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Do You Really Need Starlink

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We have been using a  Teltonika RUTX50 modem router which has almost eliminated any need for our Starlink Roam service while outback touring to date. Starlinks recently announced removal of the pause feature and Starlink's pending $8.50 per month standby cost ($102 per year) now being enforced by Starlink in addition to the $139 per month ($1668 per year) we already pay for a fixed residential service means Starlink may proceed and carry out their threat to cancel the roam service we initially paid close to $1500.00 in equipment cost alone to acquire. This latest change has now led us to a point where we are seriously considering cancelling our residential $139 per month Starlink plan due to this inflexible and belligerent attitude. At our $139 per month Starlink fixed location we already have access to cheaper and equivalent speed NBN fixed wireless and the ever improving coverage of 4g and 5g data with Telstra and Optus. Starlink are now even offering much cheaper first year...
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Hair of the Dog Inn Ballimore

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 Hair of the Dog Inn Ballimore is an iconic country pub that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for both locals and travelers. Located at 24-28 Federation Street, this historic pub has been a community staple for years, providing a relaxing retreat in the heart of some of Australia's best farming country. Atmosphere: Stepping into Hair of the Dog can feel like stepping into a bygone era. The rustic decor, complete with memorabilia and photographs, creates a nostalgic ambiance that captures the essence of a classic country pub. The outdoor seating area offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the fresh air. Food & Drinks: The food at Hair of the Dog is simply outstanding. The drink selection includes a variety of local brews and Australian favorites, ensuring there's something for everyone. Our grilled Barramundi and vegetarian pizza were excellent. The friendly staff and cozy atmosphere make dining here a memorab...
Location: 26 Federation St, Ballimore NSW 2830, Australia
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Cobar Old Reservoir Campground

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 Cobar Old Reservoir Campground is an out of the way gem for those seeking a quiet, peaceful and scenic camping experience in Cobar New South Wales. Located just 5 minutes from Cobar, this expansive free campsite offers a tranquil escape with views and a chance to connect with nature. Atmosphere: The campground is surrounded by beautiful grassy areas and the serene reservoir, providing a picturesque setting for a relaxing getaway. The open space and lack of facilities create a rustic, back-to-basics camping experience that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings. While there overnight we saw kangaroos, rabbits and emu. Facilities: While the campground lacks modern amenities such as toilets, showers, and picnic tables, it does offer rubbish bins for waste disposal. This minimalistic approach adds to the charm of the site, encouraging campers to embrace the simplicity of outdoor living. Activities: Cobar Old Reservoir is perfect for stargazing with clear nigh...
Location: Old Reservoir Rd, Cobar NSW 2835, Australia
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Dead Horse Gully National Park Campground Tibooburra NSW

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If you're seeking a remote camping experience that offers solitude, stunning landscapes, and a sense of timelessness, Dead Horse Gully National Park Campground near Tibooburra in NSW could be a solution, especially when you have it all to yourself for seven days. Nestled within the rugged beauty of Sturt National Park, this campground is surrounded by the stark, captivating scenery of the Australian outback. The red granite boulders, golden spinifex  grasses, and endless blue skies create a magical setting that feels like stepping into another world. Watching the sun rise and set over the rocky outcrops is an experience, with colors shifting dramatically across the landscape. There is Granite's Nature Trail which is meant to be 4 kilometer walk but it did not feel that long at all so we walked to the top of a ridge behind the camp area for a view from the higher vantage point. There is also the Golden Gully Mining site to explore which is not an actual mining site but a lot of ...
Location: Dead Horse Gully campground, Dead Horse Campground Trail, Tibooburra NSW 2880, Australia
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Silver City Highway

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 Silver City Highway from Broken Hill to Warri Crossing at the Queensland border is sealed the entire length of approximately 387 kilometers. There are plenty of dips, flood ways and stock grids to watch out for, some are smooth and some are the very opposite especially some of the floodways north of Tiboobrra. The Silver City Highway is scenic and ever changing along the way, Packsaddle Roadhouse is the first point where fuel is available for sale until Tibooburra. 40 Kilometers south of Tibooburra is the historic settlement of Milparinka. Plenty of goats and emu and occasional kangaroo and wallaby can be sighted along the Silver City Highway.  Warri Crossing serves as a vital link between Queensland and New South Wales. This unsealed road known as Warri Gate Road consists of approximately 150 kilometers and connects the Queensland road network to the Silver City Highway in north western New South Wales. Warri Gate Road is sometimes regarded as the missing link in Australia's...
Location: Silver City Hwy, Packsaddle NSW 2880, Australia
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Packsaddle Roadhouse

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 Packsaddle Roadhouse on the Silver City Highway between Broken Hill and Tibooburra is a great stopover. Packsaddle Roadhouse offers a range of services including a bar, dining room and camping options making Packsaddle Roadhouse a convenient and welcoming stop along the Silver City Highway. Packsaddle Roadhouse staff are friendly and helpful. There are clean showers and restrooms and  availability of both powered and unpowered camping sites caters to a variety of travelers, from those in RV,s or caravans to campers. The onsite bar and dining area provide a comfortable setting to unwind offering a selection of meals and beverages. Both times we stopped here for lunch the food was great and substantial. The dining room contains a pool table and memorabilia that reflects the area's pastoral history. Fuel is available on site, diesel prices were competitive for the location. Packsaddle Roadhouse embodies the spirit of outback hospitality, providing essential services, comfortable...
Location: 17242 Silver City Hwy, Packsaddle NSW 2880, Australia
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Byjerkerno Shelter Silver City Highway

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 Along the Silver City Highway this rest area viewing area is a great stop to view the expansive countryside from an elevation.There is an information board with some history and facts about the area and the view is one certainly not to be missed. Parking Area Byjerkerno Shelter Silver City Hwy Road to Byjerkerno Shelter Silver City Hwy Byjerkerno Shelter Silver City Hwy Stopped at Byjerkerno Shelter Silver City Hwy Byjerkerno Shelter is a rarely published stop along the Silver City Highway, offering travelers a chance to take a break and enjoy the stunning views of the Barrier Ranges. Located about 75 kilometers north of Broken Hill, this rest area provides a perfect spot to stretch your legs and soak in the natural beauty of the area. Pros: Scenic Views: The elevated position of the shelter offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It's a great place to take photos and appreciate the rugged beauty of the Barrier Ranges. Information Board: The shelter features an inf...
Location: Byjerkerno Shelter
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Silverton Gaol Museum

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Visiting the Silverton Gaol, managed by the Broken Hill Historical Society, is like stepping back in time to experience the harsh realities of 19th-century life in the Australian outback. Located in Silverton, New South Wales, this historic site and museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the past and is a must-see for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Atmosphere: The moment you enter the Silverton Gaol, you're transported to a bygone era. The classic architecture, complete with original cells and vintage artifacts, creates an authentic atmosphere that immerses visitors into the history of the region. The informative displays and well-preserved buildings provide a vivid picture of life in a 19th-century gaol. Exhibits: The Silverton Gaol Museum features a range of exhibits that showcase the daily life of prisoners and the harsh conditions they endured. From the governor's office to the exercise yard, every corner of the gaol tells a story. The museum also highli...
Location: Burke St, Silverton NSW 2880, Australia
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Penrose Park Silverton

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 Penrose Park Silverton offers powered or unpowered caravan and camping sites throughout the park with plenty of options with or without shade and many areas screened with plants and shrubs providing privacy and a feeling of exclusion from others in the park. The range of facilities is extensive with five amenities blocks spread around the park, five BBQ areas, a laundry, playgrounds including basket ball and tennis and a dump point. There are also cabin accommodation options. There is a walking track to Silverton where the Silverton Hotel and museums are located. We really enjoyed and unreservedly recommend Penrose Park Silverton. Due to our planned visit to Olive Downs campground north of Tibooburra not being possible due to road closures we returned to Penrose Park for another four nights stay following our earlier three nights stay. Had a muse about restoring this display at Penrose Park as a new caravan tow vehicle! Should encourage those oncoming vehicles who cross double li...
Location: Penrose Park Silverton, Penrose Park Rd, Silverton NSW 2880, Australia
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