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What's Up Down Under Adventure: Day 11

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  Day 11 Blog Location:  Mt Barnet Station , WA After an early wake-up and a quick breakfast, we pack up and leave the Gibb River to head to Mt Barnett Station! Lots of discussion in regard to fuel in the Chevys, but after checking the jerry cans, everyone is comfortable that we will make it. The Ford Ranger Campervan that I am travelling in has a 2-litre bi-turbo engine with a long-range fuel tank; it offers exceptional mileage and range, so no concerns for us. It's a perfect setup for long-range touring for two people. The going is slow, as usual, due to the road conditions. The cars all started off very clean but are now another colour due to the amount of dust on them. You really need to ensure all your windows, vents, etc., are closed; otherwise, they will be covered in dust. I know, as my swag sits open in the crew car when we travel, and it now takes me about 10 minutes to bang all the dust off! Road conditions are still bad, and speeds are down to 50-60 km/h in some sp...

What's Up Down Under Adventure: Day 10

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  Day 10 Blog Location:  Gibb River , WA Today we leave Ellenbrae. It was really sad to go, as you could easily spend a week relaxing and swimming here! The team complete the pack up with military precision after doing it so many times, and it's back on the Gibb for about 4-5 hours, to get to the Gibb River. Back on the road and back on those bone shaking corrugations! It's slow going in most parts, and many spots are hard to get to the right speed to sit on top of the corrugations due to potholes, rocks, water crossings, cattle etc. All cars and vans are handling it very well.  No casualties which is great. We do stop frequently, and Dean does a quick visual inspection of all the cars and vans each time, always checking to spot anything going wrong early, which is great and something you need to do. Also, the vibrations from the corrugations can be very tiring, so it is important to stop, have a quick break, stretch the legs etc. We arrive at the Gibb River around lunch ...

What's Up Down Under Adventure: Day 9

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   Day 9 Blog Location:  Ellenbrae Station , WA A nice hot shower first thing at the station facilities was great. Usual breakfast of some cereal and a coffee. After breakfast we walk up to the station house where they have very nice gardens and outdoor areas to relax, have a snack or a drink. Ellenbrae Station is a 980,000-acre property that runs about 2,000 cattle; however, their main source of income now is tourism over the dry season as they close over the wet season. It provides many camping sites and even has some cabins available if you book early. There is a great amenities block with clean toilets and nice showers. Ellenbrae Station is famous for their scones with jam and cream, so we have to try them. Still warm from the oven and fresh cream just amazingly good! Worth the trip out here just for the scones! Enjoyed them with a nice Ice Coffee Frappe! They do sell some drinks, and have a gift shop (bought myself a great shirt) but no shop for food and supplie...

What's Up Down Under Adventure - Day 8

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  Day 8 Blog Location: Gibb River Rd, WA Of course, another beautiful day, and lovely breakfast. We pack up everything and hit the road again. I am now an expert at setting up and packing up my swag now, and have it done in about 5 minutes or less. Never used a swag before and impressed how good they are, comfortable and easy to manage. I sleep really well with the inbuilt mattress, large sleeping bag and just a travel pillow. Certainly, a great way to travel and camp if you want to keep things really simple! The crew advised they did see some saltwater crocs early in the morning…Oh! Everyone is packed up quickly, so we hit the road and head for Ellenbrae station on the Gibb River Road.  Not long after leaving the Pentecost River we lose the bitumen and hit the dirt, dust and corrugations. I’m sure most of us have driven on some form of corrugations before, but I can assure you nothing like this! It was unreal, I thought the car was going to shake to pieces. It was very slow g...