A Journey of Discovery & Learning - Part 4

 William Creek - 6 Jun:

This stopover in William Creek was for the sole purpose of completing another 'bucket list' activity - a flight over Lake Eyre and a landing in the Painted Hills - no not the Painted Desert which you can drive into - the Hills can only be accessed by flying into the area. We booked our 'bucket list' flight for Monday afternoon, (cost $510 PP lasts for 3+ hours and includes spending 45mins on the ground in the Painted Hills). 

However, we also used this stopover as an opportunity to get some washing done and to enjoy a couple of hot showers!! 

Pub Sign

William Creek consists of a Van Park, Hotel, Fuel Stop and, an Airfield.  Before setting up in the Van Park we went to the Pub for a 'cleansing' ale. The atmosphere at the 'Pub' here was far nicer than the Birdsville Pub. Our evening meal was a very delicious Goat Curry, if you visit here don't miss it, followed by a tiramisu desert - seated next to a lovely log fire.

Mon 7 Jun - Wow!! What a wonderful day . Our young pilot, Hannah, provided us with so much info about Lake Eyre and the route out to the Painted Hills. The Hills were t5he real highlight of the flight as there was no water in Lake Eyre. 

Lake Eyre

Lake Eyre

Lake Eyre

Even photos cannot cannot show the true beauty of the stunning landscape. It was so worth the $1150 cost  to complete this 'bucket list' activity.

Painted Hills

Painted Hills

Diana at the Painted Hills

Painted Hills

After 3 days at W.C. it was time to get back on 'the track' and head west to Oodnadatta and onto Marla. Unfortunately for us, the weather turned sour this morning and we had to pack up camp in 70Kph wind. Not at all pleasant with dust covering everything outside and inside "Ada", but we finally got packed and hit the track at about 10am.

William Creek to Marla:

The final section of the Oodnadatta Track was no smoother than the first section. Extremely dusty (especially with the persistent strong wind) and very corrugated. Our main challenge today was to find a camp spot sheltered from the strong winds. We drove into a few camp spots which turned out to be too windy 

Camp Spot not used

before finally settling into a camp area, behind shrubs, at the Algebuckina Bridge. This free camp is very popular for day visitors as well as campers.

Camp Spot not used

 This amazing structure was the longest constructed bridge on the Old Ghan Railway route. One of the fascinating things about the Old Ghan is that most of the materials for constructing the line and the many bridges crossing the creeks and rivers was transported from Adelaide by camels! Near this bridge was our refuge from the wind for 2 nights. 

We Two

  

Algebuckina Bridge

Along the Bridge

'Ada' hiding at Algebuckina Bridge

Back on the track we passed through Oodnadatta, dropping into the Pink roadhouse for a break and supplies. It was very busy with people travelling to the Finke Desert Race.

Our overnight stop was on the banks of Kathleen Creek. A very peaceful camp spot where we watched many birds including budgies in a nest. 

Kathleen Creek

Sunset at Kathleen Creek

Budgerigar in Nest

Final stop on the O.T. was Marla Roadhouse and Van park. On arrival we found the pipe connecting the 2 water tanks on the van had been broken by stones. We took the opportunity of two nights here to get over the rough drive, make some repairs, and to celebrate the completion of another "bucket list" activity.