We left king ash bay and headed west past Boorooloola, to a beautiful little camp ground at Cape Crawford. Cape Crawford is a Caravan park, service station and home to the outback’s famous Heart break hotel. The Caravan park is the intersection between the Carpentaria highway and the Barkley highway. Cape Crawford was a welcome change from the dust we had been living in for the past few days. Between Bing Bong and Cape Crawford there were a number of lookouts which provided great views out over our great country and the massive McArthur river and Mine. After spending a relaxing afternoon lounging around in the pool and letting the girls run around on the lush grass (yes it was grass), we headed up to the Heart Break Hotel for a couple of pots. The atmosphere was good as everyone had something in common (they were in the middle of no where).
The Next morning we rose pretty early and left as soon as we had filled up with Diesel. Something I haven’t really mentioned in my blogs so far is Australia’s wild life. The reason for this is because it was so hot and dry, not much was around. However our travels South down the Barkley highway would change this. As the rains fell, creating aqua plains all over the roads, animals such as Kangaroos, Emus, Goannas, eagles, horses and cattle were all out in abundance enjoying the cooler temperatures. As per the Carpentaria Highway the Barkley Highway is a one lane straight road, which is a thoroughfare for road trains and grey nomads. We got to Barkley Homestead just after lunch and were allocated a camp position, relatively central to everywhere. Barkley homestead is a very popular tourist destination, the homestead is the last major stop before you hit the three ways, which leads you North to Darwin or South to Uluru and further to Adelaide. Barkley Homestead has a number of facilities, such as pool, wild life, phone and internet connection, restaurant and a bar. However if you have not prepared in advance with food, you could be railroaded into having to buy counter meals, which are relatively expensive. Barkley is our last stop in the Northern Territory before we head east back into Queensland. (need to remember the time difference).
Cape Crawford 57/ 100
Barkley Homestead 64 /100
TIP – The country is flat and roads flood easily, be prepared for possible longer stop overs. Ensure you have an accessible music collection for the trip. Don’t rely on internet access.
Barefoot Caravanning 
Great shots. Have you done the Red Centre, right up the middle?
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