36. Final blog,  Summary and Amen for our Anti-clockwise Eight months around Australia.

We publish this final blog a year to the day as to when we started our epic, wondrous trip around Australia, leaving our Lake Macquarie home on 3rd April, 2018 and returning back home on 11th December, 2018 for Carrol's hair appointment.
Since arriving home, Carrol had her hair cut and coloured, Christmas has been celebrated, our first Grandchild was born, and Carrol has become a senior.

We are so grateful for the many people who followed our blog and made us feel it was worthwhile putting in the effort of blogging, something we had never done before.
We received so many wonderful emails from all over the world, with many people eagerly awaiting  out for a blog and living the experience with us.

The upper Hunter River would not be crossed again for another 8 months. 

The tally of blogs was 35 plus this summary taking it to 36, with the number of page views exceeding 7,000 to date.
Countries all over the world have viewed the blog.  Many thanks to wonderful Wynette for sharing it with so many of her international friends.  We hope we have inspired others to travel and view some of the areas we visited.
This final blog contains details of rough statistics on our trip which may be of use to anyone planning a similar trip, or otherwise to add to general knowledge which may come in useful in trivia quests.
We have scattered random photos from our trip in among this vital information.

Catseye Bindii proved a pain for the footwear and a challenge for the bike tyres. 

High clearance and grunt was a necessity in many free camp sites.

When we look back on our Aussie Anti-clockwise caravan journey taking 70% of 2018, we have so much to be thankful for.  We were certainly looked after as we didn't get lost, have any vehicle or van faults, had no flat tyres or bad experiences, no car or van accidents, no broken axles, no broken windscreens, no scary moments whilst driving or camping and didn't get bogged or bored.
In the first hour of our trip we saw a van off the side of the road, lying on its side, opened up as if attacked by a giant can opener.  This sobered us up to the pitfalls of what can go wrong.
We found the only way to get to know a place was to slow it all down and get to know the area.  Hence rather than spend all the time in the car ticking off all the places visited by simply driving through, we slowed it all down and got to know the areas we visited.

Thick bull dust often slowed our rate of travel. 

Six years without any substantial rain in parts of Queensland.
In this area of Queensland since our visit, flood waters killed over 300,000 head of  the cattle who had managed to survive the drought. 

Endangered Bilbies were among the cutest animals encountered.
Menus containing Bilbies were not encountered. 

Flies and fly nets often made eating and drinking a strain. 

The stats in summary:
Distance covered 23,000kms.
Number of days 252 (77 off grid, 175 with power and water)
Average distance per day 91.2kms.
Free or low cost camp sites including:
National Parks - 77 nights off grid.  These were up with the best camping experiences, however, are not generally available in major centres.
Caravan Parks - 175 nights.  Prices ranging from $25 to $65 per night.
Some centres provided free camping to RVrs, such as Kimba in SA, which had three free camp areas and a caravan park in a town with a population of 600, thereby increasing the population by about 50% and seeing the town now thriving.  The town of Julia Creek had free bike usage to carry campers from the free camp to the town.  A free bus transported campers from the free camp to the caravan park for a roast on Monday nights.
Towns providing free-camps, felt the benefit of campers' spending within their town rather than passing them by.  There was usually the opportunity to make a donation to support the providers, whether it be a service club or the local council.  Some even provided information on their area, and feed back forms.

Clouds became a rarity for five months. 

We avoided collisions with camels, along with all other animals, birds and other vehicles. 

Night time driving was avoided where possible. 

The costs of travelling were not high when compared to overseas holidays.  Setting aside the cost of food and drink which in our eyes in Australia can be the same whether at home or away, and the cost of the car and van, which can vary from a few thousand dollars for tents and cars to hundreds of thousands for big buses towing cars etc.
We averaged about 18 litres/100kms, which comparatively is not bad considering a gross weight over six tonnes.  Both car and van weigh slightly more than three tonnes each.  This gave the security on the road of not being buffeted by wind.  The balance was perfect, with not once the tail wagging the dog.
Our cost of fuel $8,158.24 which equates to $34.28/day or $240.00/week.
Our cost of accommodation $5,851.51 (252 - 14 nights for cruise = 238 nights) which equates to $24.58/night or $172.10/week.
Hence fuel and accommodation $14,009.75, which equates to $58.86/day or $412.00/week.
We met many fellow travellers who had rented out their homes for the winter down south to travel north and avoid the cold weather, with the rent received covering the cost of travelling and seeing Australia.  Others had sold the family home and now call the road their home.  It was not unusual to meet travellers having been on the road for up to 10 years.

Camping was sometimes, as in this case, by a billabong under the shade of a Coolibah Tree

Out on the plains we saw brolgas dancing, lifting their feet like warhorses prancing. 

Trees became rarer. 

Trucks became longer.

We made it a habit of always filling up at the start of each time we were were heading any distance, starting with a full tank of fuel and the van full of water and food for at least a week.  We carried 190 litres of water in the van and 20 litres in the car. The diesel fuel tank in the car was 140 litres.
This gave peace of mind in being able to stop wherever we wished, share the wealth by filling up in small country towns, and not stressing as to whether we were going to make it to the next bowser.  Too many folk do not fill due to the higher price, then spend half the trip looking at the gauge as to whether they are going to make it to the next fill.
Fuel prices varied from filling up at Charlestown before leaving at $1.40, with the cheapest on the trip of $1.42 at St George and Barcaldine in QLD;  to $2.02/litre at Cocklebiddy on the Nullarbor in WA.  (We drove past the $2.12 price tag for fuel on the Nullabor at the WA/SA border.)
Occasionally fuel would not be available in towns along the way requiring driving to the next station long distances away.

Oasis appeared in unexpected places. 

We took stock of every situation. 

Crocodiles often took away the urge to swim. 

Sunsets were many and varied. 

We sought local advice wherever possible and also relied on other travellers for tips.  Communication is the key.  The Wiki Camp app and Hema Maps, along with our "Make Trax" free camp guide book also gave great advice and reviews.  Experiences by others on the same destination varied greatly, with some having the time of their lives, and others saying to avoid at all costs.

Man made marvels marvelled

Geology gobsmacked 

We became speleologists. 

The caravan adopted legs rather than wheels.  

When the trip as a whole is studied, the journey compared to travelling overseas or staying in motels is very affordable.
We met all manner of people travelling on all budgets, in motorhomes restricted to the bitumen, caravans, campers and others in tents setting up each night, on a Harley Davidson bike with trailer, some FIFO (Fly in fly out) to Port Hedland at 2 weeks on and 2 weeks off, whereby the family of 5 would travel and reset camp every fortnight, then the husband would fly back to Port Hedland from wherever they were for the next 2 weeks.
So many folk had never camped in free or low cost camps or National Parks and we feel they are missing the best of the camping opportunities.  Our highlights of the best campsites were definitely away from caravan parks where everyone is protective of their own small site.

Tidal flows amazed.

Whales showed off. 

Time was taken to reflect. 

Art took on a new perspective. 

We fished. 

The new friends we made along the way was a highlight, with some we will be catching up with in the future, and five couples we have already caught up with along the way.

We enjoyed barbeques at sunset

And pancakes at dawn. 

Enjoyed large rivers.

And were swooped by magpies. 

We did our research on the vehicle and van, and couldn't have been happier.  The Landcruiser towed like a dream with power to spare and the gauges never moving away from normal despite some fierce cross and head winds and temperatures of 38C.  (We met so many folk with car issues; and one driver who was advised by the dealer that although the car was rated to tow his van, it was only in calm conditions without a head wind.)
The caravan towed in a straight line, never giving the wobbles or fish tailing.  It was a concern when we saw the way some vans and cars were loaded, and the knowledge that the vehicle was not rated to tow such a weight.

We loved the safety of duel carriageways. 

Camouflaged the car on the beach to blend in. 

And tolerated roads without bends, traffic or trees. 

We loved each other's company, and have become even closer from relying on each other for the day to day tasks.
There was a real sense of adventure each and every day, wondering where we would end up at night.

Threats were received from lizards. 

TV and keeping up with the news was largely missing, due to time restraints of preparation of photo books, blogging, diaries and researching.

We squeezed through ravines. 

And climbed and swam into the unknown. 

Our camera was a standard non-SLR Canon Power shot SX40 bought from Camera House in Newcastle in 2012.  We were so impressed with the ease of the camera, the fact that we did not have to change the lens, and that it was small enough to take almost anywhere.  All the photos in our blog were unedited and simply as taken. (Except for the canyoning trips with great chance of dunking, and snorkelling trips).  Most were taken on the automatic setting.

Don's view of the turtle, with Carrol being between. 

Carrol's view, both swimming with heads above the water. 

We waltzed with manta rays. 

And out swam the sharks. 

We were outclassed in synchronized swimming by sea lions. 

And were dwarfed by whale sharks. 

The tandem pushbike we bought second hand 20 years ago was an integral part of the holiday.  We were badly affected by the large catseye bindii which produced many flat tyres until Perth when we managed to swap the tyres for thick puncture proof tyres and tubes.  We needed a new back wheel where the red dust had ceased up some bearings altogether, plus the bike had a professional service, and is now set for another 20 years.  It gave us great pleasure riding around so many towns to see the sights and back streets without being restricted to the car.  It was also surprising how many people recognised us from riding around towns, or recognised "the van with the tandem on the back".

We walked through tree tops. 

And through trees. 

Bottle trees took on many forms.

The phone coverage was best by Telstra.  We found out and swapped coverage from a Southern Phones/Telstra package after finding that although we thought we were getting the Telstra cover, only had phone coverage for a couple of days in the first 6 weeks or so, before managing to break the contract.  The same problem occurs with the Aldi Telstra cover, along with a couple of others as we are told.
Carrol had an Optus phone which often gave cover when Telstra didn't.
Our computers' internet cover was by Telstra with a 'Netgear Nighthawk Mobile Router Modem' which generally worked OK, however at times we were out of range on phone and net for up to a fortnight.

We climbed ladders. 

Marvelled at all to be seen. 

Took on challenges of getting to the top. 

Then wondered why the car had to be so far away. 

Barefeet, sandals and boots were the order of the day, with shoes only being worn three times in the entire trip.  Carrol's Merrell boot soles became loose in the very early part, so had to resort to the joggers for some of the big treks.

Locals were met on beaches. 

Whilst the sandman stood sentry. 

Our Western Australia National Parks (Seniors) Annual Pass was a brilliant purchase and a real money saver.  At the toll gates to National Parks, we were simply waved through after the sighting of our windscreen sticker.
We visited 38 Western Australian National Parks, which includes Marine Parks, Reserves and Nature Parks and overnight in 6, spending 15 nights all told.  Staying overnight in National Parks still costs, but generally off-grid (requiring our own power and water, and collecting our grey water).

We toured major cities by tandem. 

Along with some lesser known cities. 

Station Stays were the ideal compromise between caravan parks and bush camping.  They generally required driving on dirt roads, often corrugated, for between 2 and 15kms. Hence it wasn't always necessary to deflate tyres for the drive.
Due to drought conditions, many rely on the the income from travellers to help keep their heads above water financially.
We also paid for a tour of a station near Longreach, which had not had any proper rain for six years.  Some of the paddocks were without a single blade of grass.
In Western Australia, at Bullara Station, a fund raising BBQ feasting on local beef, saw the proceeds going to the farmers in the eastern states.
We were also advised at one station which will remain anonymous, that they export their best beef, the 2nd class of beef goes to butchers, and all else goes to McDonalds.

Silos excellent as easels. 

And begged the question how is that possible?

Our Aldi wetsuits and snorkelling gear was brilliant in the west, allowing us to spend more time in the water than if swimming without.
Flippers were bought along the way to add more horse power in strong currents than the wet suit shoes we started with.
Swimming with whale sharks, manta rays, sea lions, turtles, sharks and massive corals was something we will never forget.  And we still have all our limbs.

Witnessed how times have change. 

But beauty remains. 

Cleanliness of the car and van was an issue in the red dust and locust areas.  For the red dust, the car sealed excellently, and the air conditioner was put on recycle when there was too much dust around.  Locals were always identified by all their windows being open, and the inch of dust and dirt over all surfaces.  Our van was fairly dust tight, but needed constant work to keep it in top form.  In many areas, water restrictions meant that the outside of the car and van stayed as they were for weeks on end.  Carnarvon WA had a brilliant van wash allowing the rig to be driven into an oversize car wash, and the top cleaned off from high platforms on either side.
Locusts were an issue between Winton and Hughenden turning vehicles into a sickly yellowish slime.  We protected our car grill by covering the bullbar with fibreglass insect screen held in place by cable ties, and covered inlets on the van with duct tape.  This helped reduce the clean up time.  We also kept on top of removing endless bugs from the car and van before they had the chance to bake on too much.  Some folk, however, see the dirt and bugs as trophies of where they have been.

We realised that salt does not always come out of a shaker. 

Exercise and diet was a key component that many of our fellow travellers seem to miss out on.  They sit for hours behind the wheel, drive wherever possible, then feel it is absolutely necessary to have happy hour every afternoon at 5pm with several drinks, cheese and crackers.  It almost seemed like an unwritten law that this must be done, and if not, then one is not living.  We enjoyed an occasional drink with friends but did not feel we had to prove anything by being seen wandering around the camp with a beer in hand.   We think that we will live longer, and preferably keep trimmer.

Planes shared the roads across the plains. 

And the bush. 

Churches visited varied greatly in the way we were welcomed.  Some took us in, made us feel welcome and fed us lunch or coffee.  Some ignored us altogether with exception of the greeter who met us at the door.  Some gave us a welcome pack about the church, most didn't.  Sometimes we were welcomed from the pulpit, mostly there were no welcomes.  We met one Pastor from a tiny church down the street who completely ignored our nod and salutation, having spent at least 20 minutes chatting to us the previous day. 
Macquarie Life seems to have everything going with welcomes at the door, from the pulpit and a welcome team with free coffee on offer.  It also shows it is the responsibility of the entire congregation to make visitors welcome.

Kangaroos thrived in their native environments. 

Lap swimming was sadly lacking during the trip as most pools were closed for the winter, despite in many places the temperature was in the high 30s.  Gulargambone was closed at 38C.  Don was the last in the pool for the season in Roma, and left the pool smelling from sulphur as the pool was artesian bore filled.  The Kimberleys had very inviting water, however, we weren't so keen on being on the menu of the crocodiles.

Generally, we avoided tripping into holes in the ground. 

The Highs:
Endless sunsets, the new friends, so often not knowing where we would end up, relying totally on each other for everything from moral support to everyday activities.

We survived an apparent meteor shower in outback Queensland.   

The Lows:
These were not really an issue; as lows are all a matter of perspective as to how the situation is viewed.
Not seeing our daughter grow with our new unborn grandchild, missing regular swimming due to pools closed and crocodiles and the large bike puncture producing catseye bindii.
We always try and see every event as a high rather than a low.

We saw two oceans from the one lighthouse. 

We have concluded that there is so much more to see, and can understand why many folk have been on the road for 10 years and claim to still have so much to see.
We would love to encourage anyone who has the opportunity to do so, to simply take the step and get out and see Australia.  On a world wide scenario, it is safe, friendly, inviting and easy.  The most difficult part is making the commitment to simply pack up and go!!
So our advice is to book a hair appointment for some time in the future in order to have a reason for return, pack up and go, leaving most of the details to be worked out on a day to day basis.
This is living!!!

Ironically iconic icons kept appearing. 

Hoping you have enjoyed our blogs.  Thanks for sharing our life and adventures in this superb eight month adventure.
If any details are required to assist in your travels, please feel free to contact us.  We would be honoured to share experiences and further details.

Summing up our trip, despite the dust and dry conditions, the whole trip went swimmingly.
We generally just went with the flow, didn't get out of our depth and did our best to keep our heads above water.
We gave it the big thumbs up!

Until our next adventure,

Cheers, Happy Travels, God bless,
Don and Carrol.