In 2021 we launched into an formidable caravan journey from Darwin within the far central north of Australia to the Great Australian Bight within the south. We name it an formidable journey as a result of we had tried the identical factor a 12 months earlier which needed to be aborted, and nonetheless comparable situations remained as there was at all times the chance of COVID catching up with us and wreaking havoc on our plans.
Here is a map of our journey, because it was deliberate and principally the way it was accomplished (we solely missed the final couple of locations). Rob left Melbourne on May twenty eighth, and arrived in Darwin on June 4th, as the remainder of the household flew into city. Fifty days later, we arrived again in Perth, July twenty second.
As anticipated, the pandemic was at all times looming over us, although fortunately our plans weren’t vastly affected. As we left Darwin, that city went right into a lockdown, as did Alice Spring which we have been heading to. We needed to keep an additional evening on the Devil’s Marbles whereas ready for his or her lockdown to finish. All the whereas we have been getting nearer to South Australia, ready for the restrictions to alter in order that we may freely journey throughout the border (which it did simply in time). However, after just a few days in Coober Pedy, there have been circumstances in South Australia, which prompted us to move to Western Australia as quick as we may. We made it over the border, simply earlier than restrictions have been introduced that might have meant we would have liked to isolate for 2 weeks at dwelling. It was a rush dwelling, we missed a few spots in SA, however we have been joyful to be again dwelling, again to work, the children again to high school, having had a splendidly rewarding expertise in Australia’s topend and outback.
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The 22 Places we stayed
We largely stayed in our Jayco van at campgrounds, powered and unpowered, free and paid, besides in Darwin at a buddy’s home, on a houseboat on Corroboree Billabong, and in an underground home in Coober Pedy.
- Casuarina, Darwin, in a home with mates
- Florence Falls Campground, Litchfield NP
- House boat on Corroboree Billabong
- Kakadu Lodge Campground, Jabiru, Kakadu NP
- Mardugal 1 Campground, Kakadu NP
- Edith Falls Campground
- Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk) Campground
- Little Roper Stock Camp, Mataranka
- Daly Waters Pub
- Banka Banka Station
- Karlu Karlu / Devils Marbles Conservation Reserve
- Temple Bar Caravan Park, Alice Springs
- Ormiston Gorge, West MacDonnell Ranges
- Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve
- Kings Creek Station, Kings Canyon
- Ayers Rock Campground, Yulara
- Marla Traveller’s Rest
- Di’s Dugout, Coober Pedy
- Woomera Traveller’s Village & Caravan Park
- Nullabor Roadhouse
- Baxters Rest Area freecamp
- Boondi Rock Campground
Trip Details
Of the 49 travelling days from Darwin to Perth, we have been on the highway for 23 of lately. We travelled a complete of 9002km, that’s on common 184km per day, and 391km per travelling day. We spent a complete of $1788 on gas, which is $36 per day or $255 per week.
We spent a complete of $2667 on lodging, which is $54 per day or $381 per week. Although we regularly paid between $30-50 an evening for a caravan park web site, there have been instances we stayed at a free camp or with mates, and different instances on an costly houseboat or lodge underground.
We spent a complete of $3522 on meals, which works out to be $72 per day or $503 per week.
Taking into consideration gas, lodging and meals, that’s $1139 per week. There have been different bills too, akin to entries, excursions, presents, souvenirs, repairs. We additionally had the price of the drive from Perth to Darwin, and flights for 4 folks from Perth to Darwin.
