As veteran grey nomads endlessly criss-cross the country on yet another big trip, or perhaps an endless one, favourite destinations and stopping points inevitably emerge.
There are those ‘secret’ camping spots, those eagerly anticipated ‘luxury’ toilets, the perfect pie shops, the cheap fuel outlets, and the character-filled roadhouses and pubs. Over the years, calling in at these places becomes part of a Big Lap tradition. Caravanners and motorhomers simply cannot drive past ever again.
Often, they feel a surge of relief when they arrive to find that the things that they loved about the place are still there … the quirky ‘attraction’, the memorably jovial business owner, the spectacular shrub, the bizarre collection of items on the ceiling.
Occasionally, however, grey nomads are reminded of the march of time. New owners come, buildings are demolished, bypasses are built, and traditions end.
After the Kempsey bypass was built, grey nomads who loved stopping at the iconic Fredo Pies on the Pacific Highway in Frederickton in New South Wales suddenly had to make a detour if they wanted to enjoy a crocodile pie at the original location; those who loved stopping at Ellenbrae Station on the Gibb River Road for the magnificent scones now have to do so without looking at the 1,000-year-old ‘bathtub boab’ which crashed to the ground recently after heavy rains; and of, course, the mining boom changed the character and appearance of many small communities and towns.
And now, another icon of the road for many travellers is no more. Those who have become used to stopping at the Wokalup Roadhouse on WA’s South Western Highway will have to rely on their memories from here on in.
Demolition of the landmark roadhouse has just begun, ending 60 years of the business serving the travelling public. The West Australian Newspaper reports that the land, which is owned by the Public Transport Authority, has been leased to the operators of the roadhouse since it was built in the mid 1950s.
When the most recent tenants left, the authority investigated bringing in another operator, however spokesman David Hynes said the building was not up to environmental standards.
“The environmental requirements and its proximity to an operational rail line meant its use as a service station site, originally approved many years ago prior to modern environmental standards, was no longer suitable,” Mr Hynes told the newspaper.
Demolition work, which includes rehabilitation of the site, is expected to be completed by the end of June.
When the roadhouse opened back in 1956 it was known as the Bright Star and was run by John and Betty Callegari, and it quickly became a popular highway stop.
The Callegaris’ daughter, Valli Callegari-Rudd, recalled the roadhouse was always busy and their homemade pasties were famous.
“People would drop in and take a dozen or half a dozen to take home to Perth,” she told the West Australian. “It’s a bit of shame it’s gone now because there’s a long way between stops for travellers.”
· Do you have a favourite Big Lap ‘tradition’? Has one of your favourites gone? Do you have memories of the Wokalup Roadhouse? Comment below.
We had a most memorable and unique stopover as overnight guests of Byrne and Anne Terry many years ago. Was extremely sad to hear of death of Byrne. Regret not having photos and more history. Most interesting story shared over long evening meal.
Can I drive the Gibb river road in a motorhome if I take it slow