CROYDON
I am still trying to catch up but I believe I'm getting a little quicker; this may even end up being a record of the shortest time between posts (or not).
If you do travel the Savannah Way please make sure you stop at Croydon; it would be one of the best little towns we have stayed. The history, tidiness and hospitality was exceptional.
The caravan park is looked after by the council and they do a bloody good job considering the total council work force is 4 for the town. This is the only place I know where the council mows everyone's nature strip. All of the heritage buildings are kept in very good condition; the local all take pride in the town and it is spotless in appearance.
The park has very good amenities and the sites are very big and most being grass with some slabs (at least not dirt), the park even has a pool. The price was $25 per night and good value as there is plenty to see in town and close by.
Our site above; plenty of room, dusty in some spots but good grass on the awning side.
The Croydon general store is the oldest in Australia; almost on par with the sausage roll I bought (only kidding).
Some of the old heritage buildings with the original street lights.
The loo's near the information centre; doors are marked “Croydonettes” & “Croydonites”, there is a ladies and gents sign for the totally dumbfounded (like me).
Croydon being an old gold mining town has a lot of old stamp mills and equipment dotted around the town on display. The structure above is outside the information centre. Also make sure you go in as they have a great 20 minute show which is very good to watch and free to boot.
One of the old cars on display in Croydon at the information centre.
The old lock up; lots of posters and information boards are placed around town giving a run down on the local history. You can spend quite a few hours looking through all the old buildings.
This is Lake Belmore and is only 5 or so km from Croydon and is the largest body of fresh water in the region. The facilities here are really good with free (spotless) BBQ's, huge covered area with tables & chairs, free power points for jugs etc, enclosed swimming area with a pontoon and diving platform and all this is free. Great place to spend a few hours; this facility is once again kept immaculate by the council. BTW – no camping is allowed.
As there are a number of disused mine shafts (most have been discovered and are sealed) the warnings are in case you find a new one so watch your step.
GEORGETOWN
Not too keen on Georgetown; the information centre is about all that is in town, there are some other places you can drive out to but for us we could not be bothered as most were quite a few hours away.
We stayed at the firs park as you come into Georgetown on the left hand side heading west to east; it is situated at the roadhouse; it was dry, dusty and the amenities were a little on the nose and not really kept to a good standard. We did pay for 2 nights as we thought the town may be a little like Croydon (not so).
We found out that just before leaving town before you go over the bridge there is a caravan park down the street on the left about 500m; we did have a walk past and it looks a lot better than the one we stayed in so keep this in mind if you plan to stay over.
Our site at the Georgetown “Dust Bowl” roadhouse; could not wait to get out of here.
Photo through the windscreen as we were heading out of Georgetown; even the cow's had had enough and were pissing off. Best view of here was in the rear view mirror or what the cows arse could see.
Well another post bites the dust; our next stop was Mount Surprise as we headed back to the coast, we had a ball there so that will be the next episode. Until then take care and travel safely (those that are).
Warm regards – David & Linda – The DavLin Rig
