Day 29: Kulgera - Coober Pedy

We all slept very well and didn't wake up until 8 o'clock. It is already quite warm outside. Even during the night, it was 32 degrees.

I march to the roadhouse to update our blog. Unfortunately, the free WiFi is more like snail mail, and it takes quite a long time for everything to go online. We have breakfast, pay a visit to the curious playground at the campsite (old abandoned tractor, swing, etc.), and hit the road. Our destination for today is the opal mining town of Coober Pedy.

Shortly after we start, we pass the border between Northern Territory and South Australia (the clock needs to be turned one hour ahead). Apart from a fuel and roadhouse stop (huge serving of fries and ice cream) in Marla, we cover the kilometers. We take turns driving. I get to drive the 4,000 kilometers. I really like the landscape along the route. The endless expanse is very impressive. We arrive in Coober Pedy around 6 p.m. and check in at Riba's Caravan Park.

Here, you have the opportunity to combine camping with a mine tour. The tour takes place daily at 7 p.m. Besides us, an Australian couple also takes part in the tour. The tour lasts about 45 minutes and provides information about the soil, blasting, mining, etc. When we come out again, we experience a beautiful sunset.

With mixed feelings, we realize that we have reached the halfway point of our journey today. We always thought that time would feel long, but it flies by. Before our trip, I was a bit skeptical if I would like Australia. Our trip through New Zealand 2 years ago was simply a dream, and I thought nothing could compare. I was mistaken. Australia is different, but just as impressive!

11/21/2016

Accommodation: Riba's Caravan Park / Coober Pedy (1 night including a 45-minute mine tour, 86 AUD, small simple clean campsite right next to a mine, very nice owners, free WiFi)

Weather: sunny in the morning, cloudy and some rain in the afternoon, 41 degrees

425 kilometers for the day, total of 4,291 km