Although we suffered through rain and wind overnight, this morning promised to be a nice day in Buronga and a check of the weather bureau indicated that the weather in Broken Hill would also be fine. So that settled where we would head today.
Packing Up in the sun at Buronga
We took our time packing up and left by 10 am. We drove through Wentworth and on to the Silver City Highway until we stopped at Bunnerungee Bridge rest area for our morning break. Our Camps 7 Book told us that the rest stop catered for Big Rigs so we trustingly drove in and then realised that we were below the bridge over the creek and that the area had had 3 inches of rain in the last 48 hours. Fortunately as we moved forward (because we were too big to turn around) we realised that there are 2 bridges and that the water was under the second bridge. We drove further to explore this very interesting spot. We would be happy to free camp here. We enjoyed our coffee.
Coffee at Bunnerungee Bridge Rest Area
Coffee at Bunnerungee Bridge Rest Area
We walked and stretched a bit and then continued up the Silver City Highway to our lunch stop at Popiltah Rest Area. This is also a good spot. We pulled off the black top to a spot with a great view of Lake Popiltah. Because of the surface water and muddy conditions we engaged 4wd to get out and back on to the black top, but it was worth it to have lunch with a view.
View over Lake Popiltah
We then continued up the Silver City Highway to Broken Hill. There were lots of Emus, wild goats and sheep grazing beside the road. Because it was Sunday, we only passed 1 large truck all day which was very good.
Highway Views
Highway Views
Wild Goats by the Highway
Although we had considered staying at a free camp at the Racecourse, we decided to stay at the Broken Hill Tourist Park because of the amount of surface water everywhere after the heavy rain of the last 48 hours.
Welcome to Broken Hill
It has been sunny and warm in the ute today but there is a strong cold wind outside. Strong wind and mud and some rain forecast for tonight – not a nice combination.
Unhitching at Broken Hill
We were all set up in our big drive through site at Broken Hill by 3 pm. It is a bit of a worry that there are signs everywhere saying “Secure Your Belongings!” and the Caravan Park is surrounded by a high weldmesh fence with triple barbed wire around the top! Says a lot about where we are!
When we arrived the sun was streaming in to the lounge area of the van so we had a cuppa and reviewed the maps of the Broken Hill area.
Revived, we headed into town in the ute to explore the city and get our bearings. After a quick trip to the Visitor Information Centre to pick up some maps and brochures, we lashed out on take away roast chicken and roast potatoes for tea as we are pretty tired after our drive today.
Shorty's RV Adventures 