Views of MINI D across Oz

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A statement of the obvious sure, but, Oz is freaking huge! After eight days on the road (I drove the Mini D from Melbourne to Sydney on the first Saturday) this recovering road tripper is still trying to recall what actually happened, when and where! In the words of Otto, from A Fish Called Wanda -- "What was that middle bit again?"

As correspondent Jeremy has probably mentioned, other than the first leg out of Sydney, we spent at least nine hours on the road every day -- and that's actual driving hours. For a photographer, that presents difficulties. Do you hang around a particular area waiting for conditions to change, or do you forge ahead, hoping to arrive fortuitously at a location to take advantage of the late afternoon light.

And can this all be done safely? East of South Australia's Port Augusta, the dusk and early evening announces the burgeoning presence of all manner of wildlife. From granite-like wombats, through bouncing wallabies and kangaroos, to the unimagined camel, any vehicle, other than your bull-barred 4x4 or road train, is at risk of annihilation. The proof lies in the amount of road kill.

Basically it came down to a 'suck it and see' situation, and more often than not, that approach worked. But, for those looking for a more fulfilling photographic or movie making experience, I'd suggest a well researched itinerary where you can take advantage of each overnight stop or location.

I can't remember how many times I lamented a lack of knowledge of our current location. As an example, I noticed on the walls of the bar and dining area at Eucla, WA, a series of pictures depicting extremely photogenic local sand dunes. It was particularly painful having to leave the next morning without even enquiring about them. Time just did not allow.

Hindsight suggests adding at least three to four days onto a trip like this. An extra 24 hours spent at any number of our overnight stops could produce superb images of the unique Aussie landscape, history and lifestyle.