Marla to Alice Springs

4th August 2022

Another glorious day. After buying an emergency puncture repair kit we decided to drive slowly 80kph to Ayres Rock. We stopped at Kelara Road side campervan site and the only hotel in the area. We called Alice at Ayres Rock motors to find they wanted $593 for the same tyre and brand we had just purchased in Copley for $235 including delivery so we decided to go straight to Alice Springs as Brian had seen them advertised for $265.

We crossed the border to the Northern Territory early afternoon. The speed limit here is 130kmph. They had a quarantine station for those who needed it. The terrain has changed dramatically. Starting with big rugged red rocks, and yellow fields with luscious green trees to deep green mountains with a blue tinge. The first mountains we have seen since Flinders Ranges.

The sun continues to shine as we got to the first tyre shop at 4.40pm. The receptionist thought she had the tyre we wanted however didn’t. This would have been $304 fitted. Next tyre place we spoke to on phone was waiting a delivery from their warehouse and wouldn’t arrive for 12 days.. this was $370 fitted. Got to Tyrepower 4.55pm. They have two types one $217 and the other $275 both fitted. So we could get two for less than the price of one at Ayres Rock. We have to turn up from 8am tomorrow. First come first served. Yeah.

We decided to book a campsite near the town center, the Gap holiday park with Hotel and bottle shop also. The hotel where we had to go and pay and register was full of first nations people. The police were checking everyone’s ID’s at the takeout. The town itself is alcohol free.

It’s a night under the trees for us.