Wednesday 30 August - Lara Wetlands

An early start this morning as we had to be at the caretakers van by 9.15.   Jumped in the back of a truck and sat on hay bales for the drive up to the homestead.  The homestead is built in the Queenslander style.  I don't have much information about it as there was no information given about it for you to keep.  The present owner wanted to restore the homestead, set up the wetlands camping area and run cattle on the property.  Unfortunately her husband died in a helicopter accident and her debt makes it impossible for her to stay on so the property is up for sale.  We had a look around the old homestead and was given lots of verbal history of the place.  Probably too much information all at once to absorb.  Morning tea was also supplied.  It was a very enjoyable tour and worth the $10 fee each.  The homestead was lovely but would need more than a million spent on it to restore it.    Ian walked back to the campground while I returned on the back of the truck.  We chatted to a couple who had just arrived that day and then it was back to the van for a late lunch.  Once again did nothing until it was time to poach ourselves in the hot pool.

 
 
 
 

Tuesday 29 August - Lara Wetlands

Went for a walk around the Lake passing the amenities which are about 400 - 500 metres away from us and then continued on to the caretakers office.  We put our names down for the homestead tour tomorrow.  Continued on for a few metres to where another Kokoda was parked and had a chat to them.  After discussing the ins and outs of their van they decided to walk with us to our van.  The couple they are traveling with also joined us.  We continued around the Lake to our van to discuss the ins and outs of our van.  What should have taken us 30 minutes turned in to 2 enjoyable hours and filled in the morning nicely.  After lunch we read until it was time to hit the hot springs.  Chatted to a few other couples while we poached ourselves in the pool before returning to the van to shower and settle in for the night.  
 

 
 

Monday 28 August - Lara Wetlands

Packed up and drove into Barcaldine.  Filled up the gas bottle before visiting the Tree of Knowledge.  This is the original ghost gum tree where the striking shearers met and was the start of the union movement and the Labour Party was conceived.  The tree was poisoned in 2006 but was preserved to now stand as a permanent memorial.  Around to the supermarket to stock up, packed it away and set off for Lara Wetlands.  A long trip today.  28km later we were at the turn off.  There was a car and van parked waiting for us to turn in.  It was the ladies who were our neighbours at Lake Dunn.  They were just leaving after 2 night here.  We talked to them for a little while before heading 13km down the dirt road to Lara Wetlands.  Booked in with the caretaker and the drove around the Lake to find a spot.  Set up and then chatted with a couple walking by before having some lunch.   Had a wander around for a look and then joined another couple in the hot springs for a soak and chat. Others came and went joining in our "places to see" discussion.  Returned to the van for the evening.  

 
 

Sunday 27 August - Barcaldine

Very sorry to pack up and leave this morning but we must move on.  Drove back to  Aramac but drove straight through and on to Barcaldine.  We planned to stay 2 nights here to catch up on some washing and restock the fridge and pantry.  Set up at the showgrounds and I set off the washing machine while Ian went for a walk.  In the ammenities was a sign saying the showgrounds would be closed from tomorrow for a fortnight due to some event here. This means we again move on tomorrow and I have to get all the washing done today and we will have to do the shopping tomorrow morning before we leave (nothing open on Sunday).  They have also closed their laundry so I have to put everything through our little machine so the sheets and towels become 4 loads! At least it is warm with a bit of a breeze so hopefully will get them dry as well.  Will do a load of clothes tonight and another one in the morning to hang out when we arrive at our next destination.  Trying to get the blog updated as we expect to be out of service again tomorrow for a few days.

Tuesday 22 - Saturday 26 August - Lake Dunn

First stop today was Aramac to pump the tyres up, top up with petrol and grab some bread.  That about covers Aramac.  Now we are detouring again.  This time to Lake Dunn.  We had never heard of the place, let alone thought about going there until other travellers mentioned it.  Sounded nice so off we went.  Along the road in there are about 7 sculptures made from pieces of old farm junk.  They are made by a local lady.  There is a triangle of 200 km with the sculptures along it but we didn't do the dirt section of it just along the 70 km into Lake Dunn.  When we arrived we found a nice little spot 20 steps from the water's edge between 2 trees which gave us a little more  room as no van could fit between us and the trees.  We are actually on private property and the farm owner Marg (mid 80's) drives down from the farm house to collect your camping fees every night in a golf buggie.  There are toilets and showers here and for an extra fee you can connect to power but our solar panels kept us going.  What is there to do here, nothing!  Pure peace and quiet.  Ian has kayaked a couple of times until the wind picked up so it was no longer enjoyable.  We have chatted to numerous people and have found out about another nice camping area to try out in a few days.  There a quite a few bird watchers here and one of the ladies that were next to us saw 67 different kinds during their 5 night stop.  Another couple told us there were 83 different species here and they weren't leaving until they had seen them all.  Last time we saw them they were up to 78 and had been told of an area they would find some they didn't have.  We have been very lucky because at the moment the lake has more water in it than it has for 3 years.  It was just about empty 5 years ago.  Only draw back no communication with the outside world.

 
 
 

 

Monday 21 August - Muttaburra

Ian wanted to check the tyre pressure while the tyres were cold so this was the first thing he did this morning.  They were a bit low so he got the pump out to inflate them. Obviously the pump thought pumping up 8 tyres yesterday was too much work and went on strike today.  Thank goodness it didn't stop working yesterday.  At least they are inflated enough to continue on until we can put some more in.  Yesterday Ian was looking at the map of the area and found the town of Muttaburra.  When he looked it up in the brochures we had, it sounded nice so we decided to make a slight detour and turned right instead of left.  Why, because we can.  So we are now in the geographical centre of Queensland, set up in the council ran caravan park.  Had some lunch then headed into town.  Once again it is a small country town trying to encourage tourists to visit and spend some money.  We headed to Dr Arratta Museum which is housed in the old district hospital which closed in 1989.  Dr Arratta was the doctor here for 35 years around the 1920's and the museum houses old medical equipment.  The town was much larger then and people from Winton and Longreach would come to the hospital here.  The building of the railway to Winton and Longreach instead of Muttaburra caused the towns decline.   Next stop was the Union Camp and Union Hole where in 1891, 400 striking shearers camped and got their water.  According to our tour guide at the museum, this was the start of the Union movement and in the nearby town of Barcaldine the labour party was founded.  Continued our tour of the town and stopped off at A.A. Cassimatis Store and Cottage.   This museum shows the living conditions in the early 1900's and the general store in a small and remote community.  The business was established in 1913 by the Cassimatis family who moved here from Greece.  It was not only a general store, it was also a bank, green grocer, haberdashery, liquor store and motor mechanic.  The doors closed in 1978 and the museum was started.  Had the usual array of items found in museums.  The area is also where the Muttaburrasaurus fossilised dinosaur skeleton was found in 1963 by a local grazier.  There is a life sized replica in the main street.  Back to the park where we are 1 of 5 vans here for the night.  

Sunday 20 August - 100 km south of Torrens Creek

We originally were going to go back via Winton as we missed going to the Dinosaur Museum there.  But we have now visited two other dinosaur museums and have decided we have seen enough for the moment so we headed on roads not driven by us previously.    Arrived at Torrens Creek, topped up with fuel, let down all eight tyres and hit the dirt road.  We are heading in the direction of Aramac with the first 33 km being dirt.  We managed to navigate the corrugations and dust reasonably smoothly no thanks to the idiot doing what appeared to be over 100km coming towards us.   We had to just about come to a standstill as the dust was so thick we could not see the bull bar in front of us.  When we saw a roadtrain heading towards us we presumed we would not be able to see again but he slowed right down and we passed each other easily.  We averaged 60 kmph for the 33 km.  When back on the bitumen we pulled over to pump the tyres up.  This took us 45 minutes but included a peak in the van to see if any damage had been done.  Once again we had a mess in the fridge.  The lid had come off the pickled onions and the liquid had spilled out.  Put the lid back on and travelled a further 70 km to a roadside stop.  We pulled up and had lunch and decided to stay for the night allowing us time to clean the fridge.  We also found that something had pierced a whole in a bottle of water so that was also trickling out.  Mopped up the mess and cleaned the fridge.  Our campsite is adjacent to the road and from 1pm to 4pm six cars drove past, from 4pm to 6pm two cars went past.  From 6 pm to 10 pm one roadtrain passed.  Overnight four roadtrains went by that I heard,  Ian managed to sleep through two of them!  As we were the only ones staying here Ian once again set the camera up to experiment with his star photos.

 

Saturday 19 August - Porcupine Gorge

Set off this morning for a 60 km trip to Porcupine Gorge.  Had picked up a leaflet at the information centre listing points of interest on the way.  There are 13 things listed before you reach the National Park Camp Ground.  One was the dingo fence which extends for 2500km making it the longest fence in the world.  It was built to protect sheep and cattle from dingoes.  This section is no longer maintained as there are no longer any sheep in the area.  Other points of interest were mailman's grave, Flinders River, Matchbox Creek and Whistling Bore.  The one that was probably the best was the Porcupine Gorge Lookout.  There is a concrete path to a viewing platform for the Gorge, the cliff drops 120m down to the bottom of the Gorge.  A lovely peaceful view.  Pushed on to the National Park Campground.  There are 2 walks here.  One is a 2.6 km return walk around along the rim of the Gorge and a 1.2 km gravel walking path down the the Gorge.  It is apparently a gently descending walking track that leads to the bottom of the Gorge.  If that was a gently descending walking track I would hate to see the one they describe as steep.  Anyway made it down to the bottom of the Gorge and to Porcupine Creek.  At certain times of the year the creek does not flow due to the lack of rain.  While we were there it appeared to be quite low and the waterhole did not really look inviting to me so I didn't go for a dip, although a few people did take the plunge.  The Gorge was nice but I thought Lawn Hill was better.  Now we had to get back out of there.  I thought I was going to die.  Would climb up a few metres then have to sit down and rest, climb a bit more and rest a lot more.  I had visions of a helicopter having to come and winch me out.  Everybody easily overtook us.  There were a few that we heading down as we were going up and they then passed us again on their way up.  As you are reading this I obviously made it out, would I go down again.  NO.  Enough walking, not attempting the rim walk so back in the car and back to the van to update the blog and recover from the strenuous time this morning.  Could be a few days before the next update as we don't expect to have phones or internet, so don't panic we will return when we can.

  
 

Thursday 17 & Friday 18 August - Hughenden

Set off this morning for Hughenden.  Arrived and parked the van while we went to the information centre.  Thought it was a bit early to arrive at the caravan park so we found a cafe and had coffee and scones.  Walked around the town but there were no shops that interested us, so back to the van.  Natsav directed us to the caravan park so we pulled up and went to book in.  Sorry no booking for you.  Have you got the correct place?  Whoops wrong place, back to the car and to the correct caravan park/motel.  There are 4 powered sites and a couple of unpowered sites behind a motel.  Caravan section full and looks like 3 motel rooms occupied.  Anyway set up and  didn't do much.  Temperature reached 38 today.  Friday saw us return to the information centre and the Flinders Discovery Centre.  It's star attraction is a life size skeletal replica of a Muttaburrasaurus but also has many other fossils on display.  There is also a light and sound show that covers 500 million years and the beginning of the formation of Porcupine Gorge.  An interesting display but I have now had enough of dinosaurs for a while. 

 

Wednesday 16 August - Richmond

Walked down towards the Information Centre.  First stop was the Moon Rocks and Lions Park.  Moon Rocks are unique to the Richmond Shire and are made from limestone.  They can be as small as a golf ball or weigh many tonnes.  Next stop was the Cambridge Downs Heritage Display.  This is a replica, made from flagstone rock, of the original Cambridge Downs Homestead which was built in the late 1880's.  It also includes displays from the lives of the early pioneers.  Made it to the information centre which is the entry to Kronosaurus Korner Fossil Centre.  This features more than 1000 registered fossils from the Richmond area. The museum also displays the largest known collection of fossils belonging to its namesake, Kronosaurus, a 10 metre long predatory pliosaur, which was equipped with enormous crocodile like jaws.  This fossil was found by a local stockman when herding cattle.   Was an interesting museum.  Back to the van to update the blog and to keep cool.

 
 

Tuesday 15 August - Richmond

Moving day again.  Uneventful drive to Richmond and set up in the caravan park so we could have power for the airconditioner.  The temperature is rising and is mid 30's until the weekend when a cool change is due and back to 24.  After lunch we had a drive around the town and the free camp.  Back to the van to try and keep cool.  In the evening we went for a walk around Lake Fred Tritton and watched the sunset.

 

Monday 14 August - Julia Creek

Down at the information centre by 10 to watch the Dunnart being fed.  There was about 20 of us.  The lady from the information centre gave a short talk about the Dunnart in the area and then we watched a short film about them.  The Dunnart was then placed in a glassed area so we could watch it feed.  It is a furry narrow footed marsupial and if you saw it running across the lawn you would probably think it a mouse.  After watching it for a little while we moved onto the other 3 rooms containing history and stories of the area.  I must say Julia Creek tries extremely hard to draw the tourists in so they can have some extra money coming into the town.  The town folk are friendly and they go out of their way to help.  Back to the van where I succumbed to turning on the airconditioner and sitting in the cool.  Tonight the pony club are putting on a bbq for $15 at the caravan park.  A bus goes out to the free camp just outside of town and picks anyone up from there who wants to come and brings them to the caravan park.  They did about 6 trips tonight.  Had a good night with 140 in attendance.  The record so far is 150.  We were served a piece of steak, a sausage, potato bake, cabbage and mixed steamed vegetables then either chocolate pudding or plum pudding with custard.  There was also a raffle with prizes donated from local businesses.  A gentleman sang and got some audience members to play the drum, spoons, cow bell etc.  Thankfully I wasn't one of them.  A young lad from the pony club showed off his prowess at whip cracking and then his twin sister rode in on a miniature pony which laid down for her to get off and then sat up like a dog while she patted it.  It then stood again and the girl stood on it's back while she cracked the whips.  We sat next to a lovely couple and had an enjoyable chat.  Would not hesitate to revisit Julia Creek again, the town just has a lovely friendly feel to it.

Sunday 13 August - Julia Creek

Did some washing then headed to the information centre to be given a town map and told about the points of interest.  There were 3 rooms with historic displays which we will do tomorrow.  We needed to get to a supermarket before it closed.  That completed we went back to the van for lunch and to bring the washing in.   Now it is time to explore Julia Creek.  First stop was the WWII historic bunker.  The young lass at the information centre made it sound much more exciting than it was.  Five minutes later we were back in the car.  Didn't even warrant getting the camera out.  Next we grabbed some fuel at a self serve card outlet which was 30 cents a litre cheaper than the service station one block away.  Next highlight to visit was the hotel.  I am not sure what was it's feature to earn a mention at the information centre as it was just an older style pub.  Next stop the RSL hall which had a spirit of the lighthorse sculpture made out of old iron scraps.  It was very well done and deserved a visit.  They also have plaques around the sculpture saluting the service men and women of the area.   While looking at the sculpture and plaques we had to dodge the sprinklers watering the lawn, but not because they were cold but because they were hot.  They have artesian water here which has to be cooled for use.  Last stop was the museum which housed old machinery and household item from early stations of the area.  Although entry was free we didn't go in, the things we could see in the front yard we have seen on numerous occasions at other museums.   Back to the van to try and keep cool.

 

Saturday 12 August - Julia Creek

Well today didn't go with plan a, b or c, ended up with plan d, thankfully we didn't need plan e.   Left Gregory and retraced our step to Bourke & Wills Roadhouse where we filled up with fuel.  Back in the car and headed for a free camp half way between Bourke & Wills and Gregory.  There is absolutely nothing there except an overflowing bin.  We walked around and picked a spot but when deciding which way to place the van noticed the decaying carcass of a bull so elected not to park there.  The next spot was too small for our van.  At this stage we were getting hot and bothered so decided to push on to the next free camp by a river.  No luck there as we must have passed the way in without noticing.  On to the next free camp.  There was no shade and it was now 32 degrees and as we were only 100 or so km from Julia Creek we went past it and into town.  We had previously booked in for Sun and Mon nights so we could get some power and catch up on some washing.  Luckily they could fit us in tonight as well.  We set up and had a late lunch (3pm).  As we don't need to rely on our solar panels for lights etc we have a beautiful shady spot between 2 trees so should have shade the whole day through.  Heaven in this heat.  Spent the afternoon getting the blog typed to publish tomorrow when we can organise the photos.

Friday 11 August - Gregory

Nothing to report today just sat in the shade of the awning.  Tonight will be our 4th night in a row free camping with no power, phone coverage or internet.  The first night the camp had a toilet and here at Gregory there are toilets and free cold showers opposite the pub so we have driven down each night for a shower.   We have had our own toilet but as the water tank only holds so much have elected not to use our own shower.  

Thursday 10 August - Lawn Hill

One reason we set off for this trip was to visit Lawn Hill.  As we travelled we asked other caravaners the road condition into Adele's Grove (the campsite about 10 km from Lawn Hill).  There were mostly bad reports about the condition of the road, so decided not to take the van, which is why we spent so long at Gregory.   We have travelled 3,993 km so far and was still 100 km away.  An alarm was set for the morning and with lunch packed we hit the road.  It took just under 1 1/2 hours to go the 90 km.  There was about 20 km of good bitumen, 20 km of horrible bitumen and roughly 25 km good dirt and 25 km of corrugated, rattle and bounce dirt.  We were lucky because they were actually grading and watering the road in a couple of places, hence the amount of good dirt.  Arrived at Lawn Hill and walked down to the Gorge to check out the ease of launching the kayak.  Wish all places had this set up. There was a ramp to sit the kayak on with railings either side to hold on to while getting in and out.  I decided we would paddle first as I didn't want to be too tired from a walk to enjoy the paddle so we took our kayak down and we were off.  As you will tell by the pictures it was stunning in the gorge.  The water was an emerald green contrasting against the red rock and so peaceful even with other paddlers and a small boat that did tours.  We slowly made our way up stream to Indarri Falls (3km return).  Here you can get out, lift your boat out and carry it to the upper Gorge and paddle another 3 km where you can see turtles and the resident fresh water crocodile.  Ian hopped out and went to have a look while I stayed in the kayak.  While he was away I watched one couple trying to manoeuvre their canoe out of the water and onto some iron rails so that you can then drag the canoe up from the waters edge before carrying to the upper gorge.  Ian returned from his investigations in time to assist another couple get their canoe out of the water.  I paddled back to collect him and much to his disappointment said I wasn't going to try to get our kayak out of the water.  In it's double seat set up it weighed more than the canoes of the previous couples and they both had trouble.   I didn't want to spoil the enjoyment of the half of the gorge that we had done.  Maybe next time, perhaps we will hire a lighter set up and wrestle with that.  Paddled a few strokes and then floated a bit, paddled again and floated again back to where you get out.  The gorge was stunning, well worth a visit and I am sure my words and the photos don't give you the full effect of being there.   We were on the water for 2 hours.  Packed the kayak back on the car, found some shade and ate our lunch.  Ian then went off for a walk to Duwadarri Lookout for a view over the gorge.  It was too hot for me so I sat in the shade to wait and watched the world go by.  Ian returned just over an hour later.  He and a few other walkers I spoke to felt there could be some more signage around the walks.  Back to the car and the 90 km back to the van. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Wednesday 9 August - Gregory

Drove back to Bourke & Wills, topped up with fuel and headed to Gregory. (Often called Gregory Downs).  We set up in a large area that would hold about 60 vans with about 15 here for the night.  There is another area near the river which we drove past.  The vans were packed in down there, so glad we parked away from the river.  After setting up and having lunch we drove into town which consists of a grocery store/coffee shop that is set up in a shipping container, a pub that also sells fuel, public toilets/showers, a council depot and a couple of houses.  Having concluded our tour of the town we made use of the cold showers and returned to the van

Tuesday 8 August - Bang Bang

We are actually heading to Gregory but as this is a drive of 420 km we decided to break it up and spend the night at Bang Bang free camp.  Drove through dust blowing around, through Normanton to arrive at Bang Bang around lunchtime.  Four vans had already set up so we found ourselves a spot and set up.   Did nothing for the afternoon.   I keep forgetting to mention we have seen kites and hawks along the way.  One hawk in particular was extremely large.  He was sitting on the carcass of a kangaroo on the side of the road.  Didn't fly away as we went past just sat there looking at us.  We have also seen millions of termite mounds and if each one is full of termites, you just cannot imagine how many there must be.  From Cloncurry to Mount Isa the termite mounds are red and from Cloncurry up to Karumba they turn to a light tan / beige colour.  From what I have read they are no where near the size of the ones in Western Australia.  Hopefully next year we will find out for ourselves.  Another peaceful night at Bang Bang with about twenty vans.

 

Monday 7 August - Karumba

Finally back in the land of modern technology.  Have had no phone, internet, tv or power for 4 days.   Now trying to catch up with the blog.  So back to Monday

We just relaxed at the van trying to keep cool.  We are having a run of low 30's at the moment.  At 4pm we headed down to the pontoon near the boat ramp as boarding was at 4.30 for 4.45 departure.   We arrived at 4.15 and there was already 14 on board.  All 22 of us were on by 4.30 so off we went.  It was a husband and wife team.  The husband was driving the boat while the wife gave a running commentary of the buildings along the river and some history of the town.  We cruised up and down near the river bank and spotted 3 crocodiles.  Of course they were on the opposite side of the boat to where we were sitting so I had a bit of a whinge to Ian that he should turn the boat around for both sides to see clearly.   The boat was then taken out in the gulf near the sea entrance to watch the sun set over the water, this was on our side of the boat, so I think we ended up with the better viewing.  While we putted along we enjoyed some cheese, fruit, biscuits and dip.  While stopped for the sunset we were all given a bowl with 4 tiger prawns each and then a tim tam biscuit for the trip back to the boat ramp.  Wine, beer and soft drink was also supplied.  It was a very enjoyable way to spend 2 1/2 hours.  We decided to have fish and chips for tea and walked into the shop at 7.25 (it closed at 7.30).  The lady in the shop said the deep fry was the only thing still on so we ordered our fish and chips.  About 5 minutes passed and she came out to inform us she had ran out of gas so now couldn't use the deep fry.  Oh well, back to the van for scrambled eggs.

 
 
 
 

Sat 5 August, Sun 6 August - Normanton - Karumba

Late start for us today, on the road by 9.  Drove through to Normanton where after getting some fuel we parked and walked down to see Krys.  Krys is a life size replica, at 8.63m, of a salt water crocodile killed by a female crocodile hunter in 1957.  Would hate to be in a little tinnie with this floating next to you.  Back in the car to Karumba which is a fishing town where people come back year after year to fish.  Not much here, although everyone seems to have a boat.  Karumba Point is the only stretch of beach that can be accessed from the Matilda Way and Savannah Way by bitumen road.  It is a pleasant change to see water.  We had intended to only stay 2 nights but we couldn't get on the sunset cruise we wanted to do until Monday night so have extended our stay.  Sunday was spent doing nothing, just relaxing filling in time to Monday's boat tour.

 

Friday 4 August - Bang Bang

Had a fair drive today, at least by our standards, so we were on the road at 8.  Drove back to Cloncurry where we topped up the diesel and stretched our legs.  Back in the car and headed north.  Arrived at Bourke and Wills Roadhouse around lunch time.  For those that don't know our van is a Kokoda and before this trip we haven't come across many.  We were the fifth one when we pulled up at Bourke and Wills out of about 20 vans.  We went in the roadhouse for a look but it was crowded, hot and noisy so we decided to push on the further 90km to the free camp where we intended to stay overnight.   Arrived at the free camp and set up before having a late lunch.   It is currently mid afternoon and there are us, a motorhome and 2 other caravans on a space that would hold about 30 vans easily.   Hope it stays this way.  Next morning went out to find there had been 3 motorhomes, 5 vans and 1 sliding door camper.  Extremely peaceful night so we plan to stay here again on our return trip.

Thursday 3 August - Mount Isa

Ian headed off this morning to run a couple of errands while I got the washing done.  Boring stuff.  Mid morning we headed off in search of the lookout.  We couldn't find any lookout sign but found a road leading up to the top of a hill, an ideal place for a lookout, so headed up.  There was a car and a car and van parked at the bottom of the hill and we could see one couple walking up.  We proceeded to drive up a very skinny road (hope we don't meet anyone) to the top of the hill where there was a guy starting to walk down.  We took a few photos and enjoyed the view and then headed back down.  Once again, thankfully, no-one was coming up.  As we drove out the gate to leave the lookout we noticed a sign stating it was private property.  Oops, obviously not the lookout.   Drove back into the centre of town where we found the actual lookout so stopped to see if it was any better than the last place.  This one gave us a closer look at the mine, which is huge.    Next we did the grocery shopping and had the fun of trying to fit it all in the van. Lunch next then back in the car and 19 km later we were at Lake Moondarra which is an aboriginal name meaning plenty of rain and thunder.  Lake Moondarra  was built in 1956 on the Leichhardt River to supply water to Mount Isa and the mine.  There is a swimming area, boat ramp, picnic areas and you can even walk across the dam wall.  The Lake is stocked with 11 different species of fish.  There is an annual 3 day fishing classic and dragon boat regatta.  A very pretty outlook over the Lake.  Back to the van to wait for a call from Autobarn about our ball lock.  Finally at 4:45 (they close at 5:30) they rang to say they had it.  So a quick trip into town to collect it.  Moving day tomorrow.

 
 

Wednesday 2 August - Mount Isa

Another day of 29 degree temperature without a cloud in the sky so where did we head to cool down.  The underground hospital.  When Darwin was bombed in 1942 Mount Isa decided to build an underground hospital with the miners volunteering to help.  They worked their 8 hour shift at the mine then did 8 hours at the hospital.  It consists of three parallel tunnels joined at one end by a 20 metre tunnel, creating an E shape.  They had a male ward, female ward, maternity/children's ward and even a birthing room and surgical room.  Thankfully they never had to use it and in the early 1950's the entrances were covered with earth.  It was rediscovered in 1977 when one tunnel partially collapsed.  Due to H&S regulations the roof was re-shored and tunnels resealed.   All the furniture and equipment is still there and now on display.  I had to don the hard hat and help the tour guide.    As well as the hospital and museum they have a tent house (including furniture and homewares) which was used in 1930 to house the booming population.  We enjoyed going through the hospital.  Something different to the standard museums and even better when the volunteer charged us the concession price.   The tour guide told us that the mine blasts twice a day around 8 am and 8 pm and that we should have at least heard it if we didn't feel it.  We didn't really notice last night or this morning but will pay extra attention tonight.