Cradock

 9 - 10 April 2022

While we chose our last stop - Orroroo - because we'd never been there before, we chose this one because we had. In 1991 we drove around Australia and called in to the pub at Cradock, where Mick did some signs for the publican - payment was a carton of beer. It seemed like a good idea to go back.

Cradock Pub offers camping for free if you buy a beer, or a meal, so we headed there from Orroroo. We arrived in the early afternoon, called in and spoke to the publican and chose a spot out the back. It's not much more than a dusty paddock - littered with broken glass, crockery and tiles - but there is 24 hour access to a fairly new toilet and shower block. We chose a spot well back from the pub building to avoid any late night noise. We set up by the creek which was completely dry, but with a beautiful view towards the Flinders Ranges.

We had a restful, but hot, afternoon and walked over to the pub for dinner. Traveller reviews suggested the meals were good, and they were absolutely spot on. There were a few travellers there, and along with the friendly staff, it was a good night.

We were still a little unsure about where to head next, and received some advice from others. We decided to settle in Port Augusta for a few nights while we made up our minds.