Goodooga – Trek's Walkabout

Well it was a different kind of trip for me. This was a trip I wanted to do in Chris’s honour. Places he wanted to go to on our last trip that we didn’t have time to do. He loved the hot pools, we both did.

The van “Trek” went brilliantly, the setup we did was very easy to use, setup and packup. I found even in a small space with a Jess in wet weather we could manage. Not ideal in the wet, but we did it. The van setup made it easier for me but also sad for me, as Chris was not there to enjoy it.

Easy to setup or drive.

We had some fun times, laughs, adventures and met some really lovely people. Went to a few new destinations.

It was a challenge for me at times missing Chris, going to places we had been together and having the memories of that time.

Judy was hanging out for a cuppa and tried to take the Cunnamulla Fellow’s one. 😂

The weather had a big impact and changed our plans a lot. So weather wise not the best trip. It also shortened our trip; we were away a little over 3 weeks.

One of the main places Chris wanted to go was Charlotte Plains and it was supposed to be the highlight of the trip. Unfortunately, that did not quiet pan out and was a little disappointing for us both.

Cunnamulla Bushlands.

The highlights for me were Goodooga and Yowah. I think Judy would agree. Both places we said we would go back too. I had a bit of a toast to Chris at the Yowah hot pools. I know Chris would have loved both of these places.

I did learn a lot on this trip, great to have confidence in the van and my ability to deal with it all by myself.

Campfire at Bollon.

I took Chris with me in my heart, his hat and some photos of him. I told him every night, of the day I had, the things and places we did and saw. It’s not the same at all as having him physically with me and that was hard, real hard. The first trip I assume will be the hardest, so I’ve done that. I know he would be up in heaven cheering me on. Pleased I did the trip, thankful that Judy was with me and able to share this first trip with me.

Judy just about blending in with the watermelon. 😂

Until next time, Live Long and Prosper 🖖🏿

Next stop was St George. We had planned to stay here a few days but there is no free or low cost camping. There are signs up everywhere about no camping. No longer RV friendly town it seems. We used to camp down by the river, which was a great spot.

We did a bit of a walk around, called into the info centre. Walked up the street and had some lunch. Drove around a bit. Did a bit of grocery shopping, filled up with fuel. Then headed to the hot pool, $8 or $6 concession when were where there.

Nice clean pool at 37 degrees.

We decided to move on to Dirranbandi. The free camp down by the river was mostly full because of wet boggy areas, there were only a few dry spots. We were told more rain was coming that night so we decided to head back into the town area to the truck spot.

We talked to one of the truckies asking if it was ok for us to stay here, due to the wet. He was great and said no problem. Everyone was very friendly.

Goodooga in NSW, was a place we had heard wonderful things about and we were not disappointed. There is a big parking/camping area on bitumen /gravel. Showers, toilets, bins, drinking water, 1km walk into town all free.

Large gravel camping area.

The best part, a hot pool with easy access. It was a little hot at times have to say.

Lovely hot pools.

It was great we were on solid ground as we got a few good downpours while we were here. With rain everywhere we decided here was a good place to stay for a while, 5 nights in total.

Just a tad wet, but still having fun.

We met a really lovely couple here, who were very encouraging to me and had a big positive impact on both of us. They were camped next door to us and invited us inside on one of the cold wet days, even Jess was welcomed. We had some very special times with them over the 5 days, including around the campfire with some other campers.

Sitting around the campfire.

Some good tucker there.

The local Aboriginal community put a fun raiser on every Saturday night with a meal and funds to go towards some community project. When we were there, it was to send the local football team to Melbourne.

Sunset after the rain.

For $10 you could have rice with curried chicken and veggies, fried scone, trifle or dumplings with custard. We just went for the trifle. Very generous servings, very yummy and really nice friendly people. Highly recommend. A way to give back to the community for using the pools and camping area for free.

We thought this was rather funny, local giving the car a wash under the hot bore water.

I know Chris would have loved it here and he would have been glad we stayed here and it is some place we would definitely go back to.

Lovely outlook.

Reluctantly we moved on, we had to as we had a booking at Charlotte Plains. Back through Dirranbandi, filed up with water and Judy with fuel.

Live long and Prosper.