We have spent the last couple of weeks in Kalgoorlie. Now this was definitely NOT in our plan but the CMCA (Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia) were holding their National Rally and as we had never been to a National thought what the heck we would go back to WA for it. After all it was only an extra 2,000 kms one way!!
Across the Nullabor we went! For those of you who haven’t heard of the Nullabor Plain, it is one of Australia’s epic road journey’s. It is approx 1200 kms of treeless plain, although you will see scrub, and long straight roads. One of the straights is the longest straight in Australia. It is sign posted “90 Mile Straight, Australia’s Longest Straight Road, 146.6kms”. It is not all boring however as you get magnificent views of the Great Australian Bight.
Back into WA across the border. There are plenty of great 24hr rest areas across the Nullabor.
We arrived in Kalgoorlie a couple of days early and managed to get a a spot at a 24hr rest area that has been set up right in town. As the rally was on, the ranger allowed an extended stay. First night we parked right down the back out of everyone’s way, however there was a thunder storm and the dirt turned to sticky slippery mud. Bob, a friend of ours parked next to us, as soon as it was dry we moved camp where there was a bit of gravel. We caught up with our friends, George & Vicki, who live in Kalgoorlie and had a couple of meals with them. Great to see them and Lilly their cute Granddaughter.
The Rally was at a great venue, the Oasis Aquatic Centre, and we had full use of the pool facility at no cost.
Every shape and size of Campervan & Motorhome attended the Rally, in excess of 800. It was difficult to get a photo showing the size of the event.
We were told that it wasn’t as big as the Rallies they have in the Eastern States. It was a full on week with seminars on different topics, happy hour every night with entertainment, Poet’s Breakfasts, Campfire nights, entertainment every night and of course the Ball on Friday night, which was lots of fun.
The week certainly went fast! Monday was time to pack up and move out. We decided to only drive 15kms out of town and stay at Lake Douglas as we hadn’t said our goodbyes to George & Vicki and wanted to catch up one more time. All set to head back into Kalgoorlie next morning and Jackie & Bert’s Winnebago wouldn’t start. They had been having problems and it was booked in to have some work done on it, but after Tui & Bert trying all sorts of things to no avail, a mechanic had to come out and fix it. Once it was going Jackie just wanted to “Get out of there”!!
Arrived back in Kalgoorlie around 4 o’clock, did a power shop to get supplies and then off out for dinner with George & Vicki. I tell ya the life on the road is exhausting! He! He!
Kalgoorlie is a worthwhile visit. Quite a lot to see and do. The “Super Pit” mine is amazing both to view at night and during the day. It is the largest open pit mine in Australia and produces 850000 ounces of gold every year. Lots of historic places and buildings & great places to eat. We even did the Langtree Brothel tour which was very interesting!!
That’s about it for now! Until next time “Laugh more, live longer”.
This is WICKED!!!!!