Day 3: Thu 21 Mar 24 - Balranald to Berri

Thu 21 Mar 24 - Balranald to Berri (325km) 

Woke at 06:00 to a very fresh 6 Deg, feeling like 3 Deg with a brisk southerly breeze in Balranald, reaching a very still, sunny 25 Deg at Berri SA.  It was a beautiful sunny afternoon in Berri by the river. 

After eventually dragging ourselves out of bed, including 10 minutes testing the heater, we were packed and driving away from the free camp at 08:00. We drove a short distance a few blocks away to refuel, then around the corner behind the Visitor Information Centre to top up our water tanks. While re-fueling, Noel made a quick dash to Balranald Bakery to buy two take away coffees for the road. We were driving away from Balranald by 08:30 along a much better highway with a lot of traffic, mostly trucks, heading in the opposite direction. It wasn't long before we had our first comfort stop 65km later at Lake Benanee Rest Area along the Sturt Highway. This we have marked as a potential overnighter if passing by again. We continued on our way until I received a call from the anaesthetist at Rockhampton Hospital telling me they would not be operating on Uncle today, and that he needed further tests and scans due to his medical history, potentially delaying surgery for a week. Disappointing, but grateful the experts are taking all necessary precautions. 

We continued driving to within about 16km from Mildura for a late coffee and we were soon back on the road again stopping briefly for a leg stretch and wander at Lake Cullulleraine - another potential good overnighter beside a lovely large lake with lots of green space along the foreshore. Onwards we continued through Mildura to the Quarantine inspection station where a thorough inspection was carried out by a very enthusiastic young man who appeared to be under scrutiny by some of his more elderly counterparts. With no contraband found, we continued on our way through Renmark for another 20km to our planned overnight freecamp stay at Martin’s Bend Reserve on the Murray. Unfortunately, we left disappointed as the WikiCamp photos (all riverside of the road) look nothing like where camping is permitted (opposite side of the road). Unfortunately, all the best sites were taken with only a few remaining under large trees and in amongst the bush - no thanks.  WikiCamps has been dropping out all day and we didn't have our normal reference, so we followed a sign to nearby caravan park - the Berri Riverside Holiday Park, where we checked in for the night. After setting up, we sat outside for a cup of tea, then decided to go for a short ride into town to buy some milk and bread. Bugger…. The front tyre on Noeleene's bike had a puncture. Old mate a few vans downs happened to be walking past, and offered his assistance in repairing the flat (has five e-bikes and is a self confessed jack of all trades). He talked me into injecting some of his puncture 'Gu' into both tubes, and hey presto, the flat was fixed in no time. Noel and I both rolled off into town to buy the milk and bread, and she even bought me a new pillow as well, as the one i have is horribly hard. It must have looked funny riding down the hill holding a pillow under my arm. On return, a few phone calls were made including  Rockhampton  hospital for an update, then a 30 minute call with Uncle's doctor in Yeppoon and then Uncle himself, who sounded in good spirits and understanding of the circumstances. Uncle will be reviewed again in the morning, and I am told they may still proceed with surgery as soon as tomorrow, if satisfied with everything. As such, we have decided to try and book another night here, and wait to see what happens. After towing more than 300km each day for three consecutive days, I'm looking forward to a bit of a rest day anyway. A leisurely stroll across the road to watch the sun setting over the Murray River, before dinner, then a quiet night blogging, while Noel watched the footy.  

Lake Benanee Rest Area

Late afternoon stroll along the Murray River across from the Caravan Park

Murray River across from the Caravan Park


Murray River across from the Caravan Park


Murray River across from the Caravan Park


Murray River across from the Caravan Park



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