Woorlba probably represents the essence of what this trip is really about - finding interesting and inspiring parts of Australia in the most unexpected places. This looked like just another roadside stop on our trusty GPS; a place to rest for a night before finishing the final leg of the Nullarbor. We pulled in around 4pm and found a spot about 500m off the highway. There was evidence of camp fires and plenty of beautiful bush to camp amongst. The kids occupied themselves building their own fire pit and collecting wood whilst we set up the camper. It was great to see them working together to solve unfamiliar problems and delight in the sheer joy of being the proud builders of something functional and real.
As strange as it sounds given the location, it was one of the most peaceful and relaxing stops we've had so far. It was initially intended to be an overnighter but after waking to the lovely sounds of native birds, we decided it would be 'home' for another day. We set up 'school' for the kids under the trees, read books and genuinely relaxed. The past few days had been rather hectic as we motored across the Nularbor so we decided to afford ourselves the 'luxury' of stopping for an extra day. We still had plenty of water so we knew we were safe. Our fresh food rations had been significantly depleted at quarantine so we were living on the last of the bolognese sauce I'd cooked to use as much of our veggie supplies before they were confiscated, 2 minute noodles, crackers and cereal. We're glad we stayed as our friends from Ceduna who'd taught us to catch crabs popped in. It was a lovely albeit unexpected happy hour (or two) we shared with them behind a backdrop of a beautiful Nullarbor sunset.
The roadtrip to Woorlba provided a few interesting places to visit. We stopped at the border for the obligatory photo of us with one foot in each state. A great kitsch addition to the family album! Bodhi decided he'd prefer to stay in SA and made a dash back to the quarantine station. Luckily the friendly inspector who'd checked us through was a 'dog person' and saw the humour in it.
We then stopped 'just up the road' at Eucla. The main attraction is the large roadhouse with fuel and food supplies, but we wanted to show the kids the Old Telegraph Station. The remoteness was what struck me most. Who would have worked here? How long did it take to get here from a major town? How did they get supplies? The building was typical of that period - quite grand and beautifully crafted. Time and the elements are swallowing it up but i imagine remnants of it will stand proud for at least another 100 years yet.
Photos left to right
the kids building their fire pit
the successful fire (we found out later there's a fire ban until end of March so we were lucky not be fined!)
at the SA / WA border
the Old Telegraph Station - Eucla
the Old Telegraph Station - the arch is the TOP of a doorway. Being built in the sandunes, the sands are constantly moving through the structure. Other travellers told us how they've visited a couple of times over many years and each time you can walk through different rooms depending on where the sand is deposited.