Tag Archives: travel

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The Road to Gundagai

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We’re starting a new journey today. Last December, we took a road-trip from Sydney to Central Victoria and back.

Our first leg took us through the town of Gundagai, with its quaint old buildings and brand-spanking-new pavements.

Gundagai

It was a chance for everyone to stretch their legs, including our old beagle, Bridie. Note the sign in the park – we’re definitely not in the city anymore!

Gundagai

There were a few monuments in town. We didn’t see the famous dog and tucker box statue as it was out of town, but we did stumble past Dad, Dave, Mum and Mabel, along the road to Gundagai.

Dad, Dave, Mum and Mabel

But the monument that was most touching was the tribute to two Wiradjuri men, Yarri and Jacky Jacky, who saved the township during the 1852 flood.

The Great Rescue of Yarri and Jacky Jacky

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The Red Centre – Part 6

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We take a turn about the town, and saw some interesting sites, including this mural at the back of Coles Supermarket.

Coles Mural

And then for our last stop we climbed atop Anzac Hill for a panoramic view of the Alice.

Anzac Hill

Anzac Hill

The MacDonnell Ranges are never far away and look as spectacular as ever. Pity that this visit is so short.

Anzac Hill

We could even see the Ghan from the top. Look closely, and you can see that it is ridiculously long.

Anzac Hill

One last view of the Territory State flag.

Anzac Hill

And its state flora, the Sturt Desert Rose.

Anzac Hill

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The Red Centre – Part 2

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Jumping on to the bus, we were off around Alice Springs for our tour.

Old Telegraph Station

Our first stop was at the Old Telegraph Station – the reason that Alice Springs was founded in the first place.

Old Telegraph Station//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js

Old Telegraph Station

The early explorers thought that this place had a permanent water source. Unfortunately, they didn’t realise that the area had just had a downpour, and that the springs were only temporary.

Old Telegraph Station

We saw some wildlife though – a rock wallaby in particular – so there must be some water somewhere out there, though not enough to sustain a settlement.

Old Telegraph Station

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Nitmiluk Gorge – Part 4

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The rainstorm lasted less than ten minutes – brief like most Northern Australian storms. The clouds very soon cleared, and it was as if it had never been.

Cruising Nitmiluk Gorge

As we cruised back to our starting point, we were able to enjoy some beautiful afternoon light, and temperatures that were 10C lower than when we started.

Cruising Nitmiluk Gorge

Then it was back to the train, ready for our next off-train adventure.

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Nitmiluk Gorge – Part 3

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Rain is a big factor in the Gorge in the Wet. These trees were bent at an incredible angle by the sheer force of water that rushes down-stream.

Cruising Nitmiluk Gorge

And sure enough, rain wasn’t far away that day. I had just landed to view some rock art…

Cruising Nitmiluk Gorge

When the rain came rushing down. Even the pandanus looked forlorn.

Cruising Nitmiluk Gorge

The temperature dropped by 10C in a matter of minutes. Fortunately, I did get a quick glimpse of the 3 metre high rock art on the cliff face before I was forced to return to the boat.

Cruising Nitmiluk Gorge

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Nitmiluk Gorge – Part 1

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By mid-afternoon, we arrived in Katherine, 317km south-east of Darwin. It was time to get off the train and explore.

Cruising Nitmiluk Gorge

We chose to go to Nitmiluk (formerly Katherine) Gorge, which was a good 30 minutes coach ride away from the train station.

Cruising Nitmiluk Gorge

It was a very hot 37C in Katherine (with humidity!) and we were glad to get on to the boat and under cover.

Cruising Nitmiluk Gorge

Boats are practically the only means of seeing the Gorge in March as the water levels were still high, and so was the chance of seeing a salt-water crocodile!

Cruising Nitmiluk Gorge

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The Ghan – Part 2

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And we were off on our north-south crossing of the continent! One thing I was looking forward to was to be able to watch the landscape change from my cabin window. Out of Darwin, it was a Savannah landscape common to a lot of Northern Australia, from Broome to Townsville.

On the Ghan

It wasn’t long before we made our first trip to the restaurant, about 3 carriages away.

On the Ghan

Lunch was in several sittings – we had an early sitting and the dining room was still quiet. It filled up pretty soon though.

On the Ghan

The food in general was of a very high standard. A sample of some of the dishes we had…

Salmon mousse sushi for entree.

On the Ghan

Chicken galantine as a main.

On the Ghan

There was some emphasis on native Australian ingredients, so we had our share of crocodile, buffalo and kangaroo along with some native herbs, spices and fruits.

A sample of our breakfast menu shows that we never went hungry!

On the Ghan