UK Trip (Part One)

1st July 2026 to 2nd July 2026

Distance: 12,000 Km

Flying Out

I was up very early on the Wednesday morning to get to the airport by 7am for a 10am international flight. Originally I had intended to go by train but my daughter volunteered to drive me which was wonderful.

The airport was quite a different matter. Gone were the rows of counters staffed by people who knew what they were doing, replaced by self service check ins. Did it work for me? no! it did not. I had to get a fella to help me but even he ran into difficulties However he did finally print out my boarding pass but then as a cherry on the cake the machine would not accept my baggage so he took me round the back to a staffed counter where it was manually transferred to the conveyor belt. The check in was a nightmare.

Getting through security was relatively easy and I was soon free to go into the Qantas lounge until my plane was ready to depart. Didn’t bother with any food but just had a cup of coffee from a machine.

The Flight

What can I say? I was comfortable, the attendants were very nice, the food was pretty good for preprepared food.

The section from Sydney to Hong Kong was on a Qantas plane, from Hong Kong to Heathrow and Manchester was with British Airways. The seating on the BA flight was obviously much newer that that on the Qantas plane though there was nothing wrong with the latter.

If I had a gripe, the BA Lounge at Heathrow was very crowded and difficult to find a seat. Heathrow and Manchester airport seemed to have very few staff able to help give advice or directions and those airports seemed to involve very long walks to get to anything you needed.

Arrival

As I say Manchester Airport involved a lot of walking with apparently no one to ask directions, eventually I found an Express Pickup place and my brother was able to retrieve me to drive me to his home in Macclesfield.

3rd July 2026

Slept pretty well the first night and was up early (ish) when I had a shower and made myself coffee, Being summer it is light at stupid o’clock and still light at 10pm in the evening – hence my judgement of the actual time is hopeless.

Set off to walk into Macclesfield to look around and get some exercise after two days of sitting down. It is a farther than I walked last time I was here and the footpath is a bit overgrown.

I stung my leg on nettles as I brushed past – Had completely forgotten about them but as I was stung immediately remembered them (of course). There are couple of hills too which was a change from the very flat walks I normally take.

Macclesfield still has the poshest car park in existence.

Macclesfield town centre has not changed much since I was last here 15 years ago.

4th July 2026

Visited the town centre again purely to try to book a visit to London but the prices were ridiculous, the girl in the travel agency said that they only dealt with one agency and she suggested trying myself on line.

There was a Gay Pride event in the main town square with stalls and various activities which was quite interesting.

Visited the local Aldi because it was close where I bought some odds and ends I needed like soap and toothpaste, afterwards walked back to home.

Spent the late afternoon on line and eventually booked five days in London with train fares and hotel for about $1200, I have to pick up the tickets from the local station.

Also made a loose plan for the entirety of my time in the UK.

That evening we all went to the local pub for a meal and a few beers.

5th July 2026

My brother had to visit his optician to pick up some new glasses so I took the opportunity to go with him and get my tickets from the station.

The afternoon was spent meeting neighbours, discussing our future plans and watching a bit of TV, actually Netflix on my laptop.

Not a lot to report today but it seemed to pass very quickly.

6th July 2026

Cheltenham

Today was my first daytrip, my brother and I are visiting Cheltenham.

My main observation was just the sheer volume of traffic on the road (M5/M6), it was like driving in a big Australian city all the time. Not a complaint but it was busy, however it kept moving with only a couple of slow patches.

The weather was beautiful and we made pretty good time, I think the speed limits were higher than Aussie ones. Cheltenham seemed smaller than I remembered it, not the size of the town just the size of the roads, though, as my brother pointed out, I was much smaller then.

First stop was the house of my great aunts, I remembered it as being a busy main road – it was a fairly quiet back street.

Then it was time to visit my grandparents house, once again the street had shrunk, cars either side made it a very narrow street. Neither this nor my great aunts’ house had really changed very much externally.

Finally the house where I lived until the age of five. The attic rooms have been added in the intervening 70+ years

Followed this up with a walk up onto the lower slopes of Leckhampton Hill where we had sledged as children called Daisy Bank, surprisingly it was very overgrown with brambles and other vegetation as well as Daisy Bank itself being fenced off.

The rest of the day was spent in Pittville Park and driving round Cheltenham

7th July 2026

Not a very busy day, just a walk to the local grog shop (actually a small supermarket) to buy some beer. They didn’t have any stubbies just cans. I bought a four pack of pint cans of Heineken.

During the afternoon we sat out in the garden enjoying the sunshine.

My brother’s grandson visited to play after his school and later his daughter came to retrieve him

8th July 2026

Blackpool

Drove to Blackpool today, somewhere I have never been before.

We parked at one end of the Promenade and walked back toward the tower and the piers. The first stop was to buy an ice cream which was very nice.

The town has double deck buses and trams.

On the walk back to the car I noticed an ad for place we would be visiting later.

We bought fish and chips for lunch, it was a very disappointing and the coffee undrinkable.

Overall a very enjoyable day out, the temperature was about 21° to 23° which was very pleasant. On our return to Macclesfield we called into the pub for a beer because the temperature was much higher – about 28°

9th July 2026 and 10th July 2026

Over the Border

Headed north into Scotland to visit my cousin who I had not seen since my last visit to the UK in 2011.

On the motorway heading north was completely stopped by a vehicle saying, “Do Not Pass” what the reason for the stoppage was completely unclear.

The rest of the drive was pleasant and uneventful.

Spent the afternoon and the next morning with my cousin and his wife, it was wonderful to catch up with them. The next morning went for a lovely walk in 28° temperatures which personally I found quite bearable but they found it very warm. We all enjoyed a snack at the local cafe.

We drove back to Macclesfield that afternoon.

11th July 2026 and 12th July 2026

A Quiet Weekend

A much needed restful weekend.

On the Sunday we were going to the Cheshire Steam Rally but decided even that was too much but were invited to a delightful BBQ Sunday afternoon at my niece’s home. Unfortunately I enjoyed myself too much and forgot to take any photos.

No Room at the Inn!

21st November 2025

Distance: 377 km

Fuel: 75 L

Headed off at almost exactly 10am. I intended to stay at Cowra Holiday Park and they don’t allow entry before 2pm.

First stop was The Utes in the Paddock on the way into Condobolin. I have stopped here before but, boy has it changed, now it has a massive visitors centre, new car and truck park.

I bought a coffee and an excellent egg and bacon roll after viewing the utes.

The visitors centre even had its own sculpture – a very large goanna.

While I was in the visitors centre I took a brochure for the Lachlan Shire, interestingly it talked about sculptures all along the Lachlan River in the shire. One looked very striking but strangely it didn’t give its location. However on the road to Forbes I saw signs for the various sculptures and stopped at a few though not all. Some were very good.

The rest of the trip to Cowra was uneventful, I had intended to make one more stop at a rest area but travelling on “B” roads they are few and far between.

When I arrived at the Cowra Holiday Park it was a good time (2.20) so parked at the office expecting to be able to check in. There was a sign “Bookings only – No drop ins”. When I spoke to the owner he told me that they had “ infrastructure problems” and I could not stay. Oh dear!

Decided to drive the extra 50km to Boorowa (there is another park in the centre of Cowra) and try that caravan park which I remembered as a small but good one. So set off on the 50 minute drive further on.

At Boorowa all was well, checked into the caravan park, excellent value at $25 a night and set myself up.

Decided to go for a short walk after a quick drive into town for fuel. It was quite a nice walk along the Boorowa River (or is it Creek?) before returning to the park for a cup of tea and a chance to read my book. It was actually quite windy and slightly chilly – at least enough to put my cardigan on after 5pm.

Shall be home tomorrow but doubt I will enter a blog post it will just be a trip almost entirely along the Hume Highway and Picton Road, Boorowa is only about 20km from the Hume.

22nd November 2025

Distance: 298 km

Home again

Arrived home after an uneventful drive from Boorowa, stopped only once to stretch my legs.

It was a lovely few days away, enjoyed it very much. The weather was pretty good most of the time only raining for a short while on the first day during the drive to Harden and again in almost the same place on the Hume highway today. The biggest complaint weatherwise for the whole trip would be the wind on the first few days and even that really was a very minor issue.

Trip Statistics

Total Distance: 2320 km
Total Fuel Used: 253 Litres
Fuel Cost: $499
Accommodation Cost: $263

Around Lake Cargelligo

20th November 2025

Distance : 54 km

First order of the day was to move to a different site. I waited until a particular one was vacated early then hitched up the camper and reversed into their old site.

After having some breakfast drove into town for milk and soft drink (thirsty work) and had a look around the town.

They have a railway walk along the old tracks.

In the same area is a statue of Mrs Foster showing her husband gold that she had found in the street now bearing her name.

Sat by the lake enjoying a surprisingly good coffee made at the bakery before going for a stroll.

The lake appears to have been affected by blue green algae though I could not see any and the ducks seemed quite happy.

Drove out to Curlew Waters mainly to look at the water management pumping station and weir – could not find it but it was a pleasant enough day out.

I never found the actual weir though I am sure I did last time I visited, am still not sure if I am muddling up two separate places.

Returned to the caravan park in the afternoon and set up my awning to read my book and have a beer in the shade. Am still undecided about spending another day here.

Lake Cargelligo

19th November 2025

Distance: 259 km

Another fairly short run to my destination today, no rush to leave so yet another 9.30 start.

Got caught up in a dust storm create by a road train.

Am thinking of spending a couple of nights at Lake Cargelligo, I have been there before.

Stopped a couple of times on the way, one rest site was quite interesting. It is a pity that the rest stop itself was not better laid out

Arrived at the caravan park early afternoon, there was no one in attendance so I just set myself up in what looked like a shady spot.

By late afternoon all the shade had disappeared and the camper was in full sun until the sun set. I will move tomorrow to a place with less shade during the day but shelter from the sun in the evening.

To be honest this caravan park is not where I thought it was I must be muddling it up with another I have stayed at that is near a lake but I am blowed if I can remember which now

On to Cobar

18th November 2025

Distance: 408 km

Fuel: 43 L

Deciding to travel shorter distances each day has its benefits, every morning is very leisurely. I am still up at 6am for a shower followed by breakfast (invariably cereal), then there is time to look at any photos taken the day before, and write this blog.

Once again didn’t leave until after 9.30am. The morning was sunny with clear skies and that awful wind seems to have ceased, replaced by a pleasant breeze.

Set off past the reassuring sign that the road to Wilcannia was open.

Easy drive even after turning east onto the Barrier Highway, set cruise control to 100kph which seems to be the best compromise for speed and fuel economy.

Stopped a couple of time in rest areas because my sciatica was playing up as well as to make tea.

There were feral goats hanging about at the rest stop too.

Arrived in Cobar mid afternoon and set up my camper (which is basically unhitching it, opening the doors and the vent). It was much warmer than it has been the last few days with temperature creeping into the low 30s, though the humidity was only about 30% so it felt quite pleasant.

Drove into Cobar to fill up with fuel then spent the rest of the afternoon reading and eating.

Change of Direction

17th November 2025

Distance: 322 km

Fuel: 39 L

Goolgawi to Ivanhoe

Was browsing maps and possible routes yesterday evening when I discovered that last year the road from Ivanhoe to Wilcannia was finally sealed its entire length. I think this means a change of plan. Instead of returning south I shall be heading north at least until the Barrier Highway when I will turn east toward Cobar.

This wind has played havoc with my fuel economy I am using at least a litre per 100km more than I normally do towing my camper (which is also approximately a litre/100km more than when not towing).

Anyway today was cold and overcast when I woke up, it got down to 10° overnight, surely not normal for weather as we near summer? So glad I threw my cardigan in just in case.

The Hay Plain was as flat and apparently empty as always. I didn’t even see the odd Emu just lots of sheep and cattle. Generally it was quite overcast but occasionally the sun broke through

Took the opportunity to fill up with fuel in Hay (even though I only needed some 14 litres) before turning north because I knew that it was 40c a litre dearer in Ivanhoe.

Got slightly better fuel economy driving north but very little traffic, just road trains of stock heading south.

It was very dry. This dam wasn’t even muddy at the bottom.

Found the Caravan park easily but the servo looked deserted however I rung the number on the sign and it turns out the servo is a bit further on, drove up there paid for a night and filled up with fuel while I was there ($2.33/litre!). Returned to the caravan park and set up.

Wandered out for a look at the town, at the other end of town is the RSL Club, went in for a beer and discovered that they do meals after 6pm. Lovely couple of girls behind the counter. I suspect they are backpackers on an extended work visa, not sure where from as I didn’t recognise their language (it wasn’t French, German or Spanish Winking smile ).

The town even had a sculpture, though I couldn’t make out what it was about.

Opposite the caravan park is the Pub though on closer inspection it is shut and for sale.

I must admit I do like the fact that no matter where you go there are call boxes and the calls are free.

That evening returned to the club, I thought the meals were a very reasonable price, I had Salt and Pepper Squid though was tempted by the steak or the fish. Last couple of bars I have been in had neither Tooheys New or Carlton Draught on tap so tried Carlton Dry which turns out to be quite nice.

Returned to my camper quite late, watched another episode of “Riot Women on my TV before sleep.

Heading West(ish)

15th November 2025

Distance: 314 Km

Fuel: 33 L

Wollongong to Harden

Have long decided that I am going to aim for drives of about 300km with over 400km the exception rather than the rule and the drive to Harden is about 310km so didn’t need to leave Wollongong until about 11am.

Most of the drive was on the Hume Hwy so easy and fast. There is one sign on the highway that I have never understood. It says that it is the end of the Motorway yet the road continues exactly the same as before.

Harden itself is one of those small towns that has grown and merged with the neighbouring town of Murrumburrah. Have visited many times before just passing through, I recall that the local cafe does an excellent fish and chips.

Arrived at the caravan park at about 2.30pm and rang the number indicated on the empty office, the lady said she was at the show but to select a site and pay in the morning. The park is right next to the main road and a block from the railway line though I can’t say that I have ever found traffic noise a problem, it dies down once it gets dark anyway. BTW won’t be staying here again far too expensive for very average facilities

There seem to be a lot of permanent residents here with children presumably, working in the local area, some in caravans some in cabins. The park is definitely not full the busy times of the Covid era seem to be over.

Once I had set up drove further into town to buy fuel. It was a very overcast afternoon with the skies constantly threatening to rain which it did overnight

16th November 2025

Distance: 289 km

Fuel: 32 L

Harden to Goolgowi

Once again only just over 300km to drive today so didn’t leave until after 9.30. so went for a walk just for the exercise.

Murrumburrah actually looked more prosperous than Harden and it looks like that is where businesses are congregating.

Stopped briefly at Barellan to see the Big Tennis Racket, a tribute to Evonne Goolagong who came from the town.

Only made one stop at a rest area on the way and arrived in Goolgowi sometime between 1 and 2pm. There was a sign on the facilities block giving the council phone number but saying that on weekends fees were taken at the Ex services Club which opened at 4pm.

Set up the camper, drove down the road for fuel, then went for a bit of a walk to explore the delights of Goolgowi.

It is a small town used many by truckers to stop and refresh, The town appears to have a General Store, a pub and a club as the only retail outlets. There was one other caravan in the caravan park owned by someone who worked locally.

Goolgowi seems a major rest area for road trains.

The Final Sprint Home

24th May 2025

Distance: 457 Km

Fuel: 45 L

Dubbo to Wollongong

Intended to set off very early today. Once again there was the slight chance of rain so set up wet weather protection. In the event, while it was cloudy most of the day it actually didn’t rain at all.

Not looking forward to today’s drive, it will take me through the Blue Mountains and the outskirts of Sydney on a weekend. I set off before 8am when it was still quite dull.

Lake Windamere told me that I was nearing Lithgow and the Blue Mountains.

Finally the mountains came into view.

Followed by a power stations and some villages.

No photos of the trip through theBlue Mountains but eventually I was in a traffic jam on the M7 – at least the Hume Hwy and home were getting nearer.

I eventually arrived in Wollongong at about 1pm quite exhausted as I didn’t stop at all on the drive, I was that keen to get home I just kept going..

Statistics

Where would we be without some statistics for the trip?

Total Distance travelled: 8671 Km

Total fuel used: 972 litres

Average Fuel Consumption: 11.2 litres per 100km

Total Accommodation Cost: $710

I had a lovely time in Darwin, it was so much fun. I do like Darwin.

Was disappointed that I could not travel the way I had originally intended because of the tremendous flooding in Quilpie, Stonehenge etc. The Aramac to Torrens Creek Road only opened a couple of days before I travelled it. Even on the return journey there was still flooding and road damage in that area so I avoided it.

During the last few days of the trip I really was just intent on getting home so I set longer drives than usual but it was still OK. The cost of accommodation at caravan parks has gone up a lot since Covid with powered sites sometimes over $40 but most were between $33 and $40 per night. Unsurprisingly many caravans could be seen making use of (free) rest areas for the night.

If I visit Darwin again I will fly.

Back in New South Wales

Wyandra to Bourke

22nd May 2025

Distance: 363 Km

Fuel: 54 L

I was up early and had my shower just before the sun came up – I have trouble sleeping after 6am anyway.

Breakfast this morning was one of my remaining porridge servings plus the inevitable coffee before getting ready to leave.

Have to stop in Cunnamulla for fuel, it would possible to get to Bourke without refuelling but it is over 240km with no fuel stops so I feel safer with a full tank.

It wasn’t long before I crossed into NSW. Stopped a couple of times to stretch my legs at rest areas.

One thing that was immediately noticeable was the number of feral goats at the side of the road, so many goats.

Arrived about 1pm at the caravan park, I have stayed here recently on my way back from Mitchell – co incidentally the park is called Mitchell Caravan Park.

Bourke to Dubbo

23rd May 2025

Distance: 384 Km

Fuel: 42 L

Similar to yesterday I was up early and after breakfast was on my way. Set up my wet weather protection in the camper (plastic protecting the bedding) as the weather forecast indicated a slight chance of rain. In the event it was sunny all day.

Stopped briefly in Nyngan.

Then only stopped a couple of times, quite keen to get home now.

As well as plenty of feral goats, the harvest must have been good this year because there were hundreds of cotton bails along the road

Have never stayed at this park before and had great difficulty finding it, the sat nav had it completely wrong, Google didn’t know even though it is marked on Google maps. Eventually got there after much hunting back and forth – have it marked in my sat nav for future reference..

Even Further South

Winton to Blackall

20th May 2025

Distance: 403 Km

Fuel: 44 L

Two fairly long drives for the next couple of days both about 400kms each day. As you can guess this trip is now about getting home.

Left the Winton Wanderers Caravan Park about 8am to drive to Blackall

Stopped in Barcaldine to fill up with fuel at the self serve diesel only tanks.

Didn’t stop at Longreach but passed the Qantas Museum.

Finally saw the Blackall town sign.

Arrived at the caravan park about 1pm and immediately realised I have stayed here before – for some reason I get Blackall and Blackwater muddled up. Anyway set myself up in a nice spot. The place has these new(ish) unisex toilet/shower all in one facilities which are very nice but can fill up at certain times. I am not a fan I prefer separate facilities.

Drove into Blackall to look for fuel even though I only needed about 8 to 10 litres, it is comforting to start each morning with a full tank.

Blackall to Wyandra

21st May 2025

Distance: 405 Km

Fuel: 36 L

Today is once again well known territory.

Stopped at Augathella as I always seem to do, took a few of my usual photos, discovered the pub coffee shop didn’t open for another half an hour so went on my way.

Filled up with fuel in Charleville at another of those self serve diesel only stops, same company as at Barcaldine, must have a look on line to see if they have a map showing all their sites, they are so much cheaper than the regular servos.

The sky started to cloud over and I thought it might rain but eventually the clouds dispersed and the sun came out again.

Went past the wrecked railway bridge at Angellala – a truck carrying fertiliser caught fire and exploded. It wiped out the road and rail bridge, only the road bridge was replaced, the railway line was abandoned.