Our Latest Travels - Balranald to Broken Hill

We left Balranald for the relatively short drive to Mildura.

Along the way we called in at Lake Benanee for a cuppa.  There are huge old River Red Gums on its bank.

You can see where the water has been up to in recent flooding on some.

We got our first sighting of the mighty Murray River at Euston.

Our campsite was at Gol Gol, just out of Mildura.  All Mildura caravan parks were booked out.  Something to do with the Mundi Mundi Bash (fancy that) or still repairing damage from flooding earlier in the year.  

After setting up, Jo and Tony came and picked us up and took us on a guided tour of Mildura.

Crossing the border into Victoria.  The state border follows the northern bank of the Murray River.

Firstly, to the river.  This building shows river heights.  2023 is the second bottom one.  The 1956 flood at the third level must have been horrendous.  There is still a lot of damage to be repaired around the lower parts of town.  Where floods at our town arrive quickly and are gone just as quickly, floods down here are slow to arrive, but hang around for quite a while.  The river is currently in minor flood, being well above the usual level for this time of year.  Crazy, as at home things are starting to get quite dry.

If you look closely at the above photo you can see a cafe with white awnings.  The flood earlier this year reached those awnings.  It must be devastating for those affected.

It was fun to see the paddle steamer “Coonawarra”.  We gave my parents a three day cruise on this boat for a birthday present about 20 years ago.

Knowing we like old buildings, they took us to see Rio Vista historic house.  This was built by the Chaffey family, who founded the irrigation scheme in the area.  You can read about them here.

Later, the Council acquired the property and it sat idle until a significant art collection was gifted to the city and the building was converted into an art gallery.  Now it has been restored to the original home and the art gallery and an entertainment centre are to the side.

We then just drove around seeing the sights.

I love this mural, reminiscent of a fruit box label.

We finished off our time together by going out to dinner. A lovely way to round off a great day.

When we were packing up on the following morning, Mick put his back out again.  Ouch!! Not what was needed.  He decided to see how he went travelling to Broken Hill and would then decide if we would head home, or keep on our way. It’s a drive of just under 300kms, so not the best to be doing, but needs must.

There is nothing between Wentworth and Broken Hill in the way of towns, but the scenery continues to have subtle changes.  We called in at Lake Popiltah……with about 20 other caravans also on the way to Mundi Mundi.

It was a good opportunity to listen to an audio book.  This one was a little gruesome to start with but not bad and not too long.

Finally, we arrived in Broken Hill.  Time to do some groceries and get set up in the caravan park.  We had been very lucky and had an unpowered site in one in town.

The next day would see us either travelling to the Mundi Mundi Bash site or heading home, depending on Mick’s back.  More soon.