What an amazing day we had today!!! 

Breakfast was delicious at the hotel and then off we went to Simpsons Gap in the West MacDonald mountain range. The scenery was beautiful and we even spotted a wallaby looking down at us. 

Then it was a four hour drive to the Outback over a very rough unpaved road. Our driver had to get out and switch to 4-wheel drive to traverse the road.  We had stops along the way, even having a pee break where we all found a bush of our own and squatted down, since there is literally nothing around for miles and miles. 

The big problem with the Outback is the black flies. They are all over no matter where you go. The flies don’t bite but they are always buzzing around your face and are really annoying. Thankfully we have the fly nets that go over our hats and they work great.  Fortunately, when the sun sets, the flies are gone. 

Our guides provided a delicious lunch for us along the way and then we stopped and we all worked together to collect wood for our camping experience. Allan helped cut the wood into the pieces needed for both the main fire pit and for the shower waters that are heated by firewood to keep the water in the tank hot. 

We arrived at our campsite and were greeted by Jen and Jessie, the camp hosts.  Allan got the fires started and we all helped the hosts whenever they needed it. We were told that we would be washing our own plates, glasses, and silverware in the sink which would be filled with hot water from the stove. Everyone works together. 

Susan took us on an orientation walk of the camp grounds. Everyone was assigned a tent and if we wanted to, we could sleep under the stars in a swag, using the tent to store our knapsacks.  She showed us the shower facilities. There were two showers, and you pull a chain across the path to the shower that says “Occupied” when you wanted to take a shower. The two toilets are also on the path and you again pull the chain across the path to let people know the toilet is in use. You were able to sit on the ‘throne’ and look out into the wilderness and when showering, you could do the same.

We had some wine and some cheese appetizers and the hosts came around with grilled kangaroo as well as camel burgers. The burgers were really good. 

We watched the sunset and then we all enjoyed a delicious BBQ with roasted potatoes, sausages, beef steak, and salad. 

After we helped clear and wash the dishes, three people took showers… Of course I was one of them. I wanted to experience showering under the stars. The night wasn’t too cold and the water was nice and hot since the fire had been going for quite awhile. The camp provided the towels, washcloths, and soap, shampoo, and conditioner.  

We were given head lamps since there is not much lighting to speak of around the grounds. There are only some solar lights along the pathways. These paths go to the cabins and also to the swag platforms, as well as to the bathroom facilities, but you have to be very careful as there are ruts and stones along the way. 

We sat around the fire for awhile and then Allan and I pulled the blankets from our tent along with the pillows, and we headed to our platform and crawled into our swags. 

I can’t begin to tell you how unbelievably magnificent the starry sky was. Of course since we are in Australia, we were seeing a different starry sky then what we normally see. The Southern Cross was very visible and the sky was cloudless and the stars twinkled non-stop all night long. 

We were comfy warm – even when the wind kicked up a bit. It was lovely being all snuggled in the swag, with the wind blowing gently across our faces. I had a great night’s sleep and we were up at 5 for breakfast, which was toast with peanut butter and jam, cheesey muffins, and an assortment of cereals.  

We stripped our bedding and brought it to the kitchen area and then bid goodbye to the camp staff as we went off for our hike in Kings Canyon. We needed to get an early start as the weather gets hot and it’s better to hike before the sun starts beating down. 

Camping in the Outback was amazing and it was awesome to eat, shower, and sleep under the stars.  Looking up at the vast and starry sky, it makes you really appreciate just being alive. 

Walking through the National Park

We spied a wallaby

The rock formations were magnificent

Cutting wood on the way to our camping site. (When we were done, we all found a private little bush to pee behind. Could not leave any tissue paper behind.)

We all wore gloves and helped collect wood. Had to make sure no termites. Allan helped saw the larger pieces.

Everyone helped to load the wood into our vehicle.

We arrived at our camping site. It definitely was not glamping!!! Here’s where we enjoyed dinner under the stars.

We each had a tent to store our overnight bag.

The outside of the tents

The sleeping platforms for the swags. The swags are stored inside.

The wood burning heater for hot water for the shower. Allan was helpful getting the fire started.

The shower. The toilet area had flushing toilet as well as a sink. I didn’t take a photo but it looked just like the shower area.

We had some appetizers while we waited for the sun to set.

Allan and I collected wood and Allan got the blaze roaring. Then someone else was assigned to keep it going by adding more wood.

One of our travelers holding kangaroo meat. It was delicious!

One of the people who run the camp. He cooked camel burgers for us to try. Delicious!!!

Camel meat

The beginning of the glow of sunset

Sunset.

Our driver Tristan helping to cook our dinner

Australian BBQ!!! Glad they fired up the barbie!

Tucked into my swag all cozy and warm. Allan and I stayed out all night in our swag. Some of our fellow travelers gave up midway and went back to their tents for the night.

The starry sky. This photo doesn’t come close to what the sky actually looked like.