The Outback Loop outshines itself.

For the past 6 months I have been working with staff of The Outback Loop raising awareness and funds for the RFDS. Throughout this time they have been amazingly considerate, accommodating and generous. For those who don’t know The Outback Loop: it is an itinerary. The Loop encompasses 2 tracks, 2 pubs and one experience.

After making their way along the Birdsville Track visitors are met with warm hospitality, cold beer, tasty food and excellent accommodation when they visit the Birdsville Hotel. Standing on the corner opposite the airport, the pub has a historical place in outback Australia and lives up to its reputation with many a yarn spun whilst sitting at the bar. No one quite knows what makes the Birdsville Hotel special, you have to experience it for yourself.

After doing so visitors can continue along the Loop via Cordillo Downs or the Arrabury Road to Innamincka. Perched on the edge of the gorgeous Cooper Creek, the Innamincka Hotel provides the visitor with something a little different in the isolated far north west corner of South Australia. Plating up delectable food every night using the finest South Australian ingredients, you’ll surprise your taste buds when the food hits them. Be sure to take a look around the town, a stroll by the river and a film at the starlight cinema, before retiring to your new and comfortable accommodation at the Hotel. Feeling refreshed after a restful night visitors can then complete the Outback Loop by travelling south along the Strezlecki Track to Lyndhurst.

Throughout The Long Walk Home journey I have been lucky to have the support of the staff at the Birdsville Hotel and through their Friday night raffles and other events we have raised around $3000 for the RFDS. I am very much looking forward to walking in the door of the hotel at the end of the walk and ordering my usual…bubbles (aka soda water)!

For more about The Outback Loop click here.

Birdsville Roadhouse snaps up a sponsor spot!

I would like to welcome the Birdsville Roadhouse to the coveted role of a Long Walk Home sponsor. The Birdsville Roadhouse is run by Peter and Bronwynne Barnes and their crew of tireless employees who never fail to put a smile on the faces of those passing through. Behind the counter you’ll find Bronwynne, Kathy and Kelly, who are always up for a chat. Out the back, Peter (Barnes’y) and Sam can be found fixing all sorts of vehicles and machinery.

Providing fuel, tyres, groceries, ice, camping equipment and sound mechanical advice and labour to those who need it (as well as driving advice to those who need it but don’t necessarily want it), the Roadhouse provides travellers with some creature comforts including mint slices when available and delicious Beerenberg gourmet jams. You can even pick up a freshly roasted chook if you get in early enough. The friendly staff will be able to point you in the right direction when travelling through the area and will make sure you know about all of the things to see and do while in town.

Barnes’y also functions as the RACQ operator in the area. So, if you ever get into a pickle, he’ll be out to fix you up or pick you up as soon as he can. He’s got an array of recovery vehicle options ranging from a Land Cruiser and snatch strap to an impressive ex-German army MAN truck.

I am extremely grateful for the support of the Birdsville Roadhouse and I look forward to working with them over the next few weeks to make sure I set off with all of the right food (and maybe a few mint slices too!).