The Land of Oz!

'So, finally we reached Australia, the land of roos, heat, flies and very long roads. Our first day was spent wandering around Darwin taking in the relatively relaxed environment and marveling at the 'Australian-ish' of everything. A short drive day into Kakadu started our final driving adventure of this epic trip, and a camp by a croc infested billabong added more authenticity to our initial Oz experience. Aboriginal paintings, wildlife, heat and of course the compulsory swarms of flies made us realise that this is indeed a tough, but beautiful land.

Further south and Katherine, with it's stunning gorge and relaxing atmosphere, was next. Followed by Mataranka and a dip in the mysterious thermal pools. Daly Waters pub passed as did Tennant Creek and other infamous Ozzy landmarks. We stopped at the impossibly well balanced 'Devil's Marbles', and asked the question "How big must his Football be?"

Alice Springs was hotter still, as one of us departed the trip, bound for an early bath in Sydney.

Uluru was next, a rather lack lustre sunrise and sunset, due to the clouds......but an inspiring walk and day nonetheless.

Coober Pedy followed, with it's underground dwellings and opals a-plenty. A quick detour involving us pushing the bus out of the bull-dust, and we were once again heading south. Port Augusta beckoned, as did the East bound Barrier Highway. The scenery changed, the climate changed, but still the flies remained!!!

A spot of wine tasting and a supercharged lap around the Bathurst race track brought our final drive days to a close, as we eased our way gently into the CBD area of Sydney to our final destination, Sydney Opera House. An awe inspiring site an indescribable feeling, when you consider all that we've endured to get here. A fitting end to our trip, to the year and to each other, as new friends parted company and we all went our separate ways. We were all left with everlasting memories of our odyssey adventure from London to Sydney, overland. We made it alive, and all still in one piece. Awesome!!!!!!'