Stuart Highway - Port Augusta to Darwin

I had an incredible adventure crossing the Nullarbor from Perth to Adelaide! After all that riding, I decided to take a well-deserved break and treat myself to a month-long vacation in Bali. It was exactly what I needed to unwind and rejuvenate myself. I enjoyed the tropical weather, and the food in Bali was simply amazing! I especially enjoyed all the fresh vegetables and healthy dishes after indulging in so much pasta on the road.

But my journey wasn't over yet! Once my vacation was over, I headed back to Adelaide to gear up for my next adventure (Stuart Highway) through the middle of Australia. It was going to be a long and difficult journey, but I was ready for it. I was excited to explore more of this beautiful country and see all the amazing things that Australia has to offer.

Project Stuart Highway - Port Augusta to Darwin

Stuart Highway is a major Australian highway. It runs from Darwin, in the Northern Territory, via Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, to Port Augusta in South Australia; a distance of 2,720 km. Its northern and southern extremities are segments of Australia's Highway 1.

Day 1: Port Augusta, South Australia.

I went back to Port Augusta, the same place where I had camped during my trip from Perth to Adelaide. It felt weird to be in the same spot again, but it reminded me of all the amazing experiences I had during my adventure.

Looks like I am on my way.

Found myself suddenly in the large moving shadow of a huge train truck passing by. My instant response is usually to get off the road, if I can hear it coming. But as in this case, I could not, as its sound got submerged in the swoosh of the strong headwinds blowing directly against me.

Australian Trucks and Road Trains. Insufficient shoulder space on some roads is a major challenge and dangerous for cyclists. Most of the time, the driver gives enough space for the cyclist, but it’s going to be dangerous if another vehicle comes from the opposite direction at the same time.

A shelter like this is very useful and a blessing.

and a shelter like this…

My bike had a flat tyre on the first day, and luckily a shelter like this came in handy to get the tyre fixed.

As someone who loves to explore the Great Outdoors, I can say that wild camping in Australia is an unforgettable experience. The freedom to pitch your tent wherever you want is a remarkable feeling. You can choose to camp by the beach, in the bush, or even in the outback. The options are endless, and the scenery is breathtaking. Personally, I have had some great experiences while wild camping in Australia. Bushwalking is one of my favourite activities, and I love discovering new trails. Although it may seem daunting to camp in the wilderness, it's actually quite simple. All you have to do is go off the road and find a suitable spot to pitch your tent. Of course, it's important to be mindful of the environment and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Pimba community campground: it is recommended to choose a spot near the table and bench area. This is the ideal location for cooking and arranging all your camping gear. You can easily prepare your meals and enjoy them in the company of fellow campers.

Salt lake

Bushfires are a common occurrence in Australia, and they pose a significant threat to both the natural environment and human settlements. Due to the severity of these fires, campfires are not permitted in most parts of the country.

Another way of life.

One People, One Country, One Dreaming.

Lake Hart, Wirraminna, South Australia

Trainspotting.

I love camping in abandoned sheds like the one I found. It's great because it blocks the wind and makes cooking and sleeping easier. I set up camp inside and made it comfortable.

🎶 Dark side of the moon (Pink Floyd)

RFDS Air Strip

om!

Look at the sun.. Look how they shine for you…

It was as if the sun itself was smiling down on me…

As I settled down for the night, I felt grateful for the chance to experience such a breathtaking sunset.

There are many hats that we wear in life, each hat has a different purpose and represents a different aspect of our lives. But ultimately, it is up to us to choose which one we will wear each day.

So which one are you going to wear today?

Coober Pedy produces the bulk of the world's white opal. The opal mining fields of Coober Pedy lie in the outback of South Australia, Stuart Range, 750 km north of Adelaide.

It's always interesting to meet new people, especially when you least expect it. I had the chance to meet some German cyclists who were riding towards Adelaide. We had a great chat and it was really interesting to learn about their journey.

Camping at Cadney Homestead Roadhouse.

The whole evening was very relaxing and peaceful. It was exactly what I needed after a tiring day of cycling. I always look forward to my coffee break. It's a time for me to take a breather, relax, and think about the moments of the day. The coffee, the view, and the quiet atmosphere all contributed to a sense of calm and rejuvenation.

It was great to meet another cyclist from Germany. They are currently on a world tour.

Camping in a road house is a great way to travel, as they provide access to a camp kitchen, warm shower, and washing machine. You also have the opportunity to chat with other travelers, which can make for a fun and enriching experience.

If you're ever in Australia, I highly recommend visiting Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock. It's a World Heritage Site located in the Northern Territory, and it's stunning. I was lucky enough to camp there for three days and explore the area, and it was an unforgettable experience. If you ever have the chance to visit Uluru, I highly recommend it - you won't regret it!

During my camping trip in Australia, I made sure to be cautious of snakes while walking or setting up my tent. To ensure my safety, I developed a routine to check the area before pitching my tent. This helped me avoid any potential danger and gave me peace of mind while enjoying the beautiful wilderness of Australia.

First view of Uluru.

Art made by aboriginal Australians.

Respect! 

What an amazing story! This woman (Katie) was running across Australia, and her husband was carrying all the water and food for her. That is such a display of dedication and love. It is an inspiration to see people going after their dreams and adventurers like this couple.

https://www.katievisco.com

Lunch time

Alice Springs is a well-known destination for mountain bikers who seek adventure and thrill. The off-road cycling tracks here are some of the best in the country, attracting cyclists from all over. But it's not just the tracks that make Alice Springs a must-visit location for bikers. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with red rock formations and vast stretches of desert offering a unique and challenging terrain for cyclists.

The geographical centre point of the continent.

A giant Aboriginal man with a spear, who was given a modesty belt after local tribes people objected to his maleness being exposed to the Easterly winds. Created by local sculptor Mark Egan (son of the famous Ted) he says he based the proportions on a spiderman doll he found in the Alice Springs Kmart store, and it looks like it. The Mother and Daughter sculpture far below shows how his work progressed rapidly and is a moving tribute to Aboriginal women.

Aftermath of bushfire.

Vintage gallery

I met a traveler who was determined to explore the country in a special way. They came up with an amazing idea to turn an old bus into a mobile coffee shop with a library. It was a pleasure to hear their plan and see their passion for adventure. Their creativity was impressive and inspiring.

Darling pretty! It’s for you….

🎶 Darling pretty (Mark Knopfler)

Tanks like this can be seen, but they frequently lack water or, if they do, it is not drinkable. If I need water, I usually approach other vehicles in the parking lots, and everyone pitches in by providing enough water.

In the process of designing the journey's experience.

There are thousands of dead kangaroos all over the place as a result of accidents, which is sad in some ways but also demonstrates the abundance of wildlife in Australia.

Daly Waters Pub: During World War 2 Daly Waters played a significant part in the protection of the Northern Australian coastline. The Australian and American air forces were based here along with Mitchell Bombers, Kitty Hawks and a fighter squadron. Today, the pub is still a welcome destination for travellers.

Eddie the Head

When I was exploring North Australia, I discovered that there are some places where camping in the wild can be risky due to the presence of crocodiles. These creatures are notorious for being dangerous and can pose a serious threat to human life. In order to stay safe, I decided to only camp in dedicated camping spots that were known to be free of crocodiles.

Mataranka Thermal Pool: This is a designated area for swimming.

It was very hot that day and I knew I had to protect myself from the heat. So, I covered myself completely and made sure to drink lots of water all day long. Whenever I found shade, I took a break to rest and cool down.

Taking a bike ride through the heart of outback Australia was an experience that will stay with me forever.

I have finally arrived in Darwin after a long journey, and I am now taking a moment to appreciate the beauty of the sunset.

As I stand here at the end of the Stuart Highway, I can't help but feel a mix of emotions. It's been an incredible journey, filled with breathtaking sights and unforgettable experiences. But now it's time to say goodbye and head back to Bali. I need to start packing up my bike and getting ready for the journey ahead.