Roadtrip Tag 59 - Balladonia Track & the longest straight road in Australia

After getting some rest and taking another shower, we set off. We wanted to take the shortcut Balladonia Track to Highway A1, and then drive more than 1000 km through nothingness to South Australia. 

On the map, the track looks like a normal gravel road, so it shouldn't be a problem. The first 70 km were really great to drive, and we encountered a few trucks because there is a mine along the road. Shortly after, we saw some signs saying '4x4 only'. We thought, 'It will be fine.' For us, that was the worst drive of our lives. We were already planning to be picked up by a rental car at the intersection after the track. We struggled at 20 km/h over potholes, rocks, rough terrain, and later even through mud holes. Not a single vehicle came towards us. Thankfully, we arrived at the highway around lunchtime. And Maxi is still alive and driving along diligently. We are so proud of our Maxi! For us, it was the worst road in Australia. Padi promised Maxi that she will never drive off-road for the remaining 4900 km. 

Filled with adrenaline from the morning, we set off from Balladonia Roadhouse towards the south. After 30 km of driving, we reached the longest straight road in Australia. It went straight for 146.6 km. It was just sooo boring, as there was no mobile phone or radio reception. And we already know our USB stick with music by heart after 11,000 km. The only spectacular thing was that due to the endless straight road, you could see the curvature of the earth. The following kilometers were just as uneventfully boring. In the evening, we stopped at a rest area shortly after Madura. From Madura, we had a great view of the 'Nothingness'.