The Journey North 25 June to 2nd July 2012

Seven days and 3310 kms later we finally arrived at our first destination, Lawn Hill National Park camping ground in Northern Queensland. It lies 340km NW of Mt Isa along the Northern Territory border.

The journey getting here has been an experience of its own. After leaving the main highway at Dubbo and entering the NSW Outback area, the road became dead straight and remained so for 95% of the remaining 2000km.  The countryside changed little, wide open flat plains as far as the eye could see. Initially we saw fields of crops then it was broken up with bush land, hay fields and grass.  On and on it rolled.  There was an incredible amount of road kill predominantly kangaroo, and gorging on them were the hawks and eagles as well as other scavengers.

The first few mornings it was bitterly bitterly cold, and the one morning we stopped off at this lovely spot for breakfast not long after West Wyalong, and in search of a Geocache, a global treasure hunt game we are part of. See www.geocaching.com  We found it on the bridge.

We followed this Road Train for over 100km as we watched it sway from left to right on a narrow bumpy Outback road and frequently driving on the wrong side of the road. Passing wasn't an option! We stopped off at the same rest area so I got chatting to the driver. The Road Train is 55.3 meters long, the longest one may drive on the bitumen in the Outback. His swaying was due to the road conditions. 

The largest Road Trains which may only run on gravel are 3 engines pulling 18 trailers. The driver advised us to stop if we see one and do not attempt to pass.  Like we would do otherwise!!  

www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8_7cVZzwxw

Another of our stop-offs was in this tiny settlement, Wyandra,  where hundreds of bras were strung along the entire fence running alongside the railway tracks and station,  and on a fence outside a home.  It was a case of My cup runneth over!

At Barcaldine we visited the Tree of Knowledge. A 10-metre, 150-year-old Ghost Gum, which symbolises an important time in Australia’s political development as the meeting place for shearers during their unsuccessful strike of 1891. The shearers’ strike, in conjunction with the maritime strike of 1890, played a crucial role in the historical connection between unions and what eventually became the Australian Labor Party.  For more info see  

http://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/publications/about/pubs/national-heritage-tree.pdf

With Longreach being the birthplace of Qantas, we had to visit their museum.  For Bert in particular who has spent many thousands of kilometers on a Qantas plane, it was very interesting being taken on a tour. Of course, he never gets to see the under carriage and all that happens down there. Knowing more about the technical aspects of the plane was very interesting a well as learning about the history of Qantas.

We spent our first night ever free camping at a rest area on the side of the road just after Cloncurry. Up until then we had stopped over in small and sometimes very simple Outback caravan parks en route including a show ground open to campers leaving much to be desired. This free camping was a great experience. Set off the road it even had flushing toilets! 

Spent the evening sitting around a fire chatting with our neighbours. It was a good first experience.

Again free camping.  This time on the river bed of the Gregory River at Gregory Downs. The sign boards say No Camping Allowed but they do provide bins and clear the rubbish away! It was chic-a-bloc with campers.  In the wet season the river rises to 2 meters above the bridge which stands a good 20 – 30 meters ago e the present river level.

This is a beautiful spot for camping as the river is crystal clear with lovely greenery hanging over it but one has to be self sufficient as there is no water nor toilets.  This time we spent Happy Hour with 3 other Grey Nomad couples sitting around a fire.

Before reaching Gregory Downs Roadhouse, we came across this sign about 100 meters before a bitumen stretch of the road.  The road becomes a runway when necessary most probably for the Flying Doctors.

This signboard was at the commencement of the last 100 km before reaching Lawn Hill.  A very dusty road. 
























THE MAP OF OUR JOURNEY TO LAWN HILL


A: Yarra Glen
B: West Wyalong
C: Bourke
D: Longreach
E: Cloncurry (50km north in the bush)
F: Gregory (on the river)
G: Lawn Hill 

View Larger Map