See the biggest crocodile in Australia this one is safe to touch. -you can take my word for it Biggest Crocodile In Wyndham Western Australia Wyndham is where you'll find the Big Crocodile. This wire and concrete statue is located on the main street of Wyndham, measuring approximately twenty metres (65 ft) in length. In this region, a large boat might be necessary for safety when navigating the waterways, as some of Australia's largest saltwater crocodiles inhabit the area. Wyndham the Northern Most Town of Western Australia Wyndham is the northernmost town in the Kimberley region of Western Australia two thousand two hundred kilometres (1,373 mi) north of Perth. Established in 1886. It's a port and service centre for the East Kimberley with a population of almost eight hundred. I drove over 5,000 km from Victoria to get to Wyndham Western Australia only to be stopped by the local police short of the township. The reason given. We do not see many sedans up here. Giant saltwater crocodiles are said to still frequent the abandoned meat works area around the port. The Port of Wyndham is twenty-two km from the town. Along a sealed road from Wyndham township. Five Rivers Lookout . Easy for any vehicle to drive to the top. Not suitable for towed vans. Three hundred and thirty metres in elevation. Reached along a sealed road close to Wyndham. Views are over the Cambridge Gulf. The five expansive rivers of Durack, Pentecost, King, Forest and Ord. All are saltwater crocodile habitats. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP WYNDHAM GOOGLE MAPS CURRENT WYNDHAM FIVE DAY WEATHER FORECAST TRAVEL DOWN UNDER & DRIVE HALLS CREEK TO WYNDHAM EARLY DAYS OF WYNDHAM WYNDHAM BIG BOY CROC TWENTY-METRE-LONG CROCODILE MAIN STREET of WYNDHAM WYNDHAM CROCS NEED A BIGGER BOAT IN WYNDHAM UNSAFE TO CLIMB A CROCODILE! WYNDHAM MAIN STREET GRAB A CROC BY THE TAIL HE'S A BIG BOY CROC OUT OF LUCK WYNDHAM WYNDHAM POLICE RANDOM CHECK STOPPED BY THE LOCAL POLICE WYNDHAM WYNDHAM SHOPPING STREET HOTEL CLOSED DOWN THE LOCAL LIQUOR STORE WYNDHAM SUPERMARKET WALL ART AND ROADTRAIN ROADTRAIN PARKED IN WYNDHAM'S MAIN STREET FIVE RIVERS LOOKOUT SIGNS FIVE RIVERS LOOKOUT WYNDHAM CYCLONE SIGN FIVE RIVER'S LOOKOUT WYNDHAM FIVE RIVERS LOOKOUT VIEW OF PORT OF WYNDHAM & RIVER SYSTEMS VIEW FROM FIVE RIVERS LOOKOUT VIEW FROM FIVE RIVERS LOOKOUT BOAB TREE PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT HOMEPAGE

DAY 25 BUNGLE BUNGLES These are beehive-shaped rock domes made up of sandstones and conglomerates (rocks composed of pebbles and finer material cemented together). Wind and erosion from the Tanami Desert and rainfall over millions of years shaped the domes. Helicopter Tour There are forty-five minute Helicopter Tours of the Bungle Bungle’s and these are available from Warmun/Turkey Creek on the Great Northern Highway. 200 km south of Kununurra. Turkey Creek renamed Warmun is a small aboriginal settlement. The tour allows for good views over the domes and from the air appear quite vast in area. The tour does not land at the domes. Two-way head phones allow the pilot to describe the area. Alternately to reach the iconic Bungle Bungle Range, visitors can embark on a scenic journey along the 4WD accessible road, spanning a distance of 54 km from the Great Northern Highway. While this route offers a unique adventure through the rugged landscape of Western Australia, it is important to note that the track conditions can significantly impact travel time. Due to the current state of the track, the journey to the Bungle Bungles typically takes around two to three hours one way. The remote and untouched nature of the track leading to the Bungle Bungles adds to the sense of adventure and exploration for those who choose to traverse it. As of 2024, the track has remained largely unchanged, with no significant improvements made to enhance accessibility or ease of travel. This means that visitors can expect an authentic outback experience, complete with challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery along the way. Despite the time and effort required to navigate the 4WD accessible road, the journey to the Bungle Bungles is well worth it for those seeking a true off-the-beaten-path adventure. The untouched beauty of the landscape, coupled with the sense of isolation and remoteness, creates a unique and unforgettable experience for travellers looking to immerse themselves in the natural wonders of Australia's outback. Helicopter tours may also be available at the Bungle Bungles. The tour from Turkey Creek, 10 out of 10. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP BUNGLE BUNGLES GOOGLE MAPS XR6 LOOKING BACK DRIVEN FROM SANDFIRE ON THE WAY TO BROOME PARDOO (CLOSED 2023\REOPENED 2024) & SANDFIRE ARE ROADHOUSE STOPS FOR ROAD TRAFFIC. NO TOWNS ARE BETWEEN PORT HEDLAND AND BROOME DISTANCE OF 610 KILOMETRES ISOLATED OUTBACK HIGHWAY SIGN 35ks FROM BROOME HISTORIC BOAB TREE REST STOP OVERNIGHT PRISONER'S BOAB TREE BOAB TREE HOLLOW LARGE ENOUGH TO ENTER BUNGLE BUNGLES HELICOPTER FLIGHT PREV WA/NT/SA PAGE NEXT HOMEPAGE

the local police pulled over in their patrol van I'm in trouble -Traveldriven Bidyadanga Otherwise known as La Grange, in the Kimberley region, is the largest Aboriginal community in Western Australia. A population of about 750 residents. One hundred and eighty kilometres (110 mi) south of Broome and 1,590 kilometres (990 mi) from Perth. The traditional owners of the land are the Karajarri people. Entry to Bidyadanga is restricted. Permit may be required. I was offered an opportunity to accompany a two man maintenance work group to a local government building in Bidyadanga for a day on a weekend. Sure, ok. On arrival I wandered about part of the townscape. Always mindful not taking photographs showing locals. This is a sensitive issue in restricted communities. I was careful only to photograph streetscapes and signs with a small camera. Questioned by Local Police of Western Australia However, shortly before all maintenance work was completed the local police pulled over in their patrol van and one of the two officers leaned out of a window and inquired if anyone of us knew of someone photographing the community. The camera bag was slung over my back. We all said no. A white lie on my behalf. No doubt referring to my earlier walkabout. I had not photographed any people at all. Nor pointed the camera at people. Just streets and signs. A misunderstanding avoided. With hindsight I shouldn't have walked around as much drawing attention. Point taken. Fatal stabbings have occurred in this sometimes troubled small community in a tropical environment where life should be carefree. There is little opportunity for youth. Violence amongst locals getting out of hand. Perhaps the result of isolation and boredom with little purpose for some. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP BIDYADANGA GOOGLE MAPS TRAVEL DOWN UNDER BIDYADANGA BIDYADANGA COMMUNITY COMMUNITY SERVICES SIGN BIDYADANGA STREETSCAPE HIGH FENCES & BARBED WIRE TIDY TOWNS 2014? NO FUN! PAINTED HANDS CAGED FUEL BOWSER CAGED STREET LIGHTS CAMPFIRE ASHES IN TOWN LOCAL HOUSING NO GO AREA, WHY? BIDYADANGA PUBLIC BUILDING BIDYADANGA CHURCH SERVICES SUPERMARKET NOTICE BOARD STORE OFFICIALY OPENED 1984 ANOTHER SUPERMARKET NOTICE BOARD RANGER VEHICLE BIDYADANGA GENERAL STORE PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT HOMEPAGE

tales of the week's activities that quite often ended with a quiet night time beverage at sea -MV Oceanic shipmates DAY 13 Sunday Broome Broome has tide waters that encroach on both sides of the town. The waters of Roebuck Bay extend from the main jetty at Port Drive to Sandy Point and Broome Town Beach shoreline. These and other areas provide views over the mud flats of the famous ' Staircase to the Moon '. Once a month, during this event, a clear night sky, a receding tide, and a rising full moon come together to create the illusion of a staircase to the moon above the mud flats. Matso's Brewery The Brewery was an ideal location to meet up with MV Oceanic shipmates after the Kimberley Islands voyage. Sitting around outside dining tables an onshore sea breeze sprung up and yarns were told between new friends over cold drinks. Highly recommend trying Matso's ginger beer varieties. Yarns of getting your sea legs, being stuck in mud up to the knees, scrambling over rock outcrops, beach sleeping, swimming, retelling tales of the week's activities that quite often ended with a quiet night time beverage at sea. Most experienced none, or very little sea sickness on the entire voyage. All were returning home in the next day or two. Many flying interstate. I was staying in Broome a little longer, then driving to Wyndham, the very tip of Western Australia. Shipmates and Retelling of Shipboard Life All shipmates agreed the seven days roaming the sea in the Kimberley Islands was a once in a lifetime opportunity and exceeded expectations. No complaints with crew or expeditions. Notwithstanding a few things. The captain of the MV Oceanic said the fore deck spa could not be used at all. Also, onboard stowed sails were never used on either of the two masts. Few fish were caught. Sometimes the tender craft were hard to restart on a quickly receding tide. No cell phone reception. Passengers were encouraged to help with meal clean up and use water sparingly. These things did not distract from the experience at all. A great time enjoyed by all. ICON'S OF BROOME WESTERN AUSTRALIA Sun Pictures opened on 9 December 1916. The cinema underwent very regular tidal flooding. Some claimed you could catch a fish watching a movie. In 1974, a levy was built to stop flooding. Currently claimed as the world's oldest open-air cinema in operation. Restored with the help of the unofficial, 'Lord of Broome'. Robert Alistair McAlpine. Streeter's Jetty was built for pearl dealer operations out of Short Street, in1886. A channel was cut through mangroves to Dampier Creek and provided access to Streeter's Jetty for pearl luggers. Streeter's Jetty is 69m in length and was rebuilt in 2022 for the fifth time because of water damage with high tides. Traveldriven TRAVEL DOWN UNDER ENTER CLICK/TAP MATSO'S BROOME BREWERY GOOGLE MAPS IN REALTIME GINGER BEER ALCOHOL SHIPMATES AT MATSO'S GINGER BEER SELECTION MATSO'S BROOME BREWERY. Australia's most remote brewery. Alcoholic ginger beer. BROOME Two weeks in Broome including cruising the Kimberley IsIands. CITY OF BROOME SUN PICTURES BROOME INSIDE SUN PICTURES BROOME SUN PICTURES OUTDOOR THEATRE BROOME CHINA TOWN FAMOUS STREETER'S JETTY OFF SHORT STREET BROOME FAMOUS STREETERS JETTY ENDPOINT OF BOARDWALK MANGROVES FLOOD WITH AN INCOMING TIDE BROOME HISTORY PEARL DIVER PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT

Red Dog, The Traveller's best friend Red Dog (c. 1971 – 21 November 1979) Was a kelpie cattle dog cross that was well known for his travels through Western Australia's vast Pilbara region. Red Dog travelled on his own, visiting Pilbara settlement's. A friendly traveller of all who encountered him in the greater Pilbara community. A statue was installed in his memory in Dampier, one of the towns to which he often returned. Red Dog The Movie, a feature film, tells his life and encounters. On this visit overnight stay was in the Dampier  Mermaid Hotel in the town centre. Accommodation units are beside the Hotel. I felt out of place eating a counter meal as all patrons were dressed in bright orange overalls. I assumed all were local workers eating a meal or drinking a cold beer. Ok for an overnight stay. Warm sea breeze. Hot driving days. In days gone by, Dampier sometimes home to the wandering kelpie from the movie, Red Dog. Coral Bay A small coastal settlement about one thousand two hundred kilometres (750 mi) north of Perth, in the Gascoyne region of Western Australia. Ningaloo Reef borders Coral Bay. It is an extremely popular tourist destination. The large Coral Bay Caravan Park on the foreshore is often booked out. Even unpowered sites. Dolphins get quite close in the shallows. Coral Bay tourist submarine is an experience. Does not dive underwater. There are side on views of below water marine life. Roadside Car Wrecks Driving in the Outback there are vast distances between towns. No vehicle repair garages are in the small refuel wayside stops. Broken down or damaged vehicles are often left behind. The recovery expense of returning to a town too high. It's not uncommon to pass damaged towed vehicles such as late model caravans abandoned roadside. Many caught out by excessive swaying on long straight outback roads. Tipping over and hopefully written off by insurance. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP DAMPIER GOOGLE MAPS PORT HEDLAND GOOGLE MAPS CORAL BAY GOOGLE MAPS DRIVE PERTH TO BROOME RED DOG MEMORIAL DAMPIER RED DOG RED DOG MEMORIAL DAMPIER ROADSIDE SIGN DAMPIER FORESHORE SHARK FRIENDLY CORAL BAY SHOPFRONTAGE OPPOSITE THE BEACH CORAL BAY SUB EXPERIENCE DINGHY HAS A FIXED PULL ROPE, BEACH TO SUB CORAL BAY SUB UNDERWATER SUB VIEW OF FISH & CORAL CORAL BAY HOUSING SIGN ON TOILET WALL CORAL BAY. LONG WAY TO ANYWHERE HOT NIGHT AT CORAL BAY THREE TUGBOATS GUIDE SHIP PORT HEDLAND KEEP GOING NO HELP OR PEOPLE TO BE FOUND AROUND HERE DESERT COUNTRY NO PEOPLE NO HOPE ROADSIDE ABANDONED ROADSIDE TROUBLE HEAD NORTH & HIGHWAY ISLOLATION PETS PASSED AWAY PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT HOMEPAGE

DAY 18 Will we finish our island dinner party before the sea and tide covers the small sandy island along with all of us. It's miles to shore? -fellow shipmates Land rises out of the sea with ten metre tides. Montgomery Reef & Cruise the Kimberley Islands The large reef is off the Kimberley coast of Western Australia. Situated near the Montgomery Islands. About twenty kilometres (12 mi) offshore, opposite Doubtful Bay to the east and Collier Bay to the south. The nearest inhabited place is Bardi an aboriginal community. Bardi is about one hundred and thirty kilometres (81 mi) to the southwest on the Kimberley coast. Montgomery Reef has a total area of four hundred square kilometres (154 sq mi) making it Australia's largest inshore reef with a length of about eighty kilometres (50 mi). Montgomery Reef has a huge tidal range, up to ten metres (33 ft). On the receding tide, large lagoons, raised inlets, small creeks and a central mangrove island are revealed. The receding tide forms hundreds of cascading waterfalls. When the tide is lowest, more than four metres (13 ft) of reef may be exposed. Raft Point In the general area is Raft Point. Ship plans allowed for a morning highlight excursion to visit Raft Point. An indigenous rock art site in Doubtful Bay. Raft Point is one hundred and fifty metre's above sea level. Shipmates were dropped off by tendercraft and waded through a shoreline of mud. All sinking to the knee if unlucky on the retreating tide. Navigating the mud, hot sand and flies. All walked to the base of a large rocky hill and followed the dusty winding steep walking track surrounded by dry bush. A hot and thirsty trek to the rock art site. Once there, all were rewarded with elevated and very scenic expansive views of surrounding Kimberley islands. Tendercraft look very insignificant and very small in the expanse of Doubtful Bay. Tendercraft were our only connection to the relative safety of our ship. All knew they must navigate the unavoidable return trek back through the sticky sucking mud. Island Dinner Party Our ship the MV Oceanic anchored off of a small pristine sandy cay. Exposed by a low tide and many kilometres from land. Ship crew arranged tables, chairs food and wine. Crew told tall sea stories, and a good time was enjoyed by all. Tendercraft returned all shipmates to the ship before the island was reclaimed by the sea. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection with nature, a cruise through the Kimberley Islands promises an enriching and unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. All the while watched over by the rising full Kimberley moon followed by a warm and starry, still night. Traveldriven Our tenders returning to the MV Oceanic shipmates joked are we in tender, 'Seal Team 6' no minions amongst our shipmates see Montgomery Reef video below for explanation KIMBERLEY ISLAND SUNSET OUR TENDERCRAFT MOTORING TO STEEP ISLAND READY FOR PICKUP HIKING UPHILL TO ABORIGINAL ROCK ART ROCK ART STEEP ISLAND ABORIGINAL ROCK ART Shoreline of sinking mud up to the knee if footing misplaced Very informative talk given by crew man Brian on Raft Point rock art MONTGOMERY REEF KIMBERLEY THE TIDE TURNS Montgomery Reef tour by 'the minions' A term coined by the MV Oceanic shipmates of larger ship guest tours wearing bright yellow life vests & line astern Our tender hard to restart in shallow water on a fast-receding tide (not caught on camera) MONTGOMERY REEF & RECEDING TIDE Our private island dinner party captain Steve 'Tux' heard talking in the background about Broome OUR ISLAND RISING FROM THE SEA SANDY ISLAND DINNER FOOD & DRINK AND BE MERRY EAT & DRINK SHIPMATES DINNER ON OUR PRIVATE ISLAND BACK TO THE SHIP BEFORE OUR ISLAND DISAPPEARS UNDER THE RISING TIDE KIMBERLEY MOON PREV KIMBERLEY ISLANDS NEXT

DAY 15 Beware death adder snakes rumoured to be in the rocks. -ship crew Beach Sleep, Kimberley Western Australia Away from the mother ship. For those shipmates who were interested. A sleeping overnight experience on a beach. On one of hundreds of unnamed smaller Kimberley islands. Remote and untouched and of course, no facilities. Each Kimberley night is clear and cool. Every star in the starry night sky shining brightly. A still calm and silence enveloped all. Interrupted only by the muted sound of small waves lapping the beach. The occasional swag zipper opening and closing breaking the silence to check the beach for unusual movement. Sleep takes place in overnight swags on dry beach sand, safely distant from water and any risk of crocodiles. Beware deadly death adder snakes are rumoured to be in the rocks. A navigation beacon light to flicker all night placed on the sandy beach as guidance for the outboard tender if required. For those in swags a small beach campfire and its flickering light provided company in the cool Kimberley night. Adventure cruising in the Kimberley Islands of Western Australia. Traveldriven KIMBERLEY ISLAND CAMPFIRE SWAG ONE OF TEN. CLOSEST TO THE BEACH? CROC DANGER. Beach Camping All swags were placed well above the waterline in dry sand. All were repositioned further from the water upon consideration it's in a saltwater crocodile environment and after a crew member joked, he would take first croc watch and then proceeded to place his own swag on two metre high rocks. However, there were no mangroves and the seawater was clear and clean. Unfavourable crocodile habitat. However, all shipmates wanted an abundance of caution just in case, so all moved setup swags further away from the beach towards a gully perhaps a couple of hundred metres from the beach. All shipmates relocating their swags meant I was now the closest swag to the beach. Accessing the situation. I decided best to not move near to the scrub filled gully or rocks. Who knows what lives in there to emerge at night? Traveldriven HARD OVERNIGHT SLEEP FOR CREW MEMBER PAUL BEACH CAMPING ON THE ISLANDS Paul, the deckhand taking first Croc watch. Joking? Our night beacon to guide us with night boating Swags in background at Gully entrance THE MOTHERSHIP. MV OCEANIC SKIPPER STEVE HARD AT WORK. AGAIN WHEELHOUSE SWAGS STORED ON TOP DECK MAST SAILS WERE NEVER USED READY FOR THE MORNING ACTIVITES Breakfast preparation from our two cooks, Brian and Sue SUE THE COOK HARD AT WORK EATING QUARTERS GALLEY FOR SHIPMATES & CREW WE ARE SOMEWHERE ON HERE. ICE MACHINE AND WATER SUPPLIES IN REAR OF SHIP MY LOCKER FELL APART UNDERNEATH ME ON DAY TWO THROWING ME ONTO THE SAFETY RAIL SPA PROBLEMS. BUT WHO CARES! PREV KIMBERLEY ISLANDS NEXT

PORT OF GERALDTON GERALDTON WESTERN AUSTRALIA (Known as Gero to locals) is a coastal city in the Mid-West region of Western Australia, four hundred and twenty kilometres north of the state capital, Perth. A memorial for the World War II cruiser HMAS Sydney and its crew stands on Gummer Avenue. The memorial recognises the loss of the light cruiser during a mutually destructive fight with the German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran off of Shark Bay in November 1941. None of the 645 crewmen aboard survived the naval engagement. The Port of Geraldton is a major west coast port. 425 km north of Perth. The biggest export is iron ore. Iron ore trains can have over 200 wagons and be over 2 km long. HMAS SYDNEY MEMORIAL TOUR His Majesty's Australian Ship Sydney Memorial Tours are conducted by volunteers who tell the story of the light cruiser HMAS Sydney, sunk off the coast here with all 645 crewmen during World War 2. The action was against the German auxiliary cruiser Kormoran. A dome is made up of 645 stainless steel seagulls representing the souls of the lost sailors. A statue of a woman looking out to sea hoping for the return of the Sydney can be seen. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP GERALDTON GOOGLE MAPS OUTBACK DESERT BIG NIGHT SKY Outback Memorial Outback Memorial Desert Roadside Memorial the long drive to Coral Bay GERALDTON TRAVEL TV VOLUNTEER TALK ON THE HMAS SYDNEY HMAS SYDNEY MEMORIAL HISTORY OF HMAS SYDNEY 645 SEAGULLS MEMORIAL DOME WAITING FOR HMAS SYDNEY TO RETURN PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT HOMEPAGE

The Buccaneer Archipelago of Western Australia These are a group of islands off the Western Australia coast. The nearest town is Derby. The closest inhabited place is Bardi. An aboriginal settlement about fifty kilometres away on the coast. The Archipelago is over fifty square kilometres (19 sq. mi) in size. Composed of about eight hundred islands found between King Sound and Collier Bay. Close to Yampi Sound. Huge Tidal Range in the Kimberley Islands The area where our adventure unfolded boasts remarkable tidal ranges, with the water level fluctuating by over ten metres. This unique natural phenomenon sets the stage for the maritime activities that take place in these waters. During the beginning of our journey, two members of our newly acquainted crew were engrossed in the arduous task of hoisting up the ship anchor. The atmosphere was filled with the resounding noise of the heavy chain being retracted, link by link, as it emerged from the depths below. Meanwhile, one of the two crew members ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of this crucial process. Diligently sprayed the chain with a water hose, adding a touch of fluidity to the otherwise mechanical task. Amidst this bustling scene, Skipper Steve 'Tux' commanded the wheelhouse of the MV Oceanic with unwavering focus and determination. His presence was a testament to the dedication and responsibility that comes with steering a vessel through challenging waters. It was evident that his time was not solely dedicated to leisurely activities such as light reading in the captain's chair; rather, his role demanded constant vigilance and quick decision-making. As the ship's engine hummed in the background, a subtle reminder of the power that lay beneath the surface, our belongings were neatly stowed away. Swags, pre-rolled and strategically placed on the roof of the wheelhouse, symbolised our readiness to embark on the next leg of our journey. The anticipation of departure hung in the air, mirroring the ebb and flow of the tides that defined this remarkable maritime environment. Traveldriven CRUISE KIMBERLEY ISLANDS BUCCANEER ARCHIPELAGO CREW PULLING UP ANCHOR CAPTAIN STEVE HARD AT WORK ROLLING UP THE SWAGS SHIPMATES TAKING IT EASY ROLLED UP SWAGS ON ROOF ITEMS DRYING ON SIDE RAILING WATCHING A TOUR SHIP MOTORING AWAY The MV Oceanic captain Steve, discussing the famous aviator pioneer Kingsford Smith and his Kimberley forced landing site. On 31 March 1929, enroute from Sydney to England, the Southern Cross aircraft with Kingsford Smith at the helm made an emergency landing on a mudflat near the mouth of the Glenelg River, in the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia. The Southern Cross was found and rescued after a fortnight's searching. Dubbed the 'Coffee Royal' incident after the brew of coffee and brandy which the crew had drunk while awaiting rescue. Traveldriven SAILING THE HIGH SEAS PREV KIMBERLEY ISLANDS NEXT

Murray Bridge Bunyip Approximately eighty kilometres away from Adelaide lies the river city of Murray Bridge, boasting a population of almost twenty thousand residents. One of the city's most iconic features is the Bunyip, a mythical creature that captures the imagination of locals and visitors alike. The Bunyip made its first appearance next to the tranquil waters of the Murray River in Sturt Reserve back in 1972, sparking a mix of curiosity and wonder among onlookers. Initially known as Bert the Bunyip or Bertha, this mysterious creature was believed to inhabit the waters of the Murray River, adding a touch of mystique to the town's folklore. For a mere twenty cents, visitors could witness the Bunyip emerge from its cave three times with a resounding roar, creating a spectacle that left a lasting impression. As time passed, the price for this enchanting experience increased to one dollar, making it a cherished attraction for those seeking a taste of local legend. Fast forward to 2024, and the Bunyip has undergone a transformation. The revamped animated display now offers a free experience to all sceptics and believers alike, inviting them to witness the magic of the Bunyip without any cost. This gesture not only preserves the town's heritage but also invites a new generation to explore the mystique and charm of Murray Bridge through the lens of its iconic resident, the Bunyip. Tailem Bend   The small river town is on the Murray River in South Australia and is the home of The Bend Motorsport Park. Located less than one hundred km south-east of Adelaide. Robe Is a popular seaside town and fishing port in South Australia. The town has historical stone buildings, hotels, fishing trawlers and a foreshore lined with mature pine trees. Robe has a population of about one thousand. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP MURRAY BRIDGE GOOGLE MAPS TAILEM BEND GOOGLE MAPS ROBE GOOGLE MAPS MURRAY BRIDGE FIVE DAY FORECAST DRIVE MELBOURNE TO THE BUNYIP ON THE MURRAY RIVER TAILEM BEND STEAM TRAIN THE RHINO ON APPROACH TO THE FERRY ENTRANCE TAILEM BEND THE CABLE FERRY, MURRAY RIVER TAILEM BEND BUNYIP CAVE BESIDE THE RIVER MURRAY BRIDGE THE BUNYIP AS RECORDED ON 240P VIDEO LIKE ALL FABLED CREATURES GOTTA LOVE THAT BUNYIP DRIVE MELBOURNE TO ROBE SOUTH AUSTRALIA WEEKEND ROADTRIP ROBE PREV SOUTH AUSTRALIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

DAY 2 'Stopped and checked for carriage into Western Australia by quarantine inspectors. Car boot thoroughly searched' - Traveldriven 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 In the middle of nowhere. Nevertheless, it's somewhere to stay overnight. There are motel units or caravan sites. Food and fuel. Nullarbor means no trees. Over 100,000 wild camels roam the plain. The longest stretch of straight road in the world may be driven near here. 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. The Roadhouse is the home of the giant kangaroo. One of Australia's Big Things. There are a few 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. In this 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. Commenced operations in 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. The ruins are accessible via a short unsealed two-wheel drive road. Afterwards 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 DON'T GET TO CLOSE TO THE UNSTABLE CLIFFS PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT PREV SOUTH AUSTRALIA NEXT HOMEPAGE

Coober Pedy Is an unusual town in northern outback South Australia. About eight hundred and fifty km (526 mi) north of Adelaide on the Stuart Highway. Coober Pedy is well known for its underground homes, called "dugouts". Residents live in these to avoid the extreme daytime heat and cold nights. Opal mining is why Coober Pedy exists. The majority of townspeople live underground. The name Coober Pedy comes from the aboriginal translation “ white fella’s hole in the ground ”. I purchased a cut stone the size of a hand with an opal seam running through it. Purchased from Jim a miner of 51 years. Jim has mined opal around Coober Pedy for much of his life. Owner of, The Big Miner tourist shop. Jim is a real outback old-timer. Traveldriven ENTER CLICK/TAP COOBER PEDY GOOGLE MAPS DRIVE ALICE SPRINGS - COOBER PEDY LIVING UNDERGROUND TV STORY UK COOBER PEDY SUNRISE COOL UNDERGROUND BIG JIM OPAL MINE & SHOP COOL DOWN WITH A WAFFLE CONE & A POCKETFULL OF GEMS UNDERGROUND BUILDINGS PURCHASED OPAL LARGE UNDERGROUND HOME & STORE MAN MADE TREES IN COOBER PEDY EARLY MORNING TOWN LIGHTS SNAKE DEN UNDERGROUND MOTEL ROOM MAN CAVE POOL TABLE QUITE LITERALLY UNDERGROUND IN A CAVE VIEW OPAL MINE & UNGERGROUND HOME COOBER PEDY DRIVEIN STILL IN USE? 2025 FIRST TREE IN COOBER PEDY Coober Pedy, a place of no trees PREV SA/WA/NT NEXT PREV SOUTH AUSTRALIA NEXT HOMEPAGE