Our destination today is Erldunda, a roadhouse and accommodation complex on the junction of the Stuart and Lasseter Highways. It is considered the Centre of the Centre of Australia.

We weren’t the first to leave town for the drive north but we weren’t the last.

Open plains near Coober Pedy changed to Mulga woodlands then to red stony ridges and dune country.

There are three roadhouses between Coober Pedy and Erldunda – Cadney Park, Marla and Kulgera.

Near Marla is the edge of the Great Victoria Desert.

Huge flocks of galahs were seen. We saw four wedge-tailed eagles and many Little eagles and Black kites.

Despite recent rain, the creek beds were dry.

As we approached the Northern Territory border, low ranges appeared.

We arrived at the border mid afternoon.

White winged fairy wrens are common in the carpark area at the border.

Prickly wattle, desert grevilleas and mulga are common plants here.

The speed limit goes up across the border.

Yes, I did get to the speed limit. Fuel economy worsened so went back to 110km/hr. Another traveller in a newish Jeep towing a modestly sized van told me he was getting 20 litres/100km most days but 24litres/100km on a windy day. Luckily we can drive from Coober Pedy to Alice Springs on one tank to avoid the roadhouse fuel prices (186.9c/litres at Erldunda).

Rocks around Kulgera.

Kulgera residents take their foot hygiene very seriously.

The trucks seem to be getting longer. A road sign warned of trucks up to 53.5 metres long.

We arrive at Erldunda and visit the resident emus.

There are also orphaned red kangaroos and a rooster (who thinks it is a kangaroo) called Cluck Norris. Cluck even appeared on national TV on Sunrise.

Crested pigeons enjoyed looking for food in the red sands.

Birdlife is very active in the campgrounds. Galah above.

White plumed honeyeaters

Black fronted dotterel

Port Lincoln parrot eating white cedar fruits.

The moon is waxing in the blue sky above the desert oaks and ghost gums.

Ghost gum lit by the glow of sunset.

There are a few wildflowers in the red sand – Poached egg daisy.

Wattle

We try some spotlighting as there were many tracks on the sands. Nothing sighted but we enjoyed ourselves.