Balranald

It was time to wash our clothes and we had only a window of one day before the rains came again. It was time to go to a caravan park and the one at Balranald had washing machines and some good review’s. After setting up our camp and putting our washing in we decided to stay a couple of days. The campsite was quiet, had good facilities and we had a view of the river.

Most people only know of Balranald as a place to fill up with petrol and maybe have a coffee before moving on. Our two day stay proved to be interesting, relaxing and enjoyable. The first afternoon we had a walk to the main street and decided to have a drink at the Servicemans Club. It was now 5.45 and I asked Jenny if she wanted to go back and cook tea or eat at the club. I didnt have to ask twice, we enjoyed a very good Chinese meal and another drink. On our walk back to the campsite we crossed over the river via a chain swinging bridge, very wobbly especially after a few drinks then a pleasant walk through the forest and the back over the main road bridge to the caravan park.

Monday 26th

After bacon and eggs for breakfast we headed back into Balranald. Today being Monday the place was open with locals and travellers out on the streets. Our first port of call was the bakery as we had read a review saying that the vanilla slices were the best ever. A nice cup of coffee but the vanilla slices were good but not the best we have had.

The Discovery Centre

A newly built discovery centre was the busiest place in town comprising of a tourist information centre, cafe, toilets and showers, museum, interpretative centre and outdoor displays. Is seemed to be the go to place in town for travellers as the carpark was full of caravans, motorhomes. The cafe did was doing a roaring trade. The museum was really interesting and free to attend.

Why Frog Town?

During our time spent in Balranald we continually came across frog statues in various poses, as you will see in the photos below. The lady at the tourist information centre told us that it is because the endangered Southern Bell Frog lives in the wetlands nearby.

Our day in Balranald over it was back to the campground. We used their barbeque to cook tea and then packed up the campsite while it was dry, luckily as in the morning the rain returned.