The Nullarbor – one of Australia’s great landmarks. I drove it in 1979 with my mate, Gerry. Now I was back.
So, what to say to enlighten and interest the happy reader? Not much really. It’s big, it’s long, it’s straight, it has no trees… and, did I say it’s long?
I’d done the Oodnadatta Track. I’d seen the outback. I loved it – I was keen for more. I popped down to Whyalla to drop my mate Geoff off at the airport. The next morning I aimed west, and finished my day 750kms later at the Nullarbor Roadhouse.
It was a little different… Geoff had gone. I was solo… On my own now to drive, well, all the way to London. That made me feel different. I don’t think I was lonely, scared, apprehensive. Maybe a little. But was I determined. I was optimistic. I was (I told myself) excited. I set the tone as being positive. I didn’t really let anything negative slip in.
The Nullarbor Roadhouse. It’s fair to say that there isn’t much there. But there’s enough. Diesel, a restaurant (like an American diner), beer, and a basic but tidy room to sleep in. There was also incredible enthusiasm and hospitality by all who worked there – that was a bonus after a long day.
The roadhouse is close to the start of the Great Australian Bight. I headed down there for an hour to see that. That was really worth it. I’ll post a photo, but it is definitely one of those ‘you have to see it yourself’ places.
Next day was a drive to Caiguna. Like the night before there was a modest roadhouse, but with big hospitality. Caiguna has a claim to fame of being the start of the longest stretch of road (I think) in the world – called the 90 Mile Straight. Let’s say 146.6kms for anyone under 44. Ummm… it didn’t feel that different to the rest of the drive.
Next day was the last of the Nullarbor for me – a 550km drive into Kalgoorlie in eastern WA.
So, I nailed the Nullarbor – 1,850kms in three days. I am not sure how else to do. It’s big, it’s long. It’s straight, it has no trees… It is long – with precious little to do out there. But it is one of life’s great drives.