July 2016

Campsites busy, roads open, lots to see

Submitted by Admin on Mon, 18/Jul/2016 - 10:36am

Good morning everyone,

It’s all happening, vans and travellers everywhere, campsites full, pretty well all dirt roads open, sun shining and warm sunny days predicted, what more can you ask for??

I think it’s going to be travelling week this week rather than a good book, so I have attached the Tri State Safari Tour programme just in case you are in or around Broken Hill, lots to see there. And don’t forget while there, drop out to the RFDS base and see what great work they do for our back country. A short trip out to Silverton is always a good idea too, have lunch with Peter and Patsy.

The National Parks always have something to see now the roads are dry, and some have tours to offer as well. Best not call to the White Cliffs Visitor Centre though. I believe it’s closed, Paroo Darling have run out of staff!  Now I hear on good authority that water is running into Peerie Lake, a long way to go I will admit, but the Paroo is on the go again, how good is that.

Haven’t heard of any events coming up in the ‘Corner Country’, but just a trip up there to catch up with Mia, Jacko and Fen is worth every bit of it. Check out the approaches to Tibooburra too, they’re really good they tell me.

Don’t forget also if you are travelling through our little town here. Wilcannia now has a mechanic to fix up that troublesome little mechanical problem. A Tyre Expert to fix that flat tyre you were unlucky to get. And a new shop front where you can top up your dog’s bikkie supply and heaps of other things that travellers need at ‘Riverside Traders’.

Wet road conditions, Cobar RSL Christmas in July, and more

Submitted by Admin on Mon, 11/Jul/2016 - 7:35am

Good morning all,

By the sound on the roof, all dirt roads are definitely a no no for the forseeable future, and would you believe there are some property owners very short of ground water. A nice sight in the river now though and more to come. Does that mean good fishing??

Again this week you are going to stick to the white line, saw  a heap of vans at the McCulloch’s Rest area this morning, beautiful sunrise, (how good am I?).

Now a bit happening on the bitumen, Cobar RSL Club has Christmas in July happening next Saturday. Never been to one but got to be a lot of fun. If you’re coming up from the south, the Ivanhoe RSL Club has that movie “Dressmaker” on also next Saturday.

If you duck down to Menindee for a look, (bitumen remember) then you must drop in at Maidens Hotel for a “Maidens own Marinated Chicken Burger”. To die for they tell me! If you do you’ll have to go back to Broken Hill, and catch the “Teddy bears Picnic Train” next Sunday.  The Penrose Park Picnic Train is also there in the Hill for all on every 3rd. Sunday.

I would be very careful venturing to any National Park this week. Not trying to put you off but please check first. Try Mick and Jo at Tri State Safari’s and they will have a trip full of fun on the “black stuff”.

All you good people staying at Warrawong Caravan Park, you could always slip up to White Cliffs and try out the new Menu at the Underground Motel, now under new management, a nice day trip.

It’s getting to that “find a good book” stage again I know, but also take time to listen to our fabulous radio stations, (election is fading!) We have, ABC western Plains 657, (I know, I’ve said it before!) ABC Broken Hill 999 and Wilcannia 1584, Broken Hill 2BH 567, Outback Bourke 585, and FM radios in all towns.

Milparinka Gymkhana, Roads drying out, Teddy Bear Picnic Train and ...

Submitted by Admin on Mon, 04/Jul/2016 - 3:21pm

Hello everyone,

I can’t say, ‘did the right party win’ as I’m doing this on Saturday night. We’re away in the morning for a few days so a little early this week.

Apart from that, the roads are drying out slowly. I’ve had 3 phone calls today enquiring about outback roads, and my advice to all is, please ring your nearest Shire Council and seek help. In this area it is Central Darling Shire, on 08 80838900, or 80915155 after hours (recorded message) and they will be only too happy to walk you through it. They can also help you with the Unincorporated Area, (Top end country).

If there is any rain at all through the week where you are travelling, then be very careful, it gets very wet very quick. And again, the shoulders of the bitumen can be a trap.

Now what’s on. If you’re going to the ‘Big Red Concert’ then it’s on today, tomorrow and Wednesday at Birdsville.

The other big event coming up is the Great Flood Rally down at Wentworth. It’s on next Friday, Saturday and Sunday and is going to be a great few days, all sorts of fun going on. And in the middle of it is the Wentworth Markets on Saturday and Sunday. Great little town and plenty of room for all.

If you can’t make it there, then Broken Hill has the Teddy Bears Picnic Train on the 17th. Free rides and again, heaps of things to do there as well as plenty of food for you. By the way, the usual Picnic Train is operating in The Hill on the 3rd. Sunday of each month as well. While in The Hill, check out the 1 Day Tours that Tri State Safari’s are running at the moment, out to Menindee, Silverton and all over the place.

Remember I told you about the Dinner and Movie night at the RSL Club in Ivanhoe, great evening there on the 16th. (Dressmaker is the movie). And bear in mind that the Ivanhoe community would love to see you all on the 13th. August for their Annual Quickshear Competition at the RSL Club. Why don’t you go there via Menindee, they have their Community Markets on again on the 31st.

Back up in the northern area, Bourke has heaps happening all the time, call in to the Visitors Centre there and Back of Bourke Gallery and get the latest gos on what’s on, and then at Nyngan all you have to do is see those lovely people at the Railway Museum. Of course first stop in Cobar is the Cobar Visitors Centre and Museum, all ready to point you in the right direction.

So, see if you can help someone out through the week, I broke into an “Isuzu truck” tonight, much to the gratitude of the lady who locked her keys inside!! If you are able to stop off in Wilcannia for a few days on your trip, then I definitely won’t break into your truck! We will make you feel very welcome though.