Category: Parents Central Australia, QLD 1988

Journey done in 1988 with a Landcruiser towing a camper trailer. Up through Central Australia and across through Queensland back to Victoria. Based on a hand written journal kept by Bev.

Cooma


Set off early from Cooma. Conflicting advice on the Alpine Way. Finally a notice said trailers are banned so turned off to Adaminiby. Beautiful valleys green as green, real blue hills country.Up to Cabramatta, highest town in Australia shrouded in mist, snow lying about. Down into the clear great mountainous country. Tumut power stations rather ugly Tumut river valley very pretty. Drove into Albury to have lunch about 2:00. I drove to Benalla. Leigh had check flight in spite of rain. Then home, beaut sunset. Kerard here by chance to greet us. Dougall very excited.

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Wilberforce


Left early rang Cathy for Wendy’s address. Had another look at buildings in Windsor on to Richmond where we went for a walk to see a variety of early houses and buildings. John Bowmans house in the style of Elizabeth Farm, would like a house like that one day. On to Cambden saw another museum early photos back to 1805. Belgennie Farm which was MacAthurs first farm and Cambden Park. Good collection of early tools etc. Had a look at a group of buildings, the church and then drove towards Canberra but missed seeing Cambden Park. Drove down freeway rolling hills real sheep country. Drove into Canberra straight towards parliament house, magnificent sight , front on quite imaginative side view a little square and dull but really different. Out by Mugga Way and up a beautiful valley towards Cooma. Some very lovely views and quite old buildings. Staying at Cooma Motor Inn tonight. We are getting more expensive each night.

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Kincumbin Waters


Left at 7:00 but went looking for North’s and didn’t leave Woy Woy till 8:45. We found their house after many turns and hills. Ideal position with cruider moored at the back door. Lovely bay and view. Then more hills and curves to get on to the highway through very rugged bushland Brisbane Waters National Park. Found the highway crossed over and set off to Wiseman’s Ferry across the Hawkesbury. Very steep, lots of cultivation, very pretty wound up to Central Mangrove then back down river. It was dirty, dark and mangroves along the edge not as nice as yesterday’s rivers. Across the ferry and up a very steep climb tjo look out over the valley. Through similar country to Windsor. Very historic town Museum Molly well done based on interesting and famous residents John Tebbutt astronomer, John Grono, boat builder pioneer farming families etc. Thompson Square with original buildings, St Matthews Church architect Francis Greenway. Stone laid by Governor Macquarie unaltered since then, makes history right with you. Lunched at Loder’s House. We didn’t have breakfast and by 12:00 I was feeling rather poorly but felt better after lunch so perhaps was hungry. Beautiful warm day. Also saw the Count House (Francis Greenway) a row of cottages and John Tebbutt house and observatory which is soon tjo be open to the public. Booked in at Riverview Caravan Park in Wilberforce, took on on site van in case of cold but it is a mild night really, still it is good to have a few comforts. Rang Viv.

Port MacQuarie


Set off for Wauchope to Timber town. Dropped off the tyre to be fixed. Timbertown was very good. Steam Train ride, bullocks yoked and working. Timber mill, different levels of housing in Timbertown – log hut almost like Lynwood. Bakers, pub, wood turning stayed till lunchtime. Called in to see the Big Bull then set off. Taree, Newcastle, Gosford, lovely farm country, mountain parks, and then coal mines at Newcastle. Got to Gosford in the dark. Drove around to get into a caravan park one wouldn’t answer finally got in but not impressed.

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Binna Burra Day 3


Bush breakfast cancelled. So we ate inside packed our truck nd set off. When Leigh had recovered from the charge quoted being per person, glad twe got our cut lunch. Lovely trip down the mountains and the Numinbah Valley. Across the border through banana farms to Murwillimbah, Byron Bay to Ballina. On to Grafton and Coff’s Harbour. Had lunch at Chatswood Island. Lovely
spot under Jackaranda’s and looking across the river. I had a couple of spells of driving. The second I felt the car pulling to the right didn’t realise we had a flat tyre until it was really flat at Macksville. Continued to Kempsy and Port McQuarie, turned into a caravan park off the road not sure where we are but nice park. River Lodge Port MacQuarie.

Binna Burra Day 2


Walked 19km Coomera Circuit. Beautiful walk guided by David, most interesting. Bush dancing at night.

Binna Burra


Said goodbye to Morris and co. Went into Caboulture for bank etc. Set off round Brisbane via Gold Coast Gateway down through Southport, Surfers Paradise etc. Very crowded and cluttered. Went to Sea World but too costly for our purposes. Called in at Tiger Moth joy flights but none going. Had lunch at Nerang and out to Binna Burra. Good scenic trip. Very tasteful cabins layout etc. Good Food, star talk.

Expo Day 3


Went together by taxi. Saw Britain Italy and several others. Listened to American Singers. Went to Victoria and we went with Morris to see the Magna Carta and Queensland very good. Saw the diamonds in WA. Very very tired.

Expo Day 2


Leigh and I caught a taxi to station. Had a much better day together. Saw Canada and USSR which was very good. Went to Munich Fest for lunch which was excellent. Great band, little blond girl stole the show. Thought of Annette tried to buy a windcheater for her but couldn’t. Bought leather jackets at the Pakistan stand. Had dinner with Morris at the Russian Traika, very nice meal. Saw Australian Pavilion.

Caboolture


Set off at 9:00 walked 2 km into Caboolture bought our tickets and caught the 10:14 train. Enjoyed Expo. Lots of queueing but also places to go where there were no queues. Really enjoyed television show in Japan. Hi tech Pavilion, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. Light fantastic Parade was great. South Sea Island Dancers and Singapore National Day Celebrations Presentation was amazing – stilt dancers. Met at 5:00 Morris joined us for the evening ate at Plough Inn and American Restaurant. Arrived home at 11:00 Good day.

Noosa


Left Central Station campground got out onto the beach safely then raced down the beach to the ferry. The ferry fellow told us we could go via the beach to Noosa so we fuelled up and washed the vehicles in Rainbow Beach then off we went again racing down the beach if really was a great feeling white sand blue sea and spinning along. We called in to Morris’s campsite at FreshWater Creek. It was a beautiful area. On we went sailing along till all of a sudden we ran out of beach went round the corner to a river just near Noosa Morris called out to a chap in a boat and he said there was a track 20 kms back, had to push off his boat again he wasn’t happy. So we went to turn around and almost got bogged again. Drive back up a few kms found the track our, washed the vehicles again and had lunch at a new pub which was very pleasant. Lake Cooroibah resort. Then down the highway to Caboolture to find a caravan park. Found down the pack of Riverdene Park. Spare bit of river rather nice but miles from the amenities. In bed early.

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Fraser Island


Up early cold morning site – tall trees but not much sun. Drove up to Rainbow Sands and a sand blow. Lovely range of colours. Spring with a begining and an end. Then up to the wreck and to Cathedral Resort. Back for lunch and drove to Lake McKenzie. Most beautiful place – played frisbee. Keddie cooked damper in the camp oven which was good.

Rainbow Beach


Met Morris as we drove out the gate. Made for the ferry and drove up the beach. Across on the ferry almost got bogged as we drove on. Drove into Central Station. Got bogged had to back down and let tyres down, then went in after 2 buses and were fine. We walked around the creek, lovely clear water. Had a good reunion Leigh had a bad night with his back and fly bites.

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Gympie


Left early before 7:00. Drove through Banana – a yellow bullock. Had breakfast here on the move to Biloela to Gayndah. Stopped to shop at Muddebra arrived at Gympie at 2:00. Out to Rainbow Beach, no sign of Morris. Fixed up permits for Fraser Island and a camp site and sat on the beach waiting for Morris eventually went to caravan park Rainbow Waters beside the beach. Leigh was badly bitten by sand flies.

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Clermont


Started early this morning to go looking for coal mines. Started from Capella and drove into the countryside but they seem to have their coal mines carefully screened by farmland and trees. Eventually we did a tour of Gregory coal mine. This was rather good. Saw the huge trucks carrying 136 tons of coal, the coal face under the overburden, the huge draglines working each shovel lifts 15 tons of dirt and there was a blow off of the coal face. Then the crushing, washing etc. The road grids where the coal is tipped from the trucks. This didn’t finish until nearly 3:00 so then we drove to Emerald Railway Station. Had a puncture in the trailer tyre so we had both replaced with a second hand pair. On again through Springsure truly beautiful mountains and into the dark. Stayed at Moura arrived 8:00 very nice preople Colleen and Jack Bradley. He came and talked for ages.

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Burdekin Wilderness Lodge


Sun rose lighting up the lake, quite beautiful. Had breakfast on the veranda near the pool. Walked up to see campo-tel. Most impressed with the lodge, good gardens, tennis court, variety of accommodation very nice people. Joined a tour of the dam. We went right down into the wall most comprehensive tour. Shaw was a knowledgeable fellow. All the workings we saw took about 1.5 hrs but well worth it. Grabbed bits for lunch and set off back on the bad roads again. Took forever to get to Mt Coolan, Mt Douglas didn’t get to bitumen till 80km from Clermont. Came in in the dark and raining. Rang Joel for his birthday. Morris already looking for us. Had pizza for tea. Lots of washing to do and dry.

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Townsville


Camped last night next to a toilet block which was not very good but served the purpose. Gas bottle caught fire, in bed early. Drove round Taylors Beach beautifully neat and clean nearly all houses very tidy and new, few oldies good roads, parks, beach areas etc. river goes into the sea. Who keeps it so well and off the maps? Went out to Forest Beach and Victoria Sugar Mill where we gave ourselves a tour of the mill – follow the red arrows. Very interesting. On to Townsvillewhich we surveyed parked near casino and Sheraton. Big marina and wharves, ferry for Magnetic Island, reminded me of Arch. Went to Barrier Reef Wonderland which was rather good, reinforced yesterdays ventures. Met Robyn VT from StAlbans. Went down to the city for a wander had films developed looked at Banks pictures in a gallery. Had lunch, went back to see a film in Omnimax Theatre. Amazing screen all around you so you are right in the action. Phoned Burdekin Wilderness Lodge for accomodation and left at 4:00 to drive 260km. Arrived at 6:00 great place on the edge of a Lake – dam. Had a good Tbone and social night. Good cabins.

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Kuranda


Were up to leave early but by the time we compared notes with the bus man who came to see how our reef trip went, then we inspected dthe tent attached to a Toyota like ours that was very well fitted out. Then a Swiss boy came over tjo ask about our travels and we talked to him for quite a while. Just made it to Kuranda for the aboriginal dance thearte. It was excellent Kuranda looked a rather nice tourist town. Boarded the train while Leigh drove to Cairns. Truly magnificent scenery on the way down. Barron River Falls and hydro scheme to the sugar fields and the sea. Really enjoyed the trip. Looked around Cairns and then came throughrain down the coast, couldn’t get in at Cardwell and went on to Ingham ended up way off the road at Halifax. Actually Taylors Beach nor on the map.

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Coral Reef


Ready early for our cruise. Went down to check in and met Robyn Davidson playing hostess. Rough weather forecast. Good day although I never feel comfortable on the sea. Took ginger tablets which took me out quite well. Enjoyed the coastline and colours of the sea. Pontoon in the sea amazing 2 semi sub boats for viewing the coral, underwater gallery boat for scuba divers and snorkellers, for marine biologist. Felt a bit useless not doing any exciting things. Leigh didn’t either although he went prepared. Coral and fish were rather wonderful. People on the boat really nice. Lovely lunch. Came home but much rougher and I was really sick. Probably in sympathy with 2 old ladies opposite who were sick quite a lot. Felt terrible. Arrived back about 5:00. Talked to Robyn about joiniing us for drinks but she didn’t show up. Had meal at Danny’s quite a comedy of errors, French waitress best part. Very over priced and food stylish but not correct.

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Port Douglas


Drove out early today still between rain forest and the sea. Cape Tribulation had quite a few residences or potential residencies on the edge or buried in the bush. Mountains shrouded in mist. Stopped at beach of bouncing stones. I drove, pretty scary, started to rain and became very slippery. Crossed on the ferry. Then through cane fields all green everywhere. Stopped and shopped at Mosman no Bally Hooley train to view the cane fields. Learnt later it doesn’t run Saturdays. Drove on to Port Douglas the coming Surfers Paradise I would say. Sheraton Mirage Resort huge with condiminimums and lodges, private golf course with motor driven golf buggies and shopping centre. Huge new Marina. Old shops and buildings in between expensive new complexes Bought pants and top set. Had a lovely light lunch at Hag’s. Found a caravan park and walked along the beach. We are really relaxing at present. We will have to get going soon to be at Fraser Beach for Morris.

Bloomfield


Slow start reorganised to carry fridge in Toyota wash etc left 9:45 still windy. Came down through beautiful rain forests. Narrow winding road, very steep in parts. Crossed Bloomfield River had lunch near the beach and mangrove trees. Met a nice couple at the Lions Den Hotel. Tides story. On down Cape Tribulation road catching glimpses of the sea. Forest goes right to the beach. Past the blockade site to Pilgrams Sands with campsites carved out of the rain forest and beach 2 minute walk. Relaxed on the beach for an hour. Quite an unusual spot.

Cooktown


Windy and a few showers overcast. Walked for bread, late breakfast, did the washing. Visited James Cook Historical Museum in a convent, excellent collection of Cook maps charts articles etc. Aboriginal artefacts of the area Chinese shrine collection of pioneer memorabilia but we ran out of time. Drove to Grassy Hill, Cooks lookout for lunch, good pies from the Bakery. Put Toyota in for a service visited Sea Museum mish mash collection of sea things old fellow with an amusing patter but could have missed it. Did tourist bit along main street mother of pearl industries. Went to see Cooktown orchids at nursery non display. Mended the fridge, chatted with the neighbours and went to the bistro for tea. Talked with salesman Myles Whittington.

Palmer River


Left early for Lakeland and Laura. Open cropping at Lakeland interested Leigh road not improved. Got permission at Laura to visit art sites QuinKans. Drove back 12kms and walked around the galleries met a nice couple Jim and May and spent a pleasant morning inspecting the art. Not quite as good as Kakadu. Had lunch at the car park and set off on the worst road yet Laura round the top of Cooktown. Corrugations, bull dust, potholes we had the lot for most of the 140 kms. Around one corner when we were at the worst, we met 4 cyclists pushing uphill. Arrived very tired, dirty and disgruntled at Cooktown. Going out for tea.

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Atherton


Left our lovely camp feeling really good, towards Ravenshoe picked up a lady in distress with her car, she had worked around outback as barmaid, rouseabout etc, had bought 12 acres in beautiful hilly country as her boy was old enough for school. Interesting story there. On to Ravenshoe where placards reminded of Senator Richardsons troubles there early this year. Drove out to see their beautiful rainforest 3 times logged. On to Atherton via Hallaa Hallaa to Malanda. Lovely steep hills with dairy farms and patches of rain forest. Very scenic country. Atherton was a very good shopping centre. Found an ANZ Bank at last. Good Deli for pate and cheese fresh fruit and vegies. Drove on through Mt Malloy up into beautiful ranges then Great Divide road very tantalizing as stretches of bitumen gave way to gravel and appeared again briefly. Pushed on to Palmer River Roadhouse which wasn’t appealing but the road was worse. Interesting décor but we seemed the only customers and ablurions left a lot to be desired. Had chicken and fresh salad for tea and thoroughly enjoyedthe fresh bit, had a look at the strange décor of the pub bit shell corner and Museum.

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Mt Surprise


Morris left at 6:45 for Atherton waved to him. We cleaned out the truck had a long talk with the couple next to us. Experienced campers astounded at all the ideas you gather, obviously practical ladies who have done a lot of camping and work at making it easier. Got cheap petrol, took photos of boats, drove to Normanton, visited Westpac, and Burns Philp store, had coffee and scones. Came out but Toyota wouldn’t start. Leiigh fiddled but was baffled as to which solenoid it might be. Had one more go and away she went. Drove on to Croydon, historic precinct but unimpressed, Butchers shop, Tin shed Museum Council building with clock dome, bell dome of corrugated iron with cross on top, not worth the risk of stopping car. On to Gilbert River visited Cumberland chimney all that remains of a thriving gold town and also a bird haven. I drove from there into Georgetown over the ranges and into Mt Surprise. Camped by a tiny trickle of a creek. Actually camped in the river bed. Lovely paperbarks bending over the river, creepers up some of them. Bathed in the stream and had Steak and Onions etc. Nice to be on our own. Very peaceful and relaxed. Hobble bells tinkling and stream gurgling fire crackling away.

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Karumba


Cold night and morning, set off for Burketown, Normanton. Saw boiling spring at Burketown over Albert river and on through sparse country to Normanton. At Normanton Hotel with cartoons was just shutting and Leigh and others were thrown out with an aboriginal. Saw station, great, 100 years old no Gulflande there though. Had lunch at nice little shop salad nd corn beef, then inspected Bank of New South Wales and Shire Offices, restored hotel, Aboriginal co-op in Burns Philp Building was shut. Morris had gone to see meat works so we joined up with them across Norman River were old wharves. Then drove to Karumba a little fishing town. Big fishing boats in for layoff. Being painted etc. Drove out to Karumba point obviously a fishermans dream, caravans everywhere. Went for a drink at the pub rather rough and noisy. Young fellows at the end of the line. Few woman. Morris decided they will head for Cape York so frantic plans.

Escott Lodge Station


Brolgas, peacocks and other birds wandering the park. Wallaby came in for tea. Went down to see the cattle unloaded from a road train. Cow broke its leg, angry steer. Trailer wheel slightly beaten in, Leigh changed tyres. Tyre on troop carrier abraided on the inside, he had to put the spare on. Went for a flight in a Cessna at lunchtime. Right up to the coast and out over islands then back again. Great view of rivers and billabongs mangroves great stretches of sandy flats. Pilot, Simon, was very nice and probably very lonely. I crept away after lunch found a shady spot and read and slept a bit. Wallabies hopped past to have a little stare. Then a lady from the DC3 came along and had quite a long chat. Nice to be away for a while. Probably could have done a few odd jobs but I needed a break. We went to the Saturday night Barbeque which was very good food. Beef ribs, barra wings, rissoles, and salads. Apple sponge. It got cold so people went home or into the bar. Fellow lit the fire with kero copper flu was red hot for 3 feet up. Open air absorbed the heat.

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Robinson River


Set off at 8:15 Pleasant country down along a creek valley ranges at the side. One very long descent to a creek with ghost gums setting a splendid vista. Called in to Wollogorang for morning tea. Very large Tamarin trees out front, beautiful shade. Open bar, tea, coffee, etc, Sat in the garden and drank it. Old tin homestead in background. Into Qld, very bad roads, bull dust, ruts, etc. Country plain and uniform close to coast. Lunch at rock formation near Pandannas Creek, sedimentary rocks with water washed pebble layers clearly visible. Good views to the Gulf and back to the ranges . Litter at the site was pretty disgusting. In fact the road had cans and bottles all along it rather poor. On through same country past Doomadgee Mission and up toward Burketown. Just before we turned into Escott 12km drive through bare paddocks till we came to the river. Lovely setting 2 arms of the river, shady green trees, lawn setting for caravan park. Tourist setting round the corner – Dude Ranch. Shooting fishing canoes etc. Very nice facilities. Did our washing, had a good shower, spent a short time at the bar. Sydney Golf Club flew in in a DC3. Couple of fellows next door boiled our billy.

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Nathan River Station


Didn’t sleep well but woke up to a beautiful sight. Mist over the river and Japanese type reflection of shrubs in the water. Birds scudding across the water and spider webs glistening in the sun. One noisy bird woke us almost barking, heard him last night too as got dusk. Set off 8:30 good drive crossed Cox river and the Linman. Bright, lovely large pools of green water with red sandstone cliffs over to a great view of distant range and broad valleys. Four Arches peaks, lovely lagoon with water lilies as well. Down to Nathan River Station where we opened and closed endless gates. Cardboard notices about mustering please close gates. Sandstone ranges closing on on us. Can just imagine Nathan City. Stopped for tea then I drove into Borroloola about 1:30. Good Museum, spead out town some nice new buildings, good school, lots of black customers and white shop keepers. Museum small, but effective, mainly stories, history, photographs not many articles. Left about 3:30 and drove on looking for a camping spot. Most rivers dry stopped at Robinson River for a swim but road camp there with a generator going so we followed Morris on further, a few hundred meters in an uninspiring spot.

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Mataranka


Bought our didgeredoo, boomerang and set off to Mataranka. Saw graves of the Never Never and springs were beautiful but crowded with tourists. Had lunch at Roper Bar at 2:00. Hot but shady and plenty of running water. Went to Roper Bar Store, not a great selection of goods. Very muddled service. Main person was ill, Things a litle tense between Morris and Leigh. Morris being typical old woman and Leigh counter acting on the defensive and being high handed. Hope it settles down. Lovely drive after Roper Bar to Towns River. Different vegetation. More lush and more variety of plants. Viewed Roper River very wide and deep and salt at this stage. Camped at Towns river lovely lazy crossing and wide sandy banks, paper barks and palms around. Good night but mozzies threatening.



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Roper Highway


Up early and on the track, left 8:15. Lovely morning pleasant driving and good bushland. A couple of stops to appreciate it. 1. walked down a dry creek bed, tall orange grevillea with wattle trees. Even one blue flower in the creek bed. Lunched at quarry past Bulman. Climbed a hill to see out over the tableland. I drove after lunch. We stopped at a precipice to look out at the far ranges. Drove into Maranboy about 4:30, covered in dust, had to clean out everything. Washed clothes showered and went up to Brett and Jackie Thomp for a barbeque very pleasant evening.

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Central Arnhem Road….Again


Left at 7:30, lunched just before the Goyder. Fellows cleaning up the rubbish. Passed a Toyota followed by a Taxi. Couldn’t believe my eyes. Fires through the bush. Goyder was clear so we could see our track through this time, track didn’t seem nearly so bad today. Stopped near Annie Creek to walk in the rain forest. Very thick and squashy, Bamboo Palms, sword grass, vines, umbrella trees, melalucas just for the ones I knew with very tall grass between. Arrived at Emu Springs at 4:45. Lovely afternoon for a swim, fires burning up to the creek. Tractor and old jeep with kids everywhere went flying up the road or through between the trees, hope they put the fires out. Kids on the back laughing and waving, reminded me of Munty days. (recalls her own childhood at Muntagin) Rubbish collection at lunch time from Rocky Botttom Creek. Kids visited us weren’t too sure what they wanted. Told us about crocs good to eat, been to school in Katherine to learn welding and machines.

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Get Ready


Almost slept in. Packed up a bit. Prepared lunch and went out to the Latrim River for lunch. Lovely creek for the kids but it rained slightly then a bit more so we came home past a few sights. Went to do my shopping saw Aboriginal fellow belt his wife or daughter. Had visitors for a barbeque tea. All packed up ready to get going early. Pleasant night think we met a typical Territorian. Rang family for Wendy’s goodbyes.

Mining


Spoke to Wendy, she seems well organised. Also spoke to Rich in the evening. Thea took me to see around the plant, Yacht Club and Catalina Bay. While Geoff took Morris and Leigh on a tour of the plant. Then after lunch we all went to Dalywol Bay where they dump the crocs. Saw some across the bay. On to Turtle Bay which were both beautiful. All went out to Arnhem Club at night. Good conversation, good night, played pokies as we came out.

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Yirrkala


Great to be in a house. Washed and cleaned in the morning, went out to Yirrkala Art Gallery, bought a couple of bags. Had a barbeque on Wirraway Point beach. Keddie and Fabienne made the salads.

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Nhulunbuy


Good morning early start 7:45. Headed off in great anticipation of Goyder River crossing. Met another car so away we went. It was really fairly simple but we breathed a big sigh of relief as we crossed the Goyder. Then away again, fairly bumpy crossing creeks etc. Changes in vegetation were very clear. Arrived at Thea’s 5:30pm. Had a change of cars as Morris and Keddie were having a few problems.

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Arnhem Land


Beautiful morning. Earnest preparations, perhaps even nervous. Set off on reasonable road, short discussion on road to Mainoru. Using Joint Operations map, very good, almost follow each turn of the road. 1:20 at Bulman then out into the wild bush. Track reasonable, but full of surprises needed concentration. In river and creek valleys, thick with palms, few flowers. Lunch at a clearing interesting patterns on the tree bark. Start again at 3:30. At 5:30 reached Emu Springs. Camped by a thermal pool. Lovely night. Good sleep, bathed in pool.

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Maranboy

You need to add a widget, row, or prebuilt layout before you’ll see anything here. 🙂


Off 8:00 very dusty road to Pine Creek then onto Katherine. Shopped and fixed petrol tap. Then on to Maranboy Police Station. Quite an oasis. Set up camp on side lawns. Brett and Jackie came down for drinks before tea. Showered in the cell shower. Shower set in roof open shower. Lovely night – no mosquitoes slept well.

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Jabiru


Up very early to go on morning cruise on Yellow Waters. Beautiful birds – named 26 species. Saw several crocodiles. Green native cress each side of billabong. Came back for breakfast at 9:00. Then loaded in Morris’s air conditioned vehicle and went to Jabiru, 1 hour waiting around shopping centre, pleasant and cool. Up to Ubirr Rock. Good art and view 360 degrees. Took panarama photo but ran out of film half way through. Shot took in ‘Hoges back yard’. Then we came back to Nourlangie Rock which also had good art Lightening Man and Barramundi, his wife and another. Home to Cooinda, mossquitoes very bad again.

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Batchelor


Exciting 4WD into Florence Falls. Should have been here last night. Walked in among the rainforest to another lovely falls. Swam in the water. Double Falls. Boys jumping from the top. Lovely start to the day. On into Batchelor- Rum Jungle across the highway to Cooinda before dark. Had our tea and went up for a drink at the Four Seasons Motel. Nice open bar, no mosquitoes.

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Litchfield


What a day. Set off to Litchfield. Got off onto the wrong road. Leigh navigating. Eventually stopped at Finnis River Store. School teacher getting in early on the development told us to go to Petheriske. We did. Met Ray who is married to an aboriginal. The thermal pool near his house was paradise. Lady sitting on the edge washing her clothes. Surrounded by Mango trees. Went from there to camping spot to walk in the rain forest. Saw smoke as we approached Morris went ahead and signalled to Keddie to follow. When we arrived a fire had just burnt a tent and fire was spreading. Morris sent us to get Ray. P. which we did. Fire was almost out when we came back. People had disappeared. Went on our walk to rain forest and spitfire. Rain forest a bit thin. Good views. Continued on by car to Gorge Park to find Kings Tours had lost an elderly tourist. Helped in the search while we visited falls. Then went back to Peth to get some people who knew the area. Couldn’t do much more so drove on to Wangi Falls. After much deliberation we camped at Wangi. Bad Decision. Falls and pool were beautiful we had a good swim before tea, theral spa bath, 2 streams of water. Very dusty dirty camp sites. Mosquitoes in 1000’s. Early to bed, but yokels next door, very bad language, dog fighting, great emotional debates at the top of their voices. Mosquitoes nearly carried thr truck away, Leigh snored. Very little sleep.

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Darwin


Onto Darwin, shopped, did a bit of sight seeing. Beer in a law dive – best balcony in town. Coffee and lunch at French Bakehouse. Morris spilt coffee on the photos. Back to Land Council for permit. Short debate as to access. Tea at Howard Springs.

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Katherine


Left 8:45. Went out to Katherine Gorge. Walked onto boat tour of the gorges. Quite spectacular. Windmill palms Butterfly Gorge. Walk between. Aboriginal paintings untouched. Beautiful sunny morning with a light wind blowing. Inspected German machine touring the world. Massive vehicle. Stopped in Katherine for fuel. Lovely sandwich shop also bought salads for tea. Up the track went into Pine Creek Museum. Old building with great old fellow to show us through. He had station equipment, minerals, and Chinese display. WorldWar II, We of the Never Never etc, etc. Good old photographs, best chinese collection I’ve seen. Medicine bottles, soy sauce jars, etc. Well done. Then on to Howard Springs, rather a boring trip. Fires burning along the way, undergrowth fires. Booked into Caravan Park at Howard Springs. Then we went to the nature park to swin in the natural springs. It was a very pretty spot. After we climbed out we saw turtles and fish in the water. Nice salads for tea.

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Newcastle Waters


Left at 8:45. Stopped at Elliot for fuel. Lake off road shown on postcards. Called at Newcastle Waters. Park to commemorate the drovers and famous cattle droves across the country. Continued on to Daly Waters. 1st pub in Australia offering beef and barramundi bit dfferent from last night. We should have staye here. On to Katherine arrived about 1:30pm. Camped at Riverview Caravan park, quite early, time to clean, organise and wash.

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Heading North


Fabiennes birthday. Jaffas for breakfast. Left by 9:00 straight up the track. Stopped at Whycliff Wells for lunch. Large steak, half gristle, salad and chips. Quite a clean shop with aboriginal artefaccts for sale. Lots of them around the shop in cars. Rather dirty looking. On again up to Wauchope, Devils Marbles, Tennant Creek. Its a large town for here Peko and other mines around. Had a cup of tea and then on again to Renner Springs. Stopped but abultion block wasn’t too good. Lovely warmish night after what we have had. Had biscuits, cheese, salami and cabana, nut mixture and cheese bun birthday cake with sparklers. Washing dried over night for the first time. Crocodile Tour with us again.

Alice Again


Very cold frost on trailer. Began film 3 in Ormiston Gorge. Walked in a short way till rocks blocked our path and it was far to go the other way – came back again!! On to Stanley Chasm arrived as the sun was overhead and reflected on the rocks rather beautifully. Short walk. On to Alice Springs. Collected flora pictures and shopped, banked etc. Rang Viv and bought a birthday cake for Fabienne – cream Buns – best I could find. Didn’t leave Telegraph Station till 4:00 not a hope of getting to our destination. So about 50km out we pulled off on a tourist road to ‘The Garden’. After playing here we go round the mulberrry bush only it was Mulga we set our campsite whilst some very red herefords looked on. Agood camp fire cooked over it, the billy boiling, great starli t sky above, very pleasant. Cows visited in the night but we didn’t hear them.

Glen Helen Gorge


Dingoes howling woke us up. Got out to rainy sky. Rekindled the fire and cooked bacon and eggs. Then drove so far and walked up Palm Valley. Great place. Cycads-Macrozamia MacDonnellii up the mountain sides in rock ledges. Also tall Red Cabbage Tree Palms. Very unusual against the terra cotta rocks. Back to truck by 12:00 and then drove out, refuelled at Hermansburg and back nearly to Alice. Before heading off to Ormiston Gorge. Disappointed to find camp full. Came on to Glen Helen Gorge could camp in front yard. Ended up in the bar with a lovely log fire having a counter tea – soup, lasagne and rhubarb and custard, very good. Morris isn’t at all well but appreciated the warmth and good meal. Watched a video on the centre land of rainbow gold and talked to an English girl and American who were youth hostelling. Good accommodation a good way to visit for a short while.

McDonnell Ranges

Up very early woke about 5:00. Did a load of washing before breakfast. Left park by 9. Shopped a bit (still Alice show). Went to visit Telegraph Station. Beautiful old Buildings, well furnished for a display. Lovely area surrounding . Todd River gum trees. Visited Arakune Art Gallery paintings, sculptures and a good photographic exhibition by Peter Latz. Then went out to Hermansburg Mission. Old stone buildings again on one side. Aboriginal store on other side. Quite a contrast. Lot of vandalism in aboriginal quarter. Had tea and scones with Barry. Bought music sticks and egg. Fabienne bargained unsuccessfully but didn’t get what she wanted. Then on to Palm Valley. Really 4wd. Sand, river beds and rocks. Camped about 6:00 after illegally collecting wood. Cooked steak on the fire on the fire, star gazing. Rained during night.

McDonnell Ranges


Up very early woke about 5am. Did a load of washing before breakfast. Left park by 9am. Shopped a bit (still Alice Show). Went to visit Telegraph Station. Beautful old stone buildings well furnished for a display. Lovely area surrounding. Todd River gum trees . Visited Arakuen Art Gallery, paintings, sculptues, and a good photographic exhibition by Peter Lattz Then we went out to Hermansburg mission. Old stone buildings again on one side. Aboriginal Store on the other side. Quite a contrast. Lot of vandalism in aborigine quarter. Had tea and scones with Barry. Bought music sticks and egg. Fabienne bargained unmercifully but didn’t get what she wanted. Then on to Palm Valley. Real 4WD. Sand, river beds, and rocks. Camped about 6pm. After illegally collecting wood. Cooked steak on the fire, star gazing. Rained during the night.

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Henbury Crater

Left Yulara at 8.15am, I drove 200km and on dirt road to Wallara Ranch. Good setup for school groups. Roomy eating facility, 4 room cabins, billiard table, swimming pool. Two hours to Uluru. Kings canyon up road, tours available. Went on to Henbury Crater through Fempe Downs and Angus Downs stations – they go for miles. A number of dead cattle on the roads. Crater site supposed meteorite crater, meteor size of 4 gallon drum 40,000 years ago. Unbelievable that it could be identified. Morris got a flat tyre on this road. Had lunch and proceeded into Alice Springs only to find it was show day and banks were shut. We got some groceries in a flash arcade. Mall is really rather nice. Stayed at McDonnell Ranges caravan park. Very crowded but nice sites. Pork chops and vegies for tea.

old trains on display

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