Week on the Road: From Uluru to Darwin
Hi peeps,
Leaving places is becoming one of the hardest parts of this journey.
I’ve realised that wherever I go, I don’t just visit a place—I immerse myself in it. First, I connect with the Country, and then with the people. Before long, what was once a destination starts to feel like home.
My stay in Yulara was extended while Max received some much-needed TLC after our little bogging adventure in Kununurra. Thankfully, the boys from the bush came to our rescue, and both Max and I lived to tell the tale.
The day I left Yulara, I kept catching glimpses of Uluru in my rear-view mirror. Each time I looked back, it felt like the rock was gently reminding me of everything I had learned while on Anangu Country. As it slowly disappeared from view, a heaviness settled in my heart. After weeks of feeling grounded, connected and safe on Country, I wasn't quite ready to leave.
But that's the thing about Country—it sends you on your way when you're ready, not when you think you're ready.
I left feeling lighter somehow. Cleansed. Like an old version of myself had been left behind and a new one was stepping forward into whatever came next.
Slow Travelling to Darwin
The drive north to Darwin wasn't one I wanted to rush.
I took my time, stopping often, soaking up the changing landscapes and allowing the journey itself to become part of the experience. Sometimes the best moments happen between destinations.
Max and I eventually settled into Howard Springs, where we spent over a month at the Big 4. Over that time, we moved between powered sites, ensuite campsites and studio villas, adapting as we went. The Top End humidity took some getting used to, and there were days when my only companions were peacocks strutting around camp and curious possums stopping by to say hello.
It was a different pace of travel—slower, quieter and exactly what I needed.
Boomerang's Top 5 Around Darwin
In no particular order, these were my favourite adventures:
🌿 Queen Adelaide River Cruise
Watching massive crocodiles rise from the water was both thrilling and humbling.
🌿 Jabiru & Kakadu National Park
Ancient landscapes, powerful stories and a deep sense of timelessness.
🌿 Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory
A beautiful reminder of the rich history, resilience and creativity of the Top End.
🌿 Litchfield National Park
Waterfalls, swimming holes and enough natural beauty to keep calling me back.
🌿 Daly River
A place where time slows down and the river does all the talking.
Reflections in Darwin
While I waited for training opportunities and consultancy work, I unexpectedly found myself spending time with someone I don't always make enough space for—myself.
Solo travel is a funny thing.
At times it can feel incredibly lonely. Other times it feels completely liberating.
You learn to enjoy your own company. You learn to listen to your thoughts. You learn what fills your cup and what drains it. Most importantly, you learn that being alone and being lonely are not the same thing.
Four months into this lap around Australia, I'm becoming more aware of the realities of life on the road. Rising fuel costs have certainly influenced how I map out my journey. In the early days, fuel costs were around $5,000 a month. Four months later, that figure has climbed closer to $7,000. Staying longer in places has become both a financial necessity and an unexpected gift, allowing me to connect more deeply with communities and Country.
Thankfully, diesel prices have started to ease just in time for the next leg of the journey.
Finding a Rhythm
Before long, I settled into a routine.
Wake up.
Coffee.
Pack up.
Hit the road.
And then follow whatever adventure was calling that day.
Sometimes it was a waterfall.
Sometimes it was a sunset.
Sometimes it was simply the sound of birds singing while I sat quietly and watched the world wake up.
Darwin kept me longer than expected.
I met some incredible people, shared good conversations, enjoyed some amazing food, took time to pamper myself, and for no reason other than I deserved them, bought myself flowers.
Because sometimes self-care isn't a luxury—it's a necessity.
What Darwin Gave Me
This chapter wasn't about rushing to the next destination.
It was about slowing down.
Resting.
Healing.
Reflecting.
Trusting the journey.
As I prepare to leave Darwin and continue east, I carry with me a renewed appreciation for stillness, for solitude, and for the gentle reminders that Country provides when we are willing to listen.
The road ahead is calling.
And for the first time in a long time, I feel rested enough to answer.
Until next time,
Boomerang on the Road ❤️🚙✨
Travel Stats
Odometer: 14054 → 16974
Distance travelled: 2920 km
Stops along the way:
Kings Canyon → Alice Springs→ Tennant Creek → Mataranka → Howard Springs/Darwin
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