Big Nanny's Aussie Adventure: The Pebbles to Alice Springs

The Pebbles to Devils Marbles - 123km

Devils Marbles to Taylors Creek rest stop - 85km

Taylors Creek to Prowse Gap - 176km

Prowse Gap to Tropic of Capricorn rest stop - 116km

Capricorn rest stop to Alice Springs - 30km

I spent Saturday and Sunday night at Devils Marbles - so fascinating. Huge granite boulders balanced one on top of the other. The scientific theory is that over thousands of years the soil has eroded away exposing the granite and the weather has worn the boulders down forming them into the various round shapes.

It is hard to see how the scientists come up with that theory. I spent some timing wandering on and around the rocks, and although they have been there for thousands of years, I felt a little uneasy at times because some of the boulders looked as if they were about to roll off.

After leaving the Devils Marbles late Monday morning I only drove 85km and stayed overnight at Taylor Creek rest stop. It was a bit windy and exposed, but feeling a bit off colour I decided to stay put. I think I spent too much time in the sun walking around the Marbles the day before.

I travelled 176km on Tuesday and stopped at Prowse Gap for the night and on Wednesday I continued on my way to the Tropic of Capricorn rest stop which is about 30km North of Alice Springs.

The surrounding country side travelling South from Katherine along the Stuart Highway is mainly dry grass and bush with trees and a few rocky outcrops - more like the Australian bush one expects to see when travelling. Compared to the Pilbarra, which has amazing scenery, since leaving Katherine the drive has been a bit monotonous at times. I love the Aussie country side, but having experienced the Pilbarra and its rugged beauty, for me, nothing else compares as I travel around.

I find it very frustrating not being able to get phone signal. With the Stuart Highway being the main route between Darwin and the South, it surprises me that, apart from a couple of hot spots, there is no coverage. I’m looking forward to reaching Alice Springs so I can catch up with my family.

I had an entertaining morning at the Tropic of Capricorn rest stop before I left today. Two English couples aged in their sixties and travelling together in a hired Winnebago were standing outside their van arguing in very loud voices. I seems they couldn't agree on who should be driving and they were also arguing over the sleeping arrangements. Then they couldn't agree on which tourists attractions to visit. When I drove off they were still at it. As a bystander it was hilarious, but to them it will probably turn out to be the holiday from hell.

I only had to travel 30km down the road to Alice Springs. I was pleasantly surprised. A really nice town with lots of shops and shady malls to stroll along and outdoor cafes to sit and watch the world go by. I have booked into a caravan park for the next three nights on an unpowered site, so it is only costing $13.50 per night compared to $40 for power.

Dingo at Devil's Marbles