THE LAND DOWN UNDER, AUSTRALIA Traveldriven was born, raised and has always lived in Australia. For foreigners visiting or thinking of living in Australia some things are good to know. Things Australian's regard as common knowledge. Ask an Australian directly for the right answers. There are quite a few travel blogs written by non-residents of Australia and these all say similar basic things. These may or may not be hearsay. As an Australian living in Australia. ON A VISIT TO TRAVEL AUSTRALIA For the record: The term Down Under is never used by Australians in general conversation and is not always liked. The phrase is used by foreigners. As far as we are concerned, we are on top of the world. It's all about one's perspective. The wildlife . Australians are quite fond of their native fauna. These include crocodiles, sharks, red back spiders, snakes, kangaroo, emu, birds etc. Even our stingrays. We know the deadly and dangerous one's and don't need to be reminded. As for visitor's all would be very unlucky to cross paths with the most dangerous. If, however, a person is in a particular fauna environment be mindful encountering something. For example, don't walk in long grass in hot weather, pay due attention to roadside and pathway warning signs etc. Don't approach any wildlife. Safe and simple. Australia is not expensive . Look at the money exchange rate. For example: The United States Dollar is always valued more than the Australian dollar. Usually between 65 to 80 cents for every Australian dollar to one US dollar. The British pound generally is twice the value of one Australian dollar. Visitors from English speaking countries should think that's good. Air fares are reasonable for distance travelled. It is not always hot . Even in the tropical north nights may be cool. Ask a Victorian or a Tasmanian about the cold. Often most months of the year may be cold. Down to zero overnight and a high of single digit Celsius in the daytime. Or 32 to 50 Fahrenheit. Australian's all use a little slang . G'day and Mate are probably the most common. Be careful with slang. For example. Many American words have a rude Australian slang term for the same word. For example: we never root for our team. That would mean we have sex for or with our teammates. This one is a bit tricky. After some light banter back and forth we may insult you to your face. If we have a smile on our face, we may intend it as a way of showing we like you. Don't assume the opposite. Australia is safe. There are no off-limit areas to any particular group of Australian's. A few places may be seedy or high end but if walking or driving through these neighbourhoods it's not a problem. Permits may be required in remote indigenous communities. Anywhere else the use of common sense and respect for locals goes a long way. Do not view Australian's and New Zealander's as almost the same people. This is insulting to both. A friendly rivalry exists between the two countries. Although both get along with each other, significant differences remain in sport and culture. Australians as a rule don't tip for service. We see this as rather odd. People earn enough to cover bare basics. If payment is in cash sometimes saying keep the change is ok for convenience's sake. All Australian's love vegemite and having a BBQ in the backyard or in parkland. Often with a cold beer in hand. (not Fosters). We do not drive on the wrong side of the road . Right hand drive is great for us and safe. Holidays Australian's do not go on Vacation. We go on Holidays. It means the same thing. Generally, working Australian's get at least four to five weeks annual holidays and many choose to break holidays into weekly or fortnightly periods throughout convenient times of the year. Weekends are important to Australians. Viewed by many to enjoy time with family and friends outside of the usual Monday to Friday working week. Keep In Mind Flying to Australia and visiting Sydney, Uluru, Gold Coast and a few islands of the Barrier Reef is a convenient tourist packaged way to see Australia. However, much more of value can be obtained to include a few days in "normal Australia". This might include suburban retail strips, local sport or a visit to a country town or seaside town. Enjoy a meal at a local hotel or a morning breakfast at a coffee shop. A chance to meet and see local people. Frequent not just the well-known internationals and large resorts. Traveldriven RIVERSIDE SWIM IN AUSTRALIA HOMEPAGE

DRIVE MELBOURNE CBD TO HALLS GAP GRAMPIANS NATIONAL PARK In the general area of Halls Gap Victoria nestled within the Grampians National Park. There are plenty of bush camping sites. Reasonable priced off-peak accommodation is available in Halls Gap. There are no Dingo's in the National Park. Do not approach wild kangaroo. They have a nasty kick and scratch with their paws. Quite often many kangaroos congregate on the Halls Gap football\cricket oval to feed on the green grass. Hand feeding of native fauna is allowed at the Halls Gap Zoo off of Ararat\Halls Gap Road. Seen daily : Every day in this beautiful Australian landscape, you can witness the graceful hops of Kangaroos, the swift movements of Emus, the elegant presence of White Cockatoos, the vibrant colors of Parrots, and the melodious calls of Magpies echoing through the air. Additionally, smaller native birds add a touch of charm as they flit about, creating a lively and dynamic ecosystem. Often heard daily is the unmistakable laugh of the Kookaburra, a sound that resonates through the trees and adds a sense of joy to the surroundings. Often seen : Among the creatures that frequently grace the landscape are Wallabies, Possums, Kookaburras with their distinctive calls, and even feral deer that roam the area, blending into the natural scenery. Occasionally seen : From time to time, lucky observers may catch a glimpse of the elusive Koala, the unique Echidna, the majestic Wedge-tailed Eagle soaring high above, the silent flight of an Owl, as well as feral white goats, foxes, and feral domestic cats adding a touch of wildness to the environment. Not to forget the occasional appearance of snakes, adding a hint of mystery and intrigue to the diverse wildlife that calls this place home. Rumoured to have been seen: Since the 1940s, the mysterious legend of the Grampians Puma has captured the imaginations of locals and visitors alike. Whispers of sightings of unusually large cats roaming the vast expanse of the Grampians National Park have persisted over the decades, fuelling speculation and intrigue. According to the lore, these majestic felines were purportedly set free into the bushland by departing American WW2 servicemen as they bid farewell to Australia at the conclusion of their postings. These big cats, numbering five in total, were none other than pumas, serving as the units' beloved mascots during their time in the region. The servicemen, deeply attached to their animal companions, were said to have taken a drastic step to ensure the safety and well-being of the pumas by releasing them into the wild, rather than risk having them euthanized by the authorities upon their departure for the United States. This act of loyalty and compassion towards these creatures has become a part of the folklore surrounding the Grampians Puma, adding a poignant and enigmatic layer to the tale. As the stories of the Grampians Puma continue to be passed down through generations, the mystery of these elusive felines persists, with occasional reports of sightings keeping the legend alive. Whether a product of fact or fiction, the legend of the Grampians Puma remains a captivating and enduring aspect of the rich tapestry of folklore that weaves through the history of the Grampians National Park. Puma Sighting? It was nighttime and solo driving between Devils Garden State Forest and Mokepilly Bridge 9 km from Halls Gap on the main Grampian Road. A silky black animal off to the right side of the road a little bigger than a large dog illuminated in the cars high beam headlights. The animal sat up turned and ran into roadside ferns. It moved like a cat not a dog. Feral cats can grow to dog size. This appeared much bigger than any dog. Perhaps it was the touted Grampian puma claimed to have been occasionally seen since the nineteen fifties. I wasn't stopping for a further look. Who knows if there is any truth to it? UAP night lights in Victoria Valley? The Grampians for many years, were frequently visited by the 'Colonel', a retired Air Force character known for his intriguing pursuits. People can recall spotting him in Halls Gap, diligently collecting supplies for his mysterious ventures. The Colonel, as he is referred to, had a keen interest in UFO activity documentation, a subject that fascinates many. In his own words, he shared, 'We are gathering UFO activity documentation, and I myself often conduct all-night field observations in Victoria Valley.' Showing dedication to this enigmatic field, as he tirelessly invested his time and effort into uncovering the secrets of the night sky. These strange night lights that the Colonel spoke of sparked curiosity and wonder among those who heard his tales. They evoke a sense of mystery and intrigue, leaving one to ponder the enigmatic phenomena that may unfold under the veil of darkness. The Colonel's nocturnal escapades shed light on a realm that exists beyond the ordinary, inviting contemplation on the unknown forces that may be at play in the vast expanse of the Victoria Valley. Traveldriven HALLS GAP GOOGLE MAPS EMU EATING HABITS EMU COOKATOO GRAMPIANS BIRDLIFE KOOKABURRA LAUGHING A photo of a puma similar to sightings descriptions. Since the 1940s as reported to local newspapers and radio up to the present day. GRAMPIANS PUMA SIGHTINGS VICTORIA VALLEY UAP SIGHTINGS? PREV GRAMPIANS NEXT HOMEPAGE POST

DAY 2 'Stopped and checked for carriage into Western Australia by quarantine inspectors. Car boot thoroughly searched' Nullarbor South Australia The Eyre Highway is the only east, west road passing through the Nullarbor Plain to Western Australia. Nullarbor Roadhouse is at the eastern boundary of the Nullarbor Plain and Border Village is at the western boundary of the Nullarbor Plain. These two roadhouses provide services for tourists and travellers such as accommodation and vehicle fuel. Nullarbor Roadhouse Somewhere to stay overnight. Motel units or caravan site. Food and fuel. Nullarbor means no trees. Over 100,000 wild camels roam the plain. The longest stretch of straight road in the world. A distance of 146.6 km along the Eyre Highway outside Balladonia Roadhouse. Newspaper stories on a notice board describe the legend of the Nullarbor Nymph, a half-naked feral woman, once thought to have roamed the plain among the kangaroos in the 1970s. Made headlines worldwide. A historic scale model of the old station/garage is next door to the roadhouse on display. Border Village The area consists of little more than the roadhouse. Border Village Roadhouse is right before the Quarantine Checkpoint driving from South Australia. Home of the giant kangaroo. Motel units and caravan sites. A shop, fuel and a restaurant/bar with cold beer on tap. A Quarantine Checkpoint is on the border. Risk items include fresh fruit, vegetables, some nuts, seeds as well as honey. I was stopped and checked for carriage into Western Australia by quarantine inspectors. Car boot thoroughly searched. Road checkpoints operate 24 hours. Eucla One of the most memorable driving experiences I recall is the first solo road trip driving to Western Australia. One odd event occurred during a service station stop on the Eyre Highway. In the small township of Eucla near the border with South Australia and Western Australia. While filling the car with petrol, a Holden sedan pulled off the highway and parked next to a fuel bowser. The driver filled his car, paid and rejoined the highway. Normal enough. But his sedan was minus all four doors, bonnet and the rear window. The car did have number plates. A funny sight in the middle of nowhere. Outback and desert country. I assume the driver and car drove from an Outback station homestead to refill with petrol and returned back to the station. All other vehicles along this highway were packed full of long distance travel supplies etc. Mostly towed caravans and trucks. So out of place and questionable if road legal. I think it had seat belts and side mirrors . Eucla is on the Western Australian side of the SA/WA border. Population of roughly fifty residents. Just the one motel or limited caravan sites available. There is nowhere else to stay overnight. Eucla Telegraph ruins are well worth a look. Opened 1877. Linked Western Australia with the rest of the world sending over 20,000 messages a year until 1927. The ruins are often half buried in drifting sand dunes. Accessible via a short unsealed two-wheel drive road. The current townsite was established about 4 km higher up. The only location on the Eyre Highway off the Eucla Pass with a direct view of the Great Australian Bight cliffs due to its elevated position. Occasionally whales can be seen. One of Traveldriven's top eight Australian lookouts. For another top eight please go to. The Living Desert Broken Hill NSW Post ENTER CLICK/TAP   EUCLA GOOGLE MAPS CURRENT NULLARBOR FIVE DAY FORECAST DRIVE NULLARBOR ROADHOUSE - BORDER VILLAGE - EUCLA HISTORIC SERVICE STATION DISPLAY EYRE HIGHWAY THE ONLY EAST/WEST HIGHWAY ROOEYII BORDER VILLAGE SOUTH AUSTRALIA NULLARBOR CLIFFS & SOUTHERN OCEAN Molly's Nullarbor roadtrip. Drone views of the Great Australian Bight and cliffs. Great footage of the area 6.25 minutes into the video. Personally think the Eucla cliff views are the best from the handful of Nullarbor highway turnoffs. These are accessible to any highway travelling vehicles. Thanks in advance to Molly Dixon Youtube channel for enabling sharing of Youtube video's. Traveldriven THE NULLARBOR NULLARBOR CLIFFS SIGN ON ROADHOUSE 'NULLARBOR NYMPH' EUCLA TELEGRAPH RUINS RUINS ARE 2WD ACCESSIBLE ALONG SHORT UNSEALED ROAD TO THE CLIFFS AREA EUCLA WHALE CAR BOOT SEARCH BORDER CHECK PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT PREV SOUTH AUSTRALIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

DAY 4 'Sheepishly with car bonnet up I told the auto electrician the problem solved itself' -in the WA goldfields, Traveldriven CURRENT KALGOORLIE REGION FIVE DAY FORECAST DRIVE NORSEMAN - KALGOORLIE - PERTH Norseman The small town is in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia along the Coolgardie-Esperance Highway, seven hundred and twenty-five kilometres (451 mi) east of Perth. Norseman is a small town of almost six hundred people. The town is surprisingly spread out. Norseman is a town in the middle of nowhere really. A sensible overnight stop for rest and petrol. Mostly small gold mining operations operate in the area. The Norseman Gold Mine is Australia’s longest continuously running gold mine. Drive past these mine sites and a gold mine tailing dump to Beacon Hill Lookout The town centre has life size ‘Corrugated Iron Camels’. A tribute to camel trains of the early days. Norseman is the start or end of the Eyre Highway. Depending on driving direction. Driving back east, the last town of any note before Ceduna, South Australia. 1,200 km eastward. Kalgoorlie-Boulder Known just as Kalgoorlie, this Outback centre is a large regional city in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia. Almost six hundred km (370 mi) east of Perth and connected to Perth by the Great Eastern Highway. Kalgoorlie is a wealthy gold mining city. The Fimiston Open Pit (super pit) is an open cut gold mine 3.6 km long, 1.6 km wide and over 600 metres deep. Trucks take round trips of about 35 minutes. The Superpit is located on the edge of town. See Kalgoorlie’s famous or infamous Hay Street brothel museum. Visit Western Australia’s only legalised Two Up school. Many hotels and motels. Worth a day or two’s rest from the Great Eastern Highway. Car Trouble? Outback Western Australia During daytime and a two hour drive heading to Kalgoorlie I unknowingly knocked the interior lights button on the car's central display. A small unlabelled recessed button I have never used. Four interior overhead lights shone brightly and I wasn't sure how to turn them off. Lights are normally a press on/off type. Lights remained on even after a brief stop. Driving in remote desert country I thought not a good idea for extra drain on the car battery. There is no cell phone reception in remote Australia. Seldom seen are vehicles other than road trains. Realising I cannot push start an automatic transmission sedan due to a flat battery. Here in the stopped car. All lights shining. Under the hot sun in a cloudless sky, raising a sweat just by sitting there with the engine off. The occasional road train passing by I thought best to restart the car and drive to the next town for a car check. The battery wasn't a problem yet. I restarted the car and continued non-stop to Kalgoorlie several hours drive away. AUTO ELECTRICS WORKSHOP HELP Upon arrival in Kalgoorlie I pulled into a roadside auto electrics workshop to get it checked. Expecting the worse outcome. After a short while wondering if I had done something inadvertently. I pressed the unused unlabelled central button and all lights went off. Sheepishly with car bonnet up, I told the auto electrician the problem solved itself and thanked him for taking a look. He wouldn't accept payment for his time. The point is solo driving for long periods in a remote hot area 35c many hours' drive from civilisation does play on your mind when even small, unexpected problems arise. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP KALGOORLIE GOOGLE MAPS NORSEMAN GOOGLE MAPS NORSEMAN LAND SAILS NORSEMAN CAMEL TRAIN OPEN CUT GOLD MINE KALGOORLIE SUPERPIT THE SUPER PIT, KALGOORLIE YORK HOTEL KALGOORLIE CBD OUTBACK DRIViNG THE RABBIT PROOF FENCE WAS A FAILURE IN THE LONG TERM THE PROJECT, ALTHOUGH GRAND, PROVED TOO LITTLE TO LATE KALGOORLIE GOOGLE MAPS PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT HOMEPAGE

DAY 3 What's it feel like to be nowhere? Then, drive Cocklebiddy to Balladonia 220km. -A no man's land. Outback Driving Although the one and only East\West road between the southern Australian states and Western Australia is fully sealed it's very remote and isolated country. The Eyre Highway skirts the fringe of the Nullarbor Plain and the highway has the longest stretch of straight road in Australia. Perhaps is one of the longest in the world. Needless to say, there is no road side fencing. No roadside train tracks, no power lines, few trees and no signs of civilisation for hours of driving, just the never ending road. NASA FIRST SPACE STATION 'SKYLAB' 1974 Cocklebiddy Western Australia The area is basically a roadhouse. The name of the roadhouse is the Wedgetail Inn and has a caravan park, and hotel motel facilities. Balladonia Beyond the Nullarbor Is a small roadhouse settlement across the border on the Eyre Highway in Western Australia. The Balladonia roadhouse has a display of Skylab debris and newspaper clippings, as well as hotel and motel rooms. In July 1979, the area gained global attention with the re-entry of Skylab. An orbiting NASA space station. A long trail of small debris was scattered across the nearby countryside. Traveldriven SKYLAB RE-ENTRY ON BALLADONIA BALLADONIA WESTERN AUSTRALIA TOURIST BOARD INTERESTING LONG & STRAIGHT DRIVE LONG DRIVE FOR A NULLARBOR STICKER SEDAN DRIVING OUTBACK HIGHWAYS DISPLAY SIGN 1,234,567 KANGAROO'S ONLY OUTNUMBERED BY THE FLIES PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT PREV WESTERN AUSTRALIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

DAY 47 I needed to dispose of the unused fireworks now highly illegal in Victoria. -find a salt lake Stuart Highway The fully sealed highway runs the full length from Darwin on the coast in the Northern Territory via outback towns of Tennant Creek and Alice Springs and ending in the seaside town of Port Augusta in South Australia. Crossing the continent through the centre of Australia North to South. Outback Strange Lights In the Outback. Woomera to Port Augusta, South Australia, and nightfall along the main highway about halfway between the two towns. Perhaps 500 metres from the road, intense bright white light was spread over a large area and was reflecting from the ground between some low ridges. Similar to a floodlit sporting oval but lights low and unseen. The strange thing is why and how? Located in rugged desert countryside? So, no farmland with machinery. No road, rail or wayside stop. Not a mining area. No trucks. No houses or available power. Very isolated. Not a drone, spotlight, searchlight or scrub fire. Bit of a mystery! I'm sure there is a plausible explanation. Woomera A short eight km drive off of the Stuart Highway from the roadside stop of Pimba is the town of Woomera. The town is in fact a ghost town in the Far North region of South Australia. Its appearance is so unlike the vast majority of towns in Australia. Infrastructure but few people. The town buildings and dwellings still look in reasonable condition. The dry climate helps in this regard. Population 7,000 in the 1960s to a few hundred now. Easy to drive the many paved streets as it’s like a modern ghost town. Approximately five hundred kilometres (277 mi) north of Adelaide. "Woomera" also refers to the additional surrounds of the RAAF Woomera Range Complex. A flight-testing range covering an area of 122,000 square kilometres (47,000 sq mi). The Woomera range is operated by the Royal Australian Air Force and the town infrastructure still appears to be mothballed as of 2024. Woomera is a Department of Defence owned and operated facility. There are no restrictions for the general public to drive around the large township. There are no privately owned homes in the township. Woomera National Aerospace and Missile Park is interesting. Arrangement was made for accommodation in the old barracks from the Eldo Hotel after a cold drink. Eldo Hotel was the old mess hall. A few local workers were inside taking a quiet break. The only accommodation available is in the old barrack blocks. Corridors are very long and rather narrow. Not unusual for no overnight guests. Very quiet and eerie. Roxby Downs A sealed 78 km road connects to Roxby Downs. Established 1986. The small mining town has a supermarket and accommodation. South Australia Outback Drive To Adelaide I was driving past the occasional small and a few large drying salt lakes scattered along the main Stuart Highway. Considered deposing the remainder of the fireworks I still carried in any roadside salt lake. Perhaps Lake Hart would do. Possession illegal after Northern Territory Day. A couple of small boxes remaining. I decided against it. They were safely deposed of soon after arrival in Victoria in the next few days. Left the South Australian Outback behind on approach to Port Augusta. The place has a population greater than 13,000 residents. A city known as the Gateway to the Outback if driving North. The beginning or end of the Stuart Highway depending on direction of travel. The Stuart Highway north from Port Augusta to Darwin is 2,700 km. Not to be confused with the Sturt Highway 959 km in length in NSW to SA. I was driving South and drove a further three hundred km onto Adelaide for overnight motel accommodation. The following day ended the road trip in Victoria. Victoria & End of Road Trip I did not use any free camping sites in outback or regional areas. Although fairly common, most appeared not to have any people. At least during dawn to dusk. People tend to keep to themselves after dark in these locations. I decided as a solo traveller I wanted to have an opportunity to chat with fellow travellers at the end of most days. That's why I used paid accommodation locations with access to convenient onsite amenities. Unpowered camping sites to budget motels. Although this was a solo trip, I enjoyed meeting fellow travellers every day and seeing the incredibly diverse country of Australia. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP WOOMERA GOOGLE MAPS PORT AUGUSTA GOOGLE MAPS DRIVE COOBER PEDY - WOOMERA - PORT AUGUSTA BLAST OFF TO SPACE FIREWORKS BOX ONE OF THE FEW REMAINING ROCKETS OF WOOMERA'S PAST WOOMERA RAAF BASE WOOMERA OUTBACK RAIL UNDERNEATH AN OUTBACK RAIL LINE LAKE HART SALT ACCESSIBLE FROM HIGHWAY SALT LAKE LAKE HART WARNING ALIENS HAVE LANDED HERE? OUTBACK MESSAGE IN DRY SALT LAKE HART WALK CLOSED DOWN IN WOOMERA NO RADIO BROADCAST MUSEUM ROCKET PIECE WOOMERA ROCKET PARK KEY TO WOOMERA WOOMERA MESS HALL ACCOMMODATION BLOCK OLD BARRACKS ACCOMMODATION BLOCK ANOTHER OLD BARRACKS THIRD ACCOMMODATION BLOCK NO OTHER TYPE AVAILABLE IN WOOMERA LEN BEADELL LAID TO REST IN WOOMERA CLICK wikipedia Len Beadell of Woomera CLICK ABC news gunbarrel-highway Len Beadell PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT PREV SOUTH AUSTRALIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

DAY 27, 28, 29, 30 Lake Argyle Freshwater Lake of Western Australia The reservoir is part of the Ord River Irrigation Scheme and is located near the East Kimberley town of Kununurra. Kununurra is the largest town in Western Australia north of Broome. Kununurra is 3,040 kilometres (1,889 mi) from Perth via the Great Northern Highway. Kununurra has extensive irrigation for cropping of over 20,000 hectares in the tropical heat. Water supply is from Lake Argyle. Lake Argyle is mainland Australia’s largest body of freshwater. 70 km southeast of Kununurra. The Lake Argyle Caravan Park (Resort) is a great base to unwind. Very large park. Free use of an infinity pool. Pool water is very cold. The surrounding view of the lake and cliffs are one of the best scenic views in Australia. During Lake Argyle peak periods, there is free nightly live entertainment provided by park management. Seasonal resident entertainers such as Steve Case. Python Speed Bump The Lake Argyle area is in tropical Western Australia. In the tropical top northwest of the State. Be careful nighttime solo driving from Kununurra to Lake Argyle Resort along the Lake Argyle Road. On return to the resort from Kununurra, past the bridge and on the only road in and out, and still 25 km to the campsite, I noticed a small speed hump across the sealed road. Upon driving closer only then I realised it was a python tail stretching two thirds across the road from the bush. The standard sealed road width in Australia is 3.5 metres. With this in mind, I would think around 4 metres in length or 13 feet. I drove around on the right-side road shoulder. No problem and kept driving. No other traffic at all. But it did make me think about securing my tent site. Lake Tours and BBQ Lake tours are available. Can include a BBQ lunch stop on a small rocky island. Aboard the tour boat the lake appears more like an inland sea. Distant shorelines. Impossible to identify the route to the boat's jetty. Apparently, the lake barramundi are not the tastiest fish. Lake Argyle is home to thousands of freshwater crocodiles. Lake is so vast crocs are rarely seen. The lake is free of saltwater crocodiles. The foreshore is rocky. No sandy areas to swim. However, the short steep downhill hike to a moored pontoon in a small inlet on the shore below the Lake Argyle Caravan Park can be accessed. A steel ladder built on the waterside of the pontoon allows a swim. Enter water at one's own risk. Possible below water rocks etc. Recommend the Ord River Boat Cruise by Triple J Tours . It's a fast boat adventure river cruise to the Ord River Dam wall holding back Lake Argyle and return down the river to Kununurra. A distance of 55 km. There is spectacular mountain scenery, riverside natural fauna and flora. For further reading, see Lake Argyle post  under the Western Australia Home heading. View video of Lake Argyle islands and it's giant spider webs. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP LAKE ARGLE GOOGLE MAPS IN REALTIME KUNUNURRA GOOGLE MAPS TRAVEL DOWN UNDER & DRIVE KUNUNURRA - LAKE ARGYLE RESORT LAKE ARGYLE NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT LAKE ARGYLE SHELTERED INLET & PONTOON STEVE CASE SINGER GUITARIST LAKE ARGYLE DD Derek Steve Case Hungry Heart, Steve Case Fire & Rain, Steve Case To Her Door, Steve Case FREE NIGHTLY LIVE MUSIC PLAYING THE TUNES BEST TENT SITE IN AUSTRALIA? INFINITY POOL VERY COLD ORD RIVER ADVENTURE BOAT CRUISE UP THE ORD RIVER (JUNGLE LIKE) ORD RIVER CRUISE RETURN FRESHWATER CROCODILE ORD RIVER WILDLIFE Ord River Homestead ORD RIVER ORD RIVER SUNSET PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT PREV WESTERN AUSTRALIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

small birds occasionally get trapped in the webs -Tour guide Lake Argyle of Western Australia Is Western Australia's largest freshwater man-made reservoir. Lake Argyle is part of the Ord River Irrigation Scheme and is seventy km by road from the East Kimberley town of Kununurra. One sealed road in and over the one and only bridge. The bridge is of a modern sturdy construction. On occasion in the wet season the bridge has raised concern of extreme monsoonal weather having the capacity of washing the bridge away. Spiders of Lake Argyle Golden Orb Spiders, a familiar sight on the islands dotting Lake Argyle, are known for their intricate webs that span across the gaps between bare branches of the island's small trees. These massive webs, often densely layered, can sometimes ensnare unsuspecting small birds that find themselves entangled in the sticky threads. Navigating through these intricate and tangled webs can be quite challenging, as they are predominantly crafted by the skilled Orb Spiders that call these islands home. One interesting fact about Orb Spiders is that their bites, while generally not dangerous to humans, can cause mild local pain, numbness, and swelling. Despite their potentially discomforting bite, these spiders play a crucial role in the ecosystem of Lake Argyle, helping to control insect populations and maintain the delicate balance of the island's biodiversity. The presence of these spiders adds a fascinating layer to the natural tapestry of the islands, showcasing the intricate interplay between different species in this unique environment. Freshwater crocodiles Numbers are estimated at over 25,000 in the lake. No saltwater crocodiles are said to be found. They much prefer mangrove habitat. However a one hundred per cent guarantee is not assured. The lake has twenty-six species of native fish. Fish species known in Lake Argyle include; Barramundi Southern Saratoga Archer Fish Forktail Cat Fish Mouth Almighty (is an actual fish) Long Tom Bony Bream Sleepy Cod These fish species known to inhabit Lake Argyle are a fascinating mix of freshwater creatures that have adapted to the unique ecosystem of this reservoir. The Barramundi, a prized sportfish, is a common sight in these waters, known for its impressive size and fighting spirit. The Southern Saratoga, with its vibrant colors and distinctive fins, adds a splash of beauty to the lake. Archer Fish, famous for their ability to shoot down insects with water jets, showcase an interesting hunting behavior. Among the lesser-known species, the Forktail Catfish lurks in the depths, its whiskers sensing the environment for food. The Mouth Almighty, an actual fish with a quirky name, captures attention with its peculiar features and behavior. Long Toms, with their elongated bodies and sharp teeth, are efficient predators in these waters. Bony Bream, a staple food source for many other fish, play a crucial role in the lake's food chain. Lastly, the Sleepy Cod, a nocturnal species, brings a sense of mystery to Lake Argyle with its secretive habits and elusive nature. These diverse fish species collectively contribute to the rich biodiversity of Lake Argyle, making it a prime destination for anglers, researchers, and nature enthusiasts alike. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP LAKE ARGYLE GOOGLE MAPS IN REALTIME DRIVE KUNUNURRA TO LAKE ARGYLE Lake Argyle random island stop & giant spider webs VERY COLD POOL AND LAKE ARGYLE The one bridge crossing on the sealed road to Lake Argyle One of the very few boats Lake Argyle LAKE ARGYLE BOAT CRUISE & BBQ PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT PREV WEST AUSTRALIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

Early Morning Drive Early one Saturday morning hours before sunrise and driving across country Victoria to reach the Great Ocean Road a bright glow of green lit up most of the clear night sky. Lasting several seconds. Local ABC radio was playing. Within a short time, the announcer proclaimed the station had taken phone calls from puzzled listeners seeing the same thing. I have since found out a larger falling meteor is like this. If the meteor is made of iron and nickel, it makes a green glow from friction in the atmosphere. Marking a memorable start to driving the Great Ocean Road. Great Ocean Road Driving the Great Ocean Road is an exhilarating experience that offers not only safety but also breathtaking views if road signs are followed diligently. The road is lined with numerous vehicular turnouts that provide stunning vistas of the ocean, making it a perfect spot for taking in the beauty of the coast. While any vehicle can traverse the Great Ocean Road, it is recommended to avoid towing a trailer or caravan to fully enjoy the drive. Although the road features twists and turns in some sections, it is still permissible to tow a caravan, providing an added level of flexibility for travellers. The drive may be cut short if desired. The drive from Lorne to Deans Marsh or Skenes Creek through the Otways Forest offers a picturesque journey through lush greenery and towering tree ferns. The option to cut the drive short provides flexibility for travellers looking to save time on their journey back to Melbourne or Geelong. By choosing the shorter route, you can still experience the beauty of the Otways region without committing to a longer drive. The sealed roads ensure a smooth and comfortable drive, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic views along the way. As you pass through the forested landscapes, you'll be surrounded by the tranquillity of nature, with the fresh scent of damp forest air adding to the immersive experience. Whether you opt for the Lorne to Deans Marsh route or the Skenes Creek to Forest drive, both paths promise a great way to experience the Great Ocean Road. This before turning off to experience the serene and refreshing drive through the Otways, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Personally, I had the pleasure of driving a Mustang GT on a day road trip spanning 615 km from the Wimmera, not once but twice within 12 months. Making a pitstop in Lorne to indulge in a delicious serving of fish and chips added a delightful touch to the journey, making it a memorable experience that is worth reliving! Lorne is a seaside town on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. With a resident population greater than one thousand. A popular holiday spot for Victorian's and the wealthy with their lavish holiday homes. Apollo Bay is a coastal Great Ocean Road town in Victoria. The retail street overlooks a long beach frontage opposite. The town appears more relaxed than Lorne. As of February 2021, roadworks Apollo Bay to Lorne is completed. In general, Great Ocean Road surface maintenance has remained good into 2025. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP APOLLO BAY GOOGLE MAPS LORNE GOOGLE MAPS DRIVE LORNE TO APOLLO BAY PITSTOP IN THE BUSY MAIN STREET MUSTANG GT GREAT OCEAN ROAD OTWAYS DRIVING OVER THE TOP DRIVING APOLLO BAY DRIVING LORNE ENTRY ARCH TO THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD DRIVING FROM MELBOURNE PREV VICTORIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

Mount Panorama On race weekends camp next to the racetrack at McPhillamy Park Campground on Mount Panorama. The highest point of the mountain. Hundreds if not thousands of camping sites are available. The campground is relatively flat and has amenity blocks. It is only open when major events take place. Road access is good for all towed vehicles. Winters are often cold and rain often impacts racing events held any time of year. Personal Experience Well before the year 2000 myself and a mate hitchhiked from the outskirts of Melbourne and up the Hume highway 1,000 km to a motoring event at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, New South Wales. The event held over the Easter long weekend. We were picked up late Friday and arrived the following morning by about midday Saturday. Hitchhiked all night through periods of rain and fog. There were frequent periods of waiting for a lift beside the dark roadside. To my amazement our arrival at Mount Panorama was in good time. We were picked up by cars or ute's not trucks. The drivers were assorted farmers and families. At the event we spent time on the hill campground with thousands of revellers enjoying the party atmosphere. One of the funniest things I seen was an overturned car bonnet removed from an old car and a tow rope had been affixed to a car with a man skiing and pulled along behind with the bonnet underneath. Weaving a path along grass tracks near campsites. Very unsafe I imagine. I got an express bus to return home to be ready to work on the Wednesday. This was the first and only-time hitchhiking. Now not encouraged and illegal in Victoria. I haven't seen a hitchhiker for years now.   The King of the Mountain and Torana A9X Perhaps Mount Panorama is the most challenging and best racetrack in the world! In rural New South Wales, Australia. Several hours drive from Sydney. Peter Brock is the holder of the most race victories at Bathurst with nine race wins at the circuit and ten Australian Touring Car Championship wins. Driver of the legendary Holden Torana A9X. Brock set the lap record on the final lap of the 1979 race with a margin of six laps to second place. The purpose-built racing cars with a body similar to road going cars are now widely known in Australia as Supercar Racing. The winner of the annual Bathurst 1000 held in early October receives after the Bathurst 1000 race the prized Peter Brock Trophy. Traveldriven The King of The Mountain https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Brock KING OF THE MOUNTAIN PETER BROCK PETER BROCK O5 A9X TORANA ALLAN MOFFAT 1977 FORD FALCON GT WOODSTOCK VILLAGE Just off the highway to Bathurst MOUNT PANORAMA GOOGLE MAPS MOUNT PANORAMA, BATHURST NEW SOUTH WALES Wikipedia, Mount Panorama Circuit Bathurst New South Wales PREV NSW NEXT HOMEPAGE

ANZAC Day Australian and New Zealand Army Corps. A day of remembrance in both countries. Remembering those 'who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations'. Dawn Service ANZAC Day Canberra I attended the 6am dawn Anzac Day service at the Canberra Australian War Memorial. The 107th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings. Knowing thousands would attend I awoke 4 am. Drove from Rydges Motel accommodation via Canberra city to the War Memorial underground public parking. Thought I would be one of the first arrivals around 4.30 am. Surprised by how many hundreds of people were streaming to the dawn service area on the left side facing the Memorial main buildings. I managed to get a position near the front where it was roped off to the public. Television crews in attendance. The pre-service preceding's began shortly. Informative talks given by distinguished people. Some were ex-servicemen talking about experiences of battle and not leaving anyone behind. The service itself fairly short. Generals and Admirals were in attendance. The service backed by the Band of the Royal Military College, Duntroon. A Didgeridoo player from the RAAF and a Piper of the Australian Federal Police. An address to those gathered was made from the national President of the RSL. (Returned and Services League of Australia) Mateship of Returned Servicemen After attending the ANZAC day service in Canberra, a deeply moving and significant event that honors the sacrifices of those who served their country, I was involved in a poignant encounter. As I made my way to my vehicle, an ex-serviceman of military age approached me with a sense of genuine concern and respect. He kindly inquired if I was a returned serviceman myself, noting that long walks seemed challenging for me. In response, I humbly expressed I had never served in the armed forces but felt compelled to pay my respects to those who had bravely served. Later that day, I decided to revisit the Australian War Memorial to immerse myself further in the history and stories of wartime sacrifices. The impact of the visit was profound, especially considering the restricted visitor numbers due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Despite the limitations, the experience of exploring the displays and paying tribute to the fallen heroes left a lasting impression on many attendees. It was a reminder of the importance of honouring the past and reflecting on the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today. Traveldriven DAWN SERVICE 2022 LIGHT OF DAY, WAR MEMORIAL ANZAC WREATHS AUSTRALIAN WAR MEMORIAL WEARY DUNLOP OUTSIDE WAR MEMORIAL CANBERRA STATUE OF WEARY DUNLOP THE WAR PRISONER SURGEON EXPLOSIVE FINDER DOG & HANDLER WAR MEMORIAL CANBERRA 2 UP THE JETTY CANBERRA ANZAC day is the one day of the year two up can legally be played Australia wide PREV CANBERRA ROADTRIP NEXT HOMEPAGE

Entry of $25 donation to the Good Friday Appeal Lincoln & Lincoln Land Lincoln is the luxury vehicle division of American automobile manufacturer Ford. The American brand is unavailable to buy in Australia with no dealerships. Lincoln Land in Australia is Jim's private collection of upwards of thirty-five Lincoln motor cars. A once only opportunity for the public on Good Friday to view the many motor vehicles. All Lincoln's on display are in pristine condition. Donation in 2025 and 2024 on entry of $25 to the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne. Also, live music, BBQ, and an Outdoor Show & Shine. Hundreds of people in attendance on the day. Amount raised for the Hospital appeal in 2024 according to local mainstream media was $55,000. Lincoln Land is on private property in the vicinity of the small town of Pomonal. On the fringe of the Grampian National Park in Victoria, Australia. Jim's Lincoln Display in Australia Most, if not all Lincoln's, were imported from the United States and all left-hand drive. Convertible open top continental GT's and hard tops. Two door and four door Lincoln's spanning decades of various models. Some models similar to what American presidents used. Lincoln was once described lovingly by Jay Leno, an avid American car collector, as driving a swimming pool on wheels. Jim's private collection of Lincoln motor cars in regional Victoria is open to the public only on Good Friday. Traveldriven 2025 GOOD FRIDAY OPEN DAY JIM'S GARAGE, 'LINCOLN LAND' LINCOLN LAND TEXACO & LINCOLN SIT DOWN & ADMIRE MEMORABILIA ON DISPLAY FANTASTIC COLLECTION 'OLD MARGE' ANOTHER WING FULL OF LINCOLN'S PRISTINE CONDITION AMERICAN ENTERTAINER 1916 - 1987 JACKIE GLEASEN'S STRETCH LINCOLN MORE LINCOLN'S ON DISPLAY OUTSIDE CLASSIC CAR SHOW MORE VEHICLE'S OUTSIDE JAKES SPEED SHOP CAR DISPLAYS ON OUTSIDE LAWNS EXTENSIVE CAR DISPLAYS TVR GRIFFITH 500 SPECS TVR GRIFFITH 500 2024 TOTAL 11.15AM $20,280 RAISED END OF DAY GREATER THAN $55,000 2024 Lincoln Display of cars AS NEW MARK 1V "LARGE MARGE" PART OF THE OUTDOOR GENERAL CAR DISPLAY LINCOLN LAND 2024 OLD ZEPHYR POLICE CAR LIGHT & SIREN SIXTY-FIVE FORD ZEPHYR CARS ON DISPLAY DRAG RACER TURBO SIX TIGHT FIT PANELS REMOVED LINCOLN PARKED JIM'S LINCOLN LAND SIDE DOOR ENTRY TO LINCOLN LAND WALKING THROUGH THE CAR EXHIBITS ROLLS ROYCE SILVER GHOST 1920 LIVE MUSIC JIM'S GARAGE GOOD FRIDAY 2022 MORE LIVE MUSIC JIM'S GARAGE HOT ROD WOLF GEAR STICK HOT ROD SHOW & SHINE PETER BROCK .O5 HOLDEN RACE CAR PETER BROCK 05 REPLICA MODEL RACE CARS Jay Leno's Garage 1966 Lincoln Continental PREV VICTORIA NEXT HOMEPAGE