Day 297 (Mon 30 Apr) - Punakaiki

Big drive today as we wanted to get to Punakaiki.

Drove to Motueka where we stopped at a supermarket and warehouse to restock. Cracked onto the Highway 6, stopping off now and again to admire a tree or the scenery, before finally stopping for lunch at Buller Gorge.

Buller Gorge has NZ's longest swing bridge so we decided to take a peek. We got the ticket counter and purchased our tickets for 5 dollars a piece. Ruth thought that this was good value.

Walked over the swing bridge, during which Ruth made everyone promise not to jump up and down. Walking over the powerfully swirling river below us made us all feel a little giddy. Ruth admitted on reaching safety at the other end that she had no idea that we were going to walk on practically a rope bridge but since we all thought it a good idea she had gone along with it ( [1], [2], [3] ).

On reaching the other end of the bridge we walked on a small path that led us through a dense ferns.

Recrossed the bridge and headed off to Punakaiki.

Found a camp site that was practically empty, parked up and headed off to the Punakaiki blow holes about 1km away. It was raining quite hard as we trundled up the road.

Soon arrived at the entrance to the walkway and plunged in. The walkway looped through a forested area and at various points small viewing stages were set up to view the rocky formations. Even in the dwindling light the view was quite incredible.

Decided that it was too dark and wet to really see anything so trudged back. We were all pretty soaked by the time we reached the edge of the campsite and the pub. Decided that we all felt like a drink so headed into the pub. Had quite a few beers and also a fine fish and chip supper.

During the latter stages of dinner an enormous tabby cat appeared. A good natured cat that was clearly not being starved.

Day 296 (Sun 29 Apr) - Collingwood

After a quick slurp of tea we all got ourselves ready and drove off on the road that skirted the Abel Tasman National Park.

We slowly wound our way up a steep road and stopped at the convenient Hawes lookout. The views were tremendous. We could look into the valley we had just been travelling up, out to the sea and the mountains beyond. Decided to have breakfast here.

Drove on up the hill and over to the other side. Very windy and steep road. The views of the valley below us opening out into Golden Bay were simply breathtaking.

Drove down the side of this valley and into a small village called Collingwood. Stopped here for a little while then drove onto another small village called Puponga, near Farewell Spit.

Stopped to pop into the tourist info office and then drove onto the car park that served as the starting point to Wairaiki beach.

Parked up and set off on a small path that led us over small green hills, populated by fluffy sheep. On closer inspection the hills were not made of earth but sand!

Soon the path led us through a forested area, a large stream visible below us, and onto sand. Walked onto the sand and past huge rocks and sand dunes finally emerging onto the magnificent and massive Wairaiki beach. Hardly a soul around.

Out to sea we could see huge rocks that had been carved by the wind and sea. Walked round a bit and stumbled across some rocks where seals were laying around.

We watched as small young seals played in the rock pools.

Stayed around for awhile then headed back to Collingwood where we checked into a campsite. The campsite is located on the edge of an estuary and since the tide was out, it allowed Keith and Sarb to have a stab at fishing.

By the time they got back the tide was coming in. A bit of a worry as the van was parked some 5 feet from the edge of the incoming water.

For dinner tonight Sarb cooked some rissoles.

Day 295 (Sat 28 Apr) - Nelson

By the time we got up the rain had mostly gone from the night before. Still a trifle damp as we drove off into the centre of Picton.

Whilst Jo went and done some shopping Sarb played round on the net.

Piled back into the van and drove the short distance to the ferry terminal. By now the rain was really coming down and we were a bit worried that Ruth and Keith would get soaked trying to get into the van. Decided that Jo would go to the terminal whilst Sarb was ready at the wheel, ready to whizz round once given the all clear.

A few minutes later Jo reappeared with Keith and a red hatted and gloved Ruth; all travelling at a fair turn of speed.

They all bundled in and after various shaking of hands and hello's we settled down and left the terminal. The van is set up so that two people have to sit, belted up, at the very back of the van whilst the driver and navigator sit up front. Seeing as the van was quite rattly and loud the only way we could converse was by shouting at each other.

Set off for Nelson on a small very steep road that hugged the coast. The weather had turned to rain, with a fair amount of wind thrown in but we still managed to get some great views of the sea and villages below us.

Halfway up we were stopped by a chap wearing a bright oilskin. He explained that a tree had falled across the road and they were busy clearing it off. He said that we should just be able to squeeze through a gap that they had made.

Set off and eased our whale of a van through the gap they had made. A couple of inches to spare on both sides!

Drove onto Havelock where we stopped and cooked up some soup.

Stopped in Nelson and did a big shop for food, loaded up the van then headed off to a campsite on Tahuna Beach.

Comfy place. Whilst Ruth and Keith got their gear sorted Sarb cooked up some more lamb and mint sausages (well they were so tasty).

Had a great evening catching up on their travels and also hearing about Nick and Kishani's wedding (Jo's cousin who got married in Sri Lanka a few weeks earlier).

We also discussed how we would like to spend the next few weeks. Ruth was in favour of going to a beach near Farewell Spit, in the North West, and then heading South. We all thought it might be a little too far out of our way. However Ruth was not giving up on heading up to the North West first (as she had heard that "it has one of the best beaches New Zealand") so we all gave in and plan to go there t'row first thing.

Day 294 (Fri 27 Apr) - Picton

Another wet day. Caught a bus to the Airport to pick our new campervan from the Backpackers rental company. The same parent company dealt with two other companies Maui and Britz. As we waited to be shown our vehicle we worked out that the Maui campervans where for the upper class, rich travellers; the Britz campervans were for the middle of the range travellers and the backpackers were for the cheapskates who didn't care how old and tatty their vehicle were as long as they went.

We were shown our backpacker vehicle which was a 4 berth campervan which would be our (and Jo's Mum, Ruth, and Keith) home for the next two weeks. We were shown how to the empty the toilet (gross - we agreed that we would not be using that!) and how other parts worked, all of which we promptly forgot. Sarb was keen to point out that it was a Merc and this was the first time we'd ever driven one.

It was still raining as we left Christchurch on the way to Picton. We both tried out driving the van as we made our way back up the coast. It felt like we were driving a truck but we had no mishaps on the way.

Five hours later we arrived in Picton. Checked into the Picton caravan park and walked into town to get dinner from the supermarket.

On the way back we stopped off at the friendly scottish pub.

Sarb cooked up some tasty lamb and mint sausages while Jo made friends with a cat who was keen to shelter from the rain.

As we prepared to make up the bed the cat got rather too comfortable and Jo would have let it stay the night but Sarb firmly persuaded her otherwise. In the main by kicking the cat out.

Day 293 (Thu 26 Apr) - Christchurch

Had a quick cup of tea and toast for brekky and then wandered down back to the ferry terminal to catch the bus to Christchurch.

Soon a large sleek looking bus appeared and we and the other handful of passengers boarded.

Fairly uneventful journey as we headed down to Kaikoura. Here the bus stopped for half an hour to pick up more passengers. We were all turfed off the bus and had to fend for ourselves.

Wandered round Kaikoura for a bit. A real small two bit sort of town and bought some pies and sausage rolls for lunch. Ate these on the beach in the cold. We were mighty glad when we could get back onto the bus.

A few hours later we pulled into Christchurch itself. Quite a pretty looking town with colonial looking buildings.

It was cold and drizzly so we wasted very little time in trying to find some lodgings for the night. We found a room in a large hostel not far from the central square.

Spent a bit of time blogging and catching up on mails at a cheap internet cafe.

Pretty hungry by now so wandered round the wet streets of Christchurch searching for a cheap feed. Loads of restaurants but they all looked slightly out of our budget. We were almost forced to just buy a loaf of bread and some beans but stumbled onto a Mexican restaurant near our hostel.

Decided to go there and had a massive slap up meal. Excellent.

Day 292 (Wed 25 Apr) - Picton

This morning we were heading off to the South Island so after brekky we prepared to set off.

Before we went the girls (Jo, Pia and Sonja) decided to take a picture with our cool wheels.

Headed off into Wellington where we said goodbye to our faithful Tyson. Jo knew where her mum and Keith would be staying in Wellington and decided to go to their hotel and leave them a surprise card. The kindly car hire people offered to drive Sarb to the ferry terminal and then Jo to the hotel. Jo would have to make her own way back. Sarb amused himself by logging onto the internet and fending off a small boy's requests to give him some money. He was surprised to see Jo so soon after she went off; Jo explained that the kindly driver had offered to drive her back.

Checked in our main bags and sat waiting for the ferry. It soon arrived; more like an ocean liner really.

Boarded and wandered over to the front of the boat. It was quite cloudy and chilly but when the sun broke through we warmed up.

The ferry soon set off past a long line of yachts.

We stood outside for quite a while until the cold really started to bite. Went back in and whilst Sarb zonked out Jo watched the beautiful scenery.

Arrived at Picton and headed off to a nearby hostel where we spent the night. Wandered round town and stopped off at a Scottish pub that served haggis sausages. Had dinner and a few beers/ciders.

Day 291 (Tue 24 Apr) - Plimmertown

Got up nice and early to have a fried egg sarnie breakfast.

Sarb was planning to go fishing this morning with his two new buddies Arno and Danni whilst Jo wanted a bit of peace and quiet.

Sarb and friends went off to a small shopping mall where he bought himself a large hand line; Arno and Danni had small rods of their own.

From there they spent the day fishing off a couple of jetty's. Arno was the only one who caught a big fish (about 5 inches). Sarb was quite pleased with his efforts as he managed to catch a couple of tiddlers but unfortunately they both fell off the end of his line before he could take the trophy photo. Danni sadly caught nothing.

Headed back to the Moana Lodge to find Jo sitting comfortably in the lounge. Jo had spent the day doing her journal, reading and just generally looking out at the awesome view.

Watched a glorious sunset from the lounge chatting to Jenni, a young English girl who helps out at the lodge.

Cooked a big sausage and mash dinner that we ate with the people from the previous night. Really enjoyable day.

Day 290 (Mon 23 Apr) - Plimmertown

Before leaving Napier Jo phoned her sister in London. She only just managed to catch her before she went to bed. We will never get used to the time difference!

Left Napier and followed Highway 2 preparing us for the mammoth five hour drive ahead of us heading towards Wellington.

As we traveled South we saw a massive range of hills/mountains ahead of us (Hutt valley). Thought we might skirt these but no the road steadily climbed up and over them. Quite magnificent, although a tricky road to drive on.

On the other side of the hills we decided to take a detour to take in a gorge. We travelled for about a km on a sealed road that gave way to a very bumpy and steep unsealed road. Decided to give the gorge a miss and performed a U-turn much admired by some pigs nearby that had come over for a look. Got some good views of the surrounding countryside though.

Drove over these hills and into the small village of Plimmertown nestling by an inlet. Found the Moana Lodge and parked up. Hit a slight snag when we tried to enter through the garden and into the office. This snag probably weighed about 30 odd kilos , was the size of a shetland pony with a very shaggy coat. Everytime we touched the garden gate this monster of a dog would turn to us and rumble a bark. Sarb had a quick look at it and decided that it was more dopey than anything else and urged Jo to just wander in. We did and the dog basically looked at us with sad eyes, offered a half hearted bark and shuffled off.

Checked into the very comfortable lodge and found our room to be excellent. Chatted to the owner who said that he was looking after the dog for a friend. Said dog was called Cloey.

Unpacked and then went for a walk along the jetty where we watched a beautiful sunset.

Headed back to the lodge where we prepared a steak dinner. Got chatting to Sonja, a German girl who was hoping to get a job and stay for a while in NZ.

Over dinner we also got chatting to Danni, an Israeli off on a years travels, Pia and Carlo, a German couple hoping to emigrate to NZ and Arnau an Austrian.

Really friendly people as we stayed up late chatting in the very comfortable lounge.

Day 289 (Sun 22 Apr) - Napier

Left Rotorua and headed towards Lake Taupo. Before we arrived in Taupo we stopped at Huka Falls. Had a lovely walk along the river.

Headed to the dam where we had a quick bite to eat before heading off.

Drove through Lake Taupo (although we decided that we will come back when we return to the North Island in late May).

Drove through some stunning scenery, some of it pretty remote. Stumbled across a massive waterfall which was a pleasant surprise.

Arrived in Napier early evening and checked into the Waterfront Lodge. Pretty basic and cold room. Later popped to the local supermarket. Sarb was having one of his pie cravings so we bought a massive pie which we cooked later in the lodgings with a tin of baked beans. Other guests were clearly impressed by our culinary skills. We are so classy.

Day 288 (Sat 21 Apr) - Rotorua

Up early to drive to the Wai-O-Tapu thermal park for the day.

Weather was very, very foggy as we drove the 30 odd km to the park.

Got to the park entrance and bought our tickets. Jo also bought herself a rather fetching NZ fleece. An attraction of the park is to see the Lady Knox geyser spouting so we hurtled off to the demonstration. The weather had already started to clear.

Settled round the geyser on the wooden benches and listened to an informative and entertaining talk about the geyser and the park in general. Soon after pouring soap down the gullet of the geyser we were treated to a great sight as it spouted.

From the geyser we wandered back to the main entrance to the park and wandered round.

We passed pools of multi coloured water, deep craters and bubbling cauldrons of mud. Steam rose and drifted across the park.

Had an excellent day at the park ( [1], [2] ). Sarb's brother would have loved it what with the abundant display of chemicals around the place.

Got back to Rotorua and sat on the edge of Lake Rotorua watching the sea planes and birds.

Back at the hostel Sarb had a drink with a party of birthday celebrating Kiwi's whilst Jo wrote her journal.

For dinner we wandered down to the Irish pub.

Day 287 (Fri 20 Apr) - Rotorua

Got up quite early. Only John was up so took a quick piccy and said goodbye.

As we neared Rotorua we could smell the rotten eggs tang in the air.

Parked up and Jo went off to the information centre to find out what we could do. The unhelpful girl at the counter told her that there was plenty to do but since she was offering impartial advice she could not recommend anything. Helpful!

Found Blarneys Rock hostel, located in the centre of town by an Irish pub. The chap running the place was really friendly as he showed us round the comfy living room and our room.

Dumped our bags then went to the Redwood forest for a walk. This forest was planted in memory of the rangers that had served in the great wars. What a fantastic place!

From bright sunshine we were plunged into a green and brown world of soft shades. Even sound seemed to deaden in here. Walked amongst the massive trees, on ground that felt as spongy as carpet, and marveled at the canopies far, far above us.

After a short walk we drove out to the Green and Blue lakes. Crystal clear water in both. Sat on the edge of the Blue Lake for a while.

The sun was beginning to set so decided to drive onto Lake Tarawera. Walked out on the jetty marveling at the scenery and lake. Whilst Jo went for a pee a car pulled up and two young lads jumped out wearing nothing but shorts. Sarb watched as they both ran from the car, across the car park, up the jetty, past a now stunned Sarb, and then off the jetty into the water below without so much as a word. Of course once they hit the water they started screaming. It must have been freezing!

Drove back to the hostel where we munched on a french bread and cheese dinner.

Chatted to a lovely young backpacking Irish couple staying with us. The girl was a great laugh but a trifle dozy as she was convinced that the cities of Oxford and Reading were in fact a part of London.

Day 286 (Thu 19 Apr) - Golden Owl, Karungahake Gorge

Left Coromandel town and drove to Whangapoua beach. On the way we stopped to admire the stunning view of islands.

Arrived at the beach and walked along it. We were trying to find a path to take us to New Chums beach but it was well hidden as we couldn't find it.

Drove on and stopped at Whitianga. Had a subway sandwich for lunch as we admired the fabulous view.

Continued to Hahei where we parked up and walked in search of Cathedral Cove. It was a beautiful walk through the countryside. Round every corner there was a stunning view.

Arrived at cathedral cove. It was so beautiful (1), (2), (3), (4), (5).

Reluctantly we left the cove and made our way back to the car park. As we walked we continued to admired the view of the sea through the trees.

Left Hahei and drove down the coast past Taitua and Whangamata. There wasn't anywhere obvious for us to stay but it was getting late so we stopped and Jo phoned up a backpackers place near by. They had vacancies so we made our way towards Karangahake Gorge and checked into the Golden Owl Lodge.

It was great we were the only ones there so we had a big room and a lovely living room with a fabulous wood burning stove. There was a kitchen too but as we didn't have any food we drove into Waihi and picked up a KFC. Drove back to lodge and ate our food which was pretty grim but greatly improved by a glass of wine and sitting next to the cosy fire.

Judy and John, the owners of the lodge, joined us for a few glasses of wine. Spent an enjoyable few hours drinking wine and chatting. Even Casper the cat made an appearance. Slightly squiffy, headed off to bed.

Day 285 (Wed 18 Apr) - Coromandel Town

Sarb got up and went to find the Czech girl so that he could pay her for the last night. She went through her paperwork and decided that we did not need to pay as we'd already paid for two nights. Sarb explained that we had stayed for three nights, paid for two and so owed money for one night. The Czech girl would not be convinced so Sarb trousered the 54 dollars he was proffering and wished her good luck.

Walked down to the car hire place where we got our car. A 5 door hatchback, Toyota Vitz. Surprisingly for such a small car (you felt that parking would be no problem as you could pick it up and put in your pocket) it was an auto. It was a dusky pink colour (very ginger beer) so naturally we named him Tyson.

Drove East out of Auckland and headed to the Firth of Thames. Stopped off at a few lovely places then drove on, skirting the Firth, to Coromandel. A beautiful drive ( [1], [2], [3] ).

Stopped off at the picturesque town of Coromandel and found lodgings at the Lions Den hostel. Relaxed for a while then went for a drink at a cosy little bar.

For dinner we went to the Lions Den pub where we played pool and had an enormous dinner. Jo had cajun fish whilst Sarb had a burger that was only marginally smaller than Tyson.

Day 284 (Tue 17 Apr) - Auckland

Got up and paid the Czech girl that seems to be looking after the place for two nights accommodation.

Spent the morning blogging and then sorted out our car hire in the afternoon. We shall have this car until we meet up with Jo's mum and Keith.

Went to the supermarket and bought some provisions. Had a ploughmans lunch type thing for dinner back in our room.

Day 283 (Mon 16 Apr) - Auckland

Up early to walk to the main tourist office in Auckland near the jetty.

Had a big breakfast at a food court then wandered round until we found an internet cafe. Blogged for most of the day.

On the way back to our digs we stopped off for an ace pizza.

Relaxed in our lovely room for the evening.

Day 282 (Sun 15 Apr) - Auckland

Had a few hours sleep in between the cleaners trying to hoover around us.

Checked in at 5.15am and went through to the departure lounge.

Our Emirates flight left for Auckland at 8.45am and we were served a tasty brunch before we arrived at 1.45pm (local time - two hours ahead of OZ).

NZ has the same strict quarantine rules as OZ so as we'd brought over some spices for cooking steak we declared them. However we weren't given the chance as before we knew it a cute beadle was clambering all over Sarb.

Picked up our bags and booked some lodgings before we got a bus into the city centre. We got off at the harbour and Sarb suggested we walk to our lodging as it wasn't far. Famous last words ..... Auckland looks tiny but after forty-five minutes of struggling up and down steep roads we finally arrived at Aloe Tree Backpackers. As you can imagine Jo was not impressed, especially as her rucksack is still heavier than Sarbs.

After a bit of waiting around we finally established where our room was. What a treat we had in store - we were instantly reminded our student days. Our room was pretty grim. It was filthy, smelt funny and was freezing. By this time it was 4.30pm and we were knackered so we had a few hours sleep. Woke up at 8pm and Sarb popped to the local shop and then we went back to sleep.

Day 281 (Sat 14 Apr) - Brisbane

Up early, cleaned out Rodney and packed up all our stuff.

Drove towards Brisbane and even drove over Lota Creek - Oz is full of creeks but we were surprised there was one named after us!

Dropped off Rodney - in total we'd driven 5603km in Rodney.

Got a taxi to Brisbane International Airport. It was only 11.30am and our flight to Auckland wasn't leaving until 8.10am the next day so we had a few hours to kill!!!

Explored the airport which didn't take long as it was tiny. Spent the remaining hours eating (at the only cheap place - Red Rooster), people watching and reading.

At 8pm made ourselves comfortable on some sofas and tried to get some sleep.

Day 280 (Fri 13 Apr) - Birkdale

Drove onto Cleveland and tried to find a campsite. Were told at the information centre that the nearest place to get a campsite would be Birkdale so wandered off.

Found a place, had a bite to eat ( [1], [2] ), then went shopping on foot. Lovely hot day as we walked through almost deserted streets for miles.

Found a small shopping centre where we loaded up with booze and other essentials. On the way back we found a small gate that led us through a heavily wooded area straight back to the campsite, probably saved us a mile.

Sarb made dinner that was supposed to be an omelette with beans. However the pan wasn't great so we had scrambled eggs with beans.

Day 279 (Thu 12 Apr) - Brunswick Head

Drove up Pacific highway and stopped at Byron Bay. It was heaving with tourists so decided to go further up the coast to Brunswick Head.

Checked into Terrace Reserve Holiday Park. Walked into the town and couldn't even find a supermarket.

Spent afternoon chilling and had tasty pasta for dinner.

Day 278 (Wed 11 Apr) - Woolgoola

After breakfast we wandered over the lookout point above Whoopi. Quite a steep walk but well worth it.

Beautiful views. A beach on the other side of the lookout seemed to stretch for miles and the only activity we could make out was a woman walking her dog! Decided to walk over to this beach.

Walked back to camp and whilst Jo sorted out the washing Sarb went for a haircut. Sarb seemed amused that yet again the cheerful young hairdresser interrupted him to point out that she found it 'really weird hearing an English voice from an Indian'. Sarb supposed that next time he visits Oz he should just pander to their stereotyping and go round saying 'Bud bud' and 'a thousand apologies' etc.

Spent the rest of the day on the beach. Had a bottle of fizz that Jo had been hoarding ( [1], [2] )topped off by an ace fish and chip supper watching the sunset.

Day 277 (Tue 10 Apr) - Woolgoolga

Up early and headed off to Coffs Harbour.

Absolutely beautiful day as we headed out past the harbour and onto a jutting headland, Malton Bird island. The views back along the coast were excellent.

Decided to drive onto Woolgoolga, that is called Whoopi by the locals.

Found an excellent camp site right that was literally on the beach!

Relaxed for a while then got our clothes washing done. Sat on the beach for a while then went exploring the small town.

Wandered over the incredibly ornate Sikh temple. Quite odd seeing such an Eastern looking building after so long.

Headed back to the beach where we chilled out watching the sunset ( [1], [2] ). Decided that since we were amongst a large Sikh community we should go out for a curry. Found a huge restaurant opposite the temple that apart from another couple was empty.

Ordered our meals from the surly waiter and settled expectantly. Unfortunately the food was awful. Jo reckoned that the sauce probably came from a packet. If this is what the locals call a curry then they are being seriously short changed. You really have to question the restaurant for putting out such 'authentic Indian food'.

Walked back disappointed back to our van and settled in for a good nights kip.

Day 276 (Mon 9 Apr) - Port Macquarie

Left our pikey campsite and tried to find our way back to the Pacific Highway. After a bit of a detour (via Newcastle) were back on track and drove along the coast to Port Macquarie.

As we arrived it started to rain. Checked into Melaleuca Caravan Park. It was still raining so we didn't do much except chill.

Surprised to see a number of rabbits bobbing around the campsite. After dinner we fed the rabbits and had an early night.

Day 275 (Sun 8 Apr) - Newcastle, Anne's Bay

Set off towards Newcastle ( [1], [2] ), passing the pub we were at last night.

Quite weird to see very British looking roadsigns with very familiar names on them! Although we did see other signs that you don't normally find in old Blighty.

Stopped off at Nelson's Bay and then headed onto St Anne's Bay. The campsite was pretty pikey.

We were camped inbetween two sets of permanent caravans and behind us, there seemed to be a massive family cooking up half a cow. Seemed friendly enough though we double checked all our locks before venturing out.

The lady that ran the campsite said that the beach was very close and that to reach them we would have to cross some sand dunes. Apparently the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. We were unconvinced as our surroundings was very lush and green; sand dunes seemed to be the last thing that we would find.

We wandered off and soon enough we came to the edge of some vegetation to be greeted by massive sand dunes. Pretty weird! We started to climb the dunes to make our way out to the beach about a mile distant ( [1], [2] ).

As we approached the beach we noticed loads of big 4x4's being driven round at quite a high speed. Although some of them looked like tour company's offering an off road experience the majority seemed like tourists taking their brutish cars for a spin.

Got to the beach which was huge. Hardly anyone on it either.

Walked round for a bit, watching birds divebombing for food, then tried to figure out how we would find our way back over the dunes to our campsite. Sounds silly but the dunes are huge and the entrance to our campsite tiny. Jo came up with a brainwave suggesting that we could retrace our footprints. Sarb initially scoffed at this idea but was soon made to unscoff as we did indeed find our footprints that we followed back to the campsite entrance.

Day 274 (Sat 7 Apr) - Dunedoo

Left Cobar and headed towards Dubbo enjoying the scenery and sky as we went ( [1], [2] ).

Left the outback and rejoined civilization. We'd survived our outback experience, and more importantly Rodney had survived.

Arrived in Dubbo but couldn't find anywhere decent to stay. Decided to continue on towards Newcastle. After a few hours stopped at a tiny town called Dunedoo. Had a quick slurp of vino then went off to explore Dunedoo.

Didn't take long as it's a single street with a few shops and two pubs. Popped into the Dunedoo Pub and sampled a few beers (and ciders). Had a few games of pool and got talking to a friendly family. Refreshing to hear that Hilly (the dad) was planning to take his family to Africa.

After a few more beers wandered back to our campsite and picked up fish and chips on the way.

Day 273 (Fri 6 Apr) - Cobar

Got up and packed up Rodney. Decided to pay a visit to Silverton, a town used for many commercials and also starred in the Mad Max movies.

Drove through a parched landscape towards Silverton. We were startled to see a number of camels wandering around alongside the road. A quick double check confirmed that they were indeed camels and we were not hallucinating.

Reached the edge of Silverton and soon discovered that the edge was in fact the town. To say it was a trifle lacking in amenities would be putting it mildly. Drove through the edge and into the outback where we stopped at a viewing point. Amazing to see the outback simply extending out as far as the eyes could see. Would have liked to spend a few more minutes here but we were being plagued by flies.

Headed back to Silverton where we parked up at the infamous hotel.

Drove back through Broken Hill and onto Cobar. As we approached Cobar at dusk we were concerned that the 'roos that looked at us in a sort of interested way would remain on the side of the road and not attempt to make a dash for it.

We reached a campsite, our nerves somewhat shredded by the 'roos, and settled in for the night. Had steaks tonight and they were big to say the least.

Day 272 (Thu 5 Apr) - Broken Hill

Lazy day. After our mammoth drive the day before we decided to lazy around.

Walked into Broken Hill town. We couldn't figure out why the suburban roads had to so wide. It took you 5 minutes to cross the road. The city itself was pretty dead except for the tumble weed blowing around.

In the afternoon chilled in Rodney. Sarb started drinking at 3pm which meant by dinner time he was slightly merry.

Later an austrailian family asked us to join them for a drink. Had a few drinks and headed off to bed.

Day 271 (Wed 4 Apr) - Broken Hill

Spent the morning visiting the Barossa Valley vineyards.

First stop Jacob's Creek - although it was only 10am Jo still managed to sample some fizz. Bought a bottle and headed off to Bethany Wines. Pretty winery on the side of a hill.

After tasting a few more wines drove up the hill and stopped at a lookout overlooking the Barossa Valley.

Drove into Nurioopta and stopped at Elderton Wines. Sampled a very nice 'Friends-Shiraz' - bought a bottle and left the Barossa Valley, stopping to take a piccy of a Wolf Blass vineyard.

At lunchtime commenced our journey to Broken Hill. After a few hours stopped off at Burra to find out whether there were any campsites on the road between Burra and Broken Hill. There didn't seem much between the two towns which were 350km apart!

Headed off into the Outback! Very different scenery - dry scrub land for miles, as far as the eye could see.

As the sun started to go down the Kangaroos woke up and headed straight for the road. Think they were on a suicide mission - Jo was scared of running them over so drove at 20km per hour. Luckily there were very few other vehicles on the road. We were surprised to see a massive freight train wind its way past us through the desolate country.

Arrived in Broken Hill at 6.30pm.

Day 270 (Tue 3 Apr) - Adelaide (Cleland Park)

Up early as Brett was taking us into work with him to pick up our van. Said goodbye to a sleepy Katka and headed off.

Got to Rodney where Sarb had a quick look to make sure he still had his tyres, no leaks etc. All okay. Said goodbye to Brett and set off on.

Plan today was to head to the Barossa valley via a little animal park up in the Adelaide hills called Cleland.

Wandered into the park Sarb pausing only to buy a packet of k'roo and bird food. Found ourselves queuing for the first photo session with the koalas. Banjo was the first koala to be brought out and sat happily munching eucalyptus leaves whilst various people wandered over to give him a pat. Unfortunately, Banjo was not feeling too happy this morning so was taken off patting duties and a new koala brought in called Bonnie ( [1], [2] ).

Soon we were up close to a koala. Cute little buggers. Decided to come back at 2pm so that Jo could take the opportunity of cuddling one!

Spent the next few hours walking in the sunshine round the park with smiles fixed to our faces! The park is a bit like a safari park in the UK but without the cars. You can wander round enclosures with wallabies, k'roos and emus feeding them at will with the special pet food.

The fur of the wallabies and 'roos was incredibly soft and they were very trusting as they ate from our hands ( [1] , [2], [3] ).

Saw loads of animals. Wombats, echidnas, loads of birds in the varied aviaries ( [1], [2] ), pelicans, tasmanian devils, rock 'roos etc.

At 2pm we wandered back to the koala enclosure where Jo composed herself for her encounter with a koala. The wardens had chosen to select for the photo shoot a veteran called Osmond, who weighed some 12kg (big for a koala) and had a faintly philosophical air about him. Soon enough it was Jo's turn to hold the varmint and get her official photo taken. Surprisingly to Sarb, Jo released the cuddly Osmond; he'd put bets on that Jo would say she was keeping him!

Afterwards we wandered round the park watching the pelicans being fed and spotting a 'roo mum with her joey. We also saw some potoroos. With the appearance of a rat crossed with a 'roo these surprisingly cute little critters came hopping out of the undergrowth as we walked along a quiet path. Sarb dished out some of the food and soon we were surrounded by them. Jo here chats to a particularly friendly chap.

Left after a fab day headed back to Rodney in the late afternoon; Sarb stopping to feed and say goodbye to his new buddies. Sarb tried to start Rodney with no luck. He then realised that he'd left the lights on. Doh!!! Sarb went into the reception area where a helpful warden came out and jump started Rodney. Said that he was always doing this on account of planks leaving their lights on.

Drove in the late afternoon sunshine to Tanunda in the Barossa Valley where we camped for the night. Had a good dinner and a few drinks.

This is Jo explaining to Sarb after a few glasses wine what it feels like to hold a koala.

Day 269 (Mon 2 Apr) - Adelaide

Unfortunately Brett and Katka had to go to work. As we don't know what that is we lazed around for the morning and popped into the city in the afternoon.

In the evening Katka went off to her cookery class whilst the rest of us went to Snake Charmers, a indian restaurant, for dinner.

Food a bit disappointing but had a great time.

Spent rest of the evening playing stupid computer games on the TV.

Day 268 (Sun 1 Apr) - Adelaide

Today we went for a wander round Adelaide and its surrounds.

Went to Mount Lofty that afforded great views of the city ( [1], [2] ). Katka and Brett also announced their fetish for cross dressing.

From there to Hahndorf. A small village that has the oldest German settlement in the region. Had a great sausage lunch.

From there we went wine tasting round the Barossa. Lovely weather to be cruising round vineyards sampling wine ( [1], [2], [3] ). We even saw the tree under which Brett proposed!

Had a BBQ on the roof terrace of Brett's gaff. Very nice too!