4. Nyngan

After leaving Tamworth we happen upon this sign and noticed that we would be driving through Coonabarabran and we got excited. We had taken a trip last year to Dubbo and the Warumbungles National Park which we enjoyed very much. The kids also recognized Split Rock from last year. This time we just stopped in a picnic area for lunch. During lunch we were treated to seeing a mob of wild kangaroo across the field and in the trees.

The Warumbungles park is more than a worthwhile stop on any trip - it is a destination in its own right.

Taking the dirt road back way out of the Warrumbungles park, we encountered a country rush hour. I wasn't quite sure how the bulls would react to our red Pajero. For the most part it was hot and they were quite content to do as little as possible as we rolled by.

We were cruising along the same road when I slowed to avert what appeared to be a tree log in the road. As I pulled the Pajero to a stop the 'tree log' got up and ran off the road, trampling tall grasses along the side of the road at about 20 KPH.

We turned the Pajero around hoping to get another glimpse of this magnificent creature - a 6 foot long monitor lizard.

It climbed up a rather sturdy tree where we were able to get this photo. Sorry about the lack of flash - we'd only had the camera a few days and were still learning how to use it. The image at the right has been contrast enhanced. He/she really had those stripe markings and glistened with a multitude of metallic blues, yellows and greens.

After staying in a beautiful bay side cabin, I was somewhat expecting a lower standard of quality as we pressed further into the outback. I was wrong. All through the trip, the cabins were clean and tidy, some newer and some a bit older, but never disappointing.

The parks all had playgrounds - something you hardly ever find at a motel and again a nice parkland setting and outdoor gas barbeques. That is something we regretfully under utilized on this trip.

So is this the outback?

No, but we're getting very close now.

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