In the outback you often come across a weird sight - a line of people (usually women) standing in line all carrying a large bag that often resembles a garbage bag, juggling a little bag of gold coins.

At the front of the line is a machine (a few if you are lucky) where they get to feed their little gold coins into - in the hope that clean dry clothing magically comes out.

There's the frantic "can anyone swap a note for $ coins" when you realise that you don't quite have the right denomination.

Ayers Rock Campground machines aren't too bad - only $4 for a load of washing and $4 for a dryer - some along the way have been $5 each.

I used to join this queue every couple of days when we travel but long ago learned that despite all the signs that say no, there are still people who wash their dog blankets in the machines.  Dog blankets covered in hair, dirt and many other unmentionable things.

So now I am not slave to the slot machines of the outback.