Sunday, 12 April 2026
On Friday it was reported that diesel fuel has reached its highest price since the commencement of hostilities in the Middle East. This morning we woke to a news item on the radio saying that tomorrow the Government will launch its multi-million dollar advertising campaign encouraging us to reduce fuel consumption. Despite this, we drove out of our driveway at about 9.15am to embark on our epic outback road trip that has been in the planning for about four years!
We were originally going to start our trip by driving to Marree in South Australia two weeks ago to join a tag-along tour into the Simpson Desert. Unfortunately, that part of the trip was cancelled because the Simpson Desert is currently the Simpson Swamp! Then, for a couple of weeks we debated whether we should embark on our trip at all with the situation in the Middle East and concerns about Australia’s fuel supply.
However, after ringing ahead to speak with someone at the Eridunda Roadhouse about how they are faring in the outback, we decided to head off regardless. I think the kicker was when she told me that the coach tours are still coming through which was a bit like, well, if the coach tours are still running why shouldn’t we go on our self-drive outback adventure??!
After clearing the city we headed north west on the Calder Highway. Our original plan was to scooch across to the Sunraysia Highway to purchase award-winning vanilla slices at the Birchip Bakery. Fortunately, a couple of days ago, Bernie thought to check if the bakery opens on Sunday. Nope, they do not. Undeterred in our pursuit of vanilla slices for morning tea on day one of our holiday, we stayed on the Calder Highway and bought our snot blocks at the Bridgewater Bakery. This bakery is also a past winner of Victoria’s (Australia’s?) Best Vanilla Slice so they were an acceptable substitute, ha, ha.
We continued on the Calder Highway through Wedderburn, Charlton and Wycheproof. With all that custard and sugar in my system I dozed off for bit around Charlton. In my defense, it’s so flat and boring out this way that there’s really not much to stay awake for. And … we have travelled this way before!!
Our next stop was a very short leg stretch and photo op at the silo art in Nullawil. Although we have seen this silo art before, we stopped again for a photo of Jimmy the kelpie dog painted by Smug in July 2019.
Arriving in Sea Lake we made a quick stop at their art silo too. Again, we have seen it before, but took photos again today. These silos were painted by Joel Fergie (aka The Zookeeper) and Travis Vinson (aka Drapl) in October 2019. These silos feature a young girl swinging from a mallee eucalyptus and gazing out over the endless vista of Lake Tyrell. A wedge tail eagle and emus also feature in the artwork.
Continuing into the town centre we enjoyed some delicious Mediterranean toasted focaccias at the Skymirror Gallery Cafe. As we finished up our lunch I overheard the owner talking to a couple of locals telling them they had just missed one of the members of Hunters & Collectors (I didn’t catch if it was Mark Seymour???) and Linda Bull. Which of course meant that we had just missed out on a brush with fame too.
On the road again, the Calder Highway zig zagged north past the lake, then west towards the Sunraysia Highway before taking a hard right to head north in Ouyen.
Just short of Red Cliffs we turned left onto the C254 to take the back way onto the Sturt Highway at Werrimull North. We passed through the quarantine point without any trouble. We didn’t have any fresh fruit or vegetables in the car, planning to stock up on our fresh produce in Renmark. We had to show the inspector the glove box, the centre console and the fridge and pantry boxes in the back, but got the all clear and continued into Renmark gaining half an hour on the way when the time changed to Australian Central Standard Time.
Arriving in Renmark we found the Shell Servo conveniently located a stone’s throw from the Renmark Hotel so we filled the truck with diesel for $3.20/litre. No problem with availability, but the price hurts a bit. However, we cannot complain because we left home knowing fuel was going to be expensive.
After checking in, Bernie rearranged the gear on the roof rack having decided during today’s journey that it would fit on better in a different configuration?? The Tetris-like packing of the roof rack and cargo space is nothing to do with me. Bernie has it all worked out and I daren’t suggest anything different let alone try to help with getting our gear in/on the vehicle!! In a few days, when I’ve learnt how everything fits in ‘just so’ I might be able to load some smaller items.
After sitting all day in the car we walked into the town centre to eat at Jimmy’s Thai Restaurant. It sure was good to stretch our legs after more than seven hours on the road.
Steps: 8,650 (5.87kms)
