Day 1 – Saturday, 8
July 2006
Excitement filled the air as the trekkers readied
themselves in preparation for the commencement of
the 2006 trek on this cold and frosty morning. With
diesel in their veins the “boys had their toys”
purring away bright and early. A good turnout of
visitors and local people were in town to see 20
tractors and 13 support vehicles, a total of 68
members on the start of our trek to Goomalling,
Dowerin, Wyalkatchem, Trayning, Kununoppin and an
overnight stay at Mukinbudin.
Ray Head, Mayor of Northam town council
welcomed the trekkers to Northam, wished us well for
our trek and
 gave
us a letter of greeting to deliver to the President
of the Shire of Carpentaria.
 The
Rev. Cedric Jacobs, and representative of the
Noongar people gave a blessing of the tractors and
supports and prayed that the aboriginal spirit would
go with us. Trekkers were flagged off by Ron
Bywaters and Jeff de Pledge and escorted out of town
by Northam police and fire brigade. We had a brief
stop at Goomalling and Dowerin for a chat to locals
who came out to support us. Unfortunately, one
tractor had a major engine malfunction and had to be
assisted into Mukinbudin for repairs. A group of
volunteer trekkers stayed to assist in replacing the
engine. We would like to acknowledge Avon Precision
Engine Service for working after hours to enable
 the
tractor to be back on the road with the minimum
amount of delay, the Mukinbudin Caravan Park for
waiving the fees for the trekkers that stayed behind
and Mick Walsh for the use of his workshop in
Mukinbudin.
Day 2 – Sunday, 9 July
2006
Trekkers departed after a brief meeting at 8.30am
for Bullfinch. A very light shower of rain fell
(much to the delight of the locals) as we entered
Bullfinch for lunch. We then continued on the
Bullfinch Evanston Road, our first gravel road, for
the trek where we spotted a few wildflowers and some
old gold diggings of years gone by. Brenda, Peter
and Matt entertained us with a sing-along in the
evening around the campfire.
Day 3 – Monday, 10
July 2006
Our morning meeting was touched with a tinge of
sadness as we said farewell to two of our members.
As we headed for Niagra Dam, our camp for the night,
the sun came out for the first time. One of our
younger trekkers, Sam performed a few magic tricks
as entertainment for the night.
Day 4 – Tuesday, 11
July 2006
On leaving the picturesque Niagra Dam heading for
Laverton the countryside looked in good condition.
We
passed Mt Remarkable, Lake Raeside, Kookynie and
Malcolm where we hit the bitumen, which lead us into
Laverton arriving at lunchtime which allowed us to
get all the housekeeping jobs done. We received news
that the trekkers back at Mukinbudin had fixed the
tractor and were on their way to join us.
Day 5 – Wednesday, 12
July 2006
We awoke to a bitterly cold wind and light
drizzling rain. We saw magnificent Sturt peas in
flower, a mob of camels, emus, a wedge tail eagle
and galahs. Travelling out on the Great Central
Road, passing motorists were generous with their
donations as we traversed towards our bush camp.
Although the light drizzling rain made conditions
uncomfortable at night it helped to settle the dust
when travelling.
Day 6 – Thursday, 13
July 2006
The wet and windy conditions during the night
created a few problems resulting in some of the
tents collapsing. On arrival at Tjukayiria
Roadhouse we were advised that the road to the west
and the east had been closed earlier in the day and
we were to wait until they were reopened. The
trekkers who assisted with the mechanical problems
at Mukinbudin were stranded at Laverton.
Day 7 – Friday, 14
July 2006
The
road to Warburton was still closed so we were able
to catch up on tractor repairs and housekeeping. In
the evening we celebrated Christmas in July. All the
ladies contributed to a feast of various dishes.
This was followed with plum pudding and custard.
Brenda Dowsett entertained us on her piano accordion
with her singing of Christmas carols and other
songs. A great night was had by all.
Day 8 – Saturday, 15
July 2006
After another very cold night the morning began
with welcome sunshine. All the tractors and
supports were assembled in front of the roadhouse
for departure when the (delayed) group started
rolling in. After a brief meeting, President, Max
Smith welcomed them back into the fold. The
Managers, Mark and Sandy, of the Tjukayiria Road
House were thanked for their hospitality. The trek
was heavy going with badly corrugated roads after
the rain. The camp spot was at the junction of the
Sandy Blight Junction/Rebecca Hills.
Day 9 – Sunday, 16
July 2006
Trekkers travelled into Warburton and refuelled
ready for departure. This was a scenic drive through
the Warburton rangers with undulating country side,
sparse shrubs, casuarinas and yellow flowering
acacias Trekkers saw several camels as we traversed
through the Barrow and Robinston Ranges. As the
orange Chamberlain 9G’s trundled single file along
the road it made an impressive scene. We had
another bush camp under a magnificent night sky.
Day 10 – Monday, 17
July 2006
We had a reasonable run to Giles where some
trekkers visited the weather station and were given
an informative tour around the base. We viewed the
grader that was used by survivor Len Beadell to make
all the roads in the area for the atomic test and
the Woomera rocket range. We also viewed another
piece of history from “Sky Lab”. The tractors and
support vehicles refuelled at Warakuna. There was a
great improvement in the road after leaving Warakuna
as we travelled parallel with the Peterman Ranges on
the right and the Schwerin on the left. We saw some
magnificent stands of beautiful dessert oaks. Close
to the ranges we came across the explorer Ernest
Giles tree along with the names of Len Beadell’s
road crew. We crossed the WA/NT border after lunch
with much exhilaration and anticipation. The ranges
were breathtaking with their various hues and
shadows.
 We set up camp at the base of the hills at
the Docker River campsite where we had flushing
toilets, cold showers and barbeques.
Day 11 – Tuesday, 18 July 2006
We had a dry night but
woke to very bitter cold winds. After a brief
meeting we headed to Lassiter’s Cave for
morning
tea. After lunch the spectacular Olgas (Kata Tjuta)
came into view. Depending on the weather conditions
the Olgas (like Uluru) change dramatically. As we
drew closer with the sun shining on the Olgas they
appeared with soft shades of pink and blue. The
south side of the rock is very marked from the
prevailing weather and you can notice where the rain
has formed waterfalls over the rock. Most of the
trekkers visited the Olgas whilst some went ahead to
Yulara to set up camp and others went to Alice
Springs to sort out mechanical problems. Back on
the bitumen again it seemed very strange after so
many days of corrugated and dirty roads. Fifty
kilometers from the Olgas stands the great Aussie
icon, the monolith, Uluru/Ayres Rock.
Day
12 – Wednesday, 19 July 2006
Day 13 – Thursday, 20 July 2006
Trekkers did their own sight seeing around Yulara
and the Olgas.
Day 14 – Friday, 21 July 2006
After an early departure we were all excited
about being on the road again. Still on the bitumen
we travelled to Curtin Springs for morning tea. From
where we were able to view Mt Connor with its
impressive flat top, the height being only four
meters smaller than Uluru. Lunch stop at Luritja
Road turnoff on the way to the Palmer River were we
planned to camp for the night. The scenery along
this road was great with masses of various scrubs
and desert oaks. We camped under a beautiful starry
sky (without any wind).
Day 15 – Saturday, 22 July
2006
It was an absolutely beautiful sunrise this
morning. We travelled along the Palmer River until
we hit the Finke River. This was one of our most
spectacular travelling days with diverse scenery and
road conditions (from stoney river bed to sand) . We
stopped for morning tea at Boggy Hole where we
unexpectedly came across a flock of pelicans and
other bird life. The group was in absolute awe of
the countryside we travelled through. On our way to
Alice Springs we stopped off at Hermansberg Mission
where we viewed paintings and aboriginal artifacts.
We travelled parallel to the MacDonnell Ranges
before stopping at John Flynn’s memorial stone for
afternoon tea and a photo session before arriving at
Alice Springs in the late afternoon.
Day 16, 17, 18 - Sunday
23 July, Monday 24 July, and Tuesday 25 July
Trekkers all enjoyed the
facilities at the Stuart Caravan Park and the
opportunity to see some of the sites in and around
Alice Springs eg Cultural Centre, Desert Park,
National Transport Hall of Fame, Ballooning, and
Royal Flying Doctor Service (plus many more).
Monday evening was spent at
the Heavitree Gap Outback Lodge where we dined on
scrumptious seafood – crayfish and prawns supplied
by George and Ann Bass of Dongara and oysters
supplied by George Baldwin of Smokey Bay with
delicious salads donated by the Lodge. The meal was
followed by a club auction where we raised over
$3000 for the Royal Flying Doctor Service and
Children’s Hospitals. A large amount of goods had
been donated by various businesses and trekkers
ranging from jewellery, electrical, mechanical, hand
made craft and even a gold nugget. Chris Callaghan
entertained us with his music and the club video of
the first trek across Australia was played on DVD.
Day 19,
Wednesday 26 July
Leaving Alice Springs, we
travelled to the East MacDonnell Ranges via the Ross
River Highway to the 19th century gold
mining settlement of Arltunga. On the way we
visited Emily and Jessie Gap and had lunch at
Corroboree Rock which rises forbiddingly in front of
the main range and is of great importance to local
Aboriginal people. Onward to Trephina Gorge which
is noted for its sheer quartzite cliffs and River
Red Gum lined watercourses. Some trekkers went on
to Ross River Homestead, which was originally
constructed in the early 1900’s, and is set amongst
some beautiful scenery. A restaurant and a bar have
recently been added to homestead out of material
from the Old Ghan railway (sleepers and tracks). We
made camp at Arltunga Bush Hotel and campsite.
Day 20,
Thursday 27 July
s we left camp heading to Huckitta Station we drove through Arltunga
Historical Reserve with a beautiful view of the
ranges ahead of us, and diverse scenery – changing
from dry river crossings (and a wet one), river
gums, and high country with soft green shoots.
A support vehicle broke a king
pin but with many willing and able hands and the
correct equipment the problem was soon fixed. The
road was very dry and dusty but the magnificent
Harts Ranges we passed through lifted our spirits.
We were all pleased to reach Huckitta Station where
we camped for the night.
Day 21,
Friday 28 July
Another beautiful day as we
headed to Cockatoo Bore. We passed some large
termite mounds and two graders (which we were
delighted to see as they made a great improvement to
the road). We stopped at Jervois Homestead for
morning tea and refuelling and had another bush
camp.
Day 22,
Saturday 29 July
We have now been on the road for three weeks and all
trekkers seem to be enjoying ourselves. Not far
from the Queensland border as we head for Tobermorey
Station for morning tea. The station, with a
beautiful green lawn for campers was a very welcome
sight after the long dusty drive. Most enjoyed an
ice cream for the shop. We passed through a couple
of very large bulldust holes which gave a couple of
trekkers quite a scare. We only saw one road train
and one car until we reached Urangandi. All had a
great night as we mixed with the locals who had been
anxiously awaiting our arrival.
Day 23 and 24, Sunday 30
July, Monday 31 July
Leaving Urangandi we passed
through some excellent pasture plains for cattle and
then hit the bitumen for 88 kms to Mt Isa. The
scenery became very picturesque as we neared the
town. On arrival at Mt Isa, the tractors formed up
outside the town and did a parade through the main
streets.
Monday was free for sight
seeing and shopping.
Day 25 - Tuesday 1 August 2006
After a scenic drive through hills on a narrow
bitumen road we arrived early at Cloncurry. Some of
the members enjoyed a fish BBQ at the Caravan Park.
Day 26 - Wednesday 2 August 2006
Chumvale Station were mustering cattle and some of
the members enjoyed watching the muster by
helicopter, motorbike and horses. Morning tea, at
the homestead was enjoyed by the trekkers as they
looked around at the colourful gardens.
The local sights of Cloncurry including Mary
Kathleen Centre, John Flynn Centre and the Original
Qantas hanger were visited by most trekkers.
Day
27 - Thursday 3 August 2006
The tractors visited the Cloncurry public state
school and the catholic school before heading off to
Quamby where we had morning tea. We called into the
Burke and Wills Roadhouse for drinks and ice-cream
on our way for a bush camp on Cowan Downs Station.
Here we enjoyed a community dinner around a large
campfire. The Daley’s on their tractor caught up
with us that night.
Day 28 - Friday 4 August 2006
Had a good run to Normanton with the tractors,
arriving at the caravan park at
1.30pm after doing a circuit around town. Three more members joined
us for the rest of the trek. A photo shoot with all
the tractors outside of the train station was held
before an official welcome from the Shire CEO, Lee
Farrell. We then joined the local bowling club
members for a fun evening of barefoot bowls and BBQ
fundraiser.
Day 29 - Saturday 5 August 2006
Several members started the day with a great trip on
the Gulf Lander Train and a delicious morning tea at
Critters Camp after being held up by a bush ranger
on horse back. A great fun morning was had by all.
On arrival back at the railway station an auction
was held amongst the tractor drivers for the
privilege of towing the old
RM60 rail engine to start it and some members then took a
short ride.
Day
30 - Sunday 6 August 2006
Trekkers were hosted by the Gulf of Carpentaria
Shire with very informative walking and bus tours
around the town and surrounding area. We were given
a talk by Diane Reeves a Commonwealth Gold Medal
Winner in skeet shooting. Kris the Croc was a great
attraction being a replica 8.27meter crocodile shot
by a female hunter in 1957. After a formal welcome
by the Mayor, Ashley Gallagher, President of our
club then handed over a letter from
Ray Head, Mayor of Northam Town Council. We were then
treated to lunch. Joining us was a cyclist who had
ridden 14,000 kms around
Australia whom we had passed previous days along the
road. Some members enjoyed a sunset croc cruise.
Day 31 - Monday 7 August 2006
Some of the tractors visited the Normanton Primary
School to give a talk to the students. We then
stopped for morning tea at the bakery before heading
off on a short trip to Karumba enjoying many Brolgas
and other bird life along the way. After lunch
trekkers enjoyed a bus tour of the town and a visit
to the Barramundi Discovery Centre, once again
organized by Lee Farrell the Shire CEO. We enjoyed
a beautiful sunset over the mouth of the
Norman
River and BBQ provided by the local Lions Club at
Karumba Point. An Auction followed with an
enthusiastic and entertaining auctioneer, Lee
Farrell raising $2,000 together with a donation by
the Lions Club of $500. The evening was enjoyed by
all.
Day 32 - Tuesday 8 August 2006
Some members had an early start going on fishing
trips while a few tractors visited the local Karumba
Primary School and Day Care Centre giving a talk to
the students and teachers. During the afternoon a
few fishy tales were told. All trekkers filled in
their census forms this evening.
Day 33 - Wednesday 9 August 2006
This morning we said a fond farewell to twenty three
trekkers who departed to return home. Nurse Donna
gave us a talk on the sand flies, mosquito’s,
drinking water and where we place ourselves in the
bush. After handing in our census forms we headed
off together parting ways after morning tea. After a
lunch stop at Gilbert River we were visited by a
helicopter in the middle of mustering. There were
termite mounds in the thousands along the way.
Wallabies, herons, geese, ring parrots and plenty of
woodlands and billabongs made the drive very
interesting. We called into Dunbar Station homestead
and then carried on to camp near the Mitchell River.
Day 34 - Thursday 10 August 2006
We camped not to far from the Mitchell River
crossing but unfortunately because the river was too
deep we couldn't cross so we had to take an
alternative route through Chilligoe and Palmerville
crossing many dry river beds. We saw a lot of cattle
in good condition with plenty of water in road
run-offs. We had lunch at one of the many lagoons
filled with water lilies and saw a small crocodile.
The termite mounds are getting bigger and increasing
in number. We camped on the grassy banks of the
Palmer River.
Day 35 - Friday 11 August 2006
Today was a challenge for all concerned. One tractor
and trailer jack-knifed and caused some concern but
with the usual team work was soon back on the road
none the worse for wear. Crossed a couple of big
rivers with flowing water and stopped for a well
earned break and lunch at the
Hann
River. Traversed the Great Dividing Range and the
rest of the day was spent on a rollercoaster ride
crossing many creeks and rivers. Arrived at Coen, an
old gold mining town, and set up camp behind the
Hotel. Most of us enjoyed a great BBQ at the hotel
that night.
Day 36 - Saturday 12 August 2006
Headed for Weipa today driving over roads that were
badly damaged by cyclones during the year. There
were many road works in progress. Saw our first
grass trees, different from West Australian ones. On
leaving the Archer River roadhouse we crossed the
Archer
River in convoy blowing our horns for the
entertainment of campers along the river (the
thought of crocodiles don’t seem to worry some
people). We camped at the Weipa Camping Grounds
which is right on the beach. We were invited to put
the tractors on display at the local Rodeo which is
only held once a year. An entertaining night was had
by all who attended.
Day 37 - Sunday 13 August 2006
We were invited to play a game of cricket with the
local cricket club members this morning. So with
usual flare our members turned up in full force and
provided a great mornings entertainment. Recognising
members under coloured wigs and costuming was a
challenge in itself. Thanks to the cricket club
members who provided the sausage sizzle to finish
off our mornings activities.
Day 38 - Monday 14 August 2006
Ten members headed for Mapoon to experience first
hand the research of turtles. Some females were
spotted laying eggs on the beach that night.
The rest of the members spent the day sightseeing
and relaxing in Weipa and watching the lovely
sunset.
Day 39 - Tuesday 15 August 2006
The group on
Flinders
Beach helped in the removal of nets washed up on the
beach as a conservation activity, and was also
fortunate enough to be able to handle a freshly
hatched baby turtle before heading back to Weipa.
Tractors also lined up on the beach at Weipa for a
photo shoot and helicopter rides were organised for
those who wanted to see the area by air. A bit of
excitement was caused when a rather large Python
visited the caravan park.
Day 40 - Wednesday 16 August 2006
After a relaxing few days at Weipa we headed off for
Bramwell Station arriving in the middle of the
afternoon. Two cyclones this year have done a lot
of damage to roads, repairs couldn’t commence until
the middle of June. After we set up camp the owner
gave us a very interesting talk on the running of
the station and the history of the area. We also
enjoyed a roast dinner on the verandah of the open
style bar.
Day 41 - Thursday 17 August 2006
After a very enjoyable overnight stay at Bramwell
Station we left full of excitement for the day ahead
with one group of tractors and support vehicles
taking on the old telegraph line track and its many
creek water crossings and the rest of the vehicles
taking the safer option of the by-pass road.
The first crossing (Palm crossing) created an air of
excitement and trepidation but everybody managed to
get through except one support who nose dived his
vehicle into the first dip and had to be pulled out
backwards. Trekkers visited Fruit Bat Falls and
enjoyed a refreshing swim and Twin Falls. It was a
day of great achievements for those who had never
attempted anything like the challenges we faced
today. We camped on the banks of the Jardine River
ready for crossing on the barge tomorrow.
Day 42 - Friday 18 August 2006
Vietnam
Veterans Day today. A moving dawn service was held
by one of our members who also had an Australian
flag of a deceased Vietnam veteran hanging from a
tree with the Jardine River in the background making
a wonderful setting. By 7.30am tractors were lined
up ready for the ferry crossing. Two tractors with
trailers were transported across the river each
trip. One of the caravan axles snapped and lost a
wheel on the way into Seisia. Once again everyone
worked as a team. A stub-axle was welded onto the
broken axle and a wheel off one of the support
vehicles tandem trailer was put on the van and we
were back on the road again, making it into Seisia
in time for arrangements to be made for a new axle
to be flown in the following week. While repairs
were under way passing traffic was brought to a
standstill and quite a few donations were collected.
Some timely advice and help was also given by some
of our members to passing traffic highlighting
unrealised problems on their trailers.
Day 43 - Saturday 19 August 2006
Trekkers were invited to put tractors on display at
the Bamaga Show and encouraged to take part in the
mud track trials. Some intrepid members took their
tractors around the very muddy track which had some
quite deep water traps. A lot of fun was had by all
watching the morning activities and wandering around
the many different stalls. Some members stayed for
the races which was quite a unique experience. Bare
feet, thongs, halters instead of bridles and bare
back were all the go. True bush horse racing
events. This evening the Seisia Fishing Club put on
a delicious meal and we danced to the local band.
Day 44 - Sunday 20 August 2006
THE FINAL
LEG
An early start today was made to drive out to the
“TIP” of Cape York and dip our wheels into the
waters of the
Torres Strait
where the Arafura and Coral Seas meet. Champagne
corks popped as we all celebrated the completion of
our drive across Australia, Cape Leeuwin to Cape
York. By the time celebrations had finished the
tide was starting to engulf the tractors, a merry
procession then made dry land from where we all
walked up over the rocky headland to the most
northerly point of mainland Australia to continue
our celebrations. Beautiful views over the
surrounding islands and bays were a sight to see.
The rest of the day was spent exploring every inch
of the Cape with Chamberlain 9G tractors going in
all directions.
Day 45 - Monday 21 August 2006
Today saw most of us boarding the ferry for an
overnight trip to Thursday and Horn Islands. Our NSW
members did a day trip as they were leaving early
the next morning to return home. We passed a large
number of islands as we travelled across the
beautiful blue waters to Thursday Island where we
all did the island tour by bus and then spent some
free time wandering around the streets and enjoying
the islands culture. Trekkers, then in their own,
time caught the ferry across to Horn Island Resort.
We had our first tropical thunderstorm today as we
negotiated our way from the ferry to the Resort. A
fantastic War Museum and Cultural Centre has been
set up here and many hours were spent browsing and
learning about the history of this part of
Australia.
Day 46 - Tuesday 22 August 2006
This morning we were taken on a very informative bus
tour of Horn Island seeing the many World War II
sites including gun emplacements, trenches, WWII
plane wrecks and camouflage network around the
airstrip. Much work has been done by local people to
preserve and restore this history. We then caught
the ferry back to Thursday Island where we had lunch
and did last minute shopping before boarding the
ferry back to the mainland. An experience enjoyed by
all.
Day 47 - Wednesday 23 August 2006
Today was spent doing last minute sight seeing,
maintenance and packing in preparation for the start
of our return journey. The axles arrived for the
caravan and all was repaired in time to leave with
the rest of the group.
Day 48 – Thursday 24 August 2006
After some discussion it was decided to cut out two
days of our return journey and end our trek at Coen.
Everybody headed back to the
Jardine
River for the ferry crossing where we were joined by
dozens of motor bike riders sharing deck space. An
almost uneventful trip was had to our next camp site
at Bramwell Junction except for the “A” frame on
another camper trailer needing some reinforcing. It
was then found that on tractor had water in the oil.
After draining the oil and replacing it and pouring
plenty of stop leak product into the radiator it was
decided to carry on with fingers crossed. A biker
that had fallen off and was in a serious state was
taken to Moreton Overland Telegraph Station by a
support vehicle so that he could be transferred to
Cairns Hospital by Royal Flying Doctor. While
awaiting for the plane to arrive another biker was
also brought in by a backup vehicle to be flown out.
We could actually see our fund raising efforts for
the Royal Flying Doctor Service put to good use.
Day 49 – Friday 25 August 2006
Another early start with everyone keen to get to
Coen for our final farewell camp. Called into the
old Moreton Overland Telegraph Station, had lunch at
Archer River roadhouse and arrived in Coen with
plenty of time to set up camp and prepare ourselves
for our last night together as a group. A great BBQ
was put on by the hotel and after plenty of
celebrations we had our last meeting with everybody
expressing their thanks for a job well done and
their appreciation for being able to be part of such
a memorable event.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL TREKKERS FOR TAKING ON THIS
GREAT ADVENTURE AND ACHIEVING WHAT WE SET OUT TO
DO.
WELL DONE EVERYBODY!!!!!!
Everyone arrived home safely with seemingly no
troubles. So now we await our next adventure.
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