(Mid April- mid May 2018)
What’s NEW
Whilst in Bourke an incredible opportunity presented itself to us, Trekking Downunder featured in the Western Herald Bourke Newspaper (the ANZAC Day edition) and we also secured a regular monthly segment on 2WEB Outback Radio speaking about family life on the road travelling Australia. Beyond mid month, we had successfully survived our first on air radio interview-it was awesome and amazing... This month we became resellers for EGR auto products, which we sell via the shop platform on our website.
Where we’ve been and what we’ve seen
Month 2 was a experienced filled 31days beginning at Lightning Ridge in NSW, we stayed at the most incredible free camp farm stays- Carinya (sheep) Station. We enjoyed our second long stay here totalling 10days as we just didn’t want leave. At Carinya we were fortunate to meet up with our first travelling family who were also our fellow 2018 Big Lappers for Caravanning with Kids, ‘Wander to Wonder Oz’.
Whilst in Lightning Ridge we enjoyed the 4 ‘Car Door Tours’, John Murray Art Gallery, bathing at the amazing Artesian Bore Baths, our 2nd BIG highlight- Stanley the 18m Emu and our absolutely incredible experience at the Chamber of the Black Hands (an underground chamber full of carved and painted modern rock art) where we were lucky to meet the artist Ron Canlin.
From Lightning Ridge we ventured to Grawin with W2WO, where we visited the Sheep Yard War Memorial and Museum and had a little fossil for opals outside The Hilton pub. Leaving Grawin we headed for Bourke (via Walgett), wanting to be in a location who ran an Anzac dawn service, to which Bourke did not disappoint. It was this precious morning that 3 things happen; whilst deciding on breakfast, Wayne GM of 2WEB Outback Radio and the Western Herald Bourke wandered by and we started chatting. Trekking Downunder was featured in the local Outback Newspaper, he then asked if we would continue sharing our story via a regular radio segment.... and as if this morning could not get anymore positive, our little Wade started walking and hasn’t stopped. Whilst here we stayed at Mays Bend and visited Gundabooka National Park to experience the gorgeous Aboriginal rock art and our first red dirt. From here we headed south down the Darling River passing through Tilpa, Wilcannia and stopping for a few days in Louth. Staying at the iconic Trilby Station, exploring all the onsite adventures and activities along with visiting the neighbouring station Dunlop for its historical tour.
Then it was down to Menindee where we feel in love with the free camp Lake Pamamaroo and stayed with a friends parents. Menindee was the start of our fascination with the Burke and Wills expedition. With a brief stop in Pooncarrie, we finished up the River Run in Wentworth, loving all this little town had to offer especially loving the Military Collection museum and getting to meet another amazing travelling family '08 Feet Travelling Australia'.
Enjoying the grass and bitumen roads after a few thousand km's in the dusty outback, we continued further south in VIC (our first border crossing), enjoyed our first night in van park at Big 4, Swan Hill before popping down to Numurkah to catch up with the Caravanning with kids crew and Trip in Van. We made our way back up north to the warmer weather via Swan Hill, a special treat for mini Trekker Lucas's birthday- enjoying Pioneer Settlement Village, along with Heartbeat of the Murray and a cruise down the Murray on PYAP. Swan Hill was also home to our 3rd BIG highlight the Big Murray Cod- to which our fishermen could not resist a photo with.
Then to Mungo National Park where we stayed only one night unfortunately due to crazy weather. Still taking the day to explore the gorgeous National Park. We finished off Month 2 by spending a week in Broken Hill, choosing to stay just outside of town at the RV friendly truck stop free camp, it suited us perfectly commuting in each day to enjoy all of the history from places like the Miners Memorial, Sulphide St Railway Museum, Royal Flying Doctors Service Museum, Geocentre, Bells Milkbar, a tour of the local radio station Hill FM and the hilarious Howard Steer Gallery (Royal Flying Doctor artist).
