B.W Chaffey International Mildura

... town, with large shopping centres and lots of shops. Marcus headed off to get a haircut, while I updated my blog.<br><br>Having tea at the RSL Club tonight.<br><br>Tommorrow is a longer ride of about 160kms to Balranald - we will cross into NSW, and our forth state on this ride.<br><br>We hit the big 3,000kms today!! Only just over 1,000 to go - boy, doesn't time fly when your having fun!

After another look at Mad Max's Car and Silverton we headed south through the saltbush to Mildura. We were all very excited when we hit border into Victoria. We set up camp on the banks of the very picturesque Murray River and went into town to see a lock and a paddleboat.

Hilary writes:<br><br>Dear Friends<br>We started our trip by going to Bendigo and stayed at a friends house. We camped in their front garden. Next we went to Mildura and stayed in a campsite called River Road campsite. The River Road camp is right next to the Murray River. We went to Lake Mungo for a day trip. We climbed huge sand dunes and Alec found some emu foot prints.<br>Hilary<br><br> We departed Bendigo ...

... his wife a "bag" and mentioning something about a $50 tab, if you require more information about this see either Monique Tiller or Wendy Smith. That afternoon Mary came around, bringing with her swine flu and the most delicious apricot slice every tasted, a prize for anyone who can supply me the recipie. The day was concluded with an OTH marathon, which judging by the use of slang indicates that I am ...

... is rather dry). Once it got dark, the nightlife came out, spiders that glisten in the beam of your torch and a scorpion that is larger than life an inch long. Fortunately they stayed out of the caravan and the car. It was a lovely quiet campsite with lots of serenity.

... lakebeds. Road base is not good and we are slipping and sliding about quite badly. The caravan is also slipping and sliding around, but not necessarily in the same direction as the car. There were a few hairy moments, but due to some good luck as well as David's good driving we made it out ok.

... almonds, asparagus, with table and wine grapes predominating. There are some backpackers in the park who have been out helping to harvest the grapes. They certainly do it tough but have really been enjoying it, or so they tell us! Once we had checked out the town, viewed the Murray and the red cliffs that was about it. We have been catching up on reading and walking. It gets very cold at night and in the mornings, but really hot from midday until about ...

... sure to pay your $7 per car entry at Rangers Station. It took us about 2 hours to go the 100km as 88km of it is on dirt. Pack plenty of water, hats and wear sun protection. Mungo can get really hot. There are some great upmarket cabins near the park entry called Mungo Lodge, or camp for just $5 up the road or stay at Rangers Station in Shearers quarters inexpensively. Mungo ...

... Vista House, where W.B. Chaffey lived with his family. He and his brother brought irrigation to Mildura. Old Mildura House is at the site where the first cattle / sheep station set up. We watched the paddle steamer PS Melbourne go through lock 11. There are locks all along the Murray, designed to reduce the risk of flood and control river flow (good luck in the current drought) We went ...

... across the road where the locals cant believe it - theyre thrilled its raining - so we were right all along and the clouds have followed us here too! We are about to be hailed as raingods in Australia. Mildura also known as sunraysia - not many of those around today. As well as the puddles outside we have a few in the tent too. Taking refuge in the comfy tv lounge again we get lots of ...