I am looking at travelling from Brisbane, Barcaldine, Mt Isa, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy, Port Augusta, Mildura, Parkes, Moree amd then back to Brisbane. I am hoping to do this trip in 11 days as I have committments in Brisbane. 

I would like advice about the best place to stay, where not to stop, and fuel stops that are rip off artists. This is our first time on the road and will be travelling with my 11 year old daughter and my husband's ashes as we had this trip planned for August before he passed away in June aged 58. Safety is the big issue for me as I want this to be a trip of a lifetime for myself and my daughter.

I am looking at hiring a 4 berth motorhome but would like both advise on accommodation as well.

Any advice would be much soughted after as I believe there are honest and sincere people in this world.

Welcome to the Grey Nomads Forum and my condolences to you and your family. What a great trip you are planning ito your husband's memory. You're planning a long, busy trip in the very short time. There are a lot of kilometres between your stops. If you haven't travelled like this before you may want to park at caravan parks and roadhouses along the way. Free camping is another option for you if you're prepared. 4-6hrs of driving per day, stopping every 2 hrs, would be a big day especially if you plan to do some sight seeing off the highway. It's best to be parked up before dark. The Barkly Homestead/Roadhouse has the worst reputation for over priced fuel and tucker. There are a few others but that's the worst I am aware of. Know your vehicle, and make sure you are comfortable operating the vehicle you choose. Make sure you are aware of the fuel consumption and make allowances for long gaps between fuel stops. Some roadhouses are about 300kms apart. Be prepared, and have fun. Safe and happy travels. Cheers Chris

Thanks you so very much Chris. Your input is fantastic and will be following your advice. My husband was a relocation driver and has been all over Australia with his job and this trip in August was to share this beautiful country with me. He did say to stay away from the Barclays as they have had new owners and were terrible in customer service, food and everything else they did. As I understand it, you have to stop into the barclays for fuel as there is nothing in between Camooweal and Tennant creek. Is it better to take a Jerry can??? or do you have to fuel up at the Barklys. What time in the morning is it ok to hit the roads, as you did say to stop driving before dark.  Thanks again. Mel.



    

Hi Mel
welcome from us as well and also our condolences on your and your daughters, recent loss.
We cannot give any advice on the areas you are contemplating, but do recommend that you listen to the likes of Chris and the others that will soon post replies.
Remember that if you have a problem whilst you are 'out there' that someone from this forum will not be far away.
Love your attitude, you will do well.

Johnw



-- Edited by jandas fun on Wednesday 8th of July 2009 01:22:43 PM

 Welcome Mel .What a beautiful trip you have planned in memory of your husband. I can't help you with your trip to tennant Creek but have done rest of it through the centre on a limited time frame 5days to Katherine NT from near Albury NSW in May. We did about 850k a day which was okay got early starts and still had time to look around. As Chris said keep an eye on the petrol just top it up when you go past roadhouses or towns the price was pretty much the same all the way through. And yes don't drive in the dark. We couldnt sleep so decided to get an early start at 5am and did have a few near misses with the roos so wouldnt advise it. As you are doing the trip fairly quickly you should be able to go from town to town We did Alice Springs to Coober pedy and then to Morgan SA but in reverse with ease. the caravan parks in the towns are good it seems the Big 4s in these places are the better ones. I would avoid Tennant Creek its just not a nice place these days. The quickest way from port Augusta to mildura is to take the turn to Crystal Brook and go via Burra, Morgan to renmark we do this trip a few times a year and have tried alternatives but this is the best way with limited time. The Caravan park at morgan is right on the river (Murray) and really nice spot. The caravan parks in The Alice are all on the south side of town. In Mildura there a couple on the way in from Renmark and then more over the bridge. The big 4 at renmark is a great park and caters for children in a big way and is also right on the river. You will probably feel more at ease staying in parks when it is just you and your daughter and you shouldnt have a problem getting to the major ones in towns every day. Hope this has helped a little and enjoy your trip. Cheryl

Thanks heaps Cheryl. With Tennant Creek, where would you recommend to stay? Was not sure about any other places after Tennant Creek as have looked at the RACQ website and there is no other accommodation until Alice Springs.

I have definately noted down the quickest way to Mildura and thanking you for the information. Regards Mel.

Thanks very much JohnW. Will keep that in mind and will definately keep in touch thru the forum. Much appreciated Mel.

Hi again mel. the 'three ways roadhouse' is where most people tend to stop its north of tennant creek my daughter and I had lunch there on our way through there is a caravan park out the back. They have been having a few problems with stealing and other things in Tennant creek and everyone we meet say to go straight through there and stay at three ways. At a guess its 20-30k north of tennant Creek. Cheryl

Sorry to be a pain in the neck, My advice is to get rid of the family commitments first,Then plan your trip, We did the exact same trip,(with a deviation to Melbourne for xmas with son)and it took us a lot longer than 11 days, Condolences on your loss Mel, but you are planning a memorable trip and it should be done with due consideration for your safety and a chance to see the country,with an 11 year old who will want to stop at every chance to look around the towns you pass throught, It will be a trip to remember for her in the years to come , So get rid of the commitments and do it at a pace that you can be rested as you go, it will still be there in 3 months time

first up I wish to put forward my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your husband, if it was me and the dragon was gone I don't know how I would continue, I don't think I would, I deeply admire your courage and intestinal fortitude however, I'm afraid I state categorically that I agree 110% with Mike on this, do what you gotta do to set your mind at rest regarding the loss of your husband but please don't make the children suffer because of it, take your time to see the sights, touch the rocks, paddle in the stream, noodle for an opal, say howdy to a roo, chase a yabbie, have an ice cream, use this time together as a rebonding and a healing time, put a little laughter back in to their lives, Christ they need it and so do you I was not going to comment on this as I feel that i am too soft hearted (and soft headed) and big mouthed to place a decent comment, and I am very fearfull that my comments may be misconstrued, as they are so often are, if you find my comments too invasive just tell me to piss off and mind my own business but look, life is for the living please make it so for yourself and the kiddies, this may be the one chance they get to see a trip like this with YOU, just remember you are pivotal in their lives from now on, who knows what tomorrow brings (if there is a tomorrow, for many there wont be) rejoice in your partners life but also don't place him in a position that the kids feel that this trip is about him, make it about yourselves and of course "YOU" must come into this equation, enjoy the trip, have a quiet cry in different places away from the kiddies, I know I bloody well would, mourn your husband but please make it amazing and memorable for all the right reasons for yourself and the kids and look after YOURSELF, a dark place awaits those that do not, I know because I'm in it!!! there is a million "secret" spots that are open to travelers and should not be missed but you will need more than eleven days to do it, hell drop in and see us and we wont let you go for at least a month, if at all, then you wont see everything, grieve, absolutely, but life is still there for you!! you may private message me and I will give you my email address and phone number, if I can do anything anytime for you or your kids, just say the word, you're not alone in this, many on this forum would be more than willing to just "TALK" if you feel the need, pm any of them and my offer will be repeated by all and sundry, many hands are outstretched to "help" you only have to grab one or two or all of us, we don't mind, bounce your thoughts around in here if i have offended you or hurt you in any way I am sorry but please just think a little on what I said!!! life, in all it's glory marches on regardless!!!!

  Dave you are one truely remarkable man.  Wish that I had had someone like you around when I went through the same thing as Melinda, life would have been so much easier.

Melinda, Dave is spot on when he says life marches on.  You think there is only darkness but believe me there is a light at the end of the tunnel it's just that maybe you don't always see it.

My light came in the form of Guru (my Rob). 

You never forget but you do go on, not always easier but on nevertheless.

If you want to PM me please don't hesitate Melinda.

Regards

Ma (Elaine)

Thanks Mike & Judy. You know its funny. I woke up this morning feeling comprehensive about this trip whether to continue it or not. You guys makes sense and as you say, its not going any where. I think we will reschedule and hopefully extend the trip to go out to WA as well and maybe take 2 months to do it. Hopefully we will plan it a bit better and not rush it as I know it would be a really fast stressful trip.  Thanks again. Mel.

Mel, you won't be sorry you postponed.  Settle down a bit and take more time later on.  The benefits will be more than worth it.  Elaine

Thanks Dave for all you info and input as it is much appreciated. Woke up this morning having second thoughts, thinking what the hell am I doing. I know there are alot of people in the same situation and your right. I need to grieve.

Just sometimes I feel  at a lost as to what to do next. Trying to rush things to make sure his memory is alive.

So have decided to delay the trip. Hopefully incorporating to see the WA as well and taking the time to enjoy Australia. Thanks to everyone and their concerns, advise and sympathy. From my family to yours..Thanks again.

I will keep in touch as I have made some new friends on this site. Its nice to know there are definately honest, caring and sincere people in this country. Stop it. You are making me cry. Thanks again.

well you're not alone in the tears in the eyes game Mel, after reading your initial post I have had them ever since (very sensitive to what is written between the lines, sorry) it's a natural part of grieving to want to do something but you dont know what it is that you want to do, just dont go out and do it simply "BECAUSE" take time to just settle and greive a bit, you have had an enormous kick in the stomach, I know the empty feeling that you have, it's perfectly normal, and you must come to grips with your new world, it is all upside down and nothing makes sense any more and you feel as if it is not worth the trouble to just go on, well it bloody well is, never think about the alternative, it's okay to burst into tears for no apparent reason, it's okay to just want to be alone and it's okay to want to go out as well, you dont need anyones permission take a step back and a deep breath and just sum up the situation, you have your health (I assume) you have your kids who love and adore you, you are surrounded by freinds and family who adore you and willing to support you at any stage you have made many freinds in here who would be only too willing to help and support you all the way, you only need to ask, doors would open to you upon request is there some where you could "store" the kids and just get a little "me" time even if it is an hour or two, just to have a bit of a think about your next steps over a cuppa just dont do anything rash or stupid, life is worth living and there are a lot of people that love and depend on you, take the trip by all means but make it about you and the kids not a monument to hubby take all the time in the world to greive but dont make it a life obsession, you are still young and have all the time in the world to make a new and different life for yourself, I'm not suggesting that you forget all about hubby, just the opposite remember him but also live life while you have it while you live, his memory will live, he lives in the kids he will not be forgotten, just dont forget yourself, eat properly and bloody well look after YOURSELF or I'll find a way to box your ears just take care in whatever it is you decide to do, and keep in touch

Sounds like you have been there also Dave, I lost my first wife at the young age of 39, hell man I was crying for years , even now it hurts, but as you say life goes on, Mel , Judy and I would love to see you and yours on the trip, so you had better stop by and have a cuppa with us, maybe we could help out in some way, at least check out the truck, have a better than average day

Wow. You hit it on the nail. Grieving is so confusing but what you said makes sense. Every one said time will heal and some times I'm sick of hearing it. No offense to you, and I know its true. Its like the other side of you being alive is not functioning and just wants to shut down. I have had a week on my own and it did me good. Made me reflect on what's important in life but at the same time don't really want to think about it. Went to the Crematorium today to find a suitable plot for hubby, and my goodness there are lots of options. Did not realise that you could have this or could do that. It was a lot to take in. He was a true blue ozzie with a witty sense of humour and a heart of gold. Sorry to go on, but thank you for listening. Will keep in touch. Thanks.Mel

anytime you want to "go on" you go right ahead, time dulls the pain but never heals, that is a misnomour, it gets a little easier each day but never goes away, greiving is a good and a necesary part of the healing process dont ever hold it in or hide it, just cope with it day by day, thats all you can do as I said before it's okay to just do what you feel is right, everybodys pain is different and everybodys coping procedures are different as well, you dont need permission to have a cry or shout or whatever eases the pain for a little while, just get through today and face tomorrow when it comes anyway you can there is nothing like a big old hug from a freind or whatever to just ease the burden for a little while, knowing there are people that care helps enormously as well and there are plenty on here that do, I have no ready personal reference to dealing with the loss of a very close loved one but I am extremely sensitive to it dont let the vultures talk you into anything overly flash or fancy, if what you say is true then hubby doesnt want flambouyant, just a good "spot" in the wall or whatever, a good "standard" position is fine he would much rather see you invest in yourself and your daughters joy he wouldnt want you spending all your money on rubbish, he would want you and the littly to be happy and REJOIN LIFE honour his memory by enjoying yourself and living your lives to the full, thats what he would have wanted, this I know to be certain truth as we are around the same age be strong in front of the daughter but let it out when alone, take that holiday when you are ready and grab some advice as to where to go and then disregard it, sit down with your daughter and just work out your own route, thats half the fun, do it at your own pace

Hi again Slyfie. While the others have offered some valuable advice on how you should deal with your grief, you must do it all at your own pace when you're ready. No one can tell you what to do or how to deal with your feelings, but whatever you do, don't make any decisions in haste. Even if you defer your trip with your family, the memories will still be there. They don't go away after a set period of time, or when the sun sets. It is all up to you how you deal with this. I'm sure you have family and friends who you can talk to, and of course, there's your own thoughts you have to digest on your own. Things happen when the time is right, but whatever you do, don't rush things. As for travel times, I choose only daylight hours, after 9am and parked up by 4pm at the latest. In 2006 when I drove out of Clermont at about 9am headed to Moranbah, 10 very large grey roos bounded across the highway in single file, just in front of me. At the time of the day it looked like a mob of businessmen heading to a convention, so I called them a "Convention of Kangaroos". Needless to say, if I bumped into them, or vice versa it might have been a bit messy. I wish you all the best in adjusting your life and your lifestyle without your partner, but life does go on, and people are depending on you now. It all takes time. Celebrate the life you've had, and be strong for your family. Take care. Cheers Chris

Where were all you guys when I needed the support.  Mel hang in there girl and like these wonderful people have said..........do it in your own way and in your own time.

Ma

Dave you are a legend, good on ya mate!! now where's my tissue's

Allow me to add my name to those offering condolences to you and your daughter for your recent loss.

I think you are trying to do too much in the time you have available and suggest a shorter trip and save NT for a future occasion when you have more time available. It would be difficult to do just the Queensland part justice let alone the rest and the rush and fatigue from all the driving may turn you away from wanting to do future trips.

There is so much to see out there you can't do it all at once.

Thanks everyone for all your sympathy. I love reading all the responses and we are grateful to all. We will be delaying our trip and would like to acknowledge everyone's advise and tips. I will be in touch as I feel we have an extended family out there. As for the advise from Jim, we will be doing smaller trips starting here in QLD. We have been to Rockhampton, Mackay, Kingaroy and the surrounding areas. So we will try our small trip around the Barcaldine to Emerald area. Once againg..thanks very much. Mel.

you've got that right Mel one hell of an extended family right here and if you are near any of us then make sure you and your darling daughter come and see some of us, theres lots of hugs waiting for you here I'm sure there are invites from all us dopey old buggers anytime, just let us know where you are when you do get to travelling and we will guide you in, love to have you, any advice or assistance you may want, just ask take care, stay well, look after yourself and stay in contact

Make sure you include Longreach, only another hour on from Barky. Gunnadoo Caravan park at Longreach is fine. Allow enough time to "do" the Qantas Museum and the Stockman's Hall of Fame, also the Workwers' Heritage Centre at Barky.

Take care not to "burn out" the travel bug in your daughter. Travel supplements our education in a way no school or Uni can. Be wary of those who say "see Australia first", take no notice of them!

Overseas travel broadens our minds and gives us an even better appreciation of our own country

jimricho wrote:

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Overseas travel broadens our minds and gives us an even better appreciation of our own country

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I agree Jimricho, but I would rather see Australians get an appreciation of our own country FIRST so that when some of us do travel overseas we can then extol the virtues of OZ with  first hand knowledge.

 

Thought I'd start a controversy!

Guru and Ma make a valid point and some local travel is a good thing before venturing abroad, but unfortunately many of the "see Australia first" people go no further afield and I maintain my view that overseas travel while young has immense benefits. Young people mix more readily with the local population and bring back a more tolerant, knowledgeable and balanced attitude to other cultures.

I guess we're venturing a little away from the original thread

yes, I agree again. We are off the original thread, but then that's what this forum is all about, well to a certain degree anyway.  We start on one thing and end up on another, makes life interesting.  Ma

Well, through all the "controversy" I'd like to welcome Jimricho to the Nomads Forum. Your input is ever so welcome. I've always followed my own priciple of "see Australia first" because I felt I'd be a better ambassador if I went overseas and people asked, "What's it like?" Unfortunately I've only been to New Zealand, and while I have ambitions to go overseas, I don't think my budget will stretch that far. I'd really love to go to Sth America, parts of Europe and Sth. Africa, to see the country not the cities. The other dream is a cruise through Europe. I'm afraid a dream it will stay unless I win lotto. Once again, welcome Jimricho and safe and happy travels. Cheers Chris

Thanks for your kind welcome Chris, I do agree that a good knowledge of our own great nation is a benefit when going abroad and sadly it appears that our history and geography rates a low priority in our education system and then is often tainted with political correctness.