On Friday morning we left the Nullarbor Roadhouse at about 9 am. There had been heavy rain all night so we were happy with our decision to stop when we did on Thursday night. It was very overcast but not raining at that stage. From the roadhouse, the Eyre Highway runs inland along the Bunda Cliffs that we had viewed on Thursday. Today we noticed the Royal Flying Doctor Service signs on the road advising us that at several points the highway is actually an emergency RFDS landing strip. The road in those sections is very good and a lot wider so that we would have space to get out of the way!
Storm Clouds over Nullarbor Roadhouse
Leaving Nullarbor Roadhouse
Just what we needed in the rain!
Rainbow on the Nullarbor – Felt Like We Could Touch It
RFDS Signs on the Highway
After about 75 kms we took a leap of faith and turned down a 2 km dirt track to a lookout. WOW! What a magnificent view! We spent a while exploring and then back to the van for a hot coffee to warm up again before continuing west again.
About 30 Kms further down the highway we turned down another dirt track to the Bunda Cliffs Scenic Lookout. Again, spectacular views and we managed to negotiate the track and turn around without any problems.
Then 10 kms further down the highway there was yet another dirt track to Lookout #3. This was also breathtaking scenery but totally different to the first 2 lookouts. This time rather than spectacular rugged cliff faces, we were viewing amazing beaches and sand dunes.
Lookout #1
Lookout #2
Lookout #3
Is this a dinosaur footprint?
As we proceeded to the South Australia / Western Australia border checkpoint we caught glimpses of the ocean from the highway. The quarantine inspection at the border crossing is very thorough. Inspectors take all of your details and check the tow vehicle and the van for fresh fruit and vegetables or nuts or plants or soil materials or honey. We had an open jar of honey which we declared and they confiscated.
Rooey Giving Directions at the SA/WA Border
SA-WA Quarantine Inspection Checkpoint
SA – WA Border
After that we drove a short distance to Eucla where we bought sandwiches for lunch and then drove down a 4 km dirt track to the sand dunes to explore the old Eucla Telegraph Station which is now almost totally submerged under sand. We had seen it a number of times on TV but it is quite an experience to actually see the sand dunes taking over substantial buildings. We walked around and climbed sand dunes before returning to the van. We were both a bit surprised that we had driven down such a steep dirt track to get to the ruins but the Mazda didn’t miss a beat hauling the rig up the 45 degree hill. What were we thinking – perhaps we weren’t!!
Welcome Whale at Eucla
Eucla Telegraph Station
Eucla Telegraph Station
Eucla Telegraph Station
Eucla Telegraph Station
On Dear! The only way is up, with the rig.
It didn’t look this steep coming down!
Travellers’ Cross at Eucla
We checked out a number of rest areas before we finally stopped at Moodini Bluff Rest Area for the night. There were about 8 other travellers there and there was plenty of space for everyone and more. It is set back off the road and nice and quiet, although we didn’t even bother checking out the toilet facilities. This was a great spot for our first night free camping on our 2013 Big Adventure.
Trailblazer at Moodini Bluff
Moodini Bluff Rest Area Facilities
Very Happy Camper!
Unfortunately (?) there was no mobile or internet access so we are posting this entry retrospectively.
Shorty's RV Adventures 