Bunya Pines to Roma’s Bottle Trees

As our road trip began the rain didn’t impede
Flooded roads clearing as rivers slowly recede.
The clouds still heavy in a dark grey sky
Pastures lush with the grass growing high.

Cotton and russet coloured sourgum crops
Before a cabin in Dalby that’s our first stop.
Awoke to blue skies and warm sunshine
A trip up the mountain of tall Bunya Pines.

Face masks and covid restrictions were still in place
Pleasure to enjoy such an expansive open space.
Devoured delicious crusty meat pies, handmade
Watching wallabies rest under the Bunya trees shade.

Roadsides affected by numerous illegal prickly pear
Discovering their scourge of which I was unaware
Via a memorial to the hero grub-moth Cactoblastis
Which to the prickly pear was the perfect nemesis.

Driving onto Roma the land changed to flat plains
Roads mainly traffic free except for the road trains.
Hauling livestock crammed onto those 72 wheelers
Heading for sale yards run by rural auction dealers.

Roma is famous for bottle trees and the Big Rig
From the times for oil and water you had to dig.
No useable oil but gas was discovered underground
Also the Great Artesian Basin’s life source was found.Read more