We had heard about White Cliffs from a couple of people particularly with reference to the Underground Motel - we decided to treat ourselves to this (provided I did not suffer from claustrophobia again).

We headed up there via a dirt road from Menindee to Wilcannia.Bit of an interesting trip.We lowered the air in the tyres slightly and this appeared to assist the bumpy ride.We stopped for a bit of bread and jam for lunch by the side of the Darling River where it ran alongside this road.

We had heard some distressing stories about Wilcannia and its inhabitants.When we drove throughthe streets were pretty empty.The shops were either boarded up or had smashed or no windows.There were some lovely old buildings in town.The other things tend to distract you from that.

The road from Wilcannia to White Cliffs was bitumen, straight and well made.

When we got into town we went asking at the hotel for the underground motel - they sent us in the right direction but not before we had a schooner.

The underground motel was fairly empty. The owner was very generous allowing us to look at the rooms before booking in just in case I had a bout of claustrophobia.I didn't so we booked in.

The motel was more built into the side of a hill rather than underground, which is what I think helped me.Being the off season it was very quiet at the motel.We could imagine it being a really good place when there are a few more people around and the bar and restaurant are open.They did have a pool.David was able to swim but my bathers were stored deep in the camper.

After freshening up we decided to head back to the hotel for a drink, to watch the cricket (India v Sri Lanka one day game in Canberra) and get some dinner from the cafe across the road.The publican, Graham (and his wife Maxina) was great to chat to.Graham was very knowledgeable on the area and its people.We were able to bring our dinner from the cafe across the road into the pub.

We stayed at the pub a few hours and then headed back to the motel for bed.

The next morning we did the tourist drive which included driving around all the holes that people are or have been mining for opals.

We left White Cliffs unsure of our next destination - would we head to Bourke or to Dubbo.We thought we'd drive to Cobar before making a decision.