Wilpena

We have decided to stay here in Wilpena for three months.  It is quiet and peaceful and the wildlife is exceptional.  The scenery is stunning and the people are great.

Wilpena Pound Flinders Ranges South Australia

We are in the Wilpena caravan and campground for the next four days. It is situated in the Flinders Ranges National Park and it covers 50 hectares set amongst river red gums, native pines and abundant wildlife. We are  just a short walk from the entrance to Wilpena Pound and we have found it be a perfect base for exploring the area. 

In this natural bush setting, we have encountered  kangaroos and emus grazing while wedge-tail eagles soar overhead.  Last night we went out to look at the stars and found a kangaroo grazing by the front of our Winnebago.  It saw us and then started coming towards us after food, we tried to get it away but it just kept coming.  We went inside and it came up to the door and was looking in the door and trying to get it.  Apparently people feed them and the poor old kangaroos think every human will feed them.  They can become very aggressive towards you if you don't feed them.  The night sky is to die for - black as ink with beautiful stars and no road noise - bliss!!!

Nackara Rest Area, Orroroo and Hawker

We found a lovely little rest area at Nackara and stayed the night.  It was off the road and we shared it with one other couple.  A lovely campfire just topped off the night.

At Orroroo we spent the day looking through the town - a nice little and nice feeling town.  The locals were very friendly and helpful and very proud of their town.  

The place was full of corrugated iron sculptures such as these beautiful horses.

Today we moved on to Hawker located in the Flinders Ranges.   There has been a lot of rain in the last two weeks and there have been lots of road closures.  Today (after checking the road closures and making sure we could get through) we came the back way to Hawker via Carrieton and Cradock.  There was a lot of wildlife (the most we have seen this trip) a fox, emus, wallabies, wedge tail eagles and sheep.

Nyngan, Cobar and Broken Hill

We stayed at the Nyngan Riverside Caravan Park which is uniquely located on the Bogan River, it was an easy walk to town, a haven for skiers, fishermen, birdwatchers and people just looking for a relaxing time on the banks of the Bogan!  It was a large park divided into 2 parts - 1 part was near the river and the other part was further up.

At Cobar we experienced one of the hottest days so far on our trip it got to 45 degrees and the wind was really warm.  Not a lot to see here but the locals were friendly.

We then went to Broken Hill and stayed for 7 days.  The weather was a little cooler thankfully. Broken Hill is an isolated mining city in the far west of outback New South Wales. The world's largest mining company, BHP Billtion has roots in the town.  We enjoyed our time in Broken Hill and it was a great walk into town from the Caravan Park. 

We went to a restaurant on the Lode line called Broken Earth - it was great for the sunset and the food. 

We have been to Broken Hill before and since then there has been a new tourist site called the The Living Desert and Sculptures.  It is nestled amongst the Barrier Ranges and is located 9km from the City of Broken Hill. It is a unique 2400ha reserve which commenced in 1992. The topography, scenery and views within the reserve are breathtaking and are captured throughout the numerous walking trails. These sculptures are all hand done and no power tools were used at all.