For many years I’ve been nagging Ian to go to Broken Hill, which is way, way out in the Australian outback in New South Wales.  He has always had a 100 reasons why we can’t go:

• Too hot;
• Work;
• it is a bl#$dy long way;
• Nothing to do in Broken Hill;
• Blah, blah, blah.

The relentless rain this summer has limited our holiday options this year, so Ian has finally agreed to hit the road, destination Broken Hill plus a few other cool hot outback spots. My dream of seeing red soil and camping under the desert night sky is soon to become a reality.

On the road again!

Due to the remoteness of the outback, I have spent the last 2 days hunched over my laptop; reading a million travel blogs and doing another zillion Google Map searches to plan our route, whilst Ian has been prepping Suzie (his beloved 4WD 1991 Suzuki Vitara) for the trip.

The Lovely Suzie

Checklist:

• At least 3 days’ of food ✔
• Full tank of petrol, plus an extra 10 litres in a canister ✔
• 25 litres of water ✔
• Know every petrol station and supermarket on route for replenishing supplies ✔
• Know if the road is sealed or unsealed ✔
• Leave planned route with someone ✔

Escaping the rains and floods

Today’s plan was simply to leave Sydney’s rain behind and drive, drive, drive. 

Raining in the Blue Mountains

It was a wet drive through the Blue Mountains, but we were rewarded with the sun breaking through the clouds at Bathurst. 

Sunshine on a Rainy Day

It was a long day, but after 7 hours on the road, we reached our first destination Wellington Caves.  Tomorrow we should hit the Australian outback.

Our Home for Tonight

Info: Day 1 – Sydney to Wellington Caves via Orange, distance 345km. Took 7 hours, which included stops for lunch, petrol and shopping for some last-minute items. Stayed at Wellington Caves Caravan Park. An unpowered costs $25. Excellent indoor camp kitchen and recreation room. Also, the pool looked very inviting, but no time for a dip.