The Oodnadatta Track Holiday - Home to Hawker

We have been off caravanning again, as John has always wanted to do the Oodnadatta Track,  643 klms of gravel road, plus a few more as he also wanted to see Lake Eyre and Coober Pedy. The track starts in Maree and finishes at Marla. Basically between the Flinders Ranges and Alice Springs. Of course that is not all of what we saw in a month long adventure.
After my infusion Wednesday Morning we headed straight to Gunnedah for the night, at which I heated up a pre cooked and frozen chow mein. 9 degrees and rained all night, thank goodness for power sites, as we turned the heater on.

Next day it was off to Cobar via Nyngan for lunch. Saw bits of cotton on the roadside and passed a Cotton Gin. Bales of cotton seem to go for miles. Lots of wild goats in this area, who trim the trees nicely. All the creeks and rivers are dry due to the drought and we were not seeing many farm animals at all. Certainly enjoyed the red soil in this area, officially the Outback.

Wild Goats

Had a stop at Nyngan, which had some water, surprisingly. Most creeks and rivers were empty.

These small towns have great signs.

Nyngan one of few places with water.

Cobar was our 2nd night stay, a drive thru site which means the car is attached to the caravan, and easy to get away the next day.

 Night Stop Day two

 Lots of cotton growing in this area and bits along the roadside, as it had been picked. Bales of cotton went for ages.

Cotton Bales

Part of the Cotton Gin Building

Then it was on to Wilcannia next day and was our first stop for lunch, and where there are lovely old buildings left, and has about 600 residents there, including police who passed me, with a wave, on the road as I took this Post Office building photo.

Post Office

 John had to fill up with petrol and it took us a few minutes to find where the BP was. A Puma petrol station on the main highway was filled with army trucks which were also waiting in line, not that John would put Puma in the tank of his new car!!!

Talk about basic facilities, didn't even get a receipt, but Hey driveway service.

Apparently we caravanners do like BP.

Borders are always interesting and this was our first one, with the Border Cafe.

Border

We were staying in Broken Hill for the night, and the road was pretty much the same, all the way.

These are train Water Towers part of the Old Ghan Railway.

We got to Broken Hill at about 2pm which was nice as needed the rest, long straight roads and not much between towns.

Entering Broken Hill with its mine shaft.

These places are mostly  farming Stations

On the way we found a pub at Mannahill,  and the only other thing was the railway station across the road, such a magnificent building, for where we were. Nothing else here.

The inside of the pub though, amazing. Was like a big tin shed also. Everywhere you looked was like this.

Made from cans

Had a scone each that the lady had made just to help her out.

 Passed though Peterborough, 220ks north of  Adelaide, to turn off to Hawker. Loved their sign, town had a few old buildings as well.

Finally we got to Hawker 1741k's

Caravan Park ours is in front.

View across the fence, shows where we were. The township was confined to a square area, basic facilities. Stayed here for 3 nights. Really cold every night as well.

The Hawker War Memorial was lovely. Quite a big area also. We could see it from over the fence other end of above picture.

John had heard about a railway journey in Pichi Richi, and we had to get there to Quorn by Sunday. So tickets were booked and we turned up about a half hour before, an hour from Hawker.

 This was such an important occasion for Quorn they had speeches from the mayor and  local member and a great granddaughter from the original train driver. The train was found in a playground in Port Augusta and refurbished by the train society members. This was its first official outing and was packed with 7 carriages.

Hardy Train Buff and wife.

John bought a Pichi Richi Hat as it was freezing. Didn't think he needed a jacket.

Our destination was Woolshed Flat where the ladies of the members had set up lunch to sell pies, hotdogs cakes etc. A special place has been built for this, and it had a lovely wood stove there.

Some great views and interesting history. Was original Ghan Track

Turned around for ride back to Quorn

There were so many photographers following us all the way at least 30, taking photos at every turn.

 One thing John forget as we left, was his camera. For those who know him you will understand the frustration he had, for he is never without, even when driving, he sits it on his lap, for a quick shot which may or may not work. Very unsafe, scares me. Our neighbour kindly posted it to us which was a chance it would get to Hawker why we were there.
It arrived on the Monday our next day, for one very happy man, but I will continue our holiday next week, this blog is long enough.

Till next Time.