Day 1
Friday 4th April
Brisbane to Tenterfield
267 kms
25 degrees in Brisbane , down to 14 degrees that night in Tenterfield, Sunny
Today is the day we set off on our next outback adventure. There has been a lot of dialogue about this trip due to a huge rain event and consequent devastating flooding in the area we were planning on visiting. Originally we had planned to do the Natural Sciences Loop which takes in Thargaminda, Eramanga and Quilpie. Thargaminda sadly has been flooded and residents evacuated, thousands of livestock have been lost, and of course the roads are closed. So sad for these communities.
Instead we will travel via St George to Cunnamulla, and reverse our route to Charleville to minimise the risk of closed roads.
We got away reasonably early to pick up our caravan from Condamine Caravan Repairs in Warwick – we had left it there a couple of weeks earlier to have the ill-fated window repaired ( attempt number 3), but alas, the window had not arrived. So again we rely on the magic 100 mile an hour tape for another 3 weeks.
On our way, and a quick stop in Stanthorpe to say hello to Travis and Jackson. It was a short and sweet meeting as we needed to get to Tenterfield before dark. Jackson got a lovely surprise to see us as he didn’t know we were passing through – it made our day seeing his excited reaction.
In Tenterfield, we stayed at a property just north of town where they offer caravan sites for 3-4 caravans. Peter the owner, who was never short for words, was a landscape gardener, and has developed this camping area in amongst his magnificent garden. Great set up.
We settled in, right next to the chicken coop and fenced vegetable garden. Chantelle, Simon and Isla arrived just after nightfall. They been delayed as they had discovered an “issue” with their power inlet point just as they were about to leave home. A stopover to see Jason at Condamine Caravan Repairs on their way soon sorted them out. Jason is getting good business from our family.
So everyone was settled in, dinner prepared and served, and our holiday has begun! Such a good feeling. Making wonderful memories.
Day 2
Saturday 5th April
Tenterfield
11-22 degrees, sunny
With a definite cool start to the day, we were greeted with clear skies and bright sunshine – the rain has gone!
Fresh eggs were collected from the girls in the pen next to us, and Frank cooked our gourmet breakfast – direct from paddock to plate!
Time to explore downtown Tenterfield. First stop, the Tenterfield Saddler Museum. The Tenterfield Saddler was made famous by Peter Allen’s tribute to his past and grandfather George Woolnough in the ‘Tenterfield Saddler’.
However, it is much more than just a song. For 50 years (from 1908 to 1960), this quaint blue-granite saddlery on High Street was a key meeting place in town. Saddler, George Woolnough plied his trade, listening, undisturbed by the chatter and opinions of those who wandered in. One famous customer was Banjo Patterson. Now this living museum is full of leather goods and historical tools.
Next, the School of Arts building which houses an interest exhibition on the history of Federation in Australia. Sir Henry Parkes delivered his famous speech in 1889 in Tenterfield which sowed the seed for Federation in 1901. A nice little cafe in the same building gave us an opportunity to have a coffee and morning tea.
We then broke into the girls and boys parties – the girls enjoyed a browse of the little boutiques in the Main Street, while the boys went to the Railway Museum.
The Station opened in 1886 and is a rare survival of something that was once common throughout NSW. It is an almost intact nineteenth century railway precinct. When the line was completed to the border in 1888, Sydney and Brisbane were linked by rail for the first time. Services declined gradually from the 1970s and finished completely in October, 1989. Tenterfield Railway Station Preservation Society now operates the entire precinct as a Railway Museum.
Then being midday in a country town, everything suddenly shut up – our cue to go back to camp for lunch. We did do a little drive through the town enjoying seeing all the historical buildings and lovely gardens. A very pretty town.
Travis and Louise arrived soon after – they had decided to bring their new caravan down for its first shake down. We had a lovely afternoon chatting and exploring the vast gardens of where we were staying. The roses and camellias were gorgeous, and so fragrant. Peter hosts open gardens here a couple of times a year.
Travis cooked a delicious beef and vegetable stew in his camp oven for us for dinner – so hearty and warming on this very fresh evening. Isla had the best time playing with Razzie (Travis and Louise’s dog), and Tosca (Peter’s dog). Both dogs were clearly worn out by the end of the night!
Day 3
Sunday 6th April
Tenterfield to Yelarbon
11-27 degrees, sunny
178 kms
Woke up to an another beautiful sunny day. After a leisurely breakfast with more fresh eggs, we said goodbye to Travis and Louise, and hit the Bruxner Highway to get to Texas. The countryside is absolutely stunning – the white sheep and brown/black cattle are simply striking against the vivid green vegetation. Being a Sunday, nothing much was open in Texas, however we did manage to find a bakery with nice coffee, and of course a pie for Frank and an ice cream for Isla… all essentials covered!
The Texas Yelarbon road took us past cotton fields, and other small crop farms into Yelarbon. Emus were also spotted along the side of the road.
Easy stop tonight at the Yelarbon Recreation Reserve – $20 per night, and we could leave the van hooked up. Across the road was a pretty lagoon supporting abundant birdlife… and even more abundant giant Scotch grey mosquitos. They nearly carried us out of there!
300 metres down the road were the famous painted Yelarbon silos – we walked down to get a closer look. One of the biggest silo artworks in Australia ‘When the Rain Comes’ conveys a sense of optimism and hope for the future while taking cues from the rich history of the community. The young boy sets paper boats afloat on the Yelarbon Lagoon, symbolising the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the town’s industries, past and present, that have carved out this oasis on the edge of the Spinifex Desert.
Lamb cooked on the bbq was on the dinner menu tonight, then we retreated to inside the caravan to get away from the viscous mosies.
Day 4
Monday 7th April
Yelarbon to St George
250 kms
12-27 degrees, sunny
We woke to find that we had not closed our main door, only the screen door – no wonder we were thinking it was a bit cold overnight!
Another glorious day ahead of us, and we were soon on our way. It was only a short drive (40 minutes) to Goondiwindi. We had a walk up and down the Main Street – some nice boutiques here, plus of course the local bakery.
On the road again, and a couple of hours after driving past small crops and cotton farms, we arrived in St George. This time we stayed at the other end of town, at the River Gums Caravan Park, a lovely spot beside the Balonne River.
We set up, then walked along the River Walk (15 minutes) into town to The Australian Hotel for dinner. It was interesting to see the flood marker pole and note the varying heights of the Balonne River during flood times – 2010, 2011, and 2012 all had major floods. Despite the recent rains, theriver is only a metre higher than normal. A lovely War Memorial also observed on our walk.
Nice dinner at the Australian, then the return walk along the river, with all the trees lit along the way – very pretty.
Day 5
Tuesday 8th April
St George
13-27 degrees, sunny
Today we explored St George starting with a visit to Unique Eggs. For over 40 years, local legend Stavros, transformed humble emu eggs into intricate, glowing masterpieces, carving breathtaking patterns and scenes that have dazzled visitors at World Expos and even found their way to the White House. Emu eggs have 10 layers of shell, the tenth being nearly white. Once the design has been carved into the shell, it is illuminated and the masterpiece is complete -approximately 80 hours of work.
Onto Riversands Winery, Queensland’s most western winery. A very sweet Swedish girl gave us a lovely commentary during our free wine tasting. We enjoyed the Vermintino, Sparkling Shiraz, Merlot, Shiraz( even though it was a lot lighter than we are used to), and of course the “Fu*#*n Good Port”.
Back to camp for a late lunch and some relaxation before our next adventure. To really take in the Balonne River’s magnitude of water, we had decided to do the Sandytown River Cruise. At 4pm, we jumped aboard the boat and idled down the middle of the river, enjoying the views and abundant birdlife including egrets, cockatoos and eagles. The sunset at the end of the cruise was a fitting finish to the day.
For dinner, Chef Frank cooked his 21 day grain fed beef steaks- they were delicious! He was rather chuffed with his efforts.
Day 6
Wednesday 9th April
St George to Dirranbandi to Thallon to Nindigully, back to St George
238 kms
13-28 degrees, sunny
A day exploring the area around St George. 95 kms southwest of St George, Dirranbandi is a small country town that comes alive through the cotton harvest months. The famous Cubbie Station, the largest irrigated cotton farm in the southern hemisphere, is only a stone’s throw away from this small town. Whilst Dirranbandi might be bustling in the harvest months, it was a sleepy town today. We walked the main street, of one block, and had morning tea at the local bakery – owned by Russians. The Visitor’s Centre was very welcoming, and we watched a 15 minute film on cotton farming at Cubbie Station.
45 minutes onto Thallon, where we had to drive through quite a bit of water across the road. Once in Thallon of course we had to stop and check out the giant Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat statue located at the park. Isla enjoyed climbing onto the wombat’s back. These wombats were almost extinct in Queensland but thanks to a conservation programme numbers are increasing.
The other attraction in Thallon is the vibrant GrainCorp Silo art. The Watering Hole Mural covers four, 30-metre-high silos featuring icons of the district including the Moonie River, a beautiful sunset, a scarred tree recognising Thallon’s Indigenous community, pale-faced rosellas and a mob of sheep which celebrates the area’s agriculture. Very impressive.
Also stopped at the pub- mainly to see the performing dog we had seen a couple of years ago. Sadly, there has been a change of owners so Isla missed seeing the famous dog. The new licensees are a lovely young couple who enjoyed telling us about local life in Thallon.
Onto the iconic Nindigully pub, supposedly the oldest pub in Queensland, for lunch. The pub license was issued in 1864 after operating as shearer’s accommodation for the Nindigully Station. From the late 1800s the Nindigully Pub was a Cobb and Co coach change over station. I can’t say the food was that great, though Frank did enjoy his roast pork, however it was a nice setting under the shady trees, and all that lovely lush grass. The Moonie River running past the camp area was well and truly flowing – a bit different to when we had camped there a couple of years ago.
Back to St George, stocked up on a few supplies at the local grocery store, then some relaxation after our big drive.
We finished the day with a walk to the Jack Taylor Weir which is where explorer Major Thomas Mitchell crossed the Balonne River back in 1864 and gave St George its name. Three of the sluice gates were open letting a surge of water out to the lower river. We had to step up our walking pace as the mossies seemed to descend in plague numbers at sunset.
Day 7
Thursday 10th April
St George to Cunnamulla
297 kms
17-27 degrees, sunny
Packed up with no fuss, and onto Cunnamulla. Another stunningly green drive – it was green right up to the road’s edge. A long straight toad, and surprisingly good, although narrow. We stopped at Bollen hoping to get a coffee, but the cafe had closed since our visit twelve months ago, and the hotel had burnt down six weeks ago.
So onwards and forwards to Cunnamulla- quite a bit of water over the road in parts, up to 300 mls at times. Pretty of yellow lily wildflowers in the paddocks. Bird life in abundance – eagles, brolgas, and lots of emus. Also many lizards sunning themselves on the road.Some livestock, all looking very healthy.
The township of Cunnamulla was created by Cobb & Co in 1879 when the first coach drove through from Bourke. Today it is the only surviving south-west town along the original route.
We arrived at Warrego Riverside Caravan Park not long after lunchtime. We had stayed here for a night last year. The mighty river was up over the communal campfire area, but our sites were high and dry. Judy runs a wonderful park- beautiful rose and flower gardens, also lemon, orange, persimmon, pomegranate and lime trees fitted through the gardens. Each site is drive through with privacy hedges between.
We set up camp then headed to the Visitor Information Centre where we met the lovely Karen. Little did we know we were going to get to see a lot of Karen. From here we went to the Railway Museum to see the All Aboard Light and Sound show – and who should be there to greet us – Karen. It was a great holographic show depicting the history of Cunnamulla and the importance of the railway to this little town. It was used to transport passengers from Cunnamulla to Brisbane until 1994, then freight until 2014, when an explosion destroyed the bridge at Wyandra (between Cunnamulla and Charleville). Train transport was very important for the wool industry and school kids. The town’s band was also significant during these years – they played at the station twice a week when passengers arrived.
Nearby, we stopped to view the artwork on the water tower. The mural was painted in 2019 by Guido Van Helten. The image represents the children and the future of the community.
Back to camp to finish settling in and dinner. Warmer here at night.
Day 8
Friday 11th April
Cunnamulla
17-29 degrees, sunny
Synonymous with the name Cunnamulla is the Cunnamulla Fella, so of course we had to visit the statue. This larger than life statue is a tribute to the Aussie larrikin stockman. Slim Dusty had a hand in making the Cunnamulla Fella famous when he put the lyrics of Stan Coster to song.
There was an excellent display at the Cunnamulla Fella Visitor Centre about the Artesian Basin. We spent a good hour there learning about the expansive size of the basin, how it was formed, how it is filled, and about the bores. We travelled back in time and discovered the Artesian Basin as it was 100 million years ago. Really interesting. The 20 minute movie explained it all in detail, reinforcing the importance of water and the need to conserve it as much as possible. Isla didn’t want to watch the movie so Karen took her under her wing in the Visitor centre.
We walked to the Cunnamulla Artesian Spa next to the Warrego River which we were keen to trial, but with the flooding, the pumps weren’t working, so they were only doing Fire and Ice experiences. (Karen works there on weekends). The river walk next to the spa still had water over it.
A walk around town didn’t take long. Many of the shops have closed unfortunately- we did find the bakery and a cafe for a little refreshment. The country wear shop had some nice clothes and accessories. Otherwise there was a pharmacy, shoe/toy/ hardware (all in one ) shop, plus the IGA, and of course a couple of pubs.Lovely gardens and sculptures around town.
We felt we had “done” town so we went back to our caravans and had a restful afternoon. Frank and I then got ourselves dolled up to go to the Long Table Dinner marking the opening of the Outback River Lights Festival. The taxi driver, Rick ( who is also the Deputy Mayor plus the Bowls Club President) took us into town for this inaugural event for 120 guests.
We were seated in the open area of the Community Centre – under the stars, but off the grass ( the organisers moved it off the grass because of all the mosquitoes). What a lovely night – we met some nice folk from Toowoomba and others from Brisbane. The menu included local food such as Emu Meatballs, Quandong Duck, Crocodile Volauvents, Charcoal Wafers with Greenants and Bocconcini, Saltbush Lamb and Lemon Myrtle Cheesecake – all delicious!
The entertainment included local didgeridoo player Tommy Crow, circus flame throwers, and a great singer/guitarist. Great night, and Rick came back to take us home to Riverside.
Day 9
Saturday 12th April
Cunnamulla
18-29 degrees, sunny
First day of the Festival, so we headed into town for the activities. Before long we were all busy painting our paper lanterns. Isla enjoyed doing this – she loves craft. There was also bush tucker and camp oven cooking demonstrations, circus acts for the children, and food vans. We felt we had seen enough so headed back for lunch.
It was unfortunate that the roads to Eulo were still closed as our original plans were to spend a day there exploring the artesian baths, and also the Cunnamulla spa baths were closed. However, the Charlotte Plains hot spring baths were still accessible, so we drove 50 kms to get the rustic bath experience.
Charlotte Plains is a family owned 67,000 acre working sheep and cattle station, but also offering an exceptional hot artesian bathing experience with a water source that is naturally heated to 42 degrees. You start at the hot pools and move on to the cooler pools. We were sold on the benefits of the mineral rich artesian waters- skin rejuvenation and rehydration, muscle relaxation and arthritic pain relief, not to mention the improved sleep. I have to say it was all very relaxing and enjoyable. A cold drink at the rustic bar completed the experience. We drove back to Cunnamulla for a home cooked meal, followed by a serious Canasta game!
After dinner, we did have a little pow wow as to what we should do the next day – we had planned to spend another day in Cunnamulla, but felt we had seen enough of the River Lights Festival. Whilst we would miss the evening lantern parade, we thought there was more to do In Charleville. It was just a shame the weather event and subsequent flooding had impacted the little towns, and our plans.
Day 10
Sunday 13th April
Cunnamulla to Charleville
196 kms
17- 28 degrees, sunny
So it’s off to Charleville! Not a big drive. Half way is the sleepy railway town of Wyandra. We stopped here to look at “the Beach” , a sandy enclave on the Warrego River, however we didn’t quite make it as the road was closed. This “must see”town was very small!
Back on the road to Charleville. We arrived at the Cobb & Co Caravan Park early afternoon. Sandy was very welcoming and gave us a run down on what to do in the bustling metropolis of Charleville. Once we had set up, we went to the local IGA to restock some fresh vegetables and fruit.
For dinner, we walked 15 minutes to the local pub, Cattle Camp Hotel. I had a salt and pepper calamari which was delicious, the others had chicken parmy. Everyone was happy with their choices.
And the bonus… not so many mosquitoes or sandflies!
Day 11
Monday 14th April
Charleville
17-28 degrees, sunny
Where to start, so much to do! We had wanted to do the Monday morning date farm tour but unfortunately the farm was closed for another week due to the boggy roads.
So onto the Royal Flying Doctor Museum and airport, followed by a visit to the Cosmos Centre. This planetarium is the largest in Queensland. We were booked in for the Sun Viewing tour using one of the world’s largest hydrogen-alpha telescopes. We learnt about the history and importance of our closest star.
A walk around town filled in an hour – that did include a Charleville bakery stop though! The pies were a hit all round.
The Bilby Conservation Centre was on the afternoon’s agenda. Isla was so excited! We had bought her a Bilby puppet two years ago when we had previously visited, and now she wanted a big sister for her Bilby. Well, her wishes had come true! We joined the nocturnal house and saw two very cute bilbies scurrying around. We learnt of the plight of the bilby and how the team are working hard to save them from extinction. Introduced animals and habitat change have decimated their numbers. So far the breeding programme has been very successful.
Back to camp, a yummy roast pork and accompanying vegetables were on the menu. A credit to the chefs! Then Frank and Simon headed back to the Cosmos Centre for a look at the stars. They said it was excellent. The guides gave a fabulous commentary and were really good with the children in attendance. Using powerful Meade telescopes they viewed planets, the moon, nebulae and star clusters. Even a shooting star.
Day 12
Tuesday 15th April
Charleville
16-27 degrees, sunny
We were booked in for the 9am tag along secret WWll tour, where we discovered why 3,500 US Army Airforce personal were posted to Charleville during WEII. For this tour we drove our vehicle and followed the guide to 7 locations on the original Base – we unveiled aviation history, romance stories, secret faults, and got up close with one of the most classified pieces of military equipment from WWII (Norden Bomb-Sight). The interactive and self guided museum at the end of the tour was very interesting, and gave us an idea of what the US Airforce did for the town of Charleville.
Then we had to stop at the Graham Andrews Parklands to get the obligatory photo on the “big red chair”. Beautiful gardens, and ever so green after the rain.
At 3 pm we did a fabulous two hour tour with Rachel, of the iconic Hotel Corones, Charleville’s historic landmark. We heard the amazing rags to riches story of Harry Corones (who migrated from Greece at age 23), a remarkable early day entrepreneur who not only made local, but Australian history on more than one occasion, and was awarded a MBE. We learnt of the famous guests who had stayed at the hotel over the years, and heard some funny stories. The one I thought was most amusing was Amy Johnson wanting a bath in 23 magnums of champagne, and the liquid was bottled again after her bath, with an extra bottle filled! At the end of the tour we enjoyed a drink at the famous bar, entertained by Mark the bar manager. Great country hospitality.
We had our last little drive through town – we wanted to look at the Warrego River and the levy banks to see how they have tried to flood proof the town. So hard to imagine how in 1990 the whole town being was 1.8 metres under water.
Also saw the water tower mural which was also painted in 2019 by Guido van Helten. The feature of the mural are the children of the region and is painted in Guido’s signature 3D monochromatic style. The children, it is said, are playing their 200 kilometres neighbours from Cunnamulla, who they meet twice a year and often to contest a grand final. The mural depicts not only friendly rivalry but also sportsmanship, community, friendship and respect.
A quick dinner so we could enjoy a campfire – it was a lovely campfire area all lovingly made by the park owners. Nothing like toasted marshmallows and a nice glass of red wine sitting around a fire.
Day 13
Wednesday 16th April
Charleville to Mitchell
178 kms
14-27 degrees, sunny
Not a big drive today, less than two hours, more very green countryside. We did have to make a short stop at the railway crossing for the Westlander train which travels from Brisbane to Charleville twice a week.
We arrived at Mitchell before midday, a quick set up as we were just staying one night. Major Mitchell Caravan Park is in a lovely spot overlooking the river.
After lunch we walked to the Artesian Spa and enjoyed a lovely relaxing spa bath. Not quite as hot as the water at Charlotte Plains. Then a little walk around town – not a lot there – the usual bakery, IGA, a couple of hotels, a couple of closed hotels, and one all in one dress/shoe/ pet /camping shop.
Dinner at Richard’s Hotel was very filling – we needed the walk home to help digest all we had consumed.
Day 14
Thursday 17th April
Mitchell to Roma
88 kms
10-26 degrees, sunny
A leisure pack up as we only had a small distance to travel to Roma. We checked into Villa Tourist Park at 11am. It was great as we got there before the onslaught of other Easter holiday makers. We could watch them all arrive from the comfort our chairs.
In between all the caravan parking excitement, we did take leave to head into town to do some grocery shopping and take a look at the local shops. Woolworths was bedlam with everyone stocking up on last minute supplies for the Easter break. Some lovey boutiques in town, plus I stumbled across the most fascinating Ace Drapery – it was like the Myer of Roma in 50 square metres. You were sure to find something in there that you didn’t need!
As we weren’t able to acquire tickets for tonight’s Easter in the Country Festival opening dinner ( because we weren’t originally planning on being in Roma on Thursday night), it was dinner back at camp … and watching all the nicely dressed ticket holders head out for the big event at the Roma Saleyards. A big case of FOMO. Chef Matt Golinski was cooking a three course meal with the hero food of the meal being of course, beef. We followed suit with beef steak at home!
Day 15
Friday 18th April ( Good Friday )
Roma
11-27 degrees, sunny
Roma’s Easter in the Country was started in 1976 and took the form of a Country and Western music and rodeo event. It now is an event that truly captures the character and charm of Outback Queensland. I first attended approximately 25 years ago and remember it being a lot of fun.
A self guided tour of the Roma Butter Factory gave us insight into the history of the factory and how it contributed to the development of the town and Roma as a farming community in the early days.
Next a visit to Roma’s largest bottle tree, before taking a ten minute drive in the country to Moorelands Bush Nursery and Feed Shed. What a beautiful setting. Such a wonderful garden to browse with lots of pots, plants and fascinating sculptures for sale. Also a nice cafe doing a roaring trade.
Back for a late lunch and thoroughly enjoyed the Mooloolaba prawns we had bought at the local seafood van – so fresh and yummy!
At 5pm we visited the Big Rig where we went up the Tower to experience the breathtaking beauty of the warm hues as the sun descended over the Outback. The stroll along the Tree Walk was very tranquil as the last of the sun bathed the Red River Gum trees. Once the last of the sun had disappeared, we enjoyed the 30 minute interactive Light and Sound show beneath the stars in the open air theatre. Here we heard of the dramatic events that unfolded in Roma as the oil and gas emerged, and also highlighted the resilience of Australia’s riggers, both past and present.
Day 16
Saturday 19th April
Roma
12-28 degrees, sunny
Up early to get to the Easter in the Country Street Parade- we got a great position in a front position, in the shade. This annual parade show-case Charities, Businesses, Sporting and Recreational Clubs, Schools in Roma and surrounding Districts. Floats in all different shapes and sizes. Highlights this year were Bluey and Bingo. So many lollies and chocolates were handed out during the parade- no child, or adult went without!
There were markets in town after the parade which we had a look at, but ever so crowded. We got a coffee at one of the cafes, and ended up having to wait 45 minutes for it! Everyone who was anyone was in town!
After lunch we went to the Mud Derby – Mud Buggies are back! It was an action packed afternoon with a couple of vehicles getting bogged and having to be towed out.
We only stayed an hour here, as the Easter Races were also on at the same time at Basset Park. There was a five race program plus children’s entertainment – water slides, face painting and ice-creams! Great country atmosphere. I also met up with a friend I used to work with, Kym, who now runs the Turf Club. It was a ten minute walk back to Villa Caravan Park – very convenient for us.
Day 17
Sunday 20th April, Easter Sunday
Roma
17-27 degrees, sunny
The Country Markets at Basset Park were our first point of call – most were the same as what were in town yesterday, but no where near as crowded.
Next a few races to watch – billy cart races, ride on mower races, a stockyard show, and most entertaining was the wife carrying competition! The criteria was that wife had to weigh more than 49kgs, and the prize was the wife’s weight in xxxx products. There were a few falls, but all took it in the name of fun. I will add, we did not enter!
The other highlight was Isla and Frank having a camel ride – Isla said she wanted to ride the camel, but we weren’t sure whether she would actually do it! But she did, and loved it! And no fretting when the camel got up and down – I know from experience that can be a bit hairy!
The big event for the afternoon was the Rodeo. Roma Pro Rodeo is a highly recognised and rated Rodeo attracting the attention of International groups such as Teton Ridge who are the organisers of The All American Rodeo which is known as the only Million Dollar payout of rodeo events in the world. Great family event that always delivers the thrills,spills and courage that is professional bull riding.
We had chosen not to go to the night event starting at 8pm which was a concert by Troy Cassar-Daly and Wade Forster (only because we had seen them at Tamworth Country Music Festival 3 months earlier), however, we found that we got a very good free concert back at our caravan. We could hear it all as a clear as day. How good was that!
Day 18
Monday 21st April
Roma to Jondaryn
313 kms
16-27 degrees, some light rain, cloudy
Light rain drizzle greeted us when we woke. We packed up, and said goodbye to Chantelle, Simon and Isla, as this where we part ways. We were headed home, they had a few more days.
Coffee stop at Miles, and another one at Dalby, before we decided to stop for the day at Jondaryn Woolshed where there is a lovely rural caravan park. Plenty of large grassy sites, and we were able to leave the van hooked up. They had a fabulous Easter programme over the weekend – need to keep that in mind for another year.
We needed to get the van cleaned ready to put away in storage tomorrow, so that filled in a couple of hours doing that, but at least we had water and a nice sunny afternoon. Boring, but had to be done.
A quiet evening, enjoying the last of our country outback experience.
Day 19
Tuesday 22nd April
Jondaryn to Brisbane
175 kms
12-26 degrees, sunny
Last day. Packed up, with everything spick and span. We took the time to have a look at the Jondaryn Woolshed before we left. Lots of interesting information re the history of the shearing shed. Also a great venue for a wedding or other event.
On the road, taking the Toowoomba Bypass, past Gatton, and onto Salisbury to drop Lexie the Legend off. We had to play a game of dodge the truck once we came off the Bypass Road – not sure where they all came from. Or maybe, we had forgotten what traffic was like.
It has been a fabulous holiday, making wonderful memories, and even better sharing it with our loved ones
Glammy Goes Global 