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North Queensland then West
  • Rob and Pam T
  • Rob and Pam T

North Queensland then West

This trip starts from home and does a near lap of Queensland. The furthest point is the Dig Tree, nearly to the South Australian border. Approximate duration, six months. En savoir plus
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  • Rob and Pam TNorth Queensland then WestVoyageur

    Thargomindah and Bulloo River

    11 septembre 2021, Australie ⋅ 🌙 21 °C

    The many signs we see as we travel and explore are a treasure trove of information.

    Here is the text from one on those signs.

    ***** Bulloo River Catchment *****

    The Bulloo River Catchment is a closed drainage system located between the Lake Eyre and Murray Darling Basins. It extends north almost to Isisford and south to just beyond Milparinka in New South Wales covering a total area of some 74,900 square kilometres. The Grey Range forms the watershed between the Wilson and the Bulloo rivers.

    The main channel of the Bulloo River travels approximately 600 kilometres through the townships of Adavale, Quilpie and Thargomindah, eventually terminating in a number of ephemeral lakes. The Bulloo Lakes supply a habitat for rare and threatened species such as the Fierce Snake, Little Pied Bat and Grey Grasswren..

    The area is one of extremely variable rainfall. Annual average rainfall ranges from of 150mm in the south-western corner to more than 500mm in the headwaters of the Bulloo River. Most of the area receives less than 300mm per annum. The Bulloo is sually dry except solated water holes but during years of strong monsoonal activity the summer, the Bulloo can flood heavily with annual flows of up to five times the average. In dry years annual rainfall can be as low as 100mm throughout the basin and years of zero runoff are not unknown.

    Grazing is the predominant industry in the Catchment. Opal mining has made a significant contribution to the local economy.

    ***** Bulloo Vegetation, Fauna and Floral *****

    Mulga (Acacia aneura) is the predominant vegetation type. Mulga communities range from open scrubland to tall, open shrublands, predominantly growing on red earths. There are also shallow red earth and lithosol residuals within the catchment that support a selection of Bastard Mulga, Lancewood and Bendee.

    The river channels and its associated streams are fringed by a mixture of Gidyea and eucalypt. Dominant eucalypt species in the Catchment are River Red Gum, Coolabah and Poplar Box. In the lower reaches the Bulloo River is dominated by a large lateral dune system.

    The Bulloo River is in a relatively pristine condition and is Carp free. Fish species found in the river are Bulloo Golden Perch or Yellow Belly, Spangled Perch, and the Moonfish or Hyrtl's Catfish. Yabbies. are also in plentiful supply.

    ***** Thargomindah History *****

    In 1860 the epic expedition of Burke and Wills through far South-Western Queensland paved the way for settlement in the area. Vincent James Dowling established Thargomindah Station on the banks of the Bulloo River around 1863.

    The station was located across the river from where the present town now stands. Dowling married in Sydney in 1866 and his wife Fanny and baby daughter Lillias moved to the station in 1867. On her arrival, Fanny Dowling was reported to be the only white woman within one hundred miles.

    The town of Thargomindah was established on the banks of the river opposite Thargomindah Station in the late 1860's. It is situated 1000 kilometres west of Brisbane and is the main town within the Bulloo Shire. The Town Reserve of Thargomindah was officially gazetted on 31st December 1874.

    Thargomindah was a main staging area for Cobb & Co Coaches in the early years. The Coach route crossed the Bulloo River on the outskirts of the township on the road to Cunnamulla and the remains of the stone crossing can still be seen today.    En savoir plus

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  • Rob and Pam TNorth Queensland then WestVoyageur

    Lake Bindegolly

    14 septembre 2021, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 7 °C

    Lake Bindegolly is a huge area that has water during the wet season. There is normally water in some of the lake all year long so wildlife is abundant, Currently there are lots of birds with one very loud singing honeyeater serenading us often nearby.

    A large area has been made national park to protect unique plants only found here. There are walking trails with good bird watching.

    The flowering trees are very impressive with masses of white, pink, yellow and even purple flowers covering them.

    Its a nice spot to camp even with the still very cold nights and warm days. Last night the temperature fell to around 7 degrees. Even those temperatures would be OK if it were not for the strong winds.    En savoir plus

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  • Rob and Pam TNorth Queensland then WestVoyageur

    Lake Bindegolly from the Air

    14 septembre 2021, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 8 °C

    It is not the place we expected. The trees are small and well adapted to the harsh conditions. The lake for much of it area is seasonal, however a large part has water for 9 of 10 years. Tough grasses cover the sandy red soil.

    This morning there was a short opportunity to get the eye in the sky. It can manage fiar winds but the gusts here have been quite strong and unpredictable so no flights for most of the day.

    From the air it is possible to see the distant water expanse in the lakes to the north. Only a month ago the last of the water in the lake this side of the road dried up leaving impressive dried mud. This is quite a surreal place to walk in the late afternoon.

    As I have commented earlier on this trip, it is so different t to what I ever imagined.    En savoir plus

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  • Rob and Pam TNorth Queensland then WestVoyageur

    Eulo Flood Truck and Air Raid Shelter

    14 septembre 2021, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    It is interesting the innovation in our great country. The creek crossings are too deep for the cars and trucks. Let's put a lift kit in the old truck.

    Now an air Raid shelter in way out in the sticks Eulo? Seems unnessary right? Well perhaps if you consider how close we are to Charleville, and the crucial role of the base there you might have been a nervous native. I was not aware myself of the importance of Charleville base until we took the military history tour there on our last visit.

    Info on display at the Eulo Shop

     THE OLD EULO FLOOD TRUCK

    LOCATED ON THE NORTHERN SIDE OF THE STORE

    So the famous Eulo flood truck is back at the Store! Not to pick up groceries and people this time, but for us to reminisce! For those who are wondering, the flood truck is an old Dodge that has been raised in order to be able to drive through flood waters and carry people and goods through to the other side. Under the careful guidance of her regular driver Brian Luetchford, she could take on the 1.2m of Paroo floodwater safely. Using the swirls made by water rushing by the tops
    of the guideposts and the bumps of the stone pitching on the road edges below, Brian made countless journeys from one side of the Paroo to the other. Whether it was food, patients for the RFDS Clinic, mail, whole shearing teams or just those desperate to get to the pub, she performed an invaluable service to the people of the southwest - and she never once stopped in the middle!

    It was a great experience to ride on the flood truck, climbing up the ladder to the back, dodging the holes in the floor and if you were quick, you might get a spot to sit on the old bus seat and take in the view of the mighty Paroo in flood! She was originally donated by local grazier Tim Ecroyd, and the Bulloo Shire then carried out the modifications necessary for her to cross the River at Eulo when inflood so that people and groceries could cross the Paroo and then in turn allow the same to be freighted further west to them. It's about 5 years since she has been decommissioned, as we have a new flood truck now (still fairly wild) but her service to the community won't be forgotten!

    AIR RAID SHELTER

    THE SHELTER WAS BUILT DURING WWII BY THEN STORE PROPRIETOR, HILTON NEWSHAM (GREAT GRANDFATHER OF CURRENT STORE OWNER!) TO PROTECT EULO RESIDENTS IN THE EVENT OF AN ATTACK BY THE JAPANESE. THE DESIGN OF THE SHELTER IS KNOWN AS AN 'ANDERSON AIR RAID SHELTER', COMMONLY REFERRED TO IN THE WAR AS 'THE ANDY'.    En savoir plus

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  • Rob and Pam TNorth Queensland then WestVoyageur

    Paddabilla Bore

    15 septembre 2021, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    On our trip from Eulo to Cunnamulla, we decided to stop for the night at Paddabilla bore. This bore was drilled here to water travelling stock. It is still used to water stock and now by the travelling public as a rest stop. It is interesting to look at the old watering trough and the Turkey nest cooling tank. Water still rises under pressure at a lukewarm temperature. I think if the water were allowed to flow at a high rate it would be hotter.

    The other side of Eulo there is an extinct mud spring. It was a natural vent for the artesian basin when the pressure rose very high. Seepage kept the mud wetted continuously for thousands (or even millions) of years. Since humans learned to drill into the artesian aquifer, the artesian has dropped drastically and some bores don't flow at all. These seepage points have ceased to flow. Natural watering spots and native animal habitat have become extinct.

    The mound of mud near Eulo would only get soft now with a good rainy season. Normally it is dry.

    ***************************
    This is mulga Country. Rather than try to tell it all myself, I have copied a sign.

    Mulga - Acacia aneura

    This long lived small tree grows to
    between 6-9m. Its ascending branches
    catch every last drop of rain available and
    send it to the root zone. The leaves of the
    mulga are leathery and well adapted to
    harsh semi-arid environments.

    The mulga tree grows mainly on red
    soil, sandy plains and stony country.
    The type of soil dictates the growth
    and habit. The timber is very hard and
    was used by aborigines to make
    implements necessary for their
    survival. The mulga tree is a major
    stock feed source particularly
    during times of drought.    En savoir plus

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  • Rob and Pam TNorth Queensland then WestVoyageur

    Cunnamulla River Walk

    15 septembre 2021, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    This is a nice easy walk with the reward of a nice view of the river. There are info signs along the way. Sadly the QR codes take you to a Web page that has been suspended. Oooops! Somebody got stitched up on a Web deal?

    Dear council, this needs to be sorted out. Not a good look at all.

    UPDATE.

    Yeehah! The Web pages are back online. There is a lot of information that covers all that is on the signs.

    https://cunnamullatourism.com.au/assets/m-river…    En savoir plus

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  • Rob and Pam TNorth Queensland then WestVoyageur

    Dan Dolmans Hut - Modern Archaelogy

    16 septembre 2021, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    Dan Dolman was a Wyandra resident who built fences, cut timber and no doubt did many other jobs. His hut ha long collapsed and mostly vanished but there is still a lot of evidence of his presence.

    Looking at the remaining metal and other items strewn around it would be possible to build a picture of how he lived. Some of the cans thawere easy to identify were bully beef, herring, sardines, powdered milk, baking powder, syrup and countless vegetable or soup tins. Only a few cans were the later aluminium so it may date back into the 1950's. There was a wash tub and some lantern parts.

    Some of Dan's clans still live in the area. I bet his home was much more basic than any we would accept today.    En savoir plus

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  • Rob and Pam TNorth Queensland then WestVoyageur

    Wyandra

    16 septembre 2021, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    We found this quirky little shop two years ago. We decided to have coffee and scones, something we don't often do these days and it was every bit as good as last time.

    Inside the shop is a huge array of interesting things for sale. My suggestion is to make this a stopover. The camping options are the caravan park, sports oval or even bush camping along the river.En savoir plus

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  • Rob and Pam TNorth Queensland then WestVoyageur

    Rock Pool - Charleville.

    16 septembre 2021, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Just 11 kilometers East of Charleville is a basic bush camp where travellers can rest up for a couple of nights. The main feature is a deep rock pool with water. The grounds are pebble with lots of low trees.

    The highway on one side and the railway the other. Very few trains, just one so far since we have been here. We are away from the highway so not too noisy from that.

    Our birding notes are now on a separate trip. Click this link for a sneak peek.

    https://findpenguins.com/6amsmj5n7mzq2/trip/612…

    You can also open the bird tracks trip. You should still see both trip posts if you are following.    En savoir plus

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  • Rob and Pam TNorth Queensland then WestVoyageur

    Muckadilla

    18 septembre 2021, Australie ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Here we are at Muckadilla. The pub was just rebuilt and is super busy. The community offers camping behind the hall for a donation. Good showers and toilets make this a good stop.

    Here's some extra info from the old railway station building.

    *PROVIDED BY MUCKADILLA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

    MUCKADILLA VILLAGE HAS WALKS THAT TELLS THE HISTORY FROM WHEN THE SLOW MOVING HORSE & OXEN TEAMS CAME THROUGH TO PRESENT FAST MOVING ROAD TRAINS. BOTH HAVE SERVED THE OPENING UP OF SW QLD. #SHORT, INTERMEDIATE + LONG WALKS WITH A GUIDE TO THIS HISTORY OF THE MUCKADILLA PEOPLE + BUSINESS

    WHO HAVE SERVED THROUGH THE YEARS.

    WE HOPE THAT LOCALS TRAVELLERS ALIKE WILL BENEFIT FROM KNOWING HOW MUCKADILLA RESIDENTS LIVED, WORKED AND PLAYED DOWN THROUGH THE YEARS,

    "Country good enough to fatten a crowbar!" This was the quote COINED by local grazier Barry McMullen, when referring to the Muckadilla area.

    In 1846, Explorer Sir Thomas Mitchell ascended the north-eastern extremity
    of Mt Abundance and quoth, "...from it beheld the finest country I had ever seen in a primeval state - a champaign region, spotted with wood, stretching as far as human vision or even the telescope could reach."

    Many pastoralists came with their livestock to settle the district.

    Muckadilla has a significant place in the history of the Maranoa Region.

    Sir Thomas Mitchell discovered that the local aboriginal tribe called the creek Muckadilla, meaning 'Muddy Water'. In 1848 Ludwig Leichhardt wrote his last known written document at a shepherd's hut south of Muckadilla, originally part of the huge Mount Abundance selection. With the

    resumption of Mt Abundance Station, blocks of land were put up for selection

    in May 1927, allowing settlers to raise sheep and cattle as well as farm.
    Many of the original families remain in the area along with many newcomers.

    They all survive the vagaries of living through good times, drought, fires and
    economic downturns. Each is proud to say, come from Muckadilla."

    The Muckadilla community is made of people, properties, businesses and sporting events. Right from when the horse and bullock teams came to water at Muckadilla Creek there have been
    many characters. Some have bought properties, started businesses and played many forms of sport.

    There have been Merino sheep studs of world distinction, the Muckadilla Railway and Hot Mud Baths, Pub, Store and Service Station, along with others who have served the community well. Tennis, cricket, horse racing, polocrosse, clay target shooting and rifle shooting are popular activities in the district, with some members going on to represent Australia!

    Frank Forde, an Australian Prime Minister, called Muckadilla home, as well as long standing Federal Member for Maranoa, Bruce Scott. Harry Murray V.C., the most decorated Australian soldier, owned "Blairmack", a local property renowned for quality sheep production.

    Others have fought in all the wars from the Boer War to Afghanistan.
    When you go home tell your friends, "I've been to Muckadilla - have you?"    En savoir plus

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  • Rob and Pam TNorth Queensland then WestVoyageur

    Roma Bush Gardens

    19 septembre 2021, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    This was an amazing spot early in the morning. The first thing is the bird chatter and song. Then a one kilometre walk around, andthere are birds everywhere. From the majestic pelican to the tiniest fairy wrens in the shrubs. It is an great place to visit.

    More About Roma (From an information sign).

    Wicome to Romal The area surrounding Roma i traditionally home to the Mandantan Aboriginal people travelling throughout the region, the Mandandanji occupled an area of approximately 40,000 square kilometres. Following exploration to the region by Major Thomas Mitchell in 1846, the Mandandanji became known as the fish net people for their use of nets rather than spears for fishing. Today a wonderful exhibition of traditional tools (reated by the local Mandandanji people) is available for locals and visitors in appreciate at the Mandendanji Park on the easter entrance to town.

    Roma was settled following exploration to the region by Sir Thomas Mitchell in 1846 Making his way north along the Balonne River and then west along the Muckadilla Creek, Mitchell stood atop a solitary hill and glowingly reported "I beheld the finest country I had ever seen in a primeval state a champaign region spotted with wood, stretching as far as human vision ar even the telescope would reach.

    He named the hill Mount Abundance' (located between Roma and Mitchell and visible toward the south from the Warrego Highway near Muskadilla) and continued his journey west to the Maranoa River, just north of the present town of Mitchell. During the following year, Allan McPherson established Mount Abundance station, marking the beginning of a lang history of primary productions for the region.

    The town of Roma took its name from the wife of Queensland's first Governor, the Countess Diamantine Roma and was one of the first gazetted settlements following Queensland's separation, from New South Wales in 1859. Today, approximately 8,090 full time equivalent residents live in the township of Roma

    Roma can truly be regarded as being the cradle of Australia's Oil and Gas Industry. Like many western towns reliant on water in the late 19th century, Roma looked closely at the potential of underground water. In 1899, water was discovered at a bore sunk on Hospital Hill. In that year, a second bore spudded at the same site encountered natural gas. Today, Roma has strong links with natural gas production and is centrally located in an area of large reserves of petroleum gas and coal seam gas. The Big Rig Museum is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the history of the industry, including the Oil Patch self guided tour and the Night Show.

    The local economy of Roma is based on the extraction of coal seam gas and its related industries, as well as agriculture (primarily beef production, with some sheep and broad acre farming), cypress milling and tourism. Australia's largest cattle selling centre is located at the Roma Saleyards with 300,000-400,000 cattle sold through the facility, annually. Visitors are welcome to attend sales every Tuesday and Thursday and even take i a tour with a local farmer.

    The town of Roma has a range of cafés, specialty shops, restaurants and accommodation options that we are sure you will enjoy. Volunteers and staff at the Roma Visitor Information Centre look forward to welcoming you to their community and making your stay a most

    enjoyable experience. Please relax, unwind and enjoy the country hospitality found in abundance in Roma.

    About the Maranoa

    Welcome to the Maranoa! With a stunning and diverse natural landscape, fascinating history and abundance of cultural experiences available, we are sure that you will love exploring and getting to know our region.

    Spanning a geographic area c 58,834.5 square kilometres (a little smaller than Tasmania), the Maranoa region takes in the towns of Roma (the central hub), Injune to the north, Mitchell to the west, Surat to the south, Wallumbilla and Yuleba to the east. the communities of Amby, Muckadilla and Mungallala (west of Roma) and Jackson at the region's eastern most gateway.

    The Maranoa is traditionally home to the Gunggari, Kooma, Bidjara, Mandandandji and Iman Aboriginal people. Today, the culture and traditions of the original people are proudly displayed throughout the region. Visitors are welcome to visit the Aboriginal Traditional Campsite in Surat, the Native Wells near Yuleba, Mandandanji Park in Roma, the Yumba in Mitchell and each of the inspiring National Parks to the north of Injune.

    European settlement to the Maranoa region commenced following exploration to the region by Sir Thomas Mitchell in 1846.

    Today, the Maranoa region is a dynamic and vibrant regional community, with a population of approximately 13,076 residents. The local economy is based upon coal seam gas extraction (and its related industries), agriculture, timber milling and tourism.

    The Maranoa offers visitors a diverse range of experiences from tranquil natural environments with superb sandstone formations, to interpretive displays which celebrate the culture and history of the region. The residents of the Maranoa are proud to call this region their home and are thrilled to welcome you into their community. Please take the time to explore the region. We are sure you will make memories that will last a lifetime.    En savoir plus

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  • Rob and Pam TNorth Queensland then WestVoyageur
    1

    Jandowae Golf Club.

    19 septembre 2021, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    About 8 kilometers to the north of Jandowae is the golf club. Limited camping is available here for a donation. They have great amenities and the area is quite beautiful.

    We are camped beside the dam and can walk around the golf course if we wish. The entire 9 x 2 holes takes about 6k. (Each hole is played twice from a different direction. That makes sense as there are only 9 greens to keep "green" in this water land of ours.

    It is very quiet and relaxing sitting here watching the sun sinking slowly towards the horizon.    En savoir plus

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  • Rob and Pam TNorth Queensland then WestVoyageur
    What?
    The weather rock is dry but was swinging a lot yesterday.The lookoutHappy hour cancelled.

    Barambah Caravan Park

    22 septembre 2021, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    We are always a little apprehensive when we book a caravan park. This place was a pleasent surprise. Nicely laid out on the side of a hill, birds all around and lots of woodland walks behind the park. It even has a 9 hole golf course out front for $5 a game.

    Pam is really enjoying the walking and birds. I am walking all over and relaxing with my book in between walks. It is very relaxed. The only outing has been a run over to Murgon via the Bjekke-Petersen dam. Boy that is low! 7% according to the reports. They need a rain dance. We should have come with the camper. That always gets us wet.

    The weather rock is quite dry but was swinging a lot yesterday. Probably did a bit of a jiggle dance this morning in sympathy with the earthquake in Victoria.    En savoir plus

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  • Rob and Pam TNorth Queensland then WestVoyageur

    The GAS Festival

    24 septembre 2021, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Well friends, I could not tell anyone where we were until it's over. You would have been too jealous! We turned off the phone, set up out camp amongst the tall iron bark trees and settled in for a whole weekend of the greatest music event in Queensland. What a way to start and then finish 6 months on the road.

    Some of you might recall we were here in April. That was the old fashioned music weekend. This one was the Quirky music weekend. An outstanding line-up with the famous "Church of Goat" on Sunday morning. An uplifting and sometimes irreverent show of gospel music and uplifting music and even a reading. Check the photo of the menu.

    We camped at the site, roughed it with bush bucket showers but were a little spoilt with super clean flushing loos. Fit for the princess or prince of any family.

    Bryce and Marney treated us to their special historical Apulucian mountain music, complete with some background and history. The songs are up to hundreds of years old, handed down though ages of family song.

    We really enjoy these small shows of a couple of hundred audience and will definitely be back again.

    One big surprise was the mystery performer. Brought on stage behind a human supported curtain for the reveal. When the curtain was whisked away, the legendary Chad Morgan was poised to entertain us for the next hour. It was amazing to see him do a full show at age 88 years. He even signed his latest "best of" CD and posed for photos.

    Lindsay Pollock was also on hand to show us some interesting musical instruments. He played a variety of home made instruments including a folding chair flute.

    This was one seriously jam packed weekend.    En savoir plus

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  • Rob and Pam TNorth Queensland then WestVoyageur
    GPX

    Boondal Wetlands

    4 octobre 2021, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    Today a short 2.5k walk at the Boondal wetlands. There is no significant fresh water so not many birds apart from the mynas. Out in the channel today from the bird hide a lonely Ibis and a lonelier pelican.

    The path is well maintained and very easy to walk. It is suitable for wheelchair. No vehicles or bikes are allowed, but there is a cycle track that runs along the side of the highway for several kilometers. You can take rover as long as he is on a leash and you pick up after him.    En savoir plus

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  • Rob and Pam TNorth Queensland then WestVoyageur

    Lake Eden

    6 octobre 2021, Australie ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Over this way there are lots of lakes with reasonable amount of water that I suspect is kept topped up. This ensures a good population of wildlife for the enjoyment of visitors.

    This morning there was quite a few birds and some water dragons to keep us interested as we walked the couple of kilometers around the lake. There were a pair of swans keeping watch on their 3 cygnets and chasing any other birds that got too close.

    Towards the north end was a fair group of magpie geese relaxing in the cool morning. Lots of brown honeyeaters were on hand singing to us as we walked past. Dozens of turtles swam over in the hope of food. We don't feed them but obviously people do.

    This area is a nice spot for a morning walk.    En savoir plus

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  • Rob and Pam TNorth Queensland then WestVoyageur

    Surfers Paradise

    16 octobre 2021, Australie ⋅ 🌙 17 °C

    We were invited to spend a weekend in a top notch Gold Coast hotel. After about 190 days(*) on the road, this would be as far from our camping lifestyle as we could get.

    Huge rain showers with unlimited hot water, deep opulent bath tubs of steaming hot water, spa pools, beach and sand.

    This is definitely not your average camp site.

    The Merriton is 5 star posh. There is internet, TV, dishwasher, room service and everything luxury. We are nearing the end of our current trip, shortly working our way up the Queensland south east. A few more weeks we will be home after another amazing journey.

    * This year we began travelling on 6th April. We returned home for a few days to be involved in Anzac day and do a few last minute jobs on our van. We then hit the road north on what has become a decent lap around Queensland.    En savoir plus

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  • Fin du voyage
    10 novembre 2021