On to Longreach

Thursday, May 04, 2023
Longreach, Queensland, Australia
Sunday May 15  
 The last few hours in Carnarvon GorgeLate in the afternoon Wendy finally had a positive sighting of a platypus, the only one any of us saw.  The platypus was very cooperative, cruising around for about 15 minutes.  Then along came a big tortoise…the platypus swam straight up to it and nipped it on the nose.  A scuffle ensued and the platypus disappeared!!  Please use your imagination with the dodgy photos!!
We shared a barbecue for our last night as a group of 6.  The wine and music flowed and it was a great evening.
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Monday May 16              Carnarvon Gorge to Alpha
As predicted, rain started at about 5am.  Damn!!  We were totally prepared this time and had as much as possible packed ready to go.  As soon as there was a bit of daylight we packed up as the rain was supposed to increase.  By 6.45 we were showered and having a very relaxed breakfast.  The others were ready to go about 7.30 so we all headed for Rolleston where we met for a final coffee together at a community run coffee van in the local park.
After farewelling Francine and Al who headed home to Toowoomba, the rest of us turned northwards, stopping next at Springsure’s information centre.  Armed with more local information we made a bee line to the bakery in Emerald for pies for lunch.    The drizzle continued to follow us  but we found a picnic table with a roof!  
Next it was a turn westwards, travelling through low ranges on reasonable bitumen, undulating and meandering through pleasant forests.  
The drizzle remained until we dropped down onto the plains where the trees also disappeared!  Our destination was the small town of Alpha where we set up camp in a free overnight only space that came with toilets, hot showers and power points in the bathrooms.  The only possible negative was it was beside a vehicle washdown bay.  A few very noisy vehicles came in early.  We’re hoping for none overnight.  A local farmer came over for a really long chat and gave us a small pumpkin.  He was as deaf as a post, so the chat was somewhat challenging!!
Paul and Bev had a stressful hour or so, discovering that their fridge wasn’t working.  Fortunately Paul was able to get through to a technician who we believe has fixed the problem.
Tuesday May 16  Alpha to Ilfracombe
Paul and Bev were heading up the highway directly to Ilfracombe but Wendy and Rick had decided to do a circuit on gravel roads to have a look at some roadside sculptures.  The gravel roads were in pretty good condition but there were lots of floodways and cattle grids…which we always treat with great respect to avoid tearing out the front end of the vehicle!!  The sculptures were prolific and mostly pretty classy.  We guess there were about 30 altogether with subjects such as helicopters, all manner of wildlife, Marj Simpson, Wally, a yabby etc.  The materials were recycled farm junk along with some natural things such as tree trunks, vines and rocks. They have all been made by a local artist on a non-paid basis.
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In Amarac they learnt the story of the importance of a white bull in Captain Starlight's capture.  There were little bulls everywhere! 
 Wendy and Rick stopped at Barcaldine to have a look at the Tree of Knowledge.  A site where the shearing strike of the 1890’s began, along with the formation of the Labor Party as a political entity.  
We did a little grocery shopping and then continued on to Ilfracrombe.  Paul and Bev were about to head off to the pub, right next door, but waited for us to set up camp.  We then all enjoyed a cold beverage together.  After dinner we enjoyed a couple of games of Rummicub.
Wednesday May 17   Longreach
A slightly later than planned start saw us, at 9am, on the 30km road trip to Longreach where we had booked a tour for 11am.  We had more than an hour and a half to work our way through the static displays and were all amazed by the audio accompaniments to the exhibits.  The system was location dependent so gave relevant commentary whenever you moved to a new area.  There were also plenty of options to hear 2-3 minute vignettes about many aspects of life in that particular era and activity.  There were also audio-visual displays that allowed one to sit and personally choose from a wide display of short clips.  At 11am we were shown an extremely informative video about the past and present cattle industry including the history of the stockmen themselves.
After  the video we moved on to an outdoor covered arena to  experience a show put on by a well experienced stockman, horse breaker, dog trainer and musician/song writer.  It was really well done….very informative and entertaining!  Thanks to our friends who recommended the show.
Back at camp we did some onward planning of entertainment and campsite bookings, all challenging with difficult internet!   We ran out of time to try out the local artesian hot tub.  Bad planning!  Wendy did a dash down to check its temperature to see if it really was worthwhile for the next day.  Yes!
Paul cooked a fabulous Moroccan dinner then Wendy produced a very small but challenging jigsaw.  Rick accompanied the rest of us on guitar while we met the challenge.  After about 3 hours we had it finished!
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Comments

Lyn and Ken
2023-05-18

We loved our trip up that way in 2019. The 'stockman's Hall of Fame' and the show are really excellent.

Maureen Hickling
2023-05-23

Sounds like there's lots to see and do in Longreach.

2025-02-14

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