The above pics show the main highway in and out of Longreach - Capricorn Highway.
Beautiful Brolga.
13 August 2011
Last day Longreach continued
The above pics show the main highway in and out of Longreach - Capricorn Highway.
Beautiful Brolga.
Last day Longreach
Saturday 13 August
Today was our last day here in Longreach so we had decided that we would spend the last day around the van park and do a bit of food shopping and browse the local streets and shops as we were advised that all the shops close at midday, we had a bit of a lie in this morning, however as it was again chilly the heater was again fired up to warm the van and then the jug was put on. Breakfast was had and then showers
and off into the township, by 1000am it was a most beautiful day very warm and sunny.
We stumbled along the RM Williams store and they happened to have their winter sale on so we purchased a couple of nice shirt a mens and ladies and also a cap for David at Fort Knox as he is a bit of farming lad having family at Muttaburra.
We walked along one side of the main street and then up the other finishing at the supermarket to get some supplies before we head off tomorrow.
We arrived back to the van park and had some lunch and a sit in the sun before heading across the road to the Qantas Hertiage Park, we had a wander around there and took some photos (see photos)Qantas formed it's first operational base here between 1921 - 1930, we then
did a bit of a drive to take some other photos of around the township. There is a tree outside the council building that is a roosting tree for the white Corella's the noise was deafing and they have de-leaved the tree where they roost as you can see by the photos.
We also took a couple of photos of the main road into Longreach and also in the opposite direction out of town, this is the road we will take tomorrow enroute to Emerald.
After arriving back at the van park we spent the remainder of the afternoon sitting in the sun and just generally being lazy until we had a couple of feathered visitors. Two beautiful Brolgas entertained us for around 30mins they are very beautiful and when they spread their wings they look just amazing. (see photos)
We took a few photos of the van park and the local watering hole named "The Woolshed" it is a lovely new building along the lines of a woolshed, it is very nicely done with a big verandah where you can have meals outside as we did tonight being our final night.
Across from it are the "Riggers" quarters and on the side of their accomadation block there is an amazing mural of Gunnerdoo, this van park was formerly named "Gunnerdoo" (see photos).
Well folks that is about all from Longreach, we have rolled the awning up and most of our outside stuff has been loaded away as we have a long drive tomorrow and want to be on the road by 0830, so folks that's all for now - see ya later from Emerald - Lake Maraboon.
Today was our last day here in Longreach so we had decided that we would spend the last day around the van park and do a bit of food shopping and browse the local streets and shops as we were advised that all the shops close at midday, we had a bit of a lie in this morning, however as it was again chilly the heater was again fired up to warm the van and then the jug was put on. Breakfast was had and then showers
and off into the township, by 1000am it was a most beautiful day very warm and sunny.
We stumbled along the RM Williams store and they happened to have their winter sale on so we purchased a couple of nice shirt a mens and ladies and also a cap for David at Fort Knox as he is a bit of farming lad having family at Muttaburra.
We walked along one side of the main street and then up the other finishing at the supermarket to get some supplies before we head off tomorrow.
We arrived back to the van park and had some lunch and a sit in the sun before heading across the road to the Qantas Hertiage Park, we had a wander around there and took some photos (see photos)Qantas formed it's first operational base here between 1921 - 1930, we then
did a bit of a drive to take some other photos of around the township. There is a tree outside the council building that is a roosting tree for the white Corella's the noise was deafing and they have de-leaved the tree where they roost as you can see by the photos.
We also took a couple of photos of the main road into Longreach and also in the opposite direction out of town, this is the road we will take tomorrow enroute to Emerald.
After arriving back at the van park we spent the remainder of the afternoon sitting in the sun and just generally being lazy until we had a couple of feathered visitors. Two beautiful Brolgas entertained us for around 30mins they are very beautiful and when they spread their wings they look just amazing. (see photos)
We took a few photos of the van park and the local watering hole named "The Woolshed" it is a lovely new building along the lines of a woolshed, it is very nicely done with a big verandah where you can have meals outside as we did tonight being our final night.
Across from it are the "Riggers" quarters and on the side of their accomadation block there is an amazing mural of Gunnerdoo, this van park was formerly named "Gunnerdoo" (see photos).
Well folks that is about all from Longreach, we have rolled the awning up and most of our outside stuff has been loaded away as we have a long drive tomorrow and want to be on the road by 0830, so folks that's all for now - see ya later from Emerald - Lake Maraboon.
12 August 2011
Lay day in Longreach
Friday August 12th
As Brian was not too good with a chest infection it was decided we would unfortunately have to pass on the day trip to Muttaburra to see the Hardie Family - John & Joy Hardie are David's (the Manager from Fort Knox Storage Caloundra) brother and SIL we rang and advised them we could not make today however Chris had a great chat on the phone with Joy and she has invited us back and to park the van next time at their farm this we will do for sure.
Today was a very lazy day doing chores and generally doing nothing which was rather nice, sitting in the sun and getting all the washing done and dry.
Brian had a check up at the local hospital re his chest infection and generally was given a road worthy so we can feel all will be ok for moving on - on Sunday to Emerald,they checked blood pressure and his diabetes which were all fine.
Tomorrow we are off to the Qantas Museum just across the road.
For now it's time for shower and bed.
Winton Wanderings
Thursday Aug 11th
Another great day sunny and cool to start however it soon warms up. The lad is still not 100% however we had decided to head to Winton 180kms north of Longreach as we had been told the Matilda Centre is a must see and this is the home of Waltzing Matilda. Brian has also always wanted to go to Winton to see some of the Dinosaur Displays. We had breakfast and were on the road at 0900am as we wanted to spend most of the day there.
Winton was first known as Pelican Waterhole, and this is the site of the first camp,settled by Robert Allen.The incidence of flooding brought about the relocation of the town to it's present poition.(see photo of the Pelican Waterhole in the main street) The road was pretty good and not alot of traffic either a few roadtrains other wise it was fine, we again saw a few Emus prowling and feeding in the paddocks they are very odd looking birds. We arrived in Winton and found a park right outside the Waltzing Matilda Centre so heading in and purchased our tickets to 3 attractions.
We started off by watching the amazing rendition of Waltzing Matilda sung by John Williamson, the scene was set by a billabong and was simply fantastic very stirring. (see photo) After spending the best part of the day we made our way to the small cafe and had lunch a lovely toasted sandwich and cold drink before heading off to see the other sights.
On the way out there is a bronze statue of the "Jolly Swagman" this was commissioned to commemorate "Waltzing Matilda" in 1959.It is dedicated to "Banjo" Paterson who wrote "Waltzing Matilda".
The other two attractions in the price of our entry were to see the Royal Open Air Theatre,(see photo) this was established in 1918 and is one of a few open air theatres in operation in Australia. It still operates every Wednesday evening with the original projection equipment from 1938, seating is in canvas deckchairs. Inside as you enter there is an amazing Opal collecton and some of the colurs are just amazing.
The final attraction was a Dinosaur display in the historic and amazingly old "Corfield and Fitzmaurice Store.The display of Dinosaur's was amazing you could view the Dinosaur Diorama,interpreting the world's only known fossilised trackways fo dinosaur's in flight, at Lark Quarry.The store also contains a display of boulder opal from the Queensland Boulder Opal Association and a Heritage building display. Casts of fossilised bones and fossilised plant material from the Australian Age of Dinosaurs collection are also housed here. (see photo of Dino) After seeing these amazing displays we walked along the main street and just enjoyed the sun and old shops that are that are main street Winton.
Once back at the car it was time to head back for Longreach, Chris decided she would drive and it gave me a break and a chance to view some of the sights. We stopped on the way home for a cuppa from our good old flask. It was an easy trip back with very little traffic and many Roadtrains heading toward Winton. We arrived back at the van at around
4.15pm made a cuppa and settled back to enjoy the last of the afternoon.
Another great day sunny and cool to start however it soon warms up. The lad is still not 100% however we had decided to head to Winton 180kms north of Longreach as we had been told the Matilda Centre is a must see and this is the home of Waltzing Matilda. Brian has also always wanted to go to Winton to see some of the Dinosaur Displays. We had breakfast and were on the road at 0900am as we wanted to spend most of the day there.
Winton was first known as Pelican Waterhole, and this is the site of the first camp,settled by Robert Allen.The incidence of flooding brought about the relocation of the town to it's present poition.(see photo of the Pelican Waterhole in the main street) The road was pretty good and not alot of traffic either a few roadtrains other wise it was fine, we again saw a few Emus prowling and feeding in the paddocks they are very odd looking birds. We arrived in Winton and found a park right outside the Waltzing Matilda Centre so heading in and purchased our tickets to 3 attractions.
We started off by watching the amazing rendition of Waltzing Matilda sung by John Williamson, the scene was set by a billabong and was simply fantastic very stirring. (see photo) After spending the best part of the day we made our way to the small cafe and had lunch a lovely toasted sandwich and cold drink before heading off to see the other sights.
On the way out there is a bronze statue of the "Jolly Swagman" this was commissioned to commemorate "Waltzing Matilda" in 1959.It is dedicated to "Banjo" Paterson who wrote "Waltzing Matilda".
The other two attractions in the price of our entry were to see the Royal Open Air Theatre,(see photo) this was established in 1918 and is one of a few open air theatres in operation in Australia. It still operates every Wednesday evening with the original projection equipment from 1938, seating is in canvas deckchairs. Inside as you enter there is an amazing Opal collecton and some of the colurs are just amazing.
The final attraction was a Dinosaur display in the historic and amazingly old "Corfield and Fitzmaurice Store.The display of Dinosaur's was amazing you could view the Dinosaur Diorama,interpreting the world's only known fossilised trackways fo dinosaur's in flight, at Lark Quarry.The store also contains a display of boulder opal from the Queensland Boulder Opal Association and a Heritage building display. Casts of fossilised bones and fossilised plant material from the Australian Age of Dinosaurs collection are also housed here. (see photo of Dino) After seeing these amazing displays we walked along the main street and just enjoyed the sun and old shops that are that are main street Winton.
Once back at the car it was time to head back for Longreach, Chris decided she would drive and it gave me a break and a chance to view some of the sights. We stopped on the way home for a cuppa from our good old flask. It was an easy trip back with very little traffic and many Roadtrains heading toward Winton. We arrived back at the van at around
4.15pm made a cuppa and settled back to enjoy the last of the afternoon.
Longreach sunny and warm
Wednesday Aug 10th.
Awoke this morning to a chilly start so thought we would flash the heater up for the first time and stick the jug on also and while van was warming and jug boiled it was back into bed for another 5mins. Seems the lad has somehow/where picked up a bloody chest infection so he is not sparking all that well, a trip into the township to get some goods from the pharmacy and lets hope it does the trick. Where the van park is - is very central to most of the main attractions, we decided we would head to the Stockman Hall of Fame, OMG what an amazing place this is it is set on 5 levels and simply so well done, not over the top like many attractions. We also took the offer of the outback show that was to be held out in a small arena behind the complex. This comprised of a real stockman on his own with horses and dogs and a herd of bullocks that he put through their paces later on. He told some great yarns, played the guitar and showed us how he worked his dogs, he was a fantastic horse rider to be able to ride bare back the way he did he would have been riding since he was very young. We arrived when it was warm and sunny and decided we would take a couple of the seats at the side of the tiered seating as it was in the semi shade umm well not for too long, it soon became pretty darn warm and many people including the lad moved up the back and into the shade. The performance was a one man show and by this time it was midday so we made our way inside to cool off and had a nice cold drink before heading through the exhibits and many many displays, we left there around 3.00pm and came back to the van for the remainder of the day. Had a yummy dinner tonight all done outside to save heating up the van and not causing it to smell of food. Dishes done for the evening, cuppa's had and showers and we turned in for the night late tonight for us 9.15pm.
Off to Winton tomorrow.
Awoke this morning to a chilly start so thought we would flash the heater up for the first time and stick the jug on also and while van was warming and jug boiled it was back into bed for another 5mins. Seems the lad has somehow/where picked up a bloody chest infection so he is not sparking all that well, a trip into the township to get some goods from the pharmacy and lets hope it does the trick. Where the van park is - is very central to most of the main attractions, we decided we would head to the Stockman Hall of Fame, OMG what an amazing place this is it is set on 5 levels and simply so well done, not over the top like many attractions. We also took the offer of the outback show that was to be held out in a small arena behind the complex. This comprised of a real stockman on his own with horses and dogs and a herd of bullocks that he put through their paces later on. He told some great yarns, played the guitar and showed us how he worked his dogs, he was a fantastic horse rider to be able to ride bare back the way he did he would have been riding since he was very young. We arrived when it was warm and sunny and decided we would take a couple of the seats at the side of the tiered seating as it was in the semi shade umm well not for too long, it soon became pretty darn warm and many people including the lad moved up the back and into the shade. The performance was a one man show and by this time it was midday so we made our way inside to cool off and had a nice cold drink before heading through the exhibits and many many displays, we left there around 3.00pm and came back to the van for the remainder of the day. Had a yummy dinner tonight all done outside to save heating up the van and not causing it to smell of food. Dishes done for the evening, cuppa's had and showers and we turned in for the night late tonight for us 9.15pm.
Off to Winton tomorrow.
09 August 2011
Tambo to Longreach
Tuesday 9th
Awoke to a very cold and frosty morning - altitude 475m - the race was to get warm clothes on and get a hot cuppa going. Although we are warm and cozy at night, Brian complained of a cold head, perhaps shaving for a cure is not a good idea at this time of year ! hence he has decided to wear his beanie to bed. We departed at 8am (cars heater had a lot to do with that) heading today to Longreach via Blackall, Balcaldine and finally to destination at LR. It was a cruisy trip of only approx 280kms because we did an extra 115kms day before. The weather was good, fine and warm, and we made 2 breaks for a cuppa. The last two days, we have had to drive around hundreds of roadkilled roos - terrible sights. Saw lots of Emus, a Jabiru, Galahs and Wedgetail Eagles. The landscape is truly outback - flat barren and dry. Arrived LR 12:30pm and reported to the Gunnerdoo Caravan Park near the Qantas museum. When we went to park on our allocated site, next door had parked their ute on our site and weren't around to move it so we shifted to another vacant site (turned out a lot better one anyway) and the office changed around the site numbers. So we ended up with no close neighbours and a neat ensuite at the rear. After we got set up, drove into LR and picked up some vegs from the super IGA and some essential booze from the local grog-shop (Bottlo). Tonight, instead of cooking, we went a few metres from our site to the parks restaurant and had dinner there - very nice too. TV is not brilliant, we can only get analogue channels SBS, ABC1, and Imparja.
pics: tank transporter, Chris in full winter kit north of Tambo, Brian at LR CP, and the Woolshed Restaurant in the CP.
Awoke to a very cold and frosty morning - altitude 475m - the race was to get warm clothes on and get a hot cuppa going. Although we are warm and cozy at night, Brian complained of a cold head, perhaps shaving for a cure is not a good idea at this time of year ! hence he has decided to wear his beanie to bed. We departed at 8am (cars heater had a lot to do with that) heading today to Longreach via Blackall, Balcaldine and finally to destination at LR. It was a cruisy trip of only approx 280kms because we did an extra 115kms day before. The weather was good, fine and warm, and we made 2 breaks for a cuppa. The last two days, we have had to drive around hundreds of roadkilled roos - terrible sights. Saw lots of Emus, a Jabiru, Galahs and Wedgetail Eagles. The landscape is truly outback - flat barren and dry. Arrived LR 12:30pm and reported to the Gunnerdoo Caravan Park near the Qantas museum. When we went to park on our allocated site, next door had parked their ute on our site and weren't around to move it so we shifted to another vacant site (turned out a lot better one anyway) and the office changed around the site numbers. So we ended up with no close neighbours and a neat ensuite at the rear. After we got set up, drove into LR and picked up some vegs from the super IGA and some essential booze from the local grog-shop (Bottlo). Tonight, instead of cooking, we went a few metres from our site to the parks restaurant and had dinner there - very nice too. TV is not brilliant, we can only get analogue channels SBS, ABC1, and Imparja.
pics: tank transporter, Chris in full winter kit north of Tambo, Brian at LR CP, and the Woolshed Restaurant in the CP.
Dulacca to Tambo
Monday 8th
Left Dulacca 8:40, heading for Augathella today. Lots of roadtrains and roadworks.
Drove through to Roma where we stopped for fuel, continued on to Muckadilla where we stopped for a cuppa. Noticed increasing numbers or road kills; roos wallabies and pigs. Heading due north to Augathella we saw some emus in a paddock. Drove into Augathella and stopped at the truckstop to refuel and have a cuppa. Augathella is pretty much a non event - it's off the main highway. As it was only 2:30pm we decided to continue on and make use of the daylight, driving on to another overnight free stay 25km north of Tambo. Arrived there 4:30 and there was 7-8 vans and 2 buses already parked on the layby for the night. Soon after we arrived, more vans turned up and it filled up very quickly. We sat outside in the sun until just after 5pm because it was so warm.
Left Dulacca 8:40, heading for Augathella today. Lots of roadtrains and roadworks.
Drove through to Roma where we stopped for fuel, continued on to Muckadilla where we stopped for a cuppa. Noticed increasing numbers or road kills; roos wallabies and pigs. Heading due north to Augathella we saw some emus in a paddock. Drove into Augathella and stopped at the truckstop to refuel and have a cuppa. Augathella is pretty much a non event - it's off the main highway. As it was only 2:30pm we decided to continue on and make use of the daylight, driving on to another overnight free stay 25km north of Tambo. Arrived there 4:30 and there was 7-8 vans and 2 buses already parked on the layby for the night. Soon after we arrived, more vans turned up and it filled up very quickly. We sat outside in the sun until just after 5pm because it was so warm.
Not so warm in northern Queensland
Sunday 7th August
Left Caloundra 8:30, headed south on the Bruce hwy to Caboolture and the D'Aguilar hwy.
No dramas through Kilcoy, but struck major roadwork at Blackbutt where they are moving the main road because it's sinking. Stopped at our usual spot at Cooyar for a cuppa, and then on to Dalby. Weather was fine and sunny. The Warrego hwy hasn't improved any, it's still the same bounce bang and jarring ride. Just on the other side of Miles at a small village called Dulacca we pulled up and parked in behind the one and only pub. Rough but free. Had some drinks at the bar and a very nice basic meal there. The bar dog, a Siberian Husky was bored and lifted his muzzle to howl every now and then.
Left Caloundra 8:30, headed south on the Bruce hwy to Caboolture and the D'Aguilar hwy.
No dramas through Kilcoy, but struck major roadwork at Blackbutt where they are moving the main road because it's sinking. Stopped at our usual spot at Cooyar for a cuppa, and then on to Dalby. Weather was fine and sunny. The Warrego hwy hasn't improved any, it's still the same bounce bang and jarring ride. Just on the other side of Miles at a small village called Dulacca we pulled up and parked in behind the one and only pub. Rough but free. Had some drinks at the bar and a very nice basic meal there. The bar dog, a Siberian Husky was bored and lifted his muzzle to howl every now and then.
29 January 2011
Battening down once again
Just to advise once again we are advised to batten down the hatches with a couple of Tropical Cyclones about to hit QLD once again, however think we will only get some wind and possibly some rain. Think those up north and over in WA are going to cop it pretty bad. The one off Fiji is the one that is making everyone frightened.
To think a little over 2wks ago Qld was deluged with floods and now this - what is happening to the planet!!!!!!
To think a little over 2wks ago Qld was deluged with floods and now this - what is happening to the planet!!!!!!
27 January 2011
Got the deposit
It arrived in the post today - officially now the big caravan at Sunseeker Village is sold, just need to find out from the guy when he plans to arrive up here - good job well done. Advertised in on the net and it only lasted 1week, have the small dingy on there also and had a guy ring today about it so will be good for someone to get some use out of it, that will leave me with the big boat more practical and comfy has a motor so no need for oars - catch you later.
26 January 2011
First Public Holiday for the New Year
Yep it's a holiday here for us and it's a biggie the Australia Day celebrations, and I have to admit the Aussie's do it far better than the Kiwi's - sorry for that (Australia Day is like Waitangi Day)
It is a fantastic day here and it is 0845am and already 26c going to be a warm one and we will be swimming at some stage. We plan to go to the caravan at the village and do some weeding and spraying and Brian also wants to do some touch up painting, we are cleaning the carpets on Sunday we want to have it looking nice - not that it is not, for when the guy from SA-Adelaide arrives in 2wks. He sent his parents to view the van as they only live about 20mins away, they were very impressed and relayed it back to him, it will be good to get rid of the van as it seems a shame to have it just sitting there. Other than this we don't have anything planned so will away and get some breakfast. The photo is of the famous Australia Day Dunny race that is held each year at the Etamogah Pub, they run the race on the service road this runs along side the H/Way heading north it is a huge day and one that everyone enjoys it is always crowded.
It is a fantastic day here and it is 0845am and already 26c going to be a warm one and we will be swimming at some stage. We plan to go to the caravan at the village and do some weeding and spraying and Brian also wants to do some touch up painting, we are cleaning the carpets on Sunday we want to have it looking nice - not that it is not, for when the guy from SA-Adelaide arrives in 2wks. He sent his parents to view the van as they only live about 20mins away, they were very impressed and relayed it back to him, it will be good to get rid of the van as it seems a shame to have it just sitting there. Other than this we don't have anything planned so will away and get some breakfast. The photo is of the famous Australia Day Dunny race that is held each year at the Etamogah Pub, they run the race on the service road this runs along side the H/Way heading north it is a huge day and one that everyone enjoys it is always crowded.
23 January 2011
Fine weather sees us at the beaches
Well after some really shocking weather it has rained for weeks and weeks and then we had the huge deluge of the QLD floods. We are on a slope here at FKS and therefore the drainage is great it just runs off and there are also huge drainage pits so not a problem for us.
With this fine weather we decided to take to a couple of lovely beaches and go to the surf clubs for lunch.
Last weekend we headed north to Coolum and had a nice lunch on the balconey.
And today saw us head south to Bribie Island, this trip was to mainly go and check on Terry and Patricia's caravan that they have stored in a paddock, Brian wondered if it had sunk into the ground but the old NZ Zephyr appears to be fine we were wondering if it is a bit mouldy inside from all the damp and humidity - now that is something Patricia will find out in May when they arrive back. We again ended up at the Bribie Island Surf Club for a light lunch the restaurant was crowded by 1.00pm, so thankful we went when we did instead of waiting to go a bit later, the surf club is actually at the tip of bribie at a place named Woorium and this is where terry and Patricia stay at the caravan park.We will go down a couple of times with our van while T & P are in camp. Even though the surf was chocolate brown from all the run off and whatever was coming out of the Brisbane river there were still alot of people in swimming.
These photos were taken at Coolum Beach which is north of us on the coast.
Here are a few pics from Bribie Island, to get to Bribie - Woorium we head south for about 30mins from our place and then turn toward the coast, from the highway to Bribie - Woorium is about 70km.
With this fine weather we decided to take to a couple of lovely beaches and go to the surf clubs for lunch.
Last weekend we headed north to Coolum and had a nice lunch on the balconey.
And today saw us head south to Bribie Island, this trip was to mainly go and check on Terry and Patricia's caravan that they have stored in a paddock, Brian wondered if it had sunk into the ground but the old NZ Zephyr appears to be fine we were wondering if it is a bit mouldy inside from all the damp and humidity - now that is something Patricia will find out in May when they arrive back. We again ended up at the Bribie Island Surf Club for a light lunch the restaurant was crowded by 1.00pm, so thankful we went when we did instead of waiting to go a bit later, the surf club is actually at the tip of bribie at a place named Woorium and this is where terry and Patricia stay at the caravan park.We will go down a couple of times with our van while T & P are in camp. Even though the surf was chocolate brown from all the run off and whatever was coming out of the Brisbane river there were still alot of people in swimming.
These photos were taken at Coolum Beach which is north of us on the coast.
Here are a few pics from Bribie Island, to get to Bribie - Woorium we head south for about 30mins from our place and then turn toward the coast, from the highway to Bribie - Woorium is about 70km.
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