Kakadu National Park, part three, Northern Territory
Jabiru, East Alligator and South Alligator regions The drive from Cooinda to Jabiru was one of our shortest trips, a mere 48km, however we did chuckle as not long after … Continue Reading Kakadu National Park, part three, Northern Territory
Kakadu National Park, part two, Northern Territory
Yellow Water, Jim Jim Falls/ Twin Falls and Nourlangie Regions With the weather really starting to heat up and the swimming opportunities really starting to wind down, we decided to … Continue Reading Kakadu National Park, part two, Northern Territory
Kakadu National Park, part one, Northern Territory
Mary River Region Over the years we have heard mixed reviews about our next destination, Kakadu National Park, more then often people would use the term ‘Kakadon’t’. Even as we … Continue Reading Kakadu National Park, part one, Northern Territory
Katherine & Edith Falls, Northern Territory
After we left Keep River NP, we decided to continue driving all the way to Katherine as we needed to refill the fridge and the gas bottles. We stopped in … Continue Reading Katherine & Edith Falls, Northern Territory
Keep River National Park, Northern Territory
Almost a year to the day when we left way back in August 2015, we have reentered the NT and quickly reset our clocks forward an hour and a half, … Continue Reading Keep River National Park, Northern Territory
Western Australia wrap up!!!
Our WA stats are: 9 1/2 months or 295 days 31,492 kms, 59 camp set ups 16 national parks Our top 5’s are (in no particular order): Nik – Steep … Continue Reading Western Australia wrap up!!!
Lake Argyle, Western Australia
Our next destination after Knx was Lake Argyle, only 70kms down the road, therefore we arrived nice and early and securing our spot in the usual caravan line up. We … Continue Reading Lake Argyle, Western Australia
Kununurra, Western Australia
The east Kimberley town of Kununurra was our next destination after our trip along the Gibb, we were looking forward to setting up on some grass and restocking the fridge … Continue Reading Kununurra, Western Australia
The Gibb River Road Again, Western Australia
Finally, after spending the morning doing all the last minute jobs like collecting meat from the butcher, filling the gas bottle, checking the post office one last time for mail, … Continue Reading The Gibb River Road Again, Western Australia
Broome, Western Australia
We initially arrived in Broome way back when in early May and eventually left for good in the middle of July. However out of this 2 ½ months we spent … Continue Reading Broome, Western Australia
Purnululu National Park ( Bungle Bungles), Western Australia.
From El Questro it wasn’t long before we made it back onto the bitumen and turned right, our destination for today was Purnululu National Park. Purnululu actually translates to mean … Continue Reading Purnululu National Park ( Bungle Bungles), Western Australia.
The Gibb River Road, part three, Western Australia.
As nice as the scones were at Ellenbrae Station, we set off the next morning, all very excited, as finally the day had come where we were actually going to … Continue Reading The Gibb River Road, part three, Western Australia.
The Gibb River Road, part two. Western Australia.
From Manning Gorge we had a big day planned, heading to Drysdale Station and then onto King Edward River campground, en-route to Mitchell Falls. The drive along the GRR to … Continue Reading The Gibb River Road, part two. Western Australia.
The Gibb River Road, part one. Western Australia.
The idea that was to become OZLAP was initially born from our desire to drive the iconic Gibb River Road in the remote Kimberley region, in northern WA. We really … Continue Reading The Gibb River Road, part one. Western Australia.
Middle Lagoon and Cape Leveque, Western Australia.
After a short stop over in Broome to restock food and water we decided to head out of town, heading north up the Cape Leveque Rd towards the Dampier Peninsula. … Continue Reading Middle Lagoon and Cape Leveque, Western Australia.
Barn Hill, Western Australia.
We left Point Samson early for a big day of driving, as the further north we go the further apart things are becoming. We quickly called into Port Hedland Woolworths … Continue Reading Barn Hill, Western Australia.
Millstream- Chichester National Park, Western Australia.
From Karijini we had decided to drive along the private Rio Tinto Rd for which we had the permit for, it wasn’t really a short cut more a case of … Continue Reading Millstream- Chichester National Park, Western Australia.
Karijini National Park, Western Australia
Karijini National Park had always been on our wishlist, we have seen so many photos and in the last 12 months have heard so many fantastic reviews that there was … Continue Reading Karijini National Park, Western Australia
Paraburdoo, Western Australia
We first found out about Paraburdoo some 12 months ago by a fellow travelling friend, Shannon. She had posted on facebook about the FREE WASHING MACHINES……… so this place had … Continue Reading Paraburdoo, Western Australia
Exmouth, Western Australia
After a week of high 30’s temperatures out in the National Park, it was nice to drive into the Big 4 caravan park at Exmouth and have power with which … Continue Reading Exmouth, Western Australia
Ningaloo Reef, Cape Range National Park, Western Australia.
We left Carnarvon bright and early as we had a few kilometres to travel today. The drive was uneventful and we made it to Coral Bay for an early lunch. … Continue Reading Ningaloo Reef, Cape Range National Park, Western Australia.
Carnarvon, Western Australia
After an action packed stay at Hamelin Station we, along with our mates the Leeds, were ready to move onto our next destination, Carnarvon, some 200km up the road. Carnarvon, … Continue Reading Carnarvon, Western Australia
Steep Point, WA
Now even though we were only at Steep Point for the one night, we felt that the photos alone deserved to have its own post!!! Once we had arrived back … Continue Reading Steep Point, WA
Hamelin Station, Francois Peron National Park & surrounds, WA
When we left Kalbarri we decided to ‘wait out’ Easter at a station stay we had discovered called Murchison Off Road Adventures, about 130km north east, inland off the highway. … Continue Reading Hamelin Station, Francois Peron National Park & surrounds, WA
Kalbarri, WA
We only had a short drive today from Coronation Beach to Kalbarri, so we extended it out a bit and stopped at a lovely little town called Northampton to look … Continue Reading Kalbarri, WA
Geraldton & Coronation Beach, WA.
Our next destination was Geraldton, about 420km north of Perth, and the location of my First Aid refresher course, so we decided to power up and do some grocery shopping … Continue Reading Geraldton & Coronation Beach, WA.
Jurien Bay, The Pinnacles and surrounds, WA
It was a good feeling to be back on the road again, heading to unknown places, and to be heading north. When we had decided to do this trip it … Continue Reading Jurien Bay, The Pinnacles and surrounds, WA
Perth & surrounds, WA.
After waving goodbye to Rob at Mandurah we then headed north towards Lake Karrinyup Caravan park only a mere 70 odd kms away, however when you head off at 4pm … Continue Reading Perth & surrounds, WA.
Mandurah part 2, WA, 2016.
1st January to 2nd March Another highlight of our time here in Mandurah was catching up with our travelling soulmates the Leeds. We had decided to get together at the … Continue Reading Mandurah part 2, WA, 2016.
Mandurah part 1, WA, 2016.
1st January to 2nd March. The beginning of 2016 for OZLAP involved early mornings, very early mornings in fact, particulary for Mr OZLAP, Nik, who had scored a temporary contract as … Continue Reading Mandurah part 1, WA, 2016.
Mandurah and Christmas, 2015, WA
27th November to 31st December After a relatively quick drive up the freeway we arrived at Chateau De Burton, AKA as my aunty Robyn and uncle Max’s gorgeous house just north of … Continue Reading Mandurah and Christmas, 2015, WA
Margaret River and the South West, Part Two, Western Australia.
16th November to 27th November. Our first trip to Hamelin Bay to view the mantra rays was unsuccessful, so never ones to give up we decided to head there on … Continue Reading Margaret River and the South West, Part Two, Western Australia.
Margaret River and the South West, Part One, Western Australia.
16th November to 27th November. After yet another amazing drive through some stunning forests we arrived at our next stop, a farmstay about 10 minutes south of Margaret River. Big … Continue Reading Margaret River and the South West, Part One, Western Australia.
Quinninup, Pemberton, Windy Harbour and Manjimup, WA
12th November to 16th November Our next destination was a place called Quinninup, about 30km south of Manjimup and 30km east of Pemberton. Nik had found this little gem of … Continue Reading Quinninup, Pemberton, Windy Harbour and Manjimup, WA
Denmark & Walpole, WA
8th November to 12th November Our next stop was at a council run campground about 25km west of Denmark, it is unpowered, has flushing toilets, solar heated showers and fire … Continue Reading Denmark & Walpole, WA
Albany, WA
5th November to 8th November We set out a tad earlier today knowing that our drive was a little longer than usual, about 400km. Our intended destination was a free … Continue Reading Albany, WA
Munglinup beach, WA
2nd November to 5th November After a wet Sunday night and a forecast for more rain to come on the Monday we decided to only drive back to Esperance and … Continue Reading Munglinup beach, WA
Cape Le Grand National Park, WA
29th October to 2nd November. WARNING THIS POST CONTAINS FAR MORE PHOTOS THAN WORDS…….THE WORDS SOMEHOW PALED IN COMPARISON TO THE IMAGES. Don’t worry I’ll make up for it in … Continue Reading Cape Le Grand National Park, WA
Esperance, WA
15th October to 29th October We arrived in Esperance a little bit ahead of schedule after we had decided to only stay a few days in Kalgoorlie and then overnight … Continue Reading Esperance, WA
Wave Rock, WA
14th October to 15th October After we left Kal we headed west along the ‘so called’ Great Eastern Highway, which continues on for about 550km into Perth. I say so … Continue Reading Wave Rock, WA
The Nullarbor (yes the blog is as long as the drive too). SA & WA
8th October to 14th October After we left Coorabie and Fowlers Bay, we headed west to begin our Nullarbor adventure. Our first stop was at Nundroo Roadhouse, famous for being … Continue Reading The Nullarbor (yes the blog is as long as the drive too). SA & WA
Perlubie Beach, Ceduna and Fowlers Bay, South Australia.
4th October to 8th October As is becoming a bit of a habit, we had a monumentous drive of about 22km to do today, out to a free camp called … Continue Reading Perlubie Beach, Ceduna and Fowlers Bay, South Australia.
Streaky Bay and Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience, South Australia.
1st October to 4th October We left Venus Bay, arriving at Murphy’s Haystacks, where we got out to stretch our legs and explore. The tourism brochures highlight the haystacks as … Continue Reading Streaky Bay and Baird Bay Ocean Eco Experience, South Australia.
Venus Bay, South Australia.
29th September to 1st October After we left Coffin Bay we headed north along the western side of the Eyre Peninsula, we had been told to definitely call into a … Continue Reading Venus Bay, South Australia.
Coffin Bay National Park, South Australia.
26th to 29th September We left a little later today, knowing that our drive was not going to take us long, well about 20 minutes to be exact and that … Continue Reading Coffin Bay National Park, South Australia.
Coffin Bay, SA
24th September to 26th September After we left Port Lincoln we drove for at least a whole 40 minutes to reach our next destination, Coffin Bay caravan park. Coffin Bay, … Continue Reading Coffin Bay, SA
September Beach campground, Port Lincoln National Park
21st September to 24th September After a slow drive out of Memory Cove Wilderness Park we took a right turn away from Port Lincoln, which took us further into the Port … Continue Reading September Beach campground, Port Lincoln National Park
Port Lincoln National Park and Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area
15th September to 21st September We arrived in Port Lincoln just before lunch, checking out both the caravan parks, one in town and one about 12kms before town. Needless to say … Continue Reading Port Lincoln National Park and Memory Cove Wilderness Protection Area
Border patrol………
12th September to 15th September After yet another seamless, simple, easy, argument free pack up we were on our way, setting a course for due west. It was meant to … Continue Reading Border patrol………
The much warmer sunraysia area of Mildura and surrounds.
9th September to 12th September As we got used to a heavier load behind the car we settled in for the 300km drive north towards Mildura. We stopped at a … Continue Reading The much warmer sunraysia area of Mildura and surrounds.
The rendezvous……
28th August to 9th September We left Alice Springs on time and on schedule and set a new early morning record for ourselves, 8am……. We were on a mission and … Continue Reading The rendezvous……
There is no town like Alice Springs…….Part two.
1st August to 28th August In our last couple of weeks in Alice Springs we were lucky enough to be there for the annual Rotary Henley on Todd Regatta, held in the … Continue Reading There is no town like Alice Springs…….Part two.
There is no town like Alice Springs…… Part one
12th July to 31st July After our whirlwind six weeks traversing the countryside from left to right we arrived back in Alice Springs from our rock concert road trip to … Continue Reading There is no town like Alice Springs…… Part one
Six months on the road, time for reflection.
They say time flies when your having fun, which is certainly spot on for us. Its still hard to believe and it seems surreal that we have been on … Continue Reading Six months on the road, time for reflection.
The Birdsville Big Red Bash
29th June to 12th July After our Red Centre trip and farewelling Mum, we offloaded more ‘stuff’ that we weren’t going to be using over the next couple of weeks … Continue Reading The Birdsville Big Red Bash
Part Six, The Red Centre Way, Kata Tjuta, Northern Territory
Once again we were up, hiking bags packed and ready early for our day trip out to Kata Tjutu National Park, otherwise known as The Olgas. I was looking forward … Continue Reading Part Six, The Red Centre Way, Kata Tjuta, Northern Territory
Part five, The Red Centre Way, ULURU, Northern Territory.
After our 2 night stay at Kings Creek Station we headed off to our final destination, Uluru. Our route followed The Red Centre Way turning south before we hit the … Continue Reading Part five, The Red Centre Way, ULURU, Northern Territory.
Part four- The Red Centre Way, Kings Canyon. Northern Territory.
The next day we were up early, packed our hiking packs, organised lunch and dinner and headed off to Kings Canyon. Watarrka and Kings Canyon are actually part of the … Continue Reading Part four- The Red Centre Way, Kings Canyon. Northern Territory.
Part Three – The Red Centre Way, West MacDonnell Ranges. Northern Territory.
Our last day on the northern section of The Red Centre Way was spent driving down to visit Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) Conservation Reserve, but not before we pulled over and … Continue Reading Part Three – The Red Centre Way, West MacDonnell Ranges. Northern Territory.
Part Two- The Red Centre Way, Glen Helen & surrounds. Northern Territory.
With a busy itinerary planned for today we got up early, started to cook dinner in the slow cooker and headed off back along Namatjira Drive towards Ellery Creek Big … Continue Reading Part Two- The Red Centre Way, Glen Helen & surrounds. Northern Territory.
Part One – The Red Centre Way, West MacDonnell Ranges. Northern Territory.
Once again we arrived back into Alice Springs and stayed at the Big 4 while we washed and washed and washed…….. Although this time the park was so busy that … Continue Reading Part One – The Red Centre Way, West MacDonnell Ranges. Northern Territory.
Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve, Owen Springs Reserve and Trephina Gorge Nature Park, Northern Territory.
4th June to 11th June Another week in Alice Springs passed us by very quickly. This time we decided to stay at the Big 4 Macdonnell Ranges Caravan Park as … Continue Reading Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve, Owen Springs Reserve and Trephina Gorge Nature Park, Northern Territory.
Ross River Resort and Ruby Gap National Park, Northern Territory.
22nd May to 28th May After a busy week in civilisation we decided we needed a break from the hussle and bustle, so together with our friends the Leed’s we … Continue Reading Ross River Resort and Ruby Gap National Park, Northern Territory.
Alice Springs, Week 1, Northern Territory.
15th May to 22nd May We arrived in Alice Springs and headed to the G’Day Mate Caravan Park, as it was one of the cheapish ones and it had some … Continue Reading Alice Springs, Week 1, Northern Territory.
Mt Dare and Dalhousie Springs, South Australia
11th May to 14th May After a fantastic weekend we left Oodnadatta on the Monday morning after restocking milk, bread, eggs and a few casks of fresh water. We were on … Continue Reading Mt Dare and Dalhousie Springs, South Australia
The 125th Oodnadatta Race and Gymkhana, South Australia
7th May to 10th May And they’re off and racing!!! We had first stumbled upon the races flyer stuck to the front door of the Marree Hotel some 200km south … Continue Reading The 125th Oodnadatta Race and Gymkhana, South Australia
The Oodnadatta Track, Marree to Oodnadatta, South Australia
5th May to 8th May After finally beginning our ‘journey‘105 days ago back in Victoria, we headed out today agreeing that we were finally beginning our ‘adventure’!!!! We have explored … Continue Reading The Oodnadatta Track, Marree to Oodnadatta, South Australia
Farina Ruins, South Australia
4th May to 5th May After a week we finally dragged ourselves away from Beltana Station, we made a quick stop in at Leigh Creek to pick up some final … Continue Reading Farina Ruins, South Australia
Beltana Homestead, South Australia
27th April to 4th May We left our campsite in the Flinders Ranges and drove a staggering 45kms up the road to Beltana Station about 45km south of Leigh Creek. Beltana Station … Continue Reading Beltana Homestead, South Australia
Flinders Ranges, South Australia
21st April to 27th April After our stay at Mount Remarkable we headed to Port Augusta to restock our groceries, power up and work our way through 5 loads of … Continue Reading Flinders Ranges, South Australia
Mount Remarkable National Park, South Australia
16th April to 21st April After a fairly short drive for us (180km) we arrived at Mambray Creek Campground in the Mount Remarkable National Park, situated half way between Port … Continue Reading Mount Remarkable National Park, South Australia
Moonta Bay, South Australia.
13th April to 16th April After packing up during the rain we were on the road by 9:30, heading north to Moonta Bay Caravan Park, home for the next 3 … Continue Reading Moonta Bay, South Australia.
The Yorke Peninsula, South Australia.
10th April to 13th April For the first time in over a week the sun finally came out today, just in time for us to pack up and leave Hahndorf!!! … Continue Reading The Yorke Peninsula, South Australia.
Hahndorf and Adelaide.
2nd April to 10th April We arrived in Hahndorf a day early as a freezing cold front was due to come through the south with hail and thunderstorms, with temperatures expected … Continue Reading Hahndorf and Adelaide.
The Fleurieu Peninsula
26th March to 1st April After having lunch at Tailem Bend we headed off to our next camp, Stringybark Campsite, located within the Deep Creek Conservation Park about 40km west … Continue Reading The Fleurieu Peninsula
South Australia, finally……..
26th March to 31st March After 10 weeks we have finally arrived in South Australia or Naracoorte to be more accurate. We arrived at Naracoorte Caves National park about … Continue Reading South Australia, finally……..
The Grampians
11th March to 24th March After doing a few odd jobs we finally left Warnambool just after lunch, arriving in The Grampians about 4ish. We went straight to the Information … Continue Reading The Grampians
The Bool
2nd March to 11th March We chose the shorter 2 hour inland route as opposed to the longer, car sick inducing 4 hour Great Ocean Rd route to reach our … Continue Reading The Bool
Three steps forward, two steps back……
24th February to 2nd March Our long drive today only took us 45 minutes from Lorne back to Torquay, where we set up camp at the Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park for the … Continue Reading Three steps forward, two steps back……
Heading down the Great Ocean Road to Lorne.
10th February to 24th February 2015 After we departed Ocean Grove we made a detour to Woolworths to do our weekly shop, as we knew the Foodworks in Lorne was … Continue Reading Heading down the Great Ocean Road to Lorne.
Deep Cycle Battery Concerns
I have had some worries about how our deep cycle battery will hold up on free camp stays. Its only a 55 amp/hr Optima Yellow top. I’m not concerned about … Continue Reading Deep Cycle Battery Concerns
And away we go, again………………………
31st January to 10th Feb 2015 For the second time in 2 weeks we quietly snuck out of Mornington again and made our way over to the Bellarine Peninsula. We chose … Continue Reading And away we go, again………………………
Packing up at Bright
Thought we’d have a bit of fun with our pack up, although I’m not too sure about the audience laughing at us half way through!!!!!
And away we go!!!!!
20th January to 31st January 2015 After 5 years planning and dreaming finally the day has come to leave. After a hectic weekend of lifesaving, we spent a day cleaning … Continue Reading And away we go!!!!!
The final countdown.
Well after 5 years talking and thinking about our trip, we are now only down to just 6 days. Nik finished up working at Christmas, whilst I finish up on the … Continue Reading The final countdown.
Northern NSW Coast down to Tathra
After we left Mooloolaba we planned to do a few overnight stops in order to spend a few days down at Tathra. We left on the Sunday and had decided … Continue Reading Northern NSW Coast down to Tathra
Mooloolaba, here we come!!!
So after our false starts we decided to drive for a few extra hours and change our overnight destination from Dubbo to Wagga Wagga. We arrived in Wagga Wagga a … Continue Reading Mooloolaba, here we come!!!
I think I can, I think I can…………..nope, yes, nope, damn it yes!!!!
Finally September school holidays has arrived which means it is time to take the van away for a shakedown trip, and after we eventually got going, boy did we sort … Continue Reading I think I can, I think I can…………..nope, yes, nope, damn it yes!!!!
Self suffiency, safety and sanity……….
The 4×4 show was held over the weekend at the Melbourne Showgrounds and as we aren’t able to make the ‘Leisurefest expo’ in October we decided to go along and grab … Continue Reading Self suffiency, safety and sanity……….
Our blog, privacy and internet security
At the moment while we are wishing the days and months away, we are having fun joining travelling groups on facebook and I am following a few blogs of fellow … Continue Reading Our blog, privacy and internet security
The 3 P’s – Planning, preparing and procrastinating…..
Ok we do have a plan…………we know when we are leaving (give or take 2 weeks), we have the rig, we have our home, we have a guestimated route. Surely … Continue Reading The 3 P’s – Planning, preparing and procrastinating…..
Any which way but East
Without too much discussion or research we have decided that we would like to head west first. At this stage NSW and south QLD can wait awhile till we come … Continue Reading Any which way but East
Why, our reasons for wanting to do the ‘big lap’
After the initial shock of discovering we will be travelling indefinitely, the next question we get asked is why so long???? Generally if I answer them properly we end up … Continue Reading Why, our reasons for wanting to do the ‘big lap’
Your doing what……the good, the bad and the happy reactions of others.
We have had many different reactions from family, friends and strangers when we tell them we have sold up and are heading off around Australia indefinitely. The majority of reactions … Continue Reading Your doing what……the good, the bad and the happy reactions of others.
Another Piece of the Puzzle
After much thought and research we have decided to upgrade to a Jayco Outback Swan. A trip to the Camping and Outdoors show in Melbourne, and a few phone calls backwards … Continue Reading Another Piece of the Puzzle
Another step closer
SOLD!!! It is a very exciting time at the moment for the “Smiths”. Approx 3 weeks ago we accepted an offer and sold our house which is another big tick in … Continue Reading Another step closer
