1,500kms travelled 14,500kms more to come. Travelling from Leeton we headed up to Broken Hill via Hillston, Ivanhoe, Menindee onto Broken Hill. Roads were dry so we were set. Wide open dirt tracks to test out the cruiser. All reports are its held up really well.
Broken Hill was way more impressive then I thought it would be. No sight of the town ahead as its hidden by the lodes of ore piled high around the township until you sneak in through the main road in as you come from the east. What lied ahead is a pretty thriving township that was oozing with character. We made our 1st "should have gone with 1st instinct" travel error. Could have gone to the camping spot with a view or drive on and see what else is there. Tough decision but time wasn't on our side. Where we settled was good but view was of a corrugated fence. Got to love travelling, at home you wouldn't be seen dead in your pj's outside of your yard. Head to a caravan park and the park is your new found back yard.
Sight seeing will not leave you disappointed in Broken Hill. Taking in the sites from the "big red chair" on top of the hill you can see for miles. Up with the chair was probably the most unique memorial site around, dedicated to the 800+ miners that have lost their lives since mining began in the area back in the 1800s.
Today we travelled to the land of Mad Max ~ Silverton. Quaint spot about 35ks north-west of Broken Hill. Beautiful old buildings that would have seen many a piece of history being made in the town. Then there's the "Silverton Hotel". If only the walls could talk in that place, you'd be in for a good night if they could.
Heading across the South Australian border we headed to "Magnetic Hill" just outside of Orrorro. That was one freaky experience. A 4 tonne landcruiser packed to the brink rolling backwards in neutral up hill. Go figure. Just to make sure it wasn't a fluke we tried it 3 times. Top speed 8ks up hill backwards, impressive. If you didn't know the hill's trick and you just happened to have left you car in neutral oh my you would be freaking out.
Today we were aiming for Leigh Creek but with all of our site seeing here & there we have pulled up stumps in Hawker. Hawker is at the foothills of the Flinders Ranges. Driving through the rolling green hills of SA brought back memories of travelling in Canada from Calgary to Banff. Wide open spaces & there in front of you are the ranges. I didn't think we had any views similar but we do.
No comments:
Post a Comment