July 2018 What price would you put on acres of lawn shaded by mango trees and clumps of spindly gums? Not far from the highway yet perfectly quiet but for the sounds of farm life. A few Brahman cattle grazing, … Continue reading Flaggy Rock Community Campground
When I was a kid growing up on Melbourne’s Mornington Peninsula (in the fifties when it was considered ‘the bush’ and before it became desirable real estate) our teacher used to teach us geography by tricking us. Where’s Western Australia? “West!” We freckle faced kids in home knits would all shout. Where’s the Northern Territory? “North!” (Oh this is too easy) Where’s South Australia? “South!” We’d shout. Wrong! It’s west! Tricky but effective. Hmmm maybe it’s time to go west again, to South Australia. Continue reading Travel? It’s all a matter of direction
Aug 2018 We drive north through picturesque farmlets to Byfield National Park. We were introduced to this lesser known park a few years ago by friends. Today we’re returning to have lunch at the Byfield General Store. But first we … Continue reading Byfield National Park
Aug 2018 You know Aussies are a friendly bunch. As I walk across to the loos this morning a woman asks if we are moving on today. I answer “No” and expect the conversation to end there. Oh no, into the cubicles, still chatting, still asking questions. Somewhat embarrassed I realise that there’s no getting away from the inevitable. Thus in the course of performing our most personal of morning duties we discuss Queensland free camps, Victorian silo art and how we prefer to avoid cities. Washing my hands I call out “Safe travels” and scoot out the door. Only … Continue reading G’day
August 2018 We take the advice of a couple we met at Burdekin Cane Farm and seek out the Great Western Hotel. It doesn’t look much from the outside and there is an enormous shed at the back. Stepping up … Continue reading Great Western Hotel, Rockhampton
Dr Mays Island sits at the mouth of the Elliott River at Elliott Heads near Bundaberg, Qld. Once a part of the mainland what was Dr Mays farm eventually became isolated. It is a treat to watch the ebb and flow of the tide and the patterns that are created in the sand here. There is very little vegetation on the island, a palm, a prickly pear and a few other shrubs cling to this mere hummock. Ground cover plants grasp the crowns of the dunes. Aug 2018 “At low tide and with shoes happily in hand I walk across … Continue reading Dr Mays Island
Aug 2018 After striking heavy traffic on the Bruce Highway down to Calliope. We turn off at a colourful little town called Miriam Vale which is busy with RV’s, has spacious parking but surprisingly offers no camping. We are on … Continue reading Lowmead Hotel
July 2018 The farm is on Waterview Road, so named as it skirts a long lagoon. Greg’s farm stay is on mowed lawns under shady mango trees and overlooking the lagoon. Behind us and up the hill is Greg’s farm … Continue reading Burdekin Cane Farm
After an earlier fracas when our GPS tried to send us up a steep, unmade mountain road with the van on the back, we ignore Gabbi Garmin’s navigation suggestion and travel to Warracknabeal via St Arnaud and Donald and take a route of our own choosing. On the way our mates the Prado’s thought that the van in front of them was ours. El Prado picked up the CB and called “Brown rice boy to ukulele lady?” An amused passing truckie came on the air and replied with “Oh that’s so cute!” Continue reading Call Signs & CB’s
July 2018 We had to make a difficult decision this morning. Our coffee machine was as good as dead. It was 10 years old, was originally my Dad’s and has been bouncing around the country in the caravan for 6 of those 10 years. Yes, it was time to go into to Townsville to buy a replacement while we are close to a plethora of home wares shops. And what better than going shopping when it’s raining. Continue reading More Java Blues
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