An Outback Itinerary

Posted on by Miriam

It’s a place that gets under your skin. It has a heartbeat that you can’t ignore and a spiritual sense of time and space that transcends words. Mungo National Park left an indelible impression on me when I first visited years ago. Whenever we spoke of it my sister (who’s never camped a day in her life) was enthralled so now, eight years later, we’re returning, and she’s coming with us. As she has little idea of what to expect, I thought I’d create a mini itinerary of our proposed trip.

After all, half the fun of the journey is in the planning.

Mungo National Park, at the heart of NSW’s Willandra Lakes World Heritage area, is one of the world’s most ancient and precious cultural treasures. To truly feel the magic is to immerse yourself in the landscape, to camp and connect in the best possible way under the stars.

Mungo landscape

There’s no WiFi at Mungo, just a vast connection with yourself  

After Mungo we’ll travel to the Pink Lakes, an extraordinary outback lake in the Murray Sunset National Park. Or will we?

It’ll be the second trip in our new Outback Journey and our biggest road trip yet in the new DMax and I’m super excited, though it’s mingled with a tad of apprehension.

There’s going to be long stints on the road and maybe some testing times ahead. It’s a LONG way for just a few days but not as far as the Red Centre! Same red earth, big skies, combined with mighty rivers and a cultural heritage over 45,000 years in the making.

It’s time for a new story.

OUTBACK LAKES ADVENTURE

Day I Fri 22 November

Melbourne to Wentworth
Distance: 589 kms
Overnight at Willow Bend Caravan Park
Highlights: Confluence of where the Darling meets the Murray, two of Australia’s greatest rivers.

Day 2: Sat 23 November

Wentworth to Mungo National Park.
Distance: 130 Kms
Via Pooncarrie and Top Hutt Road Road
Overnight: Main Camp

Day 3: Sun 24 November

Full day at Mungo exploring the awesomeness of the landscape and including a guided tour of the Walls of China
Overnight: Main Camp
Highlights: awe and peace of this sacred landscape

Nature has been for me, for as long as I remember, a source of solace, inspiration, adventure and delight, a home, a teacher, a companion.” Lorraine Anderson

Day 4: Mon 25 November

Mungo to Pink Lakes in the Murray Sunset National Park
Distance: 283kms (via Arumpo Road, Calder Hwy and Mildura)
Overnight: Lake Crosbie Campground
Highlights: Salt lakes that change colour, big skies, million dollar star restaurant in the great outdoors and a whole lot of nothingness

Day 5: Tues 26 November

Happy birthday to my sis!

Full day exploring/bushwalking and enjoying the unique landscape of Murray Sunset National Park.

Pink Lakes 2

Day 6: Wed 27 November

Heading home
From wherever we are

“Adventure begins with a thought, decision and action.” Lailah Gifty Akita

Since writing this I’ve done more research, more investigating and been on the phone to a couple of Visitor Information Centres.

Our destination may well change for the last two nights, based on weather conditions and circumstances. Who knows? Life’s like that, isn’t it. Being prepared for those detours, for the unexpected and being flexible means we’re open to all sorts of possibilities.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Helen Keller

“WHAT TO BRING” she asked?

“Not much” I said. Keep it simple. Cool light weight trousers for during the day/shorts/t-shirts etc.
Warm coat, for those cool desert nights
Comfy shoes, sun hat
Towel and medications
Own pillow
Phone/camera
Favourite snacks
Water bottle
A BIG dose of adventure

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

Transport with personal drivers and guides
A very comfy king size Swag
All food and drinks
First Aid
Camping fees and permits. Fly tent in case of mozzies!
Great company!

So, that’s a rough plan of what I’ll be doing over the next week.  My intention is to soak up a big dose of that desert stillness and inspiration. Anyone else like to come along?

Who knows, maybe one day I’ll run a fair dinkum tour in the outback. For now I’ll stick to organising our small group of five. Hopefully I won’t get us too lost!

Whatever happens, travel always gives us a story to tell. It’s up to us to turn the next page.

Stay well and keep enjoying the journey.

In love and light

mungo holiday photos kodak 040
Travel makes one modest, you see what a tiny place you occupy in the world. Gastave Flaubert

72 thoughts on “An Outback Itinerary”

  4. Right! Not a camping fan but FOR YOU I am packing my stuff and I’ll see you Friday.

    Also, please run a fair dinkum tour of the outback one day and call it, “Miriam’s Fair Dinkum Tours”
    You must! !

    Just love the way you write us into your journey every time.

    Also for me, it was like I had two days in a row of reading you so…bonus!

    All my love, sugar sugar

    xoxoxoxox

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Haha, you make me laugh! I think you’d be surprised just how comfy camping can be in a van Fiery. So, I’ve booked you in. 😄 And I’ll see you over here bright and early.
      Seriously though, thanks for your gorgeous words. You put a big smile on my face. Hugs and love back xxxx

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  5. Sounds absolutely magical … who are the other two? Your kids? Know your sister will love it, and she trusts you to take her first camping trip ❤

    I'd love to come along but it would take me even longer to meet you at the beginning 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. My son Daniel (who you’ve met) and his good mate Jordan. It’ll probably be the last time he camps with us so it should be memorable.
      How fabulous would it be if you could come too! But you’re right, it’s a bit of a hike. I’ll soak up some of that desert magic for you. xx 💫

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        1. Thanks, we will. And funny you should mention the boards Kate. We actually told them to put them in! Obviously no paths out in the Outback but Mildura is a different story! 😁

          Liked by 1 person

  7. Oh wow Miriam!! What a trip! *sigh* I wish I could jump in with you guys, but I am afraid I won’t be able to make it in time for the departure 😛 BUT… (drumroll) If everything goes well, we’ll book our plane tickets to Australia tonight (woot woot!)

    Have an amazing time with the boys and your sister! I can’t wait to see the pictures and read about the roadtrip!! *big hugs*

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Woo-hoo, that’s awesome C! Well, you’re definitely going to have to contact if if and when you make your way down to Melbourne. Exciting times ahead for you! Big hugs back 😊

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  10. Masses of envy, enjoy each moment of t hose wide open spaces. As an aside – I watched the documentary Garamul on Wednesday evening. It bought me to tears more than once. A National Treasure in more ways than one. X

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Thanks PC. Still have wifi tonight but off the grid tomorrow. It’s been a fabulous first day. Looking forward to heading out to Mungo tomorrow. Have a great weekend yourself. 😊

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  18. *waving arm* Me! Ooh, pick me! I want to come! 😀

    If only I could. I’d be there in a heart beat! This sounds like a super fun birthday trip for your sister and I wish you all safe journeys and joyful times.

    Have fun! Love you! xoxox ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oh you made me smile Ness. I’ll take you along in spirit my friend, it’s so beautiful out here. I’m currently in Wentworth which is stunning but heading out to wifi free Mungo tomorrow. Have a lovely weekend gorgeous. Love and hugs from me xx

      Liked by 2 people

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      1. Hola my friend, that is so good to hear! I can only imagine how bloody fantastic it must have been. Australia is such a treasure chest of nature marvels…sigh! Looking forward to hearing more about your travels:) All ok here, working lots. Big hug 😊❤️

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        2. Thanks gorgeous, wishing you a safe trip home! Yes, I will set up some screen-free weekends for myself and get out into nature. Mother nature is just the best!! 🙂 Hugs n kisses xx

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  22. That sounds like a wonderful trip, Miram! I hope to read about it when you get back….including photos, of course. And I’m so glad you’re getting the chance to share the outback with your sister, too!

    Liked by 1 person

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  26. Miriam, you’ll be heading home today as I write and I hope, I know, you will have had the most extraordinary trip ever! It will have been extra special for you to have your sister with you, showing her the sights and joys of camping. The itinerary is mind-bobbling, so many kilometres, described almost as if heading out locally. I love your sense of adventure, it’s contagious. Helen Keller was so right, as you included her quote: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” hugs xx

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Hi Annika, you’re quite right, I’m actually home now, with a thousand things to do and a catch up list that’s mind boggling! You were also right with your prediction. We had an extraordinary time and it was so very special to have my sister with us. Six fabulous days amongst awe inspiring landscapes and I can’t wait to, in time, share them all with you. Bug hugs back xx

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  28. How fabulous this sounds Miriam! I envy you all and hope it went well. I’m sure your sister enjoyed a very special birthday out there with you. I really would like to see the pink lakes one day too. Hopefully you’ll share some pics and stories after your trip 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

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    1. Hi Deb, yes it was a wonderful trip and I’ve returned with very special memories of our time away together. Look forward to sharing them. Hope all’s well with you. Have a lovely weekend xx

      Liked by 1 person

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  30. Miriam, sounds like a wonderful trip. I’m just catching up on my reading…so I’m sure you are back by now. I’ll look for your photos and narrative of this as well.
    Love the part about taking detours…that’s where life “happens”. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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