We toast the last rays of the sun as they glow on the offshore islands. Our neighbours tell us about their last caravan park and how much they enjoyed it. Even though one camper had been checking her photos and noticed a croc swimming across the picture. “No way” said the park manager “that’s a log”. The camper brought up the next photo and ‘the log’ was swimming past again this time in the opposite direction! Continue reading Log, log!
The ‘Back of Bourke’ so the saying goes. Bourke conjures up visions of a large dusty dry town, yet it is nothing like that at all. It is not a large town nor small but very green with bottle trees, palms and plenty of parks with lush lawns. The houses are varied in architecture but shady wide spreading verandahs are the order of the day. Best of all for caravanners there is a tall double bay truck wash to get rid of the red dust, the evidence of actually getting this far. The Bourke court house is grand and elaborate. … Continue reading If you know Bourke…
Ilfracombe Caravan Park At first glance there doesn’t appear to be much in Ilfracombe but it is a better option than Longreach when staying in this area. Why? Because Jesse, Cath and the kids have built a Happy Hour shed and every night they put on nibbles and entertainment. It’s the sort of entertainment where you’ll laugh until your sides hurt. Even the kids deliver bush poetry. If that isn’t enough Cath takes guests on tours of the local Langenbaker Historic House. But hey there is more. Every winter they host the Ilfracombe Olympics and that, folks, is another story. … Continue reading Caravan Parks that make an Effort
I’m intrigued with the grand names of cattle and sheep stations. Often named by homesick settlers, properties the size of small countries have been named after villages and landmarks in England. This one in Queensland however does not fit into that category. Continue reading Naming Rights
Banks and ATM’s are scarce in most small towns so Woody goes to the ANZ bank and asks a lady if there is an NAB bank in town. She says “It used to be down the street. They told us they were closing and we could go to Broome (200kms away) and we told ’em You can go to buggery, we’ll go to the other mob (ANZ).” Continue reading Dealing with Banks
On the Savannah Way just west of Georgetown, Qld there is a delightful oasis. Beside an historic mine chimney you’ll find a lagoon filled with water lilies and wildlife in abundance. Get there early for a view. Continue reading Cumberland Mine Site
We camp in the Showgrounds just behind the little town. “Park anywhere,” says a fellow camper “the caretaker is under the shower, he’s only got one leg so he’ll be a while”. Continue reading Just a Little Handicapped
I’m sure all Queenslanders know of the Nindigully Pub. West of Goondiwindi, south of St George and not far from the New South Wales border Nindigully sits at the junction of the Carnarvon and Barwon highways and on the banks of the Moonie River. As far as iconic Aussie bush pubs go this one ticks all of the boxes.Built in 1864 on a well used stock route and river crossing there is now little else but the pub in what was once a Cobb & Co staging post. The long low pub has a wooden floored verandah and hitching rails … Continue reading Nindigully Pub
The joy of being out in the bush is when you give up your chair to the locals. Continue reading Up Close and Personal
