Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

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rifraf
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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby rifraf » Fri May 11, 2012 11:15 am

Ok folks,
I'll be out of touch for a few days.
I'm just off now, heading for Ceduna.
The weather is overcast which means it wont be too hot.
Shame about the very heavy dew last night or this morning as my gear is a bit damp.
I'll try to find a camp spot around 3pm with some trees and hopefully a breeze to dry things out.
I forgot to pull my tarp over my leaky bivvybag before falling asleep.
Happy spinning to all! :)
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rifraf
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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby rifraf » Tue May 15, 2012 2:01 pm

Stopped at Minnipa for a break.
Did a small journey up a dirt road to check out their claim to fame.
A granite boulder collection on top of a hill.
Very nice and pieceful place for a couple of nights.
I actually got the camera out and took a few pics of which I'll throw up a few in this thread at
a later date.
Its just too much hassel opening up the damn trailer box with its two rachet tie-downs holding all together.
Same reason I dont take many pics I guess.
Minnipa is a great place to stop for free rainwater.
There is a tank opposite the old service station on the main drag of town.
Its behind a sign and next to a childrens play area.

Stopped at Wirrulla. I just wanted a coffee and pastie fix.
They had a community owned caravan park opposite the shop.
$10 for a night.
I wasnt going to stay over as I just wanted to stop for my nibble.
As I was leaving I got a puncture which made me decide to make a night of it.
Again free rainwater tank behind the bus shelter, so I was able to top up my supplies and with a morning shower
it was ten dollars well spent.
Sunday night and the pub was closed due to small population - that was a disappointment.

Put in a big effort and made Ceduna 94km in a day from Wirrulla.
84km really as I camped about 10km before town.
Free camping opportunities abound in these parts which is great.
Its just about 1.30pm so I thinking about a caravan site tonight and heading off towards WA in the morning.
Bit on the dear side as its $26 in the heart of town or $20 for an unpowered site at the park by the airport a couple of clicks east of the town centre.
Ah well, I'm in the mood for a few vino's so I'll grab a bottle and splash out on the in town site which has the water view and is close to the jetty in case
I feel like wetting a line as well as my tonsils.
Happy spinning :)
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Baalzamon
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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby Baalzamon » Tue May 15, 2012 2:18 pm

Before you know it you will be in WA :D
Good to hear your enjoying your trip, sounds like the touring bug has firmly bitten you now. Also glad your ribs be on the mend as well.
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il padrone
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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby il padrone » Tue May 15, 2012 6:30 pm

rifraf wrote:Stopped at Minnipa for a break.
Did a small journey up a dirt road to check out their claim to fame.
A granite boulder collection on top of a hill.
Very nice and pieceful place for a couple of nights.
Looked the place up on Google Streetview. Wow, tiny little place - general store, pub, meat supply, post office. Must be wild on a Saturday night :lol:

rifraf wrote:Its just too much hassel opening up the damn trailer box with its two rachet tie-downs holding all together.
Same reason I dont take many pics I guess.
I've found that with carrying the camera in a pannier, and even in the handlebar bag. On tour I take a lot more photos if I carry the digital camera on a lanyard around my neck, slipped inside my jersey while riding. At a scenic stop it is so much more immediate to pull it out and take a photo.

rifraf wrote:Put in a big effort and made Ceduna 94km in a day from Wirrulla.
84km really as I camped about 10km before town.
Looking at Google maps I was going to ask whether you planned to drop in to Streaky Bay, but you're past there now. It wouldn't have been much longer to go that way and I always like coastal towns for their beautiful sea views.
rifraf wrote:Bit on the dear side as its $26 in the heart of town or $20 for an unpowered site at the park by the airport a couple of clicks east of the town centre.
At those prices you may as well pay for a room in the pub. We had an interesting choice offered to us in Spalding SA, on the Mawson Trail - $15 each to camp out the back of the pub (with use of facilities) or $15 each for a twin room. Done deal.
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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby rifraf » Mon May 28, 2012 11:24 am

Hi all!
due to atrocious weather and running low on supplies I made the decision to accept a lift to Kalgoorlie.
I'm currently thinking of putting off my planned trip to follow the southern coast to Perth till maybe early summer.
I had mostly fantastic weather up to the Nullarboor roadhouse where it turned to custard for 3 days.
I was already low on supplies due to poor research on my part.
Disappointed with the prices upon reaching Nundroo, I pushed on to Yalata to find the roadhouse there had been closed for a number of years.
(Rain water is available from the unopened caravan park to the left of the roadhouse).
I then rode on to the Nullarbor roadhouse to find that they do not sell any food items (other than eat in/takeaways) except some chips and drinks.
I was able to get some water (10 litre box for $12.50) though and some much needed meths ($10 for a litre).
Seeing the scenery (and poor weather which followed me to just before Eucla) I was happy to put off this stretch of the tour for another day.
I'm just not remotely interested in wind and rain for days on end and not prepared equipmentwise to deal with it.
My bivybag is no longer waterproof due to age and condition of the once taped sealed seams and I've been relying on a tarp to ward off the worst of any
night showers and/or heavy dew.
I had posted back to famly my wet weather gear to not having needed it "really" for my trip up to this point as any soaking was soon sorted
by sunny skies and warm breeze.
I had thoughts of turning back to Pt. Augusta and heading north but the offer of a lift to Kalgoorlie where I've a brother in law staying was too good an
opportunity to pass up (He's a great cook and I welcomed some good eating after so long on the road).
I've yet to determine in what direction to push on in the next day or two and suggestions will be warmly welcomed.
Really glad to be in WA and looking forward to finding somewhere (preferably close to a coast) to find some accomodation.
I've been suggested to check out 2 Rocks north of Perth by a friend who knows I'm not too keen on traffic nor crowds and I'm relaxed about
having a look this far from public transport (trains).
I'm still a long way from the western coastline and thus far not panicking about any timeline.
Look forward to any comments/suggestions with regards travel, accommodation (long and short), sights to see and things to do.
I did get to see yesterday the "super pit" being the biggest open mine site in Aus (course I forgot to take my camera :oops: )
(Oh and funds were getting a trifle low at the Nullarbor roadhouse with the $50 a night bed in a bare cabin accommodation option I was very happy
to have to not be lieing in a puddle outside - lol) :)
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polishbiker
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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby polishbiker » Mon May 28, 2012 6:59 pm

rif-man!

yes, nullarbor is good if you like chips and sweets :mrgreen:

where are you now?

if you would like to stay in perth for a bit, stock up on food, shower or use a couch etc send me a PM.

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Slim
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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby Slim » Mon May 28, 2012 9:58 pm

polishbiker wrote:rif-man!
yes, nullarbor is good if you like chips and sweets :mrgreen:
where are you now?
if you would like to stay in perth for a bit, stock up on food, shower or use a couch etc send me a PM.
Fantastic!
Enjoyed reading your posts Rif. You've done well. Have to admit there were times when I didn't think you would make it.
Dragging a plastic box behind a Moulton across Australia would have to be right up there with climbing Everest and the Long March. Well done mate!
Polish - you're a gentleman.
Looking forward to the next installment.

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Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby Max » Tue May 29, 2012 6:10 am

Slim wrote:Looking forward to the next installment.
+1 :D

Max



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rifraf
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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby rifraf » Wed May 30, 2012 10:33 am

Max wrote:
Slim wrote:Looking forward to the next installment.
+1 :D

Max



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Cheers Max :)
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rifraf
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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby rifraf » Wed May 30, 2012 10:35 am

Slim wrote:
Fantastic!
Enjoyed reading your posts Rif. You've done well. Have to admit there were times when I didn't think you would make it.
Dragging a plastic box behind a Moulton across Australia would have to be right up there with climbing Everest and the Long March. Well done mate!
Polish - you're a gentleman.
Looking forward to the next installment.
Cheers Slim
There were a few times I wondered myself.
Still a couple of weeks out of Perth.
I'm leaving for that direction today. :)
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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby rifraf » Wed May 30, 2012 10:40 am

polishbiker wrote:rif-man!

yes, nullarbor is good if you like chips and sweets :mrgreen:

where are you now?

if you would like to stay in perth for a bit, stock up on food, shower or use a couch etc send me a PM.
Hi Pawel,
I'm just about to leave Kalgoorlie.
Brotherinlaw is taking me to breakfast in town and then dropping me off around Coolgardie about 50km or so in the right direction.
Thanks heaps for the offer - be great to see a friendly face when I get there.
I think I'm about a fortnights travel to get to Perth having a quick squiz on the map.
I've got to rush to get packed.
Cheers :)
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Baalzamon
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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby Baalzamon » Wed May 30, 2012 12:11 pm

Hey

Don't know if you will see this before leaving Coolgardie.
Bullbulling no water
Free camping 83km from Coolgardie at Goldfields Woodlands National Park
116633851
There is a dam there so you could get water if you treated it.
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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby polishbiker » Wed May 30, 2012 2:37 pm

just be quick, i am leaving on my cairns-perth tour on the 17th of june ha ha!

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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby rifraf » Tue Jun 05, 2012 1:02 pm

Baalzamon wrote:Hey

Don't know if you will see this before leaving Coolgardie.
Bullbulling no water
Free camping 83km from Coolgardie at Goldfields Woodlands National Park
There is a dam there so you could get water if you treated it.
Hi there Baalzamon,
thanks for the tip.
I missed it and got into Merredin yesterday and am about to plod on.
Windy night last night and very windy today. :|
Big IGH here so will stop for some supplies.
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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby Aushiker » Tue Jun 05, 2012 1:07 pm

Hi Rifaf

You are progressing well ... not far now. Are you continuing on the Gt Eastern Highway or heading via say York?

Andrew
Andrew

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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby rifraf » Tue Jun 05, 2012 1:25 pm

Aushiker wrote:Hi Rifaf

You are progressing well ... not far now. Are you continuing on the Gt Eastern Highway or heading via say York?

Andrew
Hi Andrew,
pretty sure I'm currently on the Gt Eastern.
I'm a little slow today due to low sleep last night (wind kept my tarp making a racket and people making noise).
Havnt thought about the route much.
Please feel free to make suggestions.
I'd like to catch Pawel before he leaves and admire his new bike, so please no suggestions of extending my tour.
I'm thinking I'm about 5 or so days from Perth.
I wont get to see your reply for a few days is my guess.
Cheers
Aidan :)
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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby Baalzamon » Tue Jun 05, 2012 1:36 pm

Lets hope you get this one
The Kellerberrin caravan park I think was $7. It was grassed and quite what more could you ask for :)
But if I was you I'd start thinking about the way you are coming into Perth. Myself I'd get off the Gt Eastern Hwy when near Chidlow and come down the backroads that are next to the Gt Eastern Hwy
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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby Aushiker » Tue Jun 05, 2012 1:37 pm

rifraf wrote:
Aushiker wrote:Hi Rifaf

You are progressing well ... not far now. Are you continuing on the Gt Eastern Highway or heading via say York?

Andrew
Hi Andrew,
pretty sure I'm currently on the Gt Eastern.
I'm a little slow today due to low sleep last night (wind kept my tarp making a racket and people making noise).
Havnt thought about the route much.
Please feel free to make suggestions.
I'd like to catch Pawel before he leaves and admire his new bike, so please no suggestions of extending my tour.
I'm thinking I'm about 5 or so days from Perth.
I wont get to see your reply for a few days is my guess.
Cheers
Aidan :)
Sounds like you are focused on getting here so I would stick to Gt Eastern Highway. I was just thinking of a more pleasant ride route.

Andrew
Andrew

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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby rifraf » Fri Jun 08, 2012 1:29 pm

Baalzamon wrote:Lets hope you get this one
The Kellerberrin caravan park I think was $7. It was grassed and quite what more could you ask for :)
But if I was you I'd start thinking about the way you are coming into Perth. Myself I'd get off the Gt Eastern Hwy when near Chidlow and come down the backroads that are next to the Gt Eastern Hwy
I stayed there three nights ago.
Chris is the Caretaker there who lives in the bus with her family.
Very nice people.
The next day (and night ) the weather was horrendous and I took a cabin ($65) at the town of Cunderdin (no eftpos which made it fun in the rain having to go back to the township).
Last night it was Northam and I think the lovely lady at the campground took pity on my drowned rat appearance and only
took $10 from me and told me to stay under cover in the camp kitchen/tv room out of the rain. :)
The easiest internet access here is at Country Copiers on the main street of Northam and is only $4 per hour.
I might be still a bit damp but am still loving my journey.
I'll be sorry when its over and wondering what to do next. :|
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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby Aushiker » Fri Jun 08, 2012 1:38 pm

rifraf wrote:Last night it was Northam and I think the lovely lady at the campground took pity on my drowned rat appearance and only
took $10 from me and told me to stay under cover in the camp kitchen/tv room out of the rain. :)
The easiest internet access here is at Country Copiers on the main street of Northam and is only $4 per hour.
I am planning to visit Northam so all good stuff to know :)
I'll be sorry when its over and wondering what to do next. :|
Darwin to Perth is calling :)

Andrew
Andrew

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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby rifraf » Fri Jun 08, 2012 1:44 pm

Aushiker wrote:Hi Rifaf

You are progressing well ... not far now. Are you continuing on the Gt Eastern Highway or heading via say York?

Andrew

Sounds like you are focused on getting here so I would stick to Gt Eastern Highway. I was just thinking of a more pleasant ride route.

Andrew[/quote]

Nice to have some blue skies today although apparently not for long as the forecast says
the rains will be back soon.
The highway will do me fine.
I'll be chewing your ear soon wanting some Perth/Freo local rides to learn my new locale.
Cheers
Aidan
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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby rifraf » Fri Jun 08, 2012 1:49 pm

Aushiker wrote:
rifraf wrote:Last night it was Northam and I think the lovely lady at the campground took pity on my drowned rat appearance and only
took $10 from me and told me to stay under cover in the camp kitchen/tv room out of the rain. :)
The easiest internet access here is at Country Copiers on the main street of Northam and is only $4 per hour.
I am planning to visit Northam so all good stuff to know :)
I'll be sorry when its over and wondering what to do next. :|
Darwin to Perth is calling :)

Andrew
hmmmmmmmm
Sounds like some call.
I'll see what happens as soon as I can find myself settled with some accommodation.
I've got to fly back to NSW to pick up my suitcases and clothes etc as well but another extended tour
sounds like a good thing to start planning.
Much better research will be done for the next one methinks.
Getting low on food at the Nullarbor roadhouse was a humbling experience and I was amazed at the amount of
people who wanted to assist and wouldnt take a penny for their food contribution. :oops:
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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby Aushiker » Fri Jun 08, 2012 2:08 pm

rifraf wrote:I'll be chewing your ear soon wanting some Perth/Freo local rides to learn my new locale.
Cheers
Aidan
Would love to catch up for a coffee/drink/ride whatever ...

Andrew
Andrew

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rifraf
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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby rifraf » Sat Jun 09, 2012 1:52 pm

Baalzamon wrote: Myself I'd get off the Gt Eastern Hwy when near Chidlow and come down the backroads that are next to the Gt Eastern Hwy
Did exactly that and very happy I took your advice.
Very nice scenery and a welcome break off the busy highway.
Its close to noon and I've just reached Guildford library.
Wow thats one steep road down to Midland.
My rims must have been close to glowing with the trailer adding to my momentum.
Have a great weekend everyone
Happy spinning :)
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Re: Mudgee to Mildura potential trip

Postby rifraf » Sat Jun 09, 2012 1:53 pm

Aushiker wrote:
rifraf wrote:I'll be chewing your ear soon wanting some Perth/Freo local rides to learn my new locale.
Cheers
Aidan
Would love to catch up for a coffee/drink/ride whatever ...

Andrew
Look forward to doing that soon
cheers
Aidan :)
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