Went from Renner Springs (NT) to Camooweal (just in Qld) today, the wind across the Barkly Hwy was awful. We fought into it the whole way, you could just about see the fuel gauge dropping.
That SE will get you every time. I've only done that trip from the east to the west, but when I went to Moranbah we turned right at Barcaldine and turned head on into a strong south-easterly. I had to lower the angle of the "oversize" sign to get out of 3rd gear. Fifth was out of the question. It's a cruel blow in so many ways, especially when you have to fuel up at those prices out there. Safe travels.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
Went from Renner Springs (NT) to Camooweal (just in Qld) today, the wind across the Barkly Hwy was awful. We fought into it the whole way, you could just about see the fuel gauge dropping.
Where did you stay in Camooweal, in one of the caravan parks or at the free camp near the river? We were there last year and staying in the caravan park behind the pub, it was great. They had a rodeo on that night but we were too tired to go, lots of young buck and buckeroos in town enjoying themselves.
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Vic
Hi Ace Pop Top Campervan & A'Van A'Lite Camper Trailer.....
Khalil Gibran says "We tarry forward - not backward".
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We must have just missed you at Renner Springs. We were there on the 21st August and are now in Katherine about to head to WA in the next few days. Luckily we had the wind behind us this time heading west and got an extra one kilometre per litre. But two years ago when heading east on the Barkly we had the same problem. Could watch the fuel guage go down before your eyes!
Went from Renner Springs (NT) to Camooweal (just in Qld) today, the wind across the Barkly Hwy was awful. We fought into it the whole way, you could just about see the fuel gauge dropping.
My sis & BIL are at Camooweal as we speak. They got there Monday and were staying last night too. They are at the river camp and are also commenting about the wind.
On one trip across there, the crosswind was so bad that the wind thru the vents built up enough pressure to pop a window that hadn't been properly latched. It broke the winder arm causing it to flap about like washing on the line on a windy day.
Fixed it shut with one of the frame screws & a large washer. A helping of duct tape for good measure.
Fortunately it was easily fixed with a few new rivets when we got home.
I find that often cross winds are almost as bad on fuel economy as headwinds. A bit like severly undulating roads as they put the weight on & off the hitch.
Hope you found a nice sheltered spot in Camooweal Nicholstones? Wind is hard work to drive in, and not easy to live in in a caravan either. We dont put our awning out if the wind is strong or gusty after seeing one that was ripped off a van causing lotsa damage.
We stayed at the park behind the pub at Camooweal, pretty quiet. We're going to be making our way to Charters Towers then up to Cairns over the next 10 days, hopefully we won't be fighting the wind all the way.
When we were in Kalbarri (WA coast) last year we had the awning ripped because of winds, luckily we got it fixed under insurance, only having to pay the excess. WA west coast is a shocker for wind, from Broome all the way down to Augusta.
I camped behind the pub in the van park in 2006 when I took delivery of my van and towed from Nowra to Broome. The publican was an ignorant sh.t who didn't believe his income came from his customers. It was a Sunday night, the town was full, the roadhouse had a roast going, but the pub did not, and in fact it closed when the meal started at the roadhouse. Strange way to run a business. I hope for the town's sake thiings have changed.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
We're in Kalbarri now, Nicholstones! And yes, of the 4 days we've been here, we've felt safe to put the awning out for only 2 of them.
Its a fantastic place, the wildflowers are absolutely amazing, the locals say they are much better than usual because they've had quite a lot of rain this year. And we loved Kalbarri NP , especially impressed that they graded their road the day before we arrived!
We travelled that route about 2 weeks ago with no wind & perfect weather so we were lucky. The spot just before the bridge on the west side of Camooweal was one of the nicest free camps we have stayed in, though it is very popular the area along the river is so long there is plenty of space for everyone. The bird life is fantastic & we loved seeing the brolgas doing there mating dances in the morning. If anyone goes there just be sure to bring your own loo.
Cheers
Jon
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Home is where we hang our hats - Home now in Yamba NSW
I think it is a great road...even though I too had a cross wind.
I camped just over the border at a free camp...across the road from the loneliest police station in AUS
When we crossed east-west in May on our way to Darwin we were pulled up at a Random Breath Test at that police station, and then again at another RBT at Three Ways. I guess the coppers have to do something to fill in their time way out there! (The driver passed the test both times).
Hi Nicholstones, Hope all is well tonight in Camooweal. Come thru there in 2004 by car - quaint little place stayed in the motel there and left our two favourite pillows behind lol. Travelled back from Mt Isa today in the nissan and was all over the place - quite windy. We are looking after a property in Julia Creek - 40k;s on the kynuna Road if you are interested in a visit and a free camp overnight. Drop a PM if you're interested. cheers Terry and Liz
