Coonamble - Pilliga

Pilliga artesian bore was just too far, 380km to Coonamble showgrounds, then just 90km to Pilliga, but that had to be next day.

The last time I passed this way I stayed several days bathing in the hot spa waters. Talk about wrinkles. Rain and floods closed the roads so there was nothing else for it but soak in the spa for 3 days.

Fairly busy camp spot but managed some privacy in the farthest corner.

No, not a Silo. Coonamble water tower.

Pilliga spa campground.

Weethalle - Silo Art

Directly north of Narrandera and via Barellan is Weethalle. Just a small town, as most are, but big enough to think of painting their silo about 12 months ago, nice job too. Very popular these days. Draws the tourist. They just need to convert the visits into revenue for the town.

Stopped for the night at Tullibigeal, just a bit further north. Great free camp with (donation) power, water and hot showers. Just me and one other tonight. A route less travelled it would seem. Except for me, I've been here a few times. The quiet town and the quiet roads appeal. Easy, just cruising. Might have seen half a dozen cars today, in 170kms.

Before leaving tomorrow a walk through the Co-Op general store is always interesting.

The sad part is that Weethalle is the last of the Silo Art, it's a southern thing apparently. 

Weethalle Silos.

Wagga and Coolamon

Stopped at Wagga Wagga for two professional appointments. Back on the road by early arvo with green elephant stamps (all good) and heading out of town after dumping at Wilks Park. Nice to see the toilet block now has a mural and a bus stop as well as the dump point. Possibly not the best mix, bus stop and dump point?

Headed to Coolamon for the night.

Coolamon CP used to be $10/night with power, water and hot showers. Not a big park, maybe 25 sites. Popular, usually need to be early to get a site for the night. Recently the local Council has spent big bucks pretty much ripping out everything. Everything new and clean, grass, roads and office. Now they have an onsite manager and are charging $20/night. Only problem, just 25% of the sites occupied. Less income - more expense, hmm.

Interesting article from ABC news about Silo Art and small towns. 

Bus stop and dump point.

Walbundrie and dragons in Lockhart.

Tungamah via Yarrawonga to Walbundrie is just 125km.

Crossed into NSW at Yarrawonga where Lake Mulwala is all but empty, must be hurting the tourist operators. Apparently, the lake has been having a weed problem.

Nice camp at Walbundrie for $10 you get power. Means no need to run the generator at night or more importantly first thing in the morning to get warm.

Went via Lockhart next day to check on their street art. Lots on display here but nothing new from my previous posts. Well other than the dragon finding a new home. He is now welcoming visitors into town from Walbundrie.

Lake Mulwala.

The Dragon at Lockhart.

Tungamah Silo Art

It's on the way north, in a zig-zag sort of way. Tungamah. Nice little town. Nice little free camp on the Boosey Creek. And best of all - Silo Art.

One of the volunteers at BlazeAid Terang, a Tungamah resident, at dinner one night mentioned he had a painted silo in his town. So here we are checking it out. A Kookaburra and Dancing Brolgas no less.

The Lions Park is right in town and is available for free camping so yep that's where I stopped. Just me by the creek, nice, nice spot.