We are taking the Sturt Highway to Adelaide. Although it is against our ‘round the outside’ ethos we just don’t have the time or inclination to go back to Melbourne and take The Great Ocean Road. Our first stop on the cut across journey was Wagga Wagga the town so insecure it had to name itself twice. I have to admit, I do like the sound of it. I think it lends itself well to being said with a german accent (think vogga vogga). Though I doubt it was named by a German.

We stayed at a free camp just out of town that was easy to get to and very close to the banks of the Murrumbidgee. There was lots of space and we were beside a lovely couple (Dave and Di) who had Charlie and Murphy, a couple of cavoodles. The kids loved that. We miss our Frankie so much. The kids are always on the lookout for dogs to pat and usually find them.

The only problem was the water tanks and pump which just don’t seem to be functioning as they should. I think we just didn’t have enough water in them. Still, I am sure that there will be lots more free camping ahead for us (I wrote that bit in there for Monja).

I was surprised by how big and green Wagga was. It had two Woolies and an Aldi and a very nice park slash playground on the banks of the Murrumbidgee. I been impressed by how that river has looked fantastic every time we have seen it. Did you know, when there’s those little green blue native parrots near it-  they call it the Murrum-budgie.