Maitland River

Saturday, 4th July.

It was 24 degrees when we left Barradale at 9.00am and 5kms south of Nanutarra Roadhouse, we were stopped by extensive roadworks, consequently, we arrived at the roadhouse at the same time as a large number of other travellers.  We bought fuel and excellent coffee, sat for a while watching the comings and goings, went for a walk around the picnic/camping area and declared this roadhouse to be one of the best, if not the best we've been to, although the fuel is the most expensive so far. 

Although we didn't buy anything to eat as we'd had a big breakfast before taking to the road, we were impressed with the quality and selection of food available.

Our next stop was at Robe River Rest Area (31 degrees) where we ate lunch before taking a walk to the river which did have water either side and under the bridge, more like a lake than a river.  It's a peaceful and pretty spot.

On then to Fortescue River Roadhouse (33 degrees) for a fuel top up....we had thought of staying there overnight but on hearing reports from other travellers, decided against it and were glad we did.  If Nanutarra is among the best, then Fortescue is definitely among the worst.  A police car was parked at the roadhouse while we were there, two police officers had arrested one young woman, were talking to another and it seemed another arrest was imminent....shortly after we left, a paddy wagon sped past us heading south so we presumed it was going to Fortescue to collect the arrestees.

Our second choice for an overnight stop was at Miaree Pool, 76km north of Fortescue and 1km of dirt road east of the highway but on our arrival there, found to our dismay that the site was extremely uneven, all up hill and down dale and not really suitable for caravans though there were a couple there, so we backtracked to the bridge across the Maitland River from where we'd seen a couple of caravans when we'd crossed, found a good spot and spent the night there.  It was a lovely,, lovely spot right on thr river and very peaceful so we were pleased that the other options didn't work out.