After leaving Alice Springs, we could not shake the feeling that we were now on the last stretch towards home, despite having to do over 3000 kms to get there. We hadn't really put much thought into what route we were taking home after Alice Springs. After deciding against The Plenty Highway, which would be yet another unsealed road, the obvious route was going back the way we came. Except this time, we would be travelling North from Alice on the Stuart Highway, passing through Devil's Marbles (Karlu Karlu) and Tennant Creek and then back onto the Barkley Highway. We passed through places such as Mt Isa, Cloncurry, Julia Creek, Winton, Longreach and Barcaldine again which felt slightly strange. So many weeks had passed, and we have seen so much since we last travelled through these places. In Julia Creek, we timed our visit to coincide with the Dunnart Feeding at the information centre. These cute little ferocious looking creatures are unique to Julia Creek and we were lucky enough to see one being fed. They are listed as vulnerable, and being a shy nocturnal animal, are almost impossible to see in the wild.
From Barcaldine, instead of following the southern outback route home, we decided to go through Emerald and head out to the coast. We chose Agnes Water to be the final destination of our Outback Adventure. Having been there before, we knew it would be the perfect place to relax and rest for a few days before doing the final leg home. After a few days of sun, surf, walks along the beach and fish and chips for dinner, it was finally time to go home.
It has been an amazing journey. It hasn't always been easy, however. In fact, sometimes it was tough. Living in a tent for 3 months while continually on the move isn't a holiday. But then, we didn't do this trip for a holiday. We have been on a travelling journey and I wouldn't have wanted to do it any other way.
Funnily enough, unpacking from our 3 month trip didn't really take much longer than a weekend away camping. Just a bit more dust than usual. Within a few days, Mark was out the front building new garden beds. It's like we never left …
I'd like to mention a special thankyou to my Mum, who without her help, would have made this trip almost impossible. She has looked after our animals and house for 3 months. Thanks Mum!