8. Northern Territory. You will never never know if you never never go!!!

The Never Never advertising campaign of 1992 -1994 has done it's job here we are in the 3rd largest federal division in Australia; with only half the population of Tasmania.
Our journey to the border first though!

As anyone who has experienced wind whilst driving knows, it can affect different people in different ways.
We were so fortunate during our NW drive from Mt Isa to Camooweal that the wind, which had blown continuously for several days, was blowing hard from the SE, giving us a dream run and pushing us along.
Meanwhile those heading against it were suffering.  There was a report of a new van and 4WD capsized when caught unawares by a cross-wind; and another driver we spoke to was advised by the dealer in Mt Isa that his vehicle, which had all warning lights on and was struggling, was not designed for driving into head winds.  He was advised to park and wait for the wind to abate or change direction.

A beautiful day for a drive 

Hence we opted to travel with the top down despite the wind.  The flies still had to be waved away  

Don remembers studying Camooweal in 5th form (Year 11) in high school, and learnt that the annual rainfall was 10in per year.  Now Wikipedia states the rainfall as 15.7in,
This presents a dilema as to whether Don remembers the wrong figure, was taught the wrong figure, that Wikepedia has the wrong figure, that rainfall has increased 50%  in the last 46 years, or that no one gives two hoots what the Camooweal rainfall is.

Campsite at Camooweal Billabong

Reminiscent of that great 1963 Sidney Poitier film:  Lillies of the Rice Paddy

Sat by a ................ under the shade of a .................   ..............  (All so true!)

Favorite camp sites with interesting trees are logged in our camping log book. 

Bonza nights, without street lights

As Camooweal Billabong featured so many different types of birds we went in search of a bird expert to help us identify the different birds.
We couldn't remember precisely the title of a bird expert apart from knowing it started with O; hence ventured into the Camooweal pub in search of an optometrist, ophthalmologist, ornithologist, orthodontist and optimist.
We were not optimistic in finding an expert, thus were not disappointed when we didn't.
Our teeth and eyes are much better though, along with a more positive outlook on life.

Like us, Brolgas need to get their 10,000 steps in each day to maintain fitness

Conjoined Brolgas. 4/legs, 1 neck

Brolga marry for life, do not believe in divorce, dance often, and sing loudly.
They crane their necks for a better view, plus submerge their heads up to about 500mm in mud and reeds.
Brolgas is not a discount petrol station chain.

On then into the Northern Territory, 4270km since leaving home.

Excitement over entering NT or leaving QLD? 

The vastness of the flat plains and huge sky was absolutely breathtaking

Cattle camp on left prior to heading off for a life changing road trip

The scenery and various highlights along the way was ever changing.

Early mono-cycle with training attachment. Circa 1910.

Adelaide Crows on tour in the Northern Territory

Endangered Soudan Bore in security enclosure as protection against predators

Overnighting in Barkly Homestead was like driving into an oasis, with the Homestead a crucial refueling and refreshment opportunity at a T-intersection in the middle of nowhere.
The nearest fuel and civilisation is east to Camooweal at 260km (where we came from); west to Three Ways 187km (where we are heading); and north to Cape Crawford at 385km (maybe next time)

Selfie stick was on full extension to take this photo

Tarmac big enough to land a jumbo.
Despite the name Barkly, no dogs could be heard.

$1.89.90/litre for diesel is understandable and acceptable

Just add water and see the results

Now this is a truck!

Tender carried on back deck

From Barkly Homestead, it was head west to the first on the right in 187km, turn right and proceed 140km further to Renner Springs.

In the interests of driver safety;  bends,  trees,  power poles and pedestrians have been removed

Physical evidence that northern Australia is within striking distance of Chinese Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles.
This one was caught by the steel bracket before it impacted with the ground

Outstanding standingout mural at Three Ways Roadhouse

The iconic Daly Waters Pub made up for the disrepair of the Renner Springs, which is not worth mentioning, hence we won't.
Daly Waters is a stop off point 3km west of the main north south Stuart Highway, and entices almost every vehicle travelling the road.  We enjoyed a brilliant Barra Burger and chips for lunch, and were fascinated by all the different artifacts left by tourists from all over the world.
Hours could have been spent in the pub simply studying pub.

It is surprising what some people leave behind 

Denominations from all over the world with comments added. Notes with notes. 

Entertainment under the flowering thong tree

The movie "We of the Never Never" homestead built for the movie stands at the entrance to the Elsey National Park and Mataranka Homestead Resort. Three glorious nights were spent here.

Absolutely pristine  It all changed when we entered the water covered in red dust. 

Mataranaka Springs flows at the rate of  30.5 million ltrs/day with a temperature of  34C.
This could fill our backyard pool in just 2.5 mins and would see others swimming year round.  

Elsey Homestead of :"We of the Never Never"

Mataranka has been a great place to freshen up, reflect on how the difficult the early settlers had it, plus catch up on cleaning.

Since we had been travelling almost 2 months, we decided to empty out the van and give it a thorough scrub.

Generally north into ever increasing temperatures is our plan. High 20s to low 30s have been the norm, with the humidity being the main noticeable difference.

Wishing everyone well.  Happy travelling in where ever your own travel takes you.
Until next blog,
Cheers, Don and Carrol.