Day 2: Wed 20 Mar 24 - Narrandera to Balranald

Wed 20 Mar 24 - Narrandera to Balranald (303 km)

We had passing showers overnight, combined with some nearby road noise it was a bit of a restless night. Our first night away in the van is always a bit restless though.  By 06:30, the temperature had dropped to a brisk 16 Deg, and the strong gusting 25-40km/hr SE wind made it feel much cooler. We eventually climbed out of bed, got ready and hit the road by 08:40, our destination Balranald. 

Another incident free drive today, plenty of large trucks, very few caravans and lots of very rough road from Narrandera to Hay (only about 175km). First stop was 135 km from Narrandera at the Mulberrygong rest area along the Sturt Highway. By this time the wind had picked up and was gusting in excess of 45km/hr. The temperature had dropped even more to 14 feeling like 9 Deg - a stark contrast to the hot weather yesterday. We were on our way again at 10:50am and arrived at Balranald shortly after 13:00. 

Our stay tonight is at another free camp, the Balranald Swimming Pool & RV Camp. It's a 24hr limit and you must be self contained. We're only staying one night again, and we can remain hooked up. There was only one other camper here when we arrived and expected more to arrive by days end, but we are surprised that we are still the only two campers here. 

After setting up, we had a light lunch, then we unloaded the bikes and went for a short but pleasant ride around town. Balranald is a neat, quiet RV friendly town on the Murrumbidgee River at the western edge of the Hay Plain. We would gladly stop here again to explore a bit more of the region. We returned to the van, had a brew and a quiet afternoon relaxing and planning the next few days before dinner - chicken schnitzel with mango and salad.  After dinner, I went for a walk around town with a lovely sunset as backdrop, and plenty of very active birds. 

Tomorrow, we are aiming for Berri, just across the SA border, so our main priority is to ensure we have used all our fresh fruit and vegetables before we cross the SA border - it's fresh fruit for breakfast and salad for lunch on the menu tomorrow to ensure we comply. Our thoughts are with Uncle tomorrow morning, as he returns to hospital for another operation - he hasn't had enough at 94! All going well, we will continue our journey to WA. Only another 1650km from Balranald to the WA border. 

Brewery Flat Reserve with the 30m high red brick tower of the old Oakbank Brewery in the background  

Aireal view of Brewery Flat Reserve

Brewery Flat Reserve

Hay Plains - a common sight today, big trucks and rough roads

Hay Plains scenery  

Two Southern Bell Frogs cutting a log near the Murrumbidgee in Balranald

The Murrumbidgee in Balranald

The Murrumbidgee in Balranald

Suspension Bridge across the Murrumbidgee in Balranald

Suspension Bridge across the Murrumbidgee in Balranald

Don't look up, or if you do, keep your mouth closed. Corellas - lots of them

Balranald

Good Advice!

Our free camp for the night (tucked in by 8pm though)...

Water Birds and reed Sculpture at the Visitor Information Centre - Balranald

A new Friend

This one's for you Mum.

Just kidding about the Free Camp - this is it at the Swimming Pool looking back on to the racecourse

Balranald Swimming Pool & RV Camp - just us and one gentleman in a coaster.



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