Saturday 29 July - Winton

Left this morning and drove through to Winton.  We were back on the highway today and had more traffic in today's two hour drive than the three previous days driving on the development road.  Set up and walked down the information centre.  Collected a map of the town with the points of interest listed.  Lunched back at the van whilst checking out the information.   We thought we would only need one night here but have found we haven't enough time to do the Age of Dinosaurs Museum as the tour is three hours and as we have to drive back through Winton on our way home we will do that museum then.  First stop after lunch was the Musical Fence.  This is a wire fence that can be played as a musical instrument, although my attempt was terrible.  There are also different percussion instruments made out of bits and pieces.  The drum kit's cymbals we made from tin garbage can lids.  We tried out each instruments but still didn't manage to put a tune together.   Down the road to Arno's Wall.  The wall is two metres tall and extends for over seventy metres.  It is constructed of concrete and rock from Arno's opal mine with old lawnmower parts, boat propellers, old machinery, typewriters, a couple of old motorbikes and a sewing machine.  And also the kitchen sink.  Next stop the Jolly Swagman Statue, sculptured in 1959 to commemorate Waltzing Matilda and is dedicated to poet Banjo Paterson and the many swagmen who lie in unmarked graves throughout the country.  Finally we went on the opal walk and open air theatre.  The opal walk was just a corridor of rocks and some opal jewellery and you ended up at the theatre which was built in 1918 and is home to the world's largest deck chair.  It has a screen like the old drive in's and you sit in rows of canvas deck chairs which are in need of some TLC.  I had suggested when we return this way we make it a Wednesday night when the theatre show old time slides and black and white films but after sitting on one of the canvas chairs quickly changed my mind.  A plane seat is twice the width of these and there are five seats all joined together.  Was actually disappointed with the theatre, was not what I was anticipating.  Luckily the lady didn't charge us to go in.  There are chook races on at the pub this afternoon but think we will give them a miss.  Also managed to find some time to do the normal thing when caravanning, talked to both sets of neighbours.

 

 

 

Friday 28 July - Longreach

Up this morning and off to school for 9 am start.  The Longreach School of Air that is.  The tour started with a 10 minute dvd about the school and comments from teachers and students.  We then walked around the school looking at how the teachers connect to their students and the day to day operations.  Longreach also have a dormitory set up so a year level can get together for a week camp.  This allows the teachers to get to know the students and the students to interact with their peers.  Teachers also go to the home of their students, each student once a year.  This often means the teacher has to spend the night.  The area covered by the Longreach School is twice the size of Victoria.  The effort put in by the teachers and especially the mothers of these children is amazing.  Not sure I could do it.  The tour finished with a 10 minute dvd of an actual prep class and year 3 class.  Thoroughly enjoyed this tour.  Next up was Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame.  As with Qantas you pay a general admittance and then can pay extra to go to the show.  We had already decided not to do the show as we didn't feel the need to watch sheep being rounded up.  As we drove in we saw a guy sitting on a bull.  We both assumed the bull was a statue that you sat on for photos until the bull moved.  We parked and walked to the entrance.  The employee was still on the bull advertising the next show so we patted the bull while chatting to the stockman.  There are 5 rooms at the Hall of Fame covering aboriginal workers, pioneers, outback properties, royal flying doctor and stock workers.  I am glad that I have been to it but don't think I would return if back this way again.  Most of the exhibits are things you have seen at other museums although these ones are not covered in dust and cobwebs.  There is a sunset cruise to do which we have left to do next time.  Once again 29 degrees so just put the feet up for the rest of the day.  

 

 

 

Thursday 27 July - Longreach

Arrived at Qantas Founders Museum at 9.30.  You must buy a ticket into the museum, then if you choose to, you can do the Jet Tour and/or wing walk for additional fees.    Elected not to do the wing walk as I would prefer to climb the harbour bridge again instead of the wing of a plane.   We did do the Jet Tour and thought it was worthwhile.  We got a tour of the outside of the 747 and told about all the equipment that hangs off it and what it is used for.   We then went inside the plane and looked at the differences between economy class and first class, saw the black box (which is orange), the crew rest area and flight deck.  We also went up to the top deck where originally there was a lounge and bar area for first class until Qantas decided they could make more money if they stopped giving away free drinks and put 30 economy seats there instead.    Next was the 707 which Qantas sold when they purchased the larger 747's.  It was converted to a luxury charter jet for the rich and famous (Michael Jackson being one to charter it with the Jackson Five).  It then became the personal jet of a Saudi Prince.  This plane had timber, crystal and gold plated fittings.  Certainly plenty of leg room here.   Having finished our tour we were free to wander the museum.  It was interesting but after 3 hours we had had enough.  Your admission price let you in and out all day and you can, at the end of the day ask for a second day pass.  It was good and I am glad we did it, but we don't feel the need to go again if we ever return to Longreach.  

 
 

Wednesday 26 July - Longreach

Wonderful peaceful night where we only needed a blanket for most of the night.   Ian once again did some time lapse photos and I have included one below as well as a sunset shot from our campsite.  Have been in t-shirt and shorts (or my case 3/4 length pants) for 3 days now with the temperature being high 20's.  Sadly we set off this morning and drove to Longreach. Took a slight detour off the development road to Stonehenge.  Didn't actually get out of the car.  A caravan park and information office was all there was.  When we arrived at Longreach we went straight to the caravan park.  We had been told it was small and boy was it small.  They jammed the caravans in.  You could not walk easily between the vans and the cars were parked partly on the road so even to drive down the road tested you.   We actually have the second best site (and it has the development road behind it) although we will be pleasantly surprised if we get out of here without the car getting hit.  I have already told Ian if we ever get a site like the people opposite us we are leaving no matter how long we have paid for.  Their bedroom window is about 2 feet from the mens toilet and their dining table window is 2 feet from the laundry.  No thank you and don't start me on the showers here. Anyway enough complaining, we set up, had lunch and went to the information centre to grab some pamphlets.  We drove out and looked at the other caravan park and free camp.  There were caravans everywhere but if we are ever up this way again we will try the other park.   Next stop was the Longreach Arts and Craft Centre which displayed and sold local arts and craft.  Although it did seem that two women were the major contributors.  One lady was mainly into quilting and the other pottery.   The outstanding exhibits were a lovely quilt of a country scene and an amazing pottery chess set.   There is also an ambulance memorabilia room.  A pleasant way to spend 30 minutes.  Next stop was the powerhouse museum.    Electricity was first generated in 1921 for the town of Longreach.  The shed that held all the engines to supply the power got up to 68 degrees and the noise of the engines could be heard for 4km.  Would have hated to work there.  It wasn't a bad museum, although I was quicker to finish looking than Ian so sat out under the shade of a tree to wait for him.   Back to the van and a chat with the neighbours.

 

Tuesday 25 July - Windorah - Jundah - Swanvale Lookout

Heading towards another free camp we have been told about but first we drove into Windorah.  The town is powered by  solar dishes together with a diesel generator for when there is no sun.  The only other things there are is a caravan park, information centre, store and fuel.  The caravan park looked nice enough but Coopers Creek was 100 times better.  Next stop was Jundah where we got some fuel.  There was also a caravan park, store, little park with showers (donation) and toilet.  Very welcoming for caravaners.  Drove about 40km north of Jundah to Swanvale Lookout.  We are on top of a hill and we have a view of the surrounding countryside.  Currently there is one van here with us.  We are about 200 metres from him and 200 metres from the toilet.  Beautiful position.  Will be interesting to see how many others are here for the night.    Relax away the afternoon doing some reading but mostly staring out over the landscape.

 

 
  

Monday 24 July - Coopers Creek

As we were packing up this morning the guy in the van next door decided to hose his van down.  He did tell us he was going to do it and to keep an eye on him in case he accidentally sprayed us.  The water turned red from the dirt and was running off the van.  I felt a few sprays but as it was warm wasn't a problem until I turned to look at Ian, in his light blue t-shirt which had splashes of red on it.  Hope it washes out.

We are heading towards Longreach and were going to stay at Windorah but everyone we spoke to suggested we stay a few kms south of town at a free camp on Cooper Creek.  There are places for a few vans near the toilet, then the rest of the camp area is in surrounding bushland.  We crossed a dry creek bed and parked about 200 metres from the toilet and other vans.  We have noticed camper trailers further away.  Very quiet.  I had done a load of washing prior to leaving this morning and hung it out at about 12.30pm when we had set up here.  Currently 2pm and everything is dry.  Was meant to be about 28 degrees today but there is a lovely breeze blowing.  Going to put the feet up enjoy the tranquility and do some reading.  Once again no phone, internet or television.  Very peaceful evening.  Ian went out to try some night sky time lapse pictures.

 

Sunday 23 July - Quilpie

Set off later than usual.  We were ready to go when the lady came out from next door for a chat.  She was late 70's and they had been going to Yowah for years and years.  After chatting for over 30 minutes we set off.  Very pleasant drive with very little traffic.  Everyone is very courteous and as it is a single lane, all slow down and pull off the bitumen so you can pass each other without showering each other with rocks.  Arrived in Quilpie at lunch time and set up.  After lunch we went for a drive around town.  Everything is closed on a Sunday but the town seemed clean enough.  Drove to a sports ground and watched a game of polo-x for a little while.  Drove a few kms out of town to a lookout which was a complete waste of time as you could only see the trees surrounding you.   Back to the caravan park where they have 3 hot tubs, each capable of holding 4 people.  At the time we went there was only Ian and I so that was very pleasant.  The park are also having a roast night but decided to give this one a miss.  As we are only staying one night we have been placed on a drive through site.  Very cosy to our neighbours can hear every cupboard opening and shutting.  

Yowah to Quilpie

 
 

Saturday 22 July - Yowah

Before I start with today just a follow up on last night.  We went over to the fire pit for roast pork/lamb which meant we joined a new set.  The 5.30 pm dinner set.  Oh no we have joined our parents generation!   We were back at the van and in the pj's by 6.45. The food was good.  The meat had been cooked in a camp oven on the fire and was very tender. Our neighbours around the fire had just come through the towns we are travelling to so had a nice chat with them.  A pleasant evening but don't think eating at 5.30 will become a regular thing.  The caravan park is again full tonight and it is interesting to watch the line of vans pulling in from 3pm onwards.  Today there would have been 6 or 7 vans lined up in the driveway and out on the road waiting to book in.  It is just a constant stream with 90% staying only one night so they follow each other out in the morning.  We were not in the first wave pulling out but weren't the last either when we left at 8.50am.  

Another side track, we have spoken to a few other travellers who have liked Bourke and stayed there for a couple of days.  There is a port area with paddle steamers but as we had only been on a paddle steamer earlier in the year didn't feel a need to do this again.  There is also, I am told, a good museum, so judge Bourke for yourself.

Now today, we went through Eulo where we made use of their dump point.  There was a pub, general store with fuel, town hall and not much more.  Continued on to Yowah and set up at the free camp in time for lunch.  Had lunch and drove for a look around Yowah, there is a caravan park, shops selling opals and artesian pools.  There are two pools, the first was 39 degrees today and the second one was cooler but didn't have a thermometer to check the temperature.  There were three other couples there when we arrived and after a short chat to them they left, so we had the pools to ourselves for 40 minutes or so before another couple arrived who said the hot pool was only 32 degrees yesterday.  We sat in the pool and chatted to them for a further 30 minutes before deciding we had had soaked ourselves enough.   Back to the van for afternoon tea and to type this blog before we drove up to the bluff to watch the sunset.   Back to the van for the night.  The motor home nearest to us started its generator before we drove to the bluff.  Thankfully they turned it off about 8.15.  Quiet night.

Thursday 20 & Friday 21 July - Bourke - Cunnamulla

Pulled out just before 8am, our first stop Bourke.  We decided not to stay here overnight but just had a look around.  We got there about 10.30 parked and went for a walk.  I found the town depressing.  Shops had roller doors over their shop fronts that they obviously pulled down overnight, house windows were barred.  The supermarket had no windows on the two sides we saw and their carpark was fenced and locked at night.  Possibly not the day to visit as it was pension day and court day.  Half an hour saw us back in the car.   We did pass a caravan park about 5 km north of town which looked nice but we had committed to making it further.  Today we hardly saw live kangaroos because they had all became roadkill.  We spent the day weaving all over the road to avoid it and I actually had my first drive towing this van.  Only did 60km and the road was dead straight but you have to start somewhere!  Arrived at Cunnamulla where we are staying in a caravan park.  We are staying two nights so some washing can be done.  After we set up wandered over to the fire pit for damper and listen to a bush poet.  Gold coin donation for the Royal Flying Doctors so for a good cause and the damper was good.  Afraid poetry is not our thing so we discretely left.   The other campers seemed to be enjoying it.  Friday we drove down to the town, visiting the information centre and doing a lap of the main street.  The rest of the day was spent doing a few chores, getting the blog done and chatting to the neighbours.  Tonight we will be heading again to the fire pit for roast pork.  Life is hard!  

Wednesday 19 July - Cobar

Once again we were setting off around 9.  Travelled the 10km of dirt road where we pulled up to check everything was still in one piece, which amazingly it was, before hitting the bitumen to Cobar.  Could not believe the number of kangaroos, emus and goats waiting on the side of the road to jump out in front of you.   Have never before seen them constantly over such a long distance.  Arrived at the free camp in Cobar which is by the reservoir.  Luckily we arrived early to snag a position.  We unhooked the van and drove up to the Fort Bourke lookout which gives you a view of the open cut gold mine from a viewing platform 150 metres above the entrance to the site.  Next we went into town to the bakery for lunch and then strolled around the town grabbing some pamphlets from the information centre.  There is a mining display there but we elected to give it a miss having done this type of thing before.  Back to the van and hooked up for a quick getaway tomorrow before the 20 or so vans here with us do the same.  Have spoken to 3 or 4 different groups and they are all heading north.   We got energetic, well for me anyway, and did a lap around the reservoir.  Currently sitting on the bed typing this gazing out the window at the water and bird life.

 

 

Monday 17 & Tuesday 18 July 2017 - Wallanthery

Once again ready to leave around 9.  Nothing to the pack up as we had stayed hooked up.  A relatively boring drive with no towns of note worth stopping at.  We did stop at Hillston as we noticed an information centre and I wanted to grab some pamphlets on the towns we are heading for to work out what we wanted to see.  It was a lovely clean little town and the information centre was in the local craft shop where the Hillston quilters were having a get together.  Wasn't any information on the town we're heading for but I had a browse around the shop at the quilts on display and also the knitted items.  Back in the car and after a 10 km drive down a dirt road we arrived at our caravan park.  Cautiously opened the caravan door in case the fridge or microwave had fallen out.  Luckily this was not the case, although the knobs from the the stove top were lined up on the floor and there was a pool of liquid on the floor in front of the fridge.  Cook top was quickly put back together and further investigation of the fridge showed a bottle of fish sauce had tipped over and the lid had opened.  Pulled everything out of the fridge and cleaned then repacked it, although the fish smell is still present.  The park we are staying at appears to be set up in a farmer's paddock so there is no-one for miles around.  It is also on the Lachlan River and has 4 powered sites and about 15 unpowered sites with 2 showers and 3 toilets.  There was another van in the best site alongside the river when we arrived.  We had just finished setting up when the owners of the other van arrived back, hooked up the van and left so we moved onto that site.  Once set up I sat back in the comfy chair whilst Ian got the quadcopter out for a play.  Only downside is that there is no phone or internet coverage.  This of course could be an upside depending on your point of view.  As I am typing this it is 6 pm and we are the only people in the park.  Peace.  We decided to stay another night, just because we could, and had one other van with us for our last night.

 

 

Sunday 16 July 2017 - Hay

We are finally away.  Hooked the van on and set off about 9 am.  Very uneventful drive through very flat countryside.  We stopped at Deniliquin to grab a few last minute things at the supermarket.  We planned to stay at the free camp in Hay and got there about 1 and set up.  About 3 pm we set off for a walk along the river and through the park area.  About 2 hours later we arrived back at our van after spending 10 minutes walking and the rest of the time talking to our neighbours!   The site holds 75 caravans/tents and is meant to be 3 day maximum stay (although one van in particular looked set up for the long haul).  There was only about 18 vans the night we stayed with our closet neighbour being about 30 metres away.   A very quiet night and would recommend the camp if your passing through.  There are toilets there.