We decided to cross The Nullarbor quickly this time because we have visited all the tourist places along The Great Australian Bight, and diversions like the Eyre Bird Sanctuary. 

It took until lunchtime on the fourth day to reach Kalgoorlie, travelling at the speed limit, and with sensible rest stops.

We overnighted at Renmark, Ceduna and Balledonia along the way.

A few days in Kalgoorlie allowed us to rest, and do all the touristy things. We then had a week in Perth, and time down south. 

Western Australia seems to be progressing at a rapid pace.

New works are everywhere, and particularly in country towns.

Job agencies in the country or city have plenty of jobs on offer, like $2 a brick for bricklayers.

We’ve been slow to adopt online booking for accommodation.

Even on The Nullarbor there are regular places with phone coverage. Sitting with the laptop at a picnic stop presents not only prices, but pictures, and best of all, opinions from people who have stayed at that place.

“You should avoid the place like the vermin infested hole it is.

"After them trying to feed raw sausages to my daughter in the restaurant, and then finding a mouse running around in the bin at 2am we left ...” 

“Stayed here one night ... Wish we had kept driving! Room was filthy, the bed sheets were stained, bathroom door wouldn't shut and the shower leaked all night.

"Took us over an hour to find channels on the TV.

"I stayed wide awake listening to the rats or mice run around the inside of the walls. My advice... Keep driving.” 

We didn’t stay at either of those places.

Our “new” Territory was bought for long trips, and it clicked past 30,000km somewhere near Eucla, WA, so we stopped for a picture.

This trip covered 8621km cruising mostly at 110km/h.

In South Australia and Western Australia, all open roads are 110km/h.

The Sturt Highway is 110km/h once you are 130km west of Wagga.

Why can’t NSW catch up and change to 110km/h on all our highways?

We shared the driving and came home fit and refreshed.

I would certainly endorse the review of the Ford Territory by Sydney Morning Herald motoring writer Bruce Newton, who said: “There is no affordable soft-roader that drives better than the Territory. In fact, there are few high-riding wagons at any price that combine ride, handling and steering so convincingly ... Even better is just how quiet the Territory is inside.”

We were away for 27 days. I have loved all the cars we have owned, but on a trip like this, a comfortable car certainly helps if you’re going to have a great time.