Day 6: Sun 24 Mar 24 - Snowtown to Kimba

Sun 24 Mar 24 - Snowtown to Kimba (316km)

Woke to 9 feeling like 6 Deg, with a lazy southerly breeze making it feel much cooler. It was a beautiful sunrise and a lovely morning for a walk, but I decided to finish setting up Starlink before doing anything else. I should have just left it to this morning, as it was so much easier than what it appeared yesterday - I just needed to follow instructions (no comments please). With Starlink set up and all devices connected, it was time for a morning walk around Snowtown. 

After eventually returning to the van, and packing up we didn't leave until about 09:40. We had a good run, and stopped for coffee after 120km at Mambray Creek Rest Area. Here I made, and received a few calls, then we continued towards Port Augusta. 

Driving towards Port Augusta we passed Mount Remarkable and the Southern Flinders Ranges on the right, and they looked spectacular. We stopped briefly at Foodland on the way through Port Augusta to grab a few vegetables, then continued on our way. There were a lot of trucks on the road which surprised us for a Sunday. We followed a 5.5m wide load with a large mining truck for about 30km before we were able overtake it. Unfortunately, we had to listen to the rudest, most obnoxious, foul mouthed pilot (Rear Pilot - the front one seemed polite). The rear pilot was absolutely disgusting abusing everyone - even truckies. Not sure what he was on.

We eventually arrived safely at Kimba, with our first stop for a mandatory photo at the half way across Australia sign - second time in just over 12 months, but this time we intend to go all the way to the other side. We then continued onto the other side of town to the shell service station to refuel then made our way back to the Kimba Recreation Reserve where we have set up for the night. It's a very popular destination, and thankfully a very large campground.


After setting up (staying hitched), we had a cup of tea, then I set off for a 7km walk along the Roora Reserve Nature Trail through shrubby bushland, eucalypts and mallee trees, and a few metal statues. At the lookout are wonderful views across Kimba and the wider region and a statue of Edward John Eyre erected in 2011. Returning to the van, we had a latish dinner with a stunning sunset, and a rising full moon as back drop. Tonight we are putting Starlink to the test while off-grid, and so far everything seems to be going well, Noeleene watching internet TV and me blogging without competing with others for internet bandwidth. Tomorrow, our destination is Ceduna for a two-night stay. 

P.S. For those following and asking, Uncle is back at his nursing home in Yeppoon after a ‘3-day’ day surgery in Rockhampton that didn’t eventuate. He needs further scans for other unrelated issues that were uncovered during previous scans. He is in good spirits and remains positive nonetheless. 


Snowtown Caravan Park - Railway Line runs behind the vans, but only two trains overnight and not an issue

Morning walk Downtown Snowtown

Morning walk Downtown Snowtown past the Big Blade. The hills in the background are covered with Wind Turbines

Snowtown Pub where we had an enjoyable meal last night. The building to the left is the infamous bank where 8 dismembered bodies were found in 6 Barrels in 1999. The new owners say this disused bank is now simply their home. 

The Infamous Snowtown Bank - now a home

Morning walk Downtown Snowtown - the opposite side of the water tower


Morning walk Downtown Snowtown - War Memorial Gardens


Morning walk Downtown Snowtown


A campground - last to leave


The Road Ahead to Kimba

Halfway across Australia - Kimba

Roora Reserve Nature Trail Walk

Roora Reserve Nature Trail Walk


Roora Reserve Nature Trail Walk - Caves


Roora Reserve Nature Trail Walk - Edward John Eyre Monument


Edward John Eyre Monument

View over Kimba

Roora Reserve Nature Trail Walk - Axe Tree

Roora Reserve Nature Trail Walk

Roora Reserve Nature Trail Walk

Roora Reserve Nature Trail Walk

Our setup at Kimba in the distance

Setup for the night at Kimba




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