Thursday 28 June 2012 Mary River Roadhouse to Gagudju Lodge Cooinda (Yellow River, Kakadu)

Trip Meter Reading Start – 4869            Trip Meter Reading Finish – 4976
Total Km Travelled –  107 km
 
Comments -  Luke Baker
Today I saw heaps of termite mounds three times bigger than the one’s at Mataranka.
I also swam in a pool and found five cents.
This afternoon we went on the yellow water boat cruise.  We saw heaps of salt water crocodiles the biggest one we saw was about five to six metres long.  We also saw heaps of king fishers and rainbow bee eaters
Comments – Dad and Mum
Stopped at a lookout on the way to the Yellow River (Kakadu) however due to burning off by the aborigines and national parks staff it was very smoky; lucky to see a wedge tail eagle with a wing span of over a metre pick up a huge 1.5 m snake on the side of the road (omg, where are we, this place is ridiculously untame!!!)

We decided to check into the Gagudju Lodge Cooinda for a powered site ($46) despite being a $20 p/n unpowered camp 2km south as we had some beer going hot in the engel and desperately were in need for some power to cool it down.  After a couple of coldies and some lunch, we headed for the pool which was a huge pebble crete salt water pool.  Mark met a Belgium gypsy from Maleny who was booked three times on her way to Mt Isa testing her new Aldi TT sports car at 180km / hour (just thought we would throw that in).
Pool was great and part of the $46 p/n fee (may as well make the most of it); all up here in the NT are freaking out about the lunatic who chopped up some poor bugger at Broadwater; we reckon being on the run in croc, pig and buffalo country he will need more than a gun.
We took the 2 hour sunset cruise on the Yellow River wetlands.  Pretty expensive at $88 for a adult and $60 per child; fingers crossed it was going to be worth it as it was the only major tour we had done since Silverton.  Once we got to the boat the scenery changed dramatically; we couldn’t believe a swamp could look so unbelievably beautiful.  This would be the first time we would see a croc in its natural habitat and we were excited; especially  Luke, who was not convinced that crocs actually lived here as it was so dry and the river streams we had crossed had been so clear. 
There were so many people with big cameras and serious zoom; it put our Lumix automatic to shame, but that is where my unique networking skills come in; just talk to the people with the big fancy cameras; get them to like you and at the end of the tour ask would they mind sending you some pics....no worries!.  A nice Melbourne couple now have our gmail address and would love to post some pics to us (happy freaking days!).......by the by.....this cruise, although $80 too expensive, was worth it.....we have never seen anything like it!...It was like a meditation cruise, not a bump in the water, the pink / red sun setting, birds galore and yes of course, lots of crocs; and big ones!  Something for all the family...

Tuesday 26 June 2012 Edith Falls

Total Km Travelled – Nil

Comments -  Luke Baker

This morning I said goodbye to Lleyton and his family again We then headed on our 10km walk around Edith Falls. First we walked to Sweetwater pool where I had a swim, it was freezing cold . At the top there is a large rock that you can jump off into SweetWater pool. We had lunch and headed back to the larger waterfall for another swim.
Comments – Dad
We farewelled Lleyton’s family again as Mel had to catch a plane, we had a good night and hope to catch up again somewhere on the road with them. We then headed out on the long Lleilyn walk to SweetWater which was a very long walk through the bush with all of us looking for Joe Blake’s the whole way, luckily we didn’t  see any. There were a lot of beautiful wild flowers along the way in myriad of colours. After what seemed to take forever we arrived at a small waterfall where a lady informed us that we still had a fair way to go. We soldered on and eventually arrived to find a small waterfall about four foot high, not really worth the long journey though the water hole and rock formations were nice. We all had a swim and a jump of the rock platform followed by some lunch. Luke caught some small yabbies but were too small to eat. After we were rested we headed back to the previous falls for a quick dip to stay cool for the next leg. When we eventually arrived at the waterfall above Edith Falls it was a large fall with a great swimming hole, which made the trip well worth the effort.  Would recommend to only do the short loop to anyone doing this as  is the best section with great swimming and photo spots. When we finally arrived back at camp we grabbed our chairs, some ales and headed down to relax taking in the view of Edith Falls one last time while Luke had another swim. Luke is certainly a little champion soldiering on along these walks. We all hit the hay early ready for the next day.

Monday 25 June 2012 Mataranka to Edith Falls (via Katherine)

Trip Meter Reading Start – 4473
Trip Meter Reading Finish – 4646
Total Km Travelled – 153km

Fuel Costs & Consumption

Fill up at Katherine
Unleaded $1.55/ltr 59.68
Gas  $66.33

Comments -  Luke Baker

Today I swam at Edith Falls were I met up with Lleyton again. At night Lleyton and I put on a show for the Oldie’s! We sang songs and faked playing the guitar it was fun. Also Lleyton’s dad showed me how to find spiders at night. You get a head torch and look around with it until you see a diamond like light. Apparently there eyes reflect light.

Comments – Dad

Quick stop off at Katherine for supplies where the prices for both food and alcohol were comparable to Coffs, which is refreshing.
Short drive today to Edith Falls camp ground,  fees are $18 for the family with all facilities, although didn’t manage to get a warm shower! On arrival we quickly set up camp and headed down to the falls with our beverages and chairs. Nic made some nice prawn cocktails which went down well while soaking up the beautiful view. Luke swam while we planned our next days outing. We caught up with Lleyton’s parents for a few quiet ones while they told us that the large walk to SweetWater upstream was worth it, let’s hope! The kids put on a great show singing and playing air guitar in which we will have to get a copy of the video sometime. We had good time chatting til midnight getting to know them, Lovely normal people!

Wednesday 27 June 2012 Edith Falls to Mary River Roadhouse (Gunlom, Kakadu)

Trip Meter Reading Start – 4646            Trip Meter Reading Finish – 4869
Total Km Travelled – 223 km

Comments -  Luke Baker

Today I went and had a look at Gunlom.
We walked up to the top of the cliff face which was really steep.  At the top there were several plunge pools looking over the waterfall with views over Kakadu.  I met  some boys and we slid down a rock about 6 metres into the pools.  On the way home, I saw a buffalo.  He was very peaved off (cranky) and started walking towards us.

Comments – Dad

Today we left Edith Falls and headed into Pine Creek which is a small historic railway and gold town where we grabbed a couple more supplies. Along this stretch we noticed that the termite mounds had increased in size dramatically approx 2 x 4 metres. We drove to Mary River Roadhouse where we purchased permits to enter the Kakadu National Park ($25 per adult only). There we received some great info from a the aboriginal Officer. He advised us to leave the caravan in the park rear of the roadhouse and drive the 37km corrugated road to Gunlom Falls as the road, in his words, was “shit!”  
So we set up camp, grabbed our swimming gear and headed off. The road was very corrugated though we passed some small cars and motorhomes that made it; maybe bottoming out alot. Upon arrival we checked out the swimming area at the base of the falls which was perfect for families with large shaded and shallow areas. We grabbed some beers and swimming gear and headed up the very steep track up the mountain. It takes about 20 mins to get up but is steep. When you get up the top it is just picture perfect as there is an amazing view over the National Park off the edge of the falls. Also perfect swimming holes with a waterfall to swim under with differing striped colours in the rock. I was surprised to see so many families had made the trek up there with littlies (great patience and effort). The water was quite warm, so we stayed for a couple of hours, enoyed the view and sunk a coldie. 

Reluctantly we headed back and headed back to camp; along the way we spotted a large buffalo on the side of the road and got some photos. We weren’t sure if it was going to ram us or not so we left it alone.  Back at camp we sat around the pool while Luke braved the icy water reflecting on the top spot we had been to today.

Sat/Sun 23 - 24 June 12 Daly Waters to Mataranka

Trip Meter Reading Start – 4247            Trip Meter Reading Finish – 4425
Total Km Travelled – 173 km

Fuel Costs & Consumption

Zero

Comments -  Luke Baker

Today I swam in Bitter Springs which are thermal springs which are thirty four degrees celceus all year round.  I rode my bike around with Erin and Jake.  I also played cards with lleyton.

Comments – Mum and Dad

OMG...its 3 green monsters, Bitter Springs thermal pool

Another small township with mostly an aboriginal population.  Restocked our pantry before booking into the Mataranka cabins and campground, north of the town centre and 500 metres from the Bitter Springs thermal pools.  Although they give you the thumbs up for swimming in some parts of the Roper River, there are no guarantees salties aren’t around (Salties are the bad ones that eat you up; fresh crocs won’t hurt you, just don’t step on one).  The National Parks mob set traps to capture any stray salties; and if there are any citings or captures, then they put the ‘No Swimming’ sign up....comforting hey?.  Well we weren’t going to let our dubious minds stop us from entering the thermal pools which were absolutely awesome, warm and clear.  We got the kids to jump in swim down and run back 50 times to wear them out....I think we just wore ourselves out;  my head hit the pillow at 8pm (OMG!)...the kids enjoyed an Austin Powers movie, so did the big kid who was laughing the loudest while I tried to get some early z’s.
Second day in we explored the southern part of town and found a great camp spot on the Roper River where people had been swimming and canoeing (no way you would get us in there); the camp is part of the Elsey national park and is $6.50 per adult and has hot showers and loos.  Its a great spot and if we had known more about it at the time, we would have stopped here; up the road we called into Rainbow Springs at the Mataranka Homestead and had another swim in a thermal pool.  The homestead has a great pub and facilities.

Thursday & Friday 21 - 22 June 2012 Stuart Monument to Daly Waters (via Renner Springs / Newcastle Waters)

Trip Meter Reading Start – 3905            Trip Meter Reading Finish – 4247
Total Km Travelled – 258 km

Fuel Costs & Consumption

Fill up Daly Waters Holiday Inn
Gas $1.09/litre $69.76 $70.00

Comments -  Luke Baker

Thursday - on the way to Daly Waters I watched a movie.  After that we stayed at Daly Waters we went to the Daly Waters pub and watched a ladie play the saxophone.  I also did a treasure hunt and won a prize.  I won a game of pool and ate some chips.
Friday – Today I had a swim in a pool just in the pub I had a game of pool.  I also bought a real canetoad stuby holder; mum was grosed out LOL!  I rode my bike to a billabong found a dried up cane toad and then I found a alive canetoad and I got a rock and wacked it on the head.  I also made a new friend Lleyton he lives in Victory.

Comments – Mum and Dad

Travelling toward our next night stop we called into look at Newcastle Waters which is pretty much a ghost town bar a few large cattle stations, a couple of houses and school.  The historic pub where stockman (who were eventually replaced by road trains )once quenched a hard earned beer closed some 20 years ago.  On the way in was a well established swamp and wetland full of bird life.  Further up the road after passing a million termite mounds, we finally reached the famous Daly Waters pub just 3k’s off the Stuart Highway.  At $14 a night for accommodation including 5 hours of free entertainment (Sax player and Chilli the guitarist and comedian) and a swimming pool for the kids we decided to stay for 2 nights to quench our hard earned thirst after suffering from the dryness of this outback land.  Cheap place to stay if you don’t drink.  The boys lobbed home at 1.30pm in the morning, helping the bar staff close up and finish off a couple around the fire place........approx $100 later between the two of them (oh and plus a bowl of chips).  So much for the cheap accommodation boys !!!!!
If you want a great place to stay with plenty of atmosphere, you have to come here, you just have to leave your bra, undies or thongs in the bar (just kidding, its not compulsory, but they are everywhere)

Wednesday 20 June 2012 Taylor Creek to Stuart Monument Rest Area (via Wycliffe Well / Devils Marbles / Tennant Creek)

Trip Meter Reading Start – 3647            Trip Meter Reading Finish – 3905

Total Km Travelled – 258 km

Fuel Costs & Consumption

Fill up Tennant Creek
Gas $1.12/l 64.87 litres $72.98; Petrol $1.68/l 29.26 litres $49.00

Comments -  Luke Baker

We called into Wycliffe Well where a alien sighting has occurred.  There were lots of interesting articles and interesting characters.  Along the road we saw thousands of termite nests approxmanatily 2 metres high.  We stopped for the night at a free roadside camp.

Comments Mum and Dad

Our free camp was a short 109kms from the Devils Marbles.  The marbles were formed 500 million years ago when the earth was pushed upwards; this was 100 million years before the aborigines; over the years the constant weathering gave the granite rock its multiple round formations.  The formation of the rocks and the red colours stand out against the sky which seems so much bigger out here.
Tennant Creek has a large aboriginal population; there just seems like there is nothing for these poor people to do; many appear out around the streets sitting under shade.  Opal fuel replaces unleaded petrol to reduce petrol sniffing.  In some communities, such as this unleaded petrol is illegal.

Tuesday 19 June 2012 Alice Springs to Taylor Creek

Trip Meter Reading Start – 3055            Trip Meter Reading Finish – 3647
Total Km Travelled – 592 km

Fuel Costs & Consumption

Fill up Aileron
Gas $1.40/l 64.51 litres $90.89; Petrol $2.11/l 53.58 litres $113.05

Comments -  Luke Baker

We stopped at the Tropic of Capricorn where it explained that Australia was attached to Antarctica 50 million years ago before it broke away.
We also stopped at a roadhouse at Aileron where there were sculptures of aboriginals on the hills.
I also saw a wedgetale eagle in a cage; apparently a man said that they can live up to 85 years.

Comments – Mum and Dad

This was another long drive with alot of straight stretches with mirages at the end. However, some of the roadhouses had some interesting things to see to break up the trip.  We decided to head for a popular free camp located in the Camps 5 book marked 28; via Ti Tree and Barrow Creek.  Holy cow!  There must have been around 40 vans parked by the time we arrived at about 5 ish?

Sunday 17 & Monday 18 June 2012 Alice Springs

Trip Meter Reading Start – 3199            Trip Meter Reading Finish – 3305
Total Km Travelled – 106km

Fuel Costs & Consumption

Zero

Comments -  Luke Baker

Sunday, I went to the BMX track within the caravan park; I tried to do a stunt on my bike but failed and fell off and graised my leg. I also went on the gian jumping pillow and hurt my knee doing summersalts.
Monday, I went to see the Emily and Jessee gaps where they had aboriginal caterpillar paintings on the rock.  We also saw the Corroboree rock where the aboriginals have there ceremonies; the rock is 800 million years old.
Comments Mum and Dad
Today we did nothing....why? Because we needed to stop and take a breath.  No travelling hundreds of kilometres to look at rocks....we just kicked back, caught up on phone calls, emails and enjoyed the Big 4 McDonnell Ranges Park.
Monday, we headed east approx 12 km to view parts of the East MacDonnell Ranges via the Ross Highway.  This road is sealed to the Ross River Resort 90 km east of Alice Springs.
At the Emily and Jessie Gaps; Corroboree Rock, the culture and history of Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people is interpreted.  Custodians of the aboriginal rock engravings (petroglyphs) say that the circule and feather designs are connected with a Caterpillar Dreaming story.
Back into Alice, we ventured through the Mbantua Fine Art Gallery and Cultural Museum to explore the culture behind the art movement and aboriginal culture of Central Australia.  The Gallery promotes aboriginal art and culture and works in harmony with the traditional people to keep their culture alive.
More importantly, we met up at Bojangles with the Tarplee family for some lunch and a couple of coldies.  The pub has a stack of memorabilia including a live carpet python at the bar; even the toilets were interesting with their razor blades and barb wire resin seats and taps the turned on water at the basin 4 rows down.

DAY 14 – Saturday 14 June 2012 Ormiston Gorge/Alice Springs

Trip Meter Reading Start – 2996           
 Trip Meter Reading Finish – 3199
Total Km Travelled – 203 km

Fuel Costs & Consumption

Filled up Alice Spings
Gas $1.10 / l (66.06 litres / $73.26)
Comments -  Luke Baker

I did the White Ghost Gum walk at Ormiston Gorge.
There were dingo’s everywhere.
There was heaps of dead barramundi in the water holes.
We also went to the ochre pits where the aboriginal tribes had ceremonies.
We went to Standley Chasm.  At the Big 4 park we watched a famous didgeridoo player.
Comments -  Mum and Dad
I must say after trekking Kings Canyon and travelling 600 k’s yesterday, a long walk today was not overly inviting, however, we were here and lets face it we are only semi grey nomads after all (under 50 and fairly fit).  After driving in at 10.30 last night it was exciting to see where we actually were.  We pulled up at the Neil Hargrave Lookout overlooking the West McDonnell Ranges.....bewdiful.  Had a bird bath this morning and relaxed in the sun reading the women’s day.  

The White Ghost Gum walk at Ormiston was an easy hours walk and beautiful.  There were a couple of dingoes stalking us; they looked much healthier than the one we saw at Kings. From the Gorge we drove to the Ochre Pits where the traditional land owners would paint themselves (men only unless the men took the ochre to the women); headed then to Standley Chasm which is privately owned; cost is $10 per adult and $5 per child.  We wangled him down to $20 as it was the afternoon and the best time to view the chasm is between 11 and 12 am.  It was nice but if your going to visit make sure you see it when the light is coming in directly overhead.
Booked in to the Big 4 in Alice for 3 nights with the Tarplees....At $45 per night a big exy, but the kids including us big ones need a well earned rest....free didgeridoo session tonight and pancakes for the kids in the morning.....ahhhh.....

DAY 13 – Friday 15 June 2012 Kings Canyon to Ormiston Gorge

Trip Meter Reading Start – 2405           
 Trip Meter Reading Finish – 2996
Total Km Travelled – 590 km
Fuel Costs & Consumption
Filled up Kings Canyon
Gas $1.45 / l (66.53 litres / $96.47 (lasted 266kms)
Filled up Erldunda
Gas $1.15 / l (65.15 litres / $75.25) lasted 265 kms)
Fill up Alice Springs
Petrol $1.79 / l (23.63 litres / $42.51)

Comments -  Luke Baker

Today we did a 7.0km walk around Kings Canyon.  We climbed up the first hill it was a killer I thought my hart was gonna pop.  Dad faked his death by faking to jump off a 300 metre cliff but he just jumped on a rock ledge.  I also went to the garden of eden where Adam and eve met.  There is heaps of sandstone over 350 million years old.
Comments – Mum and Dad
Had a full day exploring the Canyon; completed the Rim walk in 3 hours (7 kms up and down through rocky ledges and stairs)  It took 3 hours to complete including the extra 1.2 km into the Garden of Eden to the waterhole); once at the bottom, although completely tuckered out, forged on to complete the 1 hour walk through the creek base up into the guts of the gorge; it was a wonderful and interesting walk, and better still free of charge!  The native pigeons at the Garden of Eden were cute following us by foot to the waters edge.  The photos do not do the place justice; it’s a very spiritual place especially when you take the time to stop and listen.
Left the canyon at 2.30 pm and forged on through to Alice Springs to do some shopping before heading out in the dark towards Ormiston Gorge.  Our idea was to free camp at the Neil Hargrave Lookout so we could get up early to start an early morning walk at the Gorge.

DAY 12 – Thursday 14 June 2012 Yulara to Kings Canyon

Trip Meter Reading Start – 2092            Trip Meter Reading Finish – 2405
Total Km Travelled – 313 km
Fuel Costs & Consumption
Filled up Yulara
Gas $1.19 per litre / 64.71 litres / $77.59
Petrol $2.08 per litre / 53.74 litres / $112.05
Comments -  Luke Baker
Travelling again today; thank goodness for my psp!
We stayed at Kings Canyon Resort.  When I was sitting on my arm chair a dingo walked past.  A group of them were howling outside the van.
Comments – Mum and Dad
We passed the Tarplee’s heading from Kings Canyon today.  Booked in for a night at the camp ground; noticed all the toilet blocks have lockable gates outside them to prevent the dingoes from going in.  Think I might get that port potti out tonight mmm... looking forward to getting up early for another 4 hours of trekking around the rim of the canyon.....hoping to get a good night’s sleep despite all the dingoes outside howling.

DAY 11 – Wednesday 13 June 2012 Explore Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Trip Meter Reading Start – 2032            Trip Meter Reading Finish – 2092

Total Km Travelled – 60 km
Fuel Costs & Consumption
No filling up today

Comments -  Luke Baker

This morning we did a 10.6 km walk around Ayers Rock; it killed.
I also bought a painting off an aboriginal woman; her name was Dawn Nipper.  I played the didgeridoo in front of lots of people; it sounded like fart (lol); I still did not pick up any chicks yet as I did the praying mantis dance again.  I have enjoyed the aboriginal culture.

Comments – Mum and Dad

The Tarplees’ decided to leave Yulara after exploring the rock and headed for Kings Canyon.  We decided to stay on as we had 4-5 hours of exploring and walking the 10.6 km around Uluru ahead of us; plus (more importantly LOL), tv reception to watch the State of Origin, “Go The Blues”!!!!.
The rock was amazing.  It was more significant after listening to the locals explain the Kuniya and Liru story.  This explained the markings on the rock and the significance of story for the traditional landholders of Anangu. 
In 1985 the title deeds to Uluru and Kata Tjuta were handed back to the Anangu traditional owners who then leased the land to the federal government for 99 years.  Since then they have been working with the Director of National Parks to jointly manage this land. 
The Anangu prefer that people do not climb the rock.  They believe that under Tjukurpa (traditional law) to teach people what behaviour is appropriate (climbing the rock is not one of them)...therefore, as this was their land, we respected this and decided not to climb. 
Name plaques of some of the 35 people that died climbing the rock have been removed.  The Anangu people believe that the memorials keep their spirits around; they believe they have a great responsibility to people who visit the their lands.
We explored the Mutijula Waterhole and took a free guided Mala Walk with one of the Park Rangers.
At Luke’s request, we drove back into Town Square to see who was painting today....Dawn Nipper  started a canvas with a background of red (OMG, this is my  favourite colour!!) and of course it was absolutely beautiful and represented four women gathering food amongst the sand dunes around Uluru....Luke loved it and watched her finish it to the end and bought his  second piece (out of his own money)....Dawn allowed for Luke to have his photo taken with her, as did Christine the previous day..... We pray that these paintings will be worth a fortune in years to come (before we die, that is....LOL).

DAY 10 – Tuesday 12 June 2012 Yulara free day exploring

Trip Meter Reading Start –2032 Trip Meter Reading Finish - 2032
Total Km Travelled – 0 km

Fuel Costs & Consumption
No filling up today

Comments -  Luke Baker
Today I went to art class and painted a boomerang.  We watched traditional women painting cultural stories and I bought one.
I also learnt how to throw the aboriginal spear; it was hard.  I did the praying mantis dance in front of lots of people; it is used to attract girls.  We went to look at Uluru at sunset.
Comments – Mum and Dad
Today we decided to take it easy and just hang out. 
Caught up on emails then visited the Town Square and stocked up on groceries. Luke posted his post card to Gloria; he also joined Erin and Jake to paint a boomerang and canvas.   Had pizza for lunch then listed to local Koori yarns and watched Christine Brumby who is a traditional  land holder and artist paint a canvas for Luke.
Met two locals working in the area Pip (a tour guide from See It) and the Maruku Arts and Crafts Project Officer, Jenny.  They talked to us about the meaning of the aboriginal art and what the aboriginal women of Anangu land in Town Square were painting.  Luke took alot of interest and it was  fantastic to see these beautiful women start from a blank canvas and paint a story about their surrounding and traditional lands.  All of the artists receive 40% of the sale prices for their art; the rest goes to supply the equipment including paints and canvas etc.  This helps to prevent poverty within their communities.  Purchasing Christine’s painting for a mere $50 was as good as giving a donation, but also wonderful knowing what it was all about


Dawn Nipper - Luke bought this peice after watching her paint it from scratch.  It represents the dunes of the red center and 4 women seated collecting food

Drove with the Tarplee families for a sunset viewing of Uluru which was awesome, especially when you are sitting on a pink foxy lady recliner, wine holder and all....!!!! Ahh...

DAY 9 – Monday 11 June 2012 Uluru – The Olgas exploring

Trip Meter Reading Start – 1840            Trip Meter Reading Finish - 2001
Total Km Travelled – 161 km

Gateway to Red Centre

Fuel Costs & Consumption
No filling up today

Comments -  Luke Baker

We went to the Olgas and did a 7.4 km walk; it took us 2.5 hours.  We also saw Ayers Rock.  We watched an aboriginal cultural dance.   



Luke with his new 'brothers'

Christine Brumby is an artist from Manaru Community on Anangu land - Luke bought this painting.  The community profits totally from the sales of their art and helps eliminate poverty in their community.  Luke watched Christine paint this peice from start to finish and explained it's significance.

Comments -  Mum and Dad

This morning we booked into the Ayers Rock campground for two nights.  Today we travelled the 50 kilometres to ‘Kata Tjuta’ (The Olgas) after paying $50 for our 3 day permit into the Uluru National Park.  With the Tarplee family (4 adults and 3 kids in tow) we decided to tackle the 7.4 km walk through the Valley of the Winds (Mark added his own wind to this of course; I must say the air fresher Kaiko gave me before I left has come in handy lol....).  The kids did a great job walking all that way.  It was in no way a flat walk and we had to climb up rock walls and down rock banks.  We cannot believe how beautiful this place is; at the top of the gorge it started to rain, yet looking up through the steep redness of rock was blue sky and below lush plantings of green gum and thick wild grasses.  The photos speak for themselves.



Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

The so called 4.5 hr walk (which, because we are so fit, took a mear 2.5 hrs) was amazing.  Back to town square at Yulara we stocked up and essentials and sat on the grassed area to watch traditional aboriginal dancing.  Back at camp, we enjoyed hot showers; cranked up the heating via the air con;  Mark got the telly fired up and we watched our first tv program ‘The Voice’.....what more do you need....it’s been a full and amazing dayJ

Enjoying sunset at Uluru with the Tarplee family

DAY 8 – Sunday 10 June 2012 Coober Pedy to Yulara (20 km out)

Trip Meter Reading Start – 1120            Trip Meter Reading Finish - 1840
Total Km Travelled – 720 km
Fuel Costs & Consumption

Mount Connor (not Uluru)

Fill up Marla

LPG @ $1.25 / litre; 63.94 litres $80.50 (trip meter reading 1364 km)
Fill up Kulgera
Petrol @ $1.95 / litre; 71.29 litres $139.02 (trip meter reading 1542 km)

Comments -  Luke Baker
I saw Mount Connor.  Mum thought it was Ayers Rock LOLJ.  We free camped where we could see Ayers Rock.  The dirt was very red. 

Comments -  Mum and Dad

Free camp 20km from Yulara

This was a massive drive today as there is not much in between.  Put the pedal to the metal and decided to drive to a free camp just 20 km outside of Yulara.  As we were heading toward Yulara, we saw “the rock”.  We pulled over for a photo and it was then the ‘Tarplee’ family kindly broke the bad news that ‘the rock’ was Mount Connor.  Oh well, we were still excited and it was a big rock formation in the middle of nowhere.  Squarer than Uluru but still beautiful.     Mark was terribly enthusiastic to try and find the perfect campsite with a view of ‘the rock’ and almost managed to get the car bogged in soft sand....arrrgh.  After unsuccessfully trying to locate the Sandy Rest area marked in the Camps 5 book we all settled on a campsite off the road.  The kids had a great area to ride around on their bikes and it was a good opportunity for them to stretch their legs and burn off some energy after 8 hours in the car.  Lit a nice fire and settled in for the night.