The Bend Motorsport Park Museum The museum is also called the Auto Gallery and is inside the Motorsport Welcome Centre. Located within the reception foyer of Rydges Motel in Tailem Bend, South Australia, along side the Auto Gallery is a merchandise shop that offers a wide range of souvenirs and memorabilia for visitors to take home as a memento of their stay. The foyer itself is not just a simple check-in area but a fascinating space that invites guests to explore and admire its unique features. One of the main attractions in this space is the display of a dozen or so notable race cars, each with its own story and significance, making it a must-see for car enthusiasts and curious travellers alike. As you wander around the foyer, you can immerse yourself in the history and excitement of these impressive vehicles, learning about their racing achievements and the technology behind their design. This unexpected blend of hospitality and automotive culture adds a special touch to the overall experience of staying at Rydges Motel, creating lasting memories for guests and leaving them with a deeper appreciation for the destination. A bar and meal area is upstairs and overlooks the racetrack. The Bend's own lager is no longer on tap (2024). Great place to relax and take it all in. Even on non race days it's a place worth visiting. Race days are very busy and the onsite accommodation likely booked out, or if available, higher priced. Race car test and performance days are held regularly and a stay may include such a day at no extra cost to accommodation. Located on the second level of the facility, the bar and meal area offers a unique vantage point that overlooks the thrilling racetrack below. Guests can enjoy their drinks and meals while taking in the exciting races happening right in front of them. The elevated position not only provides a clear view of the track but also creates a vibrant atmosphere. The design of the bar and meal area is carefully planned to ensure that patrons have a comfortable and enjoyable experience, with ample seating, stylish decor, and large windows that allow natural light to flood the space. This elevated dining and socializing spot adds an extra layer of excitement and luxury to the overall racetrack experience, making it a popular choice for visitors looking to combine great food and drinks with the thrill of live racing action. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP THE BEND MOTORSPORT RYDGES MOTEL GOOGLE MAPS IN REALTIME THE BEND MAIN FOYER CAR DISPLAY SKYDECK VIEW 4TH LEVEL KING ROOM VIEW GEAR ART HELMET THE BEND FOYER PETER BROCK A9X TORANA V8 .05 SUPERCAR FERRARI WHEELS EXOTIC FERRARI RACETRACK V8 SUPERCAR McLAREN RACE CAR LARGE REAR WING ON McLAREN OPEN WHEEL RACE CAR ON DISPLAY BIG WHEELS DRAG & RACE PREV SOUTH AUSTRALIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

Breakfast & Bends. 30 minutes on track time plus breakfast $39. Lunch & Laps. 30 minutes on track time plus lunch $49. THE BEND MOTORSPORT PARK SOUTH AUSTRALIA Awoke early for a thirty minute session on the racetrack. Track time before breakfast. Afterwards all drivers attended breakfast served in the Apex Bar. Racetrack morning session was more enjoyable than afternoon session with more cars on track for the afternoon. Each session preceded with a compulsory driver briefing. Track layout, safety and regulations briefing. Ideal track conditions. Not allowed to overtake the pace car. A few front brake lockups by other drivers. Causing tyre smoke. Mustang track grip was excellent. Trackside marshals in attendance. Waking up early to start the day with a thirty-minute session on the racetrack is a testament to dedication and passion for the sport. The crisp morning air sets the scene for a focused and invigorating experience. The track slowly comes to life, with the hum of engines and the screech of tires cutting through the quietness of the morning hour. Each lap around the racetrack is a symphony of precision and skill, with every turn and straightaway presenting a new challenge to conquer. The adrenaline rush of pushing the limits, feeling the slight G-forces in every corner, and striving for the perfect racing line creates a sense of exhilaration that is unmatched. The concentration required to navigate the twists and turns at high speeds demands complete focus and control, honing both physical and mental agility. In those thirty minutes on the racetrack, there is a unique sense of freedom and liberation that comes from pushing oneself to the edge of performance. It is a time to escape from the demands of everyday life and immerse oneself in the pure joy of speed and competition. The camaraderie among fellow drivers, the shared passion for the sport, and the mutual respect for each other's skills all add to the sense of community and belonging that the racetrack provides. As the session draws to a close, the sun rises higher in the sky, casting a golden glow over the track and signaling the end of another exhilarating morning or afternoon on the racetrack. The memories of those two thirty minute sessions pushing the car and ones self will linger, fueling the anticipation for the next opportunity to hit the track and chase that adrenaline rush once again. Mustang exceptional track handling was commented on by fellow drivers. Highest speed obtained was greater than 165 km/h (100 mph plus) with more in reserve. At least 180 km/h attainable following behind the pace car on pit straight. No track incidents occurred. No off track over enthusiastic driving errors. Great fun and experience. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP TAILEM BEND GOOGLE MAPS PARKED WITH VALID PERMIT MUSTANGS READY FOR ON TRACK TIME DRIVER BRIEFING BEFORE TRACK TIME EARLY MORNING SESSION ON TRACK THE BEND RACETRACK THE BEND DRIVER EXPERIENCE LANDROVER ON A POLE. KEITH DUKES HIGHWAY 130 KM FROM THE BEND MOTORSPORT PARK. PREV MUSTANG GT NEXT PREV SOUTH AUSTRALIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

Minyip is a small regional Victorian town in the Wimmera. Three hundred and twenty kilometres (199 mi) north west of Melbourne. It is in the Shire of Yarriambiack Minyip has a resident population a little over five hundred. The name "Minyip" holds a significant historical and cultural meaning as it is believed to have originated from an Aboriginal term signifying "ashes" or "camping place". This etymology not only reflects the linguistic heritage of the region but also provides a glimpse into the rich tapestry of indigenous traditions and connections to the land. The choice of such a name suggests a deep-rooted relationship between the Aboriginal communities and the environment, highlighting the importance of ancestral lands and the practices associated with them. By delving into the origins of the name "Minyip", we are offered a window into the past, inviting us to appreciate the intricate layers of history, language, and culture that have shaped the identity of this place. Minyip was the location for the popular tv series, Flying Doctor's. The series was produced between 1986-92 in the tv country town of "Coopers Crossing". The Minyip Show & Shine has been held in November. For 2024 it was held in February. Traveldriven DRIVE MELBOURNE TO MINYIP COOPERS CROSSING GARAGE & OPEN CAFE ACROSS THE ROAD The Shine & Shine was well attended by motorbike riders. Many rode well maintained older bikes from the pre 2000s. Motorbikes on the day were Japanese and USA manufactured. The above Harley Davidson image has a custom painted scene of ANZAC soldiers in single file with a setting golden sun. Spotlessly maintained and a nice saddle seat. Another image of the righthand side of the Harley Davidson. Note the five war service medals below the seat. A nice Honda 750 four is directly behind. Looks in good original condition. On the far right is a driveable Mad Max interceptor equipped with lights. As seen in the first movie. Old unused bowser pump. In front of a well frequented café in the main street. Mustang did not need fuel. This light blue Bugatti was said by the driver to be worth one million dollars. The driver not being the owner. He was employed to drive the car from Melbourne to Adelaide via Minyip. A breezy drive. The owner a city millionaire. Note the on dash handwritten gear shift pattern. There is a story there. Looks like a standard H pattern. Should be easy to remember. The speedo and tacho should swap positions. Not a full right hand drive conversion. Mileage of 45,000 km? on the dial. MAD MAX MFP CAR MINYIP SHOW & SHINE WALK PREV SHOW & SHINE NEXT HOMEPAGE

Located within the Grampians National Park. Victoria. Roses Gap Road is a fully sealed road connected to the Western Highway and Wartook. Provides access to Beehive Falls. These are usually just a trickle of water in the warmer months. Troopers Creek bush camp sites and The Wander Inn, Wartook are nearby by car. The more direct route to Halls Gap is a relatively flat gravel road of 20 km plus. Bushfires have raged in the area as can be seen from a few roadside fire affected signs that were never replaced. The bushland generally recovers within one or two years of a fire burning through the area. In the summer months the national park can get high temperatures and in turn this will dry out the underlying scrub. Roses Gap Road, once known as the 'Old Adelaide Road,' holds a significant historical value as it served as a vital route connecting different regions. This road, steeped in history, winds its way through picturesque landscapes, offering glimpses of towering cliffs that majestically rise from the surrounding bushland. The sight of these impressive cliffs, just a few kilometers off the road, adds a sense of grandeur and awe to the journey for travellers passing through. As one navigates along the current road, the presence of these natural formations serves as a reminder of the rugged beauty and geological wonders that characterise the area. Traveldriven DRIVE HALLS GAP TO ROSES GAP ROAD HEAT AFFECTED SIGN FROM BUSHFIRES TRACK CLOSURE NOTICE GRAMPIAN WILD FLOWERS TOWERING CLIFFS ALONGSIDE ROSES GAP ROAD VIEW FROM TROOPERS CREEK BUSH CAMPGROUND TROOPERS CREEK AMENITIES CAMPGROUND UNWIND AND RELAX WEEKENDS THE WANDER INN. PREV GRAMPIANS NEXT PREV VICTORIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

Reeds Lookout . A central Grampians fire tower and Lookout located in the Grampians National Park. Victoria. Also on occasion using the alternate spelling of Reids Lookout. Access is off a short turn off of Mount Victory Road. There is a sealed carpark and walking access along a short road to the fire tower. Views are to distant Lake Wartook and to the surrounding National Park. The Reeds Lookout stamped marker plaque is 2,330 feet above sea level. Bushfires have threatened this area in the past. A helipad is marked out near the lookout tower. Could be used in an emergency. In a bushfire smoke would likely make it unusable. The fire tower is a replacement for an earlier built timber tower thought to have been destroyed by bushfire. Local lakes and fire dams are used by fire bombing aircraft such as water carrying helicopters. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP HALLS GAP GOOGLE MAPS REALTIME DRIVE HALLS GAP TO REED LOOKOUT REEDS FIRE TOWER LOOKOUT DISTINCTIVE GRAMPIAN SANDSTONE VIEW OF VICTORIA VALLEY & DISTANT RESERVOIR REEDS LOOKOUT PLAQUE AND VIEWS PREV GRAMPIANS NEXT PREV VICTORIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

Mackenzie Falls The waterfall is the largest falls in the Grampians National Park Victoria. The falls are about a thirty minute drive from Halls Gap along a good sealed road. There used to be a kiosk for many years with drinks and snacks available but summer bushfire damage made it unviable for a retail building in the area. There is a large carpark. The falls are approximately thirty-five metres from base to top and flow year round. The water flow is much greater in the cooler months enabling better scenic views. Mackenzie Falls from carpark to base of falls is a steep descent walk of 570 metres via 260 steps. Mackenzie Falls Lookout walk is an easy 860 metres to a viewing platform opposite and above the falls. No steps. Viewing Safety It is crucial to emphasize the importance of adhering to safety guidelines and regulations when visiting natural landmarks such as Mackenzie Falls. The tragic events that occurred at the falls base, with four drownings on Christmas Day in 2004 and another in 2018, serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with disregarding such warnings. These incidents underscore the need for visitors to exercise caution and respect the rules in place to protect both themselves and others. By heeding these precautions and being mindful of the inherent risks posed by water bodies, individuals can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while appreciating the beauty of Mackenzie Falls. Traveldriven DRIVE MELBOURNE TO HALLS GAP VIA STAWELL MACKENZIE FALLS LOOKOUT WALK MACKENZIE FALLS PUBLIC AREA & CARPARK MACKENZIE FALLS LOOKOUT WALK PREV GRAMPIANS NEXT PREV VICTORIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

Halls Gap in The Grampians Halls Gap is widely unofficially known as the tourist capital of the Grampians National Park. On the fringe of the Wimmera in Western Victoria. Prior to this drive the start was at Stoney Creek Boardwalk in Halls Gap. Taking in the mountain scenery all around. Accommodation, fuel, retail and food outlets are available in Halls Gap. Take in the mountain views in the pop-up park in the retail strip of Halls Gap. Dunkeld Is a town in Victoria. On the southern edge of the Grampians National Park in Victoria, Australia. Dunkeld has a population of about 700 people. Drive Halls Gap to Dunkeld along Fyans Valley via Grampians Road. A well maintained scenic sealed road between two mountain ranges in the Grampians National Park. I would unofficially call Grampians Road, 'Kangaroo Ally' due to the high likely-hood of kangaroo's hopping across the road. Along the drive visit Lake Bellfield. Borough Huts (bush) Campground and Jimmy Creek (bush) Campground. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP HALLS GAP GOOGLE MAPS DUNKELD GOOGLE MAPS DRIVE HALLS GAP TO DUNKELD DRIVE TO DUNKELD FROM HALLS GAP & RETURN LAKE BELLFIELD SPILLWAY HALLS GAP DRIVE DUNKELD MAIN STREET PREV GRAMPIANS NEXT PREV VICTORIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

A group of feral goats crossed the highway fifty km from Wentworth. Small swarms of locusts over the Silver City Highway. Mildura  A city with a population of over thirty-five thousand residents (2024) is inside the Victorian border and it is a distance of thirty km to the small town of Wentworth on the drive to Broken Hill in New South Wales. Mildura is a large fruit, grapevine and irrigation district. Broken Hill Is the only large mining city in the far west of outback New South Wales. Connected to Wentworth NSW by the fully sealed Silver City Highway and then onto Mildura in Victoria. Broken Hill's hot desert climate, combined with an average rainfall of 235 mm makes it a hard place to enjoy year round. Resident population is greater than 17,000. Many accommodation options are available. Broken Hill driving distance from Sydney is 1,150 km. If driving from Sydney, drive Sydney to Nygan where the Barrier Highway begins then onto Cobar, Wilcannia and Broken Hill. Driving distance from Melbourne 836 km. I was driving solo, a distance of almost 700 km from the Wimmera in Victoria. Silver City Highway The Silver City Highway connecting Broken Hill to Victoria is a fully sealed highway. Sections of road are unfenced with wandering livestock and wildlife. The area on occasion, may have severe weather of extreme heat or torrential rain storms. Embarking on the Silver City Highway journey from the town of Wentworth, NSW, to the iconic destination of Broken Hill in a powerful mustang GT is an experience like no other. Covering a distance of 265 km, this road trip offers a blend of adventure, natural beauty, and unexpected encounters. As you cruise along the highway, the landscape transforms before your eyes, showcasing the diverse Australian outback scenery. Just fifty kilometers from Wentworth, you might come across a group of feral goats leisurely crossing the road, adding a touch of rural driver beware of wildlife to your drive. The presence of small swarms of locusts hovering over the road creates a surreal sight, reminding you of the delicate balance of nature in this vast land. Amidst the vast expanse of the outback, you may encounter wandering sheep and horses, a testament to the agricultural heritage of the region. The occasional sighting of kangaroos hopping across the horizon, and hopefully not across the road in front, adds a touch of wildlife to your journey, highlighting the unique fauna that call this area home. Each passing kilometre on the Silver City Highway is a testament to the untamed beauty of the Australian outback, offering a glimpse into a world where nature reigns supreme and surprises await at every turn. From unexpected encounters with local wildlife to the ever-changing landscape, this road trip in a mustang GT is a memorable adventure that captures the essence of the Australian outback in all its glory. Coombah Roadhouse. The only service stop between Wentworth and Broken Hill is often closed. Understood to be closed into 2024 with no reopen date advertised. If open, diesel and 91 octane petrol available only. Road trains do operate on the Silver City Highway. It's a distance of 265 km or three hours drive between Wentworth and Broken Hill with no fuel or food services available. Menindee Lakes The small settlement of Menindee is one hundred and ten km from Broken Hill along the fully sealed Menindee Road. Menindee Road joins the area known as Sunset Strip. The Sunset Strip follows the edge of Menindee Lake which is a very large lake by surface area and is the largest lake of four main lakes in the group. Many dead trees stand in the lake. A number of holiday shacks or older style homes line Sunset Strip. Residents of Broken Hill use the lakes for watersport recreational activities. Very often the lakes have little or no water being in a desert environment. Droughts are common. Sunset Strip appears to have very few people seen going about daily activities as does Menindee. Very limited or non-existent retail services are available. Kinchega Woolshed is available for the general public to inspect. A short drive less than ten km on unsealed roads from the Menindee lakes. The woolshed was one of the largest in New South Wales in its heyday. Now a historic relic of the past. Shearers were employed by the owners of the now ruined Kinchega Homestead. Traveldriven MILDURA Victoria GOOGLE MAPS BROKEN HILL GOOGLE MAPS MENINDEE LAKES GOOGLE MAPS BROKEN HILL FIVE DAY WEATHER FORECAST DRIVE MILDURA TO BROKEN HILL WAYSIDE REST BREAK BESIDE THE MURRY RIVER BETWEEN MILDURA & WENTWORTH RED CLIFFS 'BIG LIZZIE' THE WORLD'S LARGEST TRACTOR LOAD CAPACITY 80 TONS BUILT 1915. USEAGE WAS TO CLEAR BUSH FOR FARM LAND. COOMBAH ROADHOUSE CLOSED NO SERVICES (2022\2023\2024) ON THE BANKS OF THE DARLING RIVER NEAR MENINDEE NSW 110 KM FROM BROKEN HILL ALONG THE FULLY SEALED MENINDEE ROAD OUTBACK HISTORIC WOOLSHED KINCHEGA, NEAR MENINDEE NSW PREV NSW NEXT HOMEPAGE

Kevin Charles "Pro" Hart , MBE (30 May 1928 – 28 March 2006) Born in Broken Hill, New South Wales. Famous Australian painter of the Australian outback. Artwork is sought out by international collections. Prints of artwork are available. Pro Hart Gallery. The shop and building is on 108 Wyman Street, Broken Hill NSW. Pro Hart painted his famous1974 Silver Shadow, SRH19604, with Australian historical scenes in 1999. He toured the car around Canberra and the Gold Coast. A “chauffeur’s jacket” painted with ants and dragonflies in 1999 was given to his driver and went to auction in 2016 with an expected value of $10,000 to $20,000. Upon enquiry, a replica of the chauffeur's jacket cannot be purchased. A shame because I think it would be popular. Not possible online either as an order. Many Pro Hart original paintings are for sale from three thousand to high thirty thousands in Australian dollars. Less expensive reproduction prints are available. There are three floors of artwork. A Gift shop. Open daily. Small entry fee. There are other Australian art galleries in Broken Hill. Pro Hart's is the largest and most well known. Traveldriven PRO HART GALLERY BROKEN HILL DESERT ANT MURAL, PRO HART GALLERY PREV NSW NEXT HOMEPAGE

Mad Max Wasteland & Silverton Set in a post-apocalyptic desert wasteland where gasoline and water are scarce commodities. This could almost describe present day Silverton . No petrol stations or fuel available. Car repair services are unavailable. No health services or transportation. Nor is there a plentiful water supply. Although, there is plenty of town character and visual appeal. Mad Max 2 movie locations surround Silverton. Wasteland Compound Silverton NSW. Located on private property. Beyond the Silverton Camel Farm where tours are conducted. Weekend inhabitants were about one hundred. A few hundred daily attendees. Diehards from Brisbane, Sydney, Victoria and Western Australia. Many cancelled travel plans because of the previous weeks record rain. Some stations in the area recorded a daily total up to 140mm. Most outback unsealed roads were water affected followed by extreme heat. However, a great time was enjoyed by all who attended. Mad Max 2 40th Anniversary. A free event. Traveldriven MAD MAX 2 REPLICA SET WASTELAND SILVERTON MAD MAX 2 MOVIE SCENE WASTELAND COMPOUND DRIVING SILVERTON TO WASTELAND MOVIE REPLICA YELLOW BUS AND GREEN TARP COVERS MOVIE REPLICA ORANGE OIL PUMP JACK KNOWN AS A 'DONKEY PUMPER' & A REPLICA OF BARTERTOWN MAD MAX VEHICLES NIGHT GAMES INSIDE THE WASTELAND COMPOUND PREV NSW NEXT HOMEPAGE

Finishing the meal and seeing the Mad Max vehicles drive past, I also needed to hurry on to Mundi Mundi Lookout behind them before sunset. Silverton, Mad Max in Outback Australia Population of about fifty. Located in the far west of New South Wales in Outback Australia. Twenty-six kilometres north-west of Broken Hill along a sealed road. Surrounding Silverton are the locations of Mad Max 2 movie sites. Accommodation is available at the Silverton Hotel. Rear of the hotel there are units for guests. There are also Penrose Park edge of town camp sites. Lamb Meat Pie and onto Mundi Mundi Lookout Eating a tasty lamb pie from the Silverton bakery a Mad Max interceptor arrived out the front. The local Broken Hill police patrol car had just left the bakery. Good timing. Later at dinner, and sitting at a table and chairs outside the swinging doors of the Silverton Hotel eating a hamburger and drinking a cold light beer. Mad Max themed cars and motorbikes from Wasteland passed by the hotel on their way to Mundi Mundi Lookout for a sunset gathering. For a brief moment I thought of Goose the MFP motorbike rider from the original Mad Max film. Eating his meal at a roadside diner with a chase going past. Goose jumped on his bike and joined the chase. Finishing the meal and seeing the Mad Max vehicles drive past, I also needed to hurry on to Mundi Mundi Lookout behind them before sunset. Traveldriven SILVERTON GOOGLE MAPS Mad Max and driving the interceptor Parking in front of the Silvertown Bakery. Apparently the driver of the interceptor drove from Cobar NSW to Outback Silvertown a distance of about 460 km for the; Mad Max 2 40th anniversary gathering. 'Kick it in the guts Barry' supercharger. Mad Max movie scene, bridge incident Mad Max Ford Falcon MAD MAX 1 SCENE GOOSE JOINS THE CHASE AT DINER EAT A MEAL OUT THE FRONT Eating a hamburger and Mad Max vehicles driving past to Mundi Mundi Lookout THE INTERCEPTOR LOVE CHILD BROKEN HILL PROPRIETARY COMPANY SILVERTON 'ORIGINAL OUTBACK' HOTEL BACKYARD OFF THE MAIN STREET, SILVERTON SHOP FRONT 1987 MUSTANG & MAD MAX MUSEUM SILVERTON & SILVER CITY HIGHWAY 2007 PREV NSW NEXT HOMEPAGE

Green grass is rarer than gold in Silverton. Silverton Population is about fifty residents. Twenty-six kilometres north-west of Broken Hill on a sealed road. The reason for the town was the discovery of rich silver deposits. These deposits later diminished out. Silverton is often referred to as a ghost town. Frequented by day trip tourists in the cooler winter months. As of 2024 Silverton has: One working hotel. One modern bakery. One church Mad Max 2 Museum. Working Artist Gallery. Caravan/camping area with an amenities block. Some derelict old dwellings and some scattered housing. A jail with out-buildings used as a museum. Several closed public buildings dating back pre-1900. Large tourist buses do frequent the town. Almost all the town roads are unpaved but still good for all types of vehicles. A shallow creek crossing with a concrete base must be driven over to enter the town. The creek named Mindioomballa Creek seldom flows water so a sedan crossing the creek is only a concern if very recent rare torrential rain storms have passed through. The creek crossing is about six hundred metres from the hotel. Silverton Hotel The original hotel opened in 1884. Replaced a year later by a two story building. This burnt down in 1918. Ruins of the burnt hotel are preserved to this day. The ruins are at the rear of the current hotel in a green grassed courtyard. On the otherside of the courtyard are accommodation units. Green grass is rarer than gold in Silverton. The hotel is open daily for patrons and meals may be ordered and eaten in the large adjoining and covered seating area (beer garden). Film memorabilia covers the interior walls of the hotel. As well as the Mad Max ll film, numerous big budget movies have been filmed in and around the Silverton area. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP SILVERTON GOOGLE MAPS BROKEN HILL GOOGLE MAPS DRIVE MILDURA TO BROKEN HILL Bullet riddled road sign on the Silver City Highway between Mildura and Broken Hill PIG MELONS? SILVER CITY HIGHWAY Silverton Hotel with replica Mad Max car. Photo taken 2008 GREEN GRASS IS RARER THAN GOLD IN SILVERTON self contained accommodation is rear of hotel opposite the ruins and green lawn. RUINS OF BURNED OUT SILVERTON HOTEL THE SILVERTON HOTEL OUTBACK PUBS Silverton landscape Silverton scooter PREV NSW NEXT HOMEPAGE