Woomera

Tuesday, Mar. 31

South down the Stuart Hwy. Our destination was Woomera for the night. We passed Lake Gairdner and stopped for a shot.

Lake Gairdner

Then set up camp at Woomera in time for another excellent sunset.

Woomera Van Park

Woomera Sunset

The next morning we had a chance to visit the Woomera Rocket Museum. The history of Australians boldly going where no man has gone before, albeit unmanned.

Coober Pedy

The William Creek road runs between William Ck and Coober Pedy. There is truly nothing there.

William Creek Road

We finally arrived at Coober Pedy and checked into the nearest underground motel.

Coober Pedy Underground Motel

Our Room

Coober Pedy Sunset

Oodnadatta Track

Sunday, Mar. 29

From Marree we set off to William Ck but it wasn’t far before we hit trouble again. This time it was Mikes turn to change his forth tyre for the trip.

Mike’s 4th Flat

Colin Avoiding Flys

Curdimurka Railway Station


We then pasted Lake Eyre South hoping to see it full as there had been many accounts of water in the lake but apparently its all in the north of the lake and our end was still dry.

Lake Eyre Empty/Full

Driving further north we passed the Mound Springs. Intriguing mounds formed by artesian springs that have been flowing for centuries and now sit perched on top of hillocks in the middle of the dessert.

Pond Mounds

Blanche Cup

Arriving at William Ck we setup camp and then sprinted to the pub to escape the flys who were trying desperately to carry Jan back to their hideout. We stayed there playing 500 and then for dinner waiting for the sun to set and the flys to dissipate.

First Stage Black Arrow Rocket. Found Anna Ck Station

Sally, Jan, Mike and Colin at the William Ck Pub

Monday, Mar. 30

We woke early,

Sunrise
And headed for Coober Pedy

William Ck Street Sign

Bunyeroo and Brachina Gorges

Saturday, Mar. 28

Off to Marree and the official start to the Oodnadatta Track but before that it’s through the picturesque gorges of Bunyeroo and Brachina.

Bunyeroo Gorge Road

It was along this road that the Goodyears finally failed. Yes, the Prado had it’s first flat for the trip. I’m happy now I bought a second spare in Adelaide.

Chief Mechanic Bruce being assisted by Colin

Brachina Gorge

Flinders Rangers

Thursday, Mar. 26

It was time to head inland again and our first destination is the Flinders Rangers. We headed north up the eastern side of Spencer Gulf past Port Pirie then onto Quorn. Quorn is truly the quintessential Australian Country Towns. A wide main street up the centre, four operating two story pubs on one side and the historic railway station on the other. It’s also a railway enthusiast’s dream as it’s the home of the Pichi Richi historic railway.

Quorn Railway Station and Main Street

Then onto the Flinders Rangers NP for a couple of nights.

The Flinders Rangers

Flinders Rangers NP Campground

Friday, Mar. 27

This was a bushwalking day. Mike and Jan headed up Mt. Ohlssen Bagge while Sally and I took an easier option in to the heart of Wilpena Pound to the old Hill’s Homestead and Wangarra Lookouts.

Hill’s Homestead

Colin and Sally at Wangarra Lookout

On the walk back to camp we stumbled on these interesting caterpillars, heading home I presume, as well.

Caterpillars

Wilpena Pound Walk

Sally’s turn to cook so I left her at camp and drove to Sacred Canyon to check out an Aboriginal rock art site believed to be over 9000 years old.

Sacred Canyon

The Artwork

Finally back to camp for dinner and drinks. Jan said the drinks were for medicimal purposes as Mike evidently tried to kill her taking Jan to the top of Mt. Ohlssen Bagge.