My decision on Thursday, March 18 to do an about face on the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia and head to my daughter's place in southern Queensland instead of to Western Australia proved to be a timely one. Every day Coronavirus cases were growing across the country. Federal and State governments were starting to talk about border closures and travel restrictions, making it apparent that changes would happen rapidly and with little advance warning.
I felt an urgency building as I headed toward the new place I would call home for months to come, so left Wilcannia where I had overnighted the following Saturday night intending to put as many kilometers under my belt for the day as possible. It was amazing driving through central NSW to see the difference rain had made compared to four or five months previous when much of the area had been in the grip of drought.
From Coonamble I headed northwest fairly early next morning. It was an easy run on narrow country roads with barely another motorist in sight for hour after hour. Google maps sent us on a direct route through Pilliga, Wee Waa and across to Bellata where we picked up the Newell highway. The last hour was interesting to say the least. We ended up on a dirt track that Google found god knows where, navigating our way over creek crossings and along roads that would have been impassable in the event of rain. I was very glad the sky was blue! I was somewhat relieved when I spotted cars and trucks in the distance and we eventually hit the bitumen!
From there it was not far to the Queensland border. I had only 24 hours up my sleeve before anyone entering the north eastern state would be required to self-quarantine for 14 days and to cap that off there was lots of advice from governments to stop unnecessary traveling and "go home". It was a relief to actually get across the border at Goondoowindi around midday. From there it was just over 100 km to Lake Coolmunda where I planned to spend a few nights before going on to Shelley and Adam's.
Lake Coolmunda was lovely. It only cost $10 per night to camp beside the lake, the weather was perfect, there were only three other vans in and I felt the need to just relax a bit having just covered more than 2200 km in four days. I paid for two nights and found myself a great spot looking out over the beautiful water views. I couldn't be bothered unhitching by the time I arrived, so just had a chilled evening enjoying the serenity.
LAKE COOLMUNDA is a fantastic spot that is a destination in its own right. The lake is large with a boat ramp so is a popular fishing spot. The lakeside camp area is massive. You pay $10 pp per night at the caravan park up the road, then open the boom gate with the card supplied. You can pick any spot in the open grassland area beside the lake. Amenities include showers, toilets, water, dump point, bbq's, fire pits, laundry, bins, tables, some shade and great scenery. It's a few kilometers out of the quaint little town of Inglewood so has full mobile and TV coverage. I rate it a full 5 *****!
I was fluffing around late next morning watching the latest Covid-19 news live on my tablet when the Premier of Queensland gave a press conference announcing that their borders would be completely closed to non-residents the following day. Mmm....time to get to Shelley's methinks! In less than an hour I was back on the road, very nervous every time I passed a police car (which I did three times), that I would be intercepted and told to go back to my home state of Victoria (where my home was being lived in by my friend Dot until the coming September). But fortunately that didn't happen and I arrived in Canungra around 2pm Tuesday, March 24.
After greeting Shelley and grandson Lachy (who was remote tele-schooling due to the pandemic) making sure to maintain "social distancing" as now required, I set up the van in the back corner of the property adjacent to Shell's saddlery workshop where I had access to power and water. In no time at all I was feeling very much at home and truly happy to be in a safe place that was also a beautiful environment. How lucky am I!
Since arriving nine days ago I haven't left the property bar going for a couple of walks. My days have been surprisingly full. My caravan received a much needed thorough wash, as did my laundry. I have developed a daily exercise regimen, set up my putting practice mat, encouraged the local wildlife to visit, and light my fire late each afternoon. I love it when the family come and enjoy it with me.
I felt an urgency building as I headed toward the new place I would call home for months to come, so left Wilcannia where I had overnighted the following Saturday night intending to put as many kilometers under my belt for the day as possible. It was amazing driving through central NSW to see the difference rain had made compared to four or five months previous when much of the area had been in the grip of drought.
I had earmarked a few potential spots to prop some 400 to 600 kilometers on my track, but with a few short breaks I was feeling good so kept driving until just before dusk. That was later than I like to be on the road, however in the end I didn't feel l had much choice as some of the options were just shitful, so I kept going until I drove into the showgrounds at Coonamble. It was a huge complex, well off the highway, and even though I was the only one overnighting I did feel completely safe. I picked a grassy spot before enjoying a balmy sunset stroll with little mate James.
COONAMBLE SHOWGROUNDS is a pretty good overnighter. I stayed on the grassy area which is probably out of bounds - but there was no-one around to make me shift. Aside from that there is a spacious, flat gravel/dirt area with toilets nearby and shade. It's fairly close into town, so has TV and phone reception. Apparently you you are supposed to leave a donation of $5, but I didn't see a box. It gets 3 out of 5 stars from me.
From Coonamble I headed northwest fairly early next morning. It was an easy run on narrow country roads with barely another motorist in sight for hour after hour. Google maps sent us on a direct route through Pilliga, Wee Waa and across to Bellata where we picked up the Newell highway. The last hour was interesting to say the least. We ended up on a dirt track that Google found god knows where, navigating our way over creek crossings and along roads that would have been impassable in the event of rain. I was very glad the sky was blue! I was somewhat relieved when I spotted cars and trucks in the distance and we eventually hit the bitumen!
Lake Coolmunda was lovely. It only cost $10 per night to camp beside the lake, the weather was perfect, there were only three other vans in and I felt the need to just relax a bit having just covered more than 2200 km in four days. I paid for two nights and found myself a great spot looking out over the beautiful water views. I couldn't be bothered unhitching by the time I arrived, so just had a chilled evening enjoying the serenity.
LAKE COOLMUNDA is a fantastic spot that is a destination in its own right. The lake is large with a boat ramp so is a popular fishing spot. The lakeside camp area is massive. You pay $10 pp per night at the caravan park up the road, then open the boom gate with the card supplied. You can pick any spot in the open grassland area beside the lake. Amenities include showers, toilets, water, dump point, bbq's, fire pits, laundry, bins, tables, some shade and great scenery. It's a few kilometers out of the quaint little town of Inglewood so has full mobile and TV coverage. I rate it a full 5 *****!
I was fluffing around late next morning watching the latest Covid-19 news live on my tablet when the Premier of Queensland gave a press conference announcing that their borders would be completely closed to non-residents the following day. Mmm....time to get to Shelley's methinks! In less than an hour I was back on the road, very nervous every time I passed a police car (which I did three times), that I would be intercepted and told to go back to my home state of Victoria (where my home was being lived in by my friend Dot until the coming September). But fortunately that didn't happen and I arrived in Canungra around 2pm Tuesday, March 24.
After greeting Shelley and grandson Lachy (who was remote tele-schooling due to the pandemic) making sure to maintain "social distancing" as now required, I set up the van in the back corner of the property adjacent to Shell's saddlery workshop where I had access to power and water. In no time at all I was feeling very much at home and truly happy to be in a safe place that was also a beautiful environment. How lucky am I!
Since arriving nine days ago I haven't left the property bar going for a couple of walks. My days have been surprisingly full. My caravan received a much needed thorough wash, as did my laundry. I have developed a daily exercise regimen, set up my putting practice mat, encouraged the local wildlife to visit, and light my fire late each afternoon. I love it when the family come and enjoy it with me.
I make sure I have plenty of different things I can do to keep myself occupied and entertained, including giving myself a number 6 haircut!
The parrots are becoming friendlier each day. It is just such a beautiful space to spend in semi-isolation.
And it is amazing to see my grandson growing and learning new skills from his dad.
MARCH 2020 COVID-19 STATISTICS & SITUATION
1/3/20
Global Infections: 86,604 Australian Infections: 25
Global Deaths: 2977 Australian Deaths: 0
1/4/20
Global Infections: 871,371 Australian Infections: 4763
Global Deaths: 42,107 Australian Deaths: 20
Coronavirus was first reported by China on December 31, 2019 where it spread rapidly. The first confirmed death was in Wuhan, China on January 9. The first reported case outside China was from Thailand on January 13, followed by small numbers of cases in USA, Nepal, France, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan soon after.
Australia's first case was reported on January 25.
On February 27 Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison announced the activation of the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus.
Australia's first reported death was March 1st.
On March 11 WHO (World Health Organisation) declared COVID-19 a pandemic. It was spreading rapidly across the globe and death rates were on the rise with Europe becoming the new epicentre of the outbreak.
A National Cabinet was formed to deal with the crisis on March 13 and immediately announced gatherings of 500 or more people should be cancelled from 15 March. From midnight that day all inbound travelers were told to self-isolate for fourteen days.
In Australia a "human bio-security emergency" was declared on March 18 and on March 20 Australia closed it's borders to non residents. On March 21 a Social Distancing Rule of 4 square meters in any enclosed space was imposed.
On March 23 all places of social gathering in Australia were closed - clubs, pubs, bars, entertainment venues, cinemas, casinos, nightclubs and places of worship. Cafes and restaurants could only serve takeaway.
As of the end of March there are border closures and/or strict travel restrictions in all Australian states and territories. Social groups are limited to two people unless living in the same house. All organised sport has been cancelled. Returning residents from overseas are held in strict quarantine for 14 days.
All Australians are being told to stay at home unless they have to go out for work, essential shopping, medical appointments, school or solo exercise.
Hundreds of thousands of Australians are now unemployed and virtually confined to their homes.
Multi-billion dollar packages have been announced by the government to stimulate the economy, provide relief and support for individuals, workers and businesses affected by the pandemic as well as massive funding tipped into various areas of health and welfare.
What a difference a month has made to this world in which we all live.
