Daniel Recounts Work Journey to Outback Bourke
Fig 1: Daniel
The journey commenced early in the week, spanning a total of 27 hours across five days, covering approximately 2,500 kilometers. The drive itself was smooth and largely uneventful, with only the final few hours proving to be somewhat exhausting.
The majority of the route consisted of highways, with occasional roadworks necessitating temporary speed reductions. Traffic was minimal, ensuring steady progress. Several short breaks were taken in Lithgow, Nyngan, and Wilcannia, both on the journey to the destination and on the return trip.
Navigation was facilitated through a GPS application on my phone, which had automatically downloaded the route to function in areas without network coverage. This proved to be particularly useful when traveling through more remote locations.
A highlight of the drive was the large number of wild goats encountered, primarily between Cobar and Broken Hill. Their presence was unexpected and added an element of surprise to the journey.
The most enjoyable aspect of the trip was the autonomy it provided—I had the flexibility to complete work at my own pace and take breaks as needed. However, the extreme heat presented a significant challenge, with midday temperatures reaching as high as 45 degrees Celsius.
To maintain engagement throughout the long stretches of driving, I alternated between listening to various podcasts, audiobooks, and, during shorter drives, music. Given the limited dining options in smaller towns, I would recommend carrying an esky stocked with provisions from supermarkets when traveling through remote areas.
Fig 2: BACS van takes a quick break at Bourke signage.
The trip proved to be worthwhile in terms of the work completed, which amounted to approximately seven hours in total. Performing the required tasks was a welcome change after long periods of driving, providing a refreshing shift in activity.
Interactions with customers were minimal, limited to brief exchanges when accessing and departing from the site. Despite the long drive, my productivity and energy levels remained unaffected, and I would be willing to undertake a similar trip in the future if required.
Overall, the journey was a successful and productive one. While the heat posed a challenge and the final hours of driving were somewhat tiring, the ability to travel independently and complete tasks efficiently made the trip a positive experience. Proper preparation, including navigation tools and stocked supplies, contributed significantly to the smooth execution of the journey.
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