All new now for us.

All new now for us.

After topping up fuel at Tennant Creek we continued on stopping at Three Ways Roadhouse for morning tea from here on it is all new to us.

The amount of caravans that pulled in and went passed while we were stopped was amazing all heading North to Darwin.

The countryside has changed again more vegetation, more Hills and Ranges, Creeks, some still have water in them.                                                         

Most cattle we saw look good nice shiny coats and look very sleek.

We stopped at the Gravel Pit for the night back away from the road so there was little traffic noise to disturb us. There was a nice wind blowing which kept us cool to sit outside for a couple of hours watching the stars and full moon before curling up to sleep.

Tim and I find the changing countryside fascinating, not boring at all.

We arrived in Elliot a place our son Simon came to visit back in the 1980`s.

Elliot was a staging camp during World War II. There is still some evidence of the buildings that had been here at that time.  

Elliot staging camp

Originally known as No 8 Bore Newcastle Waters, this town was named uniquely after as Army Lieutenant ‘Snow’ Elliot, who established No 7 Australian Personal Staging Camp in the area. In a census carried out on the 7^th December 1940, three officers and 81 other ranks were recorded on site.

Elliot was used as a luncheon point only for northbound convoys on their on their third day out of Alice Springs and traveling between Banka Banka Staging Camp and Larrimah. It was an overnight stop on the first day for south bound convoys from Larrimah.

The highway virtually ran through the middle of the staging camp, separating the truck parking area from the administrative buildings. The camp had a capacity to shelter 1,500 men and due to the availability of bore water, contained a vegetable garden. A field Bakery company detachment ensured a ready supply of fresh bread.

A small Signals Section was maintained to report on road traffic, particularly in the Wet Season when hold ups were frequent and rescheduling essential.

Due to heavy traffic experienced through Elliot, a Salvage Sections. Workshops were established to collect and repair broken down vehicles and equipment. Refuelling facilities were established to service the convoys and it was around this important function that the town grew.

From The trails of history

Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory.

Had our cuppa filled up with water then move onto Longreach Waterhole about 11ks off the highway on private property where we are able to camp, so are staying for about 3 days.