discount! Photograph above says it all!!
![Heading to Mundi Mundi Lookout, Singleton, NSW]()
Heading to Mundi Mundi Lookout, Singleton, NSW
![Mundi Mundi Plains Lookout]()
Mundi Mundi Plains Lookout
![Umberumberka Reservoir,]()
Umberumberka Reservoir,
We ventured up to
Mundi Mundi Lookout, where one can see the extensive Mundi Mundi Plains. It is said that on a clear day, the curvature of the Earth can be seen. Hey, my long distance vision is not that powerful any more, and I don’t have a wide aperture lens to do the scene justice. Impressive, but somewhat similar to vistas from several jump-ups and lookouts in Central and Western Queensland. Down to the
Umberumberka Reservoir at the end of the bitumen for a quick gander, and then back to
Broken Hill for an afternoon drive and walk around the town/city.
![Pulley structure to wind drum from 1,700ft. Broken Hill.]()
Pulley structure to wind drum from 1,700ft. Broken Hill.
![Winding Drum, Broken Hill, NSW]()
Winding Drum, Broken Hill, NSW
![Steam Winding Engine, Broken Hill, NSW.]()
Steam Winding Engine, Broken Hill, NSW.
![How it all worked, Broken Hill, NSW]()
How it all worked, Broken Hill, NSW
A tour of some of the historical mining relics was indicative of the hard work of pioneering underground miners, and the imported mining equipment which facilitated mining, much to the glee and wealth of English and Scottish owners. By today's standards, working conditions seem manifestly unsafe and deplorable, and living conditions, when large families were the norm, cramped and basic. This was reinforced later on during our trip.
My appreciation for the ingenuity and technological advancement introduced after this country was settled is continually reinforced.
Day 6 (Sat 8 March 2014)
Broken Hill, NSW
Activities: Today, an easy day, as we continued our exploration of
Broken Hill, to feel the ambience and culture of this famous historical mining town.
Day 7 (Sun 9 March 2014)
Travel:
Broken Hill, NSW to
Wilpena Pound, South Australia.
** NOTE - generally, unprocessed fruit and vegetables are prohibited from being taken into SA. Dump or eat such material before entering the Quarantine Inspection checkpoint. Have your ESKY ready for visual inspection by a SA Biosecurity Officer.**
Distance: 483km.
Route: Barrier Highway via
Yunta to
Peterborough, then
Wilmington Ucolyta Rd;
Hawker Orroroo Rd to
Hawker; turn East at
Hawker to
Wilpena Pound. $10:00 entry per vehicle to
Flinders Ranges National Park. A bit rich, but I expect it's to cover the restoration work and maintenance of Park facilities - I hope. Doesn't happen in Queensland (yet)!
The changing vista as we approached
Wilpena Pound was incredible, as the
Flinders Ranges seemingly emerge from the horizon. Nature at its best. I found myself envisaging the hopes and plans of our early
explorers and pastoralists as we drove closer.
![Approaching Flinders Ranges, South Australia]()
Approaching Flinders Ranges, South Australia
![Our campsite in Wilpena Pound Resort Campgrount]()
Our campsite in Wilpena Pound Resort Campgrount
![Wilpena Resort Campground]()
Wilpena Resort Campground
Campsite:
Wilpena Pound Resort campground
Cost of Unpowered
Campsite: $12:00 per person per night. ** Resort actually charged us double, and then resisted refunding overcharged amount. Eventually found an accommodating staff member.**
Location:
Wilpena Pound Resort inside
Flinders Ranges National Park.
Facilities: Excellent campground with dedicated shady campsites. Can
camp close to excellent
camp kitchen and amenities’ block . A sign in
camp kitchen advises campers that if kitchen is not in use by coaches, one is free to use a small number of 240V 10A power outlets available. Very helpful feature which would encourage campers to stay an extra day or two.
![Camp Kitchen.Wilpena Pound Resort]()
Camp Kitchen.Wilpena Pound Resort
Activities: Setting up
camp, enjoying the peaceful environment while watching the fairly tame fauna, and chatting while dinner was cooking with friendly International Students undertaking a variety of Post-graduate studies at
Adelaide University.
Comment: Sometime, someplace about
Yunta, it seems my trusty iPad had a coronary as that is where EOTrackMe stopped recording the trip. At Wilpena, I discovered the battery was flat, neither keeping a charge; nor being able to be charged. I had the old iPhone which I enabled to make calls, and send emails. More concerning for me was that EOTracker had not recorded and did not record travels for some days. I put the apparently dead bit of technology aside, and continued onwards. It was not until I was in
Peterborough some day’s later when I put Murphy’s Law to the
test; the iPad was gradually coaxed back to life. (Subsequent Apple diagnostics didn’t find fault, and it now appears to functioning normally).
Parts of the trek not picked up included
Yunta to
Wilpena Pound, to
Peterborough, to
Burra and return to
Peterborough. It was on return to
Peterborough, after the iPad was stating to accept and hold a charge, that EOTracker found me again.
I was starting to miss the old iPad, principally as a mean to easily send recent photographs to my family. I once vowed to not become too dependent on technology, but I was willing to try techno-withdrawal to cope!
Day 8 (Mon 10 March 2014)
Wilpena Pound Resort campground
Activities: Well today was it. We were determined to have a go at a short! 7km walk via the restored
Hill’s
Homestead to Wangara
Lookout. The landscape in the Pound is absolutely astounding, as became obvious how it came to be called a Pound. Climbing the volcano-like walls from inside the Pound seems relatively easy, but once at the top, mountain goat agility and/or abseiling gear would be necessary to “escape” down the outside to freedom. See the plethora of images on Google to put the ancient geological structure in perspective. And we could not afford the half hour flight to view the structure from the air.
The brisk walk (Low Road) took us to beautifully restored
Hill’s
Homestead, where an informative panorama attributed to a Jessie
Hill, the youngest of 9 children, is cause for reflection of living and working in the late 19th Century. There is tanked rain water at the rear if the house (used for cooling on the return trip) and toilets a little further away.
![Hill's Homestead, Wilpena Pound, SA]()
Hill's Homestead, Wilpena Pound, SA
![One of several plaques near Hills Homestead.]()
One of several plaques near Hills Homestead.
![This way to the Lookout.]()
This way to the Lookout.
Knowledge boosted, and seeing some justification for the Park entry fee, we made our way forward, heading slightly uphill all the way, initially.
![Go that way you white fellas.]()
Go that way you white fellas.
As we climbed closer to the sun, or so it seemed, vegetation gradually changed from forest shade to clumps of shrubs and bushes offering no shade; the temperature rose to the low 40’s; and gradually steepened.
![Mind boggling vista]()
Mind boggling vista
![Looking at Wilpena Pound on the way to Wargara Lookout]()
Looking at Wilpena Pound on the way to Wargara Lookout
![Wilpena Pound rock formations]()
Wilpena Pound rock formations
![It's a big place, that Wilpena Pound]()
It's a big place, that Wilpena Pound
No, I didn't get right to the top of the
Lookout, but, the geological features en route were stunning. Oh for a wide angle lens!
My mind thought back to just how tough were the pioneering men, women and children of yesteryear to tame and work this harsh land.
Ron arrived back from the
Lookout, and after making our way back to the
Homestead, rehydrated, and enjoyed the reasonably brisk (mainly downhill (High Road) 3km walk to our
camp.
Time to smell the flowers, and feed a curious Magpie chick with his/her parents keeping a watchful eye on junior.We enjoyed a thoroughly refreshing cold shower, evening meal, and bed.
![5 o'clocksies at Wilpenia.]()
5 o'clocksies at Wilpenia.
![How close can I go?]()
How close can I go?
![These guys kept their distance.]()
These guys kept their distance.
Day 9 (Tue 11 March 2014)
Travel:
Wilpena Pound, to
Peterborough, South Australia.
Distance: 199km
Route: Return trip via
Hawker to
Peterborough. Along the road, take a moments to admire masonry work of St Cecilia's (Catholic) Church which is a similar structure to the Church at
Silverton.
![St Cecilia's Catholic Church]()
St Cecilia's Catholic Church
Campsite:
Peterborough Caravan ParkCost of Powered
Campsite: $25:00 for a camper trailer.
Location: Grove Street,
Peterborough.
![Peterborough Caravan Park, South Australia]()
Peterborough Caravan Park, South Australia
Facilities: Very nice, clean and comfortable Caravan Park. With campground with dedicated shady campsites, and offering all facilities, including
good camp kitchen, and bird aviary to admire budgies and peachfaces.
![Charming aviary at Caravan Park]()
Charming aviary at Caravan Park
![Capitol Theatre, Peterborough]()
Capitol Theatre, Peterborough
The town has a particularly good café in the Capitol Theatre. We recommend it to travellers, and it stocks good old sarsaparilla - the unofficial state soft drink.
Day 10 (Wed 12 March 2014)
Peterborough Caravan ParkHaving heard so much of the old Cornish mining town of
Burra, we drove down to view some more historical sites, artefacts and Ron's memories with a
young family.
One the way down, we were amazed to see hills on the horizon adorned with numerous wind turbines as far as the eye could see. I'd
hazard a guess that there would have been hundreds spaced over many kilometres - that we could see. Being somewhat into renewable energy (solar), when we passed through the small town of
Hallett, the 44m turbine blade and information panels are informative, and well worth inspecting - AGL's
Hallett Hill Wind Farm.
Amazing stuff, and to think wind turbines provide 20% of South Australia's power! Not cheap, but using renewable energy. Just think what open-minded and forward thinking governments could achieve by embracing such technology. Augmented by solar, also think of what that would do to coal, oil and gas mining income and royalties to governments, and carbon emissions! I suspect there's too much money involved for many to cease exploitation of non-renewable resources - mores the pity.
![Hallett Hill Wind Farm, SA]()
Hallett Hill Wind Farm, SA
![One of blades powering wind turbines.]()
One of blades powering wind turbines.
![Don't want these blades flying off!]()
Don't want these blades flying off!
Anyhow, down to the pretty little town of
Burra. Having purchased a
Burra Heritage Passport (required for entry to several locked
Heritage sites and Museums) from the
Burra Visitors Centre, we headed for the the Mine. Originally an underground copper mine, Cornish workers were brought over as they fitted the physical height and strength requirements to work underground.
![Outdoor Museum and a must visit]()
Outdoor Museum and a must visit
![More evidence of the old structure at Burra Minesite]()
More evidence of the old structure at Burra Minesite
![Typical Cornish Miner, and conditions.]()
Typical Cornish Miner, and conditions.
A mainly self-guided tour again reinforced, in my mind, the ingenuity and technology brought over to enhance lining the pockets of owners from the "old country". The captioned photographs speak for themselves.
Next to Redruth Gaol,
Burra, famous as the setting for the Australian Movie "Breaker Morant" in 1979. We know the Boer War story, based on fact, of the typical way Aussies had been treated by the "Motherland" for generations.
Then, on to the
Heritage listed Tiver's Row Cottages. Unable to gain entry (occupied?), the stonework and construction are historically impressive.
![Redruth Gaol, Burra]()
Redruth Gaol, Burra
![Redruth Gaol, Burra, SA]()
Redruth Gaol, Burra, SA
![Inside Redruth Gaol (as a visitor!), Burra, SA]()
Inside Redruth Gaol (as a visitor!), Burra, SA
![No razor wire to prevent breakouts from Redruth Gaol.]()
No razor wire to prevent breakouts from Redruth Gaol.
![Redruth Gaol, scene for "Breaker Morant" movie.]()
Redruth Gaol, scene for "Breaker Morant" movie.
![Ron's slipped past the guards and making a run for it!]()
Ron's slipped past the guards and making a run for it!
![Tiner's Row Cottages, Burra]()
Tiner's Row Cottages, Burra
![Tiver's row Cottages, Bura]()
Tiver's row Cottages, Bura
![Old, but still in use Tiver's Row Cottages, Burra]()
Old, but still in use Tiver's Row Cottages, Burra
By contrast, a visit to the Miner's Dugouts is a wake-up call to those of us used to relatively clean and comfortable living conditions.
![Miners' Dugouts, Burra, SA]()
Miners' Dugouts, Burra, SA
![A bit horizontally challenged were Cornish Miners!]()
A bit horizontally challenged were Cornish Miners!
![More Miners' Dugouts, Burra]()
More Miners' Dugouts, Burra
We have one other thing to be really grateful for - the Cornish Pastry. Buy one (or more) in
Burra, and you'll be convinced. Except for their size, I could have eaten two! Twice the filling and ten times the taste of those made and sold by modern bakers.
Day 11 (Thur 13 March 2014)
Travel:
Peterborough, South Australia to
Mildura, Victoria
Route: South to join Barrier Highway to
Burra, then SE to
Morgan until joining with the Sturt Highway to
Renmark, South Australia, and
Mildura, Victoria.
Distance: 433km
Campsite: King’s Billabong,
Mildura.
GPS: 142.2299 -34.1962
Cost: Free
Facilities: Solitary Rubbish bin only Small gravel
campsite overlooking the Billabong.
Campsite could handle a dozen or so self-contained vans.
Young lad spent lot of time fishing, and caught two good sized fish. Unfortunately, they were Carp; and thankfully, not returned to water. However, they were left in a stump, and I hope buried before their bus left. Otherwise, campers during the following week or so would experience the wonderful aroma of stinking fish!
Location: Close to Psyche Bend Pump Station. Periodically operates, but not at night.
Comment: See:
http://www.murrayriver.com.au/the-chaffey-trail/psyche-bend-pump-station/ Psyche Bend Pump Station was built in 1891 by the Chaffey brothers to meet the needs of the irrigation settlement. Five years earlier, George Chaffey had selected
Mildura as the site for an irrigation development because of its large tracts of Crown land, climate, soil types and proximity to two major rivers, the Murray and Darling.
![Kings Lagoon, Mildura, Vic.]()
Kings Lagoon, Mildura, Vic.
The need to raise water from the Murray to land approximately 28 metres above river level challenged George Chaffey to design his 'billabong system', which elevated water in four lifts by pumping water from the
Murray River into Kings Billabong and then lifting water via a number of pumps. The system supplied an area of approximately 20,000 hectares and was the first stage of a grand scheme to irrigate over 100,000 hectares around
Mildura. Unfortunately, we did not become aware of the important historical significance of this site until our return
home.
Day 12 (Fri 14 March 2014)
Travel:
Mildura, Victoria to
Hay, NSW
Distance: 294km
Campsite:
Sandy Point Campground,
HayCost: Free
Facilities:
Hay Council is truly an RV friendly town. The Council has provided a large
free camping area on the banks of the
Murrumbidgee River. There are two large covered
camp kitchen areas, with four free electric BBQs, and a number of covered picnic tables overlooking the River. Separate M/F flushing
toilet, sink and wash basin outside toilets, and non-potable water on tap outside the small amenities block adds a nice touch. Plenty of open space, with a few large gum trees for late afternoon shade. The gums are not stressed being close to the River, however, given their sometimes fatal reputation, campers should not set up
camp beneath them.
During working hours, the helpful Information Centre in Town provides the usual high standard of
toilet, and hot/cold showers. Showers require a $2:00 coin donation. A “tap” is also available from the Information Centre, for free potable water.
![Sandy Point Camping Ground, Hay, NSW]()
Sandy Point Camping Ground, Hay, NSW
![Murrumbidgee River, Hay, NSW]()
Murrumbidgee River, Hay, NSW
![Watch the huge gums in Sandy Point Camprgound]()
Watch the huge gums in Sandy Point Camprgound
![Free sheltered electric BBQs, ample picnic tables.]()
Free sheltered electric BBQs, ample picnic tables.
![Murrumbidge River, Hay, NSW]()
Murrumbidge River, Hay, NSW
![Did you get his registration?]()
Did you get his registration?
![Hay residents enjoying water sports]()
Hay residents enjoying water sports
There is a
boat ramp located in the
camp area, which is frequently used by locals for skiing and related sports. This is a popular spot for locals, especially of weekends. There were a couple of P Platers who liked to stir up dust around the
camp area, but statistics prove they generally have a short tenure. Those who survive, grow up one day.
To sum up, if one doesn’t mind driving the seemingly endless
Hay Plains,
Hay is a must visit and stay for a few days. There is so much history here to absorb.
Hay gets my vote for one of the best Council-provided camping areas I have been to.
Activities:
Hay has a lot to offer those interested in Australia’s pioneering history, World War 11 history, and more recently, the abysmal criminal abuse of
young girls at the hands of NSW Children’s
Services, and some of its staff.
![Outside cells in Hay Gaol, NSW]()
Outside cells in Hay Gaol, NSW
![All along the Watch Tower, Hay Gaol]()
All along the Watch Tower, Hay Gaol
![Inside Hay Gaol]()
Inside Hay Gaol
![Hay Gaol as HQ for Prisoner of War Camp WWII]()
Hay Gaol as HQ for Prisoner of War Camp WWII
![Hay Gaol as Prisoner of War Camp WWII]()
Hay Gaol as Prisoner of War Camp WWII
!["Cabins" used by NSW Childrens Services!]()
"Cabins" used by NSW Childrens Services!
![NSW Childrens Services "Cabin" for females]()
NSW Childrens Services "Cabin" for females
![Female Cabin at Hay Gaol]()
Female Cabin at Hay Gaol
![Plaque at Hay Gaol says it all - too late!]()
Plaque at Hay Gaol says it all - too late!
![Open campground at Sandy Point, Hay]()
Open campground at Sandy Point, Hay
![Murrumbidgee River, Hay]()
Murrumbidgee River, Hay
Day 13 (Sat 15 March 2014)
Sandy Point Campground,
HayActivities: A must see is the interactive Dunera Museum at the old
Hay railway Station. It irks me that this is another example of how the "motherland" rode roughshod over Australia, this time during WWII. While there, we met a gentleman whose father, an Italian Immigrant, was taken away by authorities from
Innisfail, northern Queensland to
Hay Gaol for internment as an "enemy alien". Mum, not speaking English, was left to raise a
young family by herself. The local community, typically, the family and others in a similar position, until they were released as "friendly enemy aliens"!
![Old Hay Railway Station, Home of Dunera Museum]()
Old Hay Railway Station, Home of Dunera Museum
![Rear shot of old Hay Railway Station.]()
Rear shot of old Hay Railway Station.
![The 'Dunera boys' explained.]()
The 'Dunera boys' explained.
!['Dunera boys' explained - p. 2]()
'Dunera boys' explained - p. 2
![Italian-Australian internees at Hay]()
Italian-Australian internees at Hay
![Japanese internees and POWs, Hay]()
Japanese internees and POWs, Hay
Day 14 (Sun 16 March 2014)
Travel:
Hay, NSW to Dubbo, NSW
Distance: 500km
Route: Mid Western Highway to West Wyalong; Newell Highway to Forbes, Parkes and Dubbo, NSW
Campsite: Roadside
Rest Area 14km South of Dubbo
Cost: Free
Facilities: largish tarred area; a couple of areas suitable for tents. Used by school bus route to transport students. Two rubbish
bins, nothing else. Disgusting to see some people too lazy to use rubbish
bins as old and fresh rubbish strewn around
Rest Area. Dubbo!
![ET?]()
ET?
Activities:
Parkes Radio Telescope Dish - a must see if only for its role some 50 years ago when the Americans (apparently) put the first human on the Moon.
Not impressed with the big Caravan Park on the way into Dubbo from the South, so we chose to stay at the
Rest area we passed on the way North.
Day 15 (Mon 17 March 2014)
Travel: Dubbo, NSW to
Goondiwindi, Qld
Route: Dubbo to
Goondiwindi via Newell Highway
Distance: 517km
Campsite:
Goondiwindi Tourist Park
Cost: $30 for powered or unpowered site (less Top Tourist Discount)
Facilities:
Day 16 (Tue 18 March 2014)
Travel:
Goondiwindi, Qld to
HomeRoute:
Goondiwindi to
Toowoomba via Gore Highway;
Toowoomba to
Brisbane via
Warrego Highway.
Distance: 348km