Trips 88 - 89 Normanton to Borroloola

Camp 88 Hell’s Gate Roadhouse


After filling up water, food, fuel and emptying the portaloo, we finally left the Norman River, Normanton Qld to head towards Borroloola in the Northern Territory. Travelling along the Savannah Way we came across Burke & Wills last camp (Camp 119). So we have now seen Burke & Wills halfway point at Innamincka and their north point at Camp 119. Pity they didn’t make it any further because they were only a hop, skip and jump from the north coastline.

The Savannah Way changed from bitumen to dirt road just after Normanton heading toward Burketown where we were told that if we see Frank at the Information Centre he would let us know of the Savannah Way road conditions heading into the Northern Territory.

Before arriving at Burketown we discovered Leichhardt Falls. What an amazing area with free camping and fresh water crocodiles sunbathing on the banks just below the falls. Unfortunately, time was against us even though we would have loved to camp here for a night or two.


The Savannah Way through this area is definitely beautiful with lots of causeways, river crossings and rock formations. After seeing Frank at the Burketown Information Centre, we decided to soldier on to Hell’s Gate for a one night stopover.

Hell’s Gate Roadhouse is actually built on the cattle station in this area and the owners have been running it since 1975. Only 50km from the Qld / NT border, we paid $20 for a piece of unpowered dirt with hot showers and toilets. The most we have paid since the beginning of our trip for unpowered site.

Camp 89 Borroloola

After showering and getting dressed up ready to cross the border into the Northern Territory, we left Hell’s Gate Roadhouse just 50km down the road from the border. We have wanted to cross the Savannah Way for a long time, and now we were going to do it. Although the “top road” was officially closed, the previous night we had met two couples who were prepared to wait for us at the Calvert River crossing. Apparently, a lot of people have become stuck in this crossing of late because of the recent floods and boulders in the crossing and local station people have had to get them out with some major damage to vehicles.

Since this water crossing was only 25km pass the “bottom road” turnoff, we decided to go take a look and actually see if it is crossable. The boys walked the crossing several times moving and removing rocks and boulders. Once a course had been set, we meandered our way through successfully. What a thrill!

Definitely be very careful when travelling this “top road” with loads of dips and creek crossings. The other major river crossing was Robinson River and we all crossed this with no problems. With lunch completed at the Robinson River, we continued on only to get a flat back left tyre. After changing the tyre we continued on under just 25km out of Borroloola, I felt another flat tyre but this time on the right hand side. As usual, I got out to have a look to discover that the tyre and wheel had completely come off cause the studs had snapped and the back right hand side of the car was resting on the shockie and brake calliper. The disc drum was about 2 metres behind the car and we had no idea where the tyre and wheel had landed. So after about an hour looking for it in the bush scrub we managed to find it still intact.

In the meantime, a local from Borroloola by the name of Whiskers, turned up and took my mobile phone and drove away. So here we are in the middle of nowhere with a truck that couldn’t go anywhere and no mobile phone. Fortunately, Whiskers did come back with the mobile after ringing the local mechanic, TJS, to come out and get us.

John from TJS turned up and skulled dragged the Patrol onto the tip tow truck, attached the trailer to his towball and took us into Borroloola. Money was an issue at this stage as Don and I really only had $100 with us. We were concerned about the tow charge as well as the mechanical repair charge but John just said that he would sort it out once we were in town. I told John that we had RACQ so we rang them once we were at the mechanical shop to find out that my membership had expired back in September 2009. What a bummer! However, John was prepared to pay for our membership and put it on the bill at the end. Thanks for the offer but we decided not to do this.

I had told John that I needed to be in King Ash Bay for Friday night’s gig and he said that he would either have the car fixed by then or he would find another way of getting me into King Ash Bay some 42kms out of Borroloola. In the meantime, he rang Andrew and Toya, at the Borroloola Hotel where I was performing on Saturday night, and asked if we could possibly camped behind the pub. They of course said yes, and John towed the trailer down to the pub.

By Friday lunch time, the car was fixed with $298 bill later. However John said I could take the car, do the gig at King Ash Bay and pay him tomorrow. Thanks John for being so trusting.

Borroloola was first gazetted as a township in 1885, at which time it was considered a lawless outpost where illegal activities such as smuggling and illicit grog running proliferated. It is now a remote fishing community beside the McArthur River, almost as famous for its unique characters and history as it is for its fishing. Borroloola is a fully serviced town and as the region’s popularity as a tourist destination grows, more and more visitors use Borroloola as a base for fishing expeditions further into the region.

King Ash Bay is the location of the Borroloola Boat and Fishing Club. Located 42kms northeast of Borroloola with half bitumen and half dirt, the general store, campground, accommodation, houseboats and boat ramp are available to visitors.

What can I say? The gig at King Ash Bay Fishing Club was absolutely great with about 160 people ranging in all ages. At the beginning of the night, I had told them the story of our travels and how I was determined to get there to perform so not only did they pay the normal fee but they also collected another $300 from the patrons. Wow! We could pay John without digging into the gig money. I was so overwhelmed of their support.

Saturday night’s gig at the Borroloola Hotel was quiet with only about 10 people. You can never pick it. Toya and Andrew were fine about it and still paid the correct gig money. Thanks to Toya and Andrew for making us part of your family for a few days.

The next couple of days we relaxed around the hotel making friends. We left on Tuesday 15 June (my birthday) to head down to Brunette Downs for the races.

Until next time, take care ...

Trips 83 - 87 Mount Isa to Normanton

Camp 83 Oorindi Rest Area


On our way from Mount Isa to Julia Creek, we stopped at Oorindi Rest Area, east of Cloncurry. We initially only stopped for a stretch of the legs and loo stop, however we met a bunch of travelling couples in all types of rigs that we decided to stay the night.

With a bus, motorhome, couple of caravans and us in the camper trailer, we had a lovely chatty afternoon with nibblies and drinks. Since the bus had a generator, I decided to give these grey nomads a bit of a treat by singing them some songs. So I set up the gear, plugged into the generator and we had a fantastic night. Who would of thought that you can get entertainment in the middle of nowhere at a res stop. Just goes to show that anything can happen when you are travelling on the road.

Camp 84 Julia Creek

The 30 metre wineglass shaped water tower in Julia Creek can be seen for up to 20kms away from Julia Creek, with blue coloured feature lighting creating a visual effect. An interesting collection of memorabilia and photographs can be found at the new Julia Creek Information Centre which has an updated range of travel brochures covering the north west of Queensland’s outback.

Within 5 minutes of talking to Lyn, the barmaid at the Julia Creek Hotel (Top Pub), she offered us to camp in her backyard while letting us use her toilet and shower in the house. This is what i like about these small western country towns. The locals are so friendly and willing to grateful to have a playmate for a while.

The gig on Friday night rocked with a crowd of about 60. The publicans, Elaine and her son, Dave, were very please, paid extra money and insisted that if we ever go through Julia Creek again, to definitely give them a call.

Camp 85 Burke & Wills Junction

From Julia Creek to Croydon we decided to spend a night halfway at the Burke and Wills Junction. Only a roadhouse, this place is very busy with council workers staying in the cabins, caravan park for us travellers and all the necessities you need in the middle of nowhere. For only $8 for an unpowered site, we spend the night chatting to another travelling couple while sharing some travelling and past life stories.

Camp 86 Croydon

Situated in the heart of the Gulf Savannah country, Croydon has a rich heritage which started with the discovery of gold in 1885 and led to the development of a rich, booming gold mining centre. Even today, a golden glow from the past can be seen on the streets of Croydon.

Even though we had been to Croydon before back at Camp 37, this time the pub decided a gig would be in order. The pub doesn’t have any camping facilities and with no free camping around the area, we stayed at the caravan for $22 per night for a powered site.

The pub is owned by Phil, 82 and his wife of 62 years, Val who is 80. They lease the pub out but with management changing hands in this week, there was a little stress shown on the faces of the new managers, Joe and Chris.

Even so, they handled the gig night really well as it was extremely busy with meals and a lot of locals coming to see the entertainment. Brendan, the 31 year old birthday boy, coped the lap dance for the night as everyone cheered and roared. The gig rocked, the locals were welcoming and the Information Centre was informative on road closures.

As we were leaving Croydon we visited Lake Belmore, 4kms out of town. What a gorgeous site as you come up over the rise to see this massive lake of crystal blue water. Unfortunately no camping here but apparently the barramundi are on the bite but with no live bait in hand, we headed off to Normanton, where I’m sure we will have time and bait for fishing.

Camp 87 Normanton

Normanton, the commercial hub of the Carpentaria Shire, is situated on a high sandy ridge within diverse countryside that ranges from wetlands to savannah grasslands. Inland are vast flat plains and in the coast region are mangroves, deltas and saltpans. The wetlands, situated north of town, are a delight to see. Don’t forget to visit Krys the croc, the largest croc ever caught and by a woman. The Gulflander train pulls out of the Normanton railway station and travels along the most original railway line in the world.

A couple of weeks in Normanton seemed a bit much but with one gig cancelled at the Purple Pub due to change in management, we really had no choice. My next gig is in Karumba just 72kms of bitumen road however with no free camping sites in Karumba, we decided to stay in Normanton by the banks of the Norman River. Five star water views along with magnificent sunrises and brilliant red sunsets, who could ask for more. So it is a waiting game at the moment, waiting for Karumba on Friday 4 June and then the Central Pub, Normanton on Saturday 5 June 2010.

Apparently, there are barramundi in the river however we have been only catching catfish. Without a cast net to catch live mullet bait, the barramundi alludes us. Maybe we should invest in a cast net but then we will need to learn how to throw the damn thing. We started catching the catfish on prawns bought at the local shop but then once the prawns ran out, we used the leftovers from the catfish, which we filleted, to catch more catfish. At least the freezer is filling up for catfish means in the future.

Karumba is officially Matilda’s top town. When you’ve made it to Karumba you’ve made it to the tip of Matilda Highway. Just 8km down the road is Karumba Point – and the beach. Karumba Point is the only stretch of beach in the central Savannah that can be accessed by road, and the sunsets are just amazing.

Friday night’s gig was in the Animal Bar at the Karumba Lodge, Karumba. Great night was had by all with about 50 people enjoying the music and dancing.

Saturday night was at the Central Hotel, Normanton. Kym and Garry, who are very welcoming publicans, asked for another gig on the following Tuesday night. That left us 3 days to get to Borroloola in the Northern Territory.

Since we were camped on the banks of the Norman River heading out toward Karumba, we met a heap of tourists as well as some locals who popped in for a cuppa. Someone has to do this job and keep the tourists and locals entertained. What a hard life!

Until next time, take care ...

Trips 77 - 82 Jundah to Mount Isa

Camp 77 Bedourie


We finally left Jundah 14 weeks after arriving there back in mid December 2009. Although, our time spent there was marvellous, it was time to leave and continue on with our journey. Thanks again to Shane and Monique for putting up with us for so long. We really enjoyed your company and the experience. We will definitely come back to Jundah one day.

Bedourie is the administration centre of the Diamantina Shire covering 94,690 square kms, it is the second largest shire in Qld and is twice the size of Denmark.

The Bedourie Hotel, formerly the Royal Hotel, was build in the 1880s of mud bricks and, except for the roof, the building has been largely untouched and has traded continuously ever since. The publican, Trevor, as most other publicans, made us feel very welcome and again gave us a room for 4 nights and decided that 2 gigs instead of one would be great. So Thursday and Friday night it was.

We camped at a free campsite just on the edge of town with toilets and hot showers. Jim who has owned the pub for 45 years is the longest publican I have ever met. The gig rocked with the locals and both Don and I were well received.

Camp 78 Boulia

There are a lot of bush yarns and legends in this Outback country, but the people of Boulia reckon the pick of the bunch are the ones about the mysterious Qld icon, the Min Min light. To preserve the history and myths surrounding the Min Min light, the Boulia Shire Council created the Min Min Encounter Complex. We saw a 45 minute show introducing characters like Gunna and Bluey who have seen the light. Trish and her husband lan on the porch of their station house telling stories about the lights and the possible explanations. But remember this – you don’t go looking for the Min Min, the Min Min goes looking for you!

On Thursday, Don and I visited the Information Centre and after seeing the show I pulled on the big glass and metal door dislocating my left shoulder. So off the hospital to try some pain killers and putting it back in place. So after I took 2 Nurofen plus and a morphine shot from the hospital, they wanted to fly me out via the Royal Flying Doctor service to Mount Isa to take x-rays before and after the shoulder is placed back. I would have to stay overnight in Mount Isa, get treatment, and then once treated, find my own way back from Mount Isa to Boulia. Because of this I ended up refusing treatment.

So I went back to the hotel room, sat for a while, stretch the arm out and managed to put the shoulder back in place myself.

I still managed to perform the gig that night as well as the next night with both nights rocking. Thanks goes to the publican, Trevor, for giving us a motel room since there was nowhere else to camp and for the 2 gigs.

Camp 79 Dajarra

I can say so many good things about Dajarra, so if you are ever in that neck of the woods, please stop there. It is a great town, with great friendly people who truly appreciate tourists and especially ones who entertain. Believe it or not, Dajarra was once the largest cattle trucking depot in the world, processing thousands of head of cattle from as far away as Western Australia. Then came the road trains, and soon the railway was just a memory. Today, Dajarra is an outback town with a rich Aboriginal heritage. At the school, elders preserve indigenous heritage by explaining to the children the highlights of Aboriginal culture, survival in the bush and the local Aboriginal language.

Initially booked for one gig, which was to celebrate a local’s 60th birthday. Tommy was born just outside Dajarra under a gidgee tree and is a well respected elder of the aboriginal and white communities.

After setting up for the gig, people started arriving in their hoards. One lot in particular started to get speakers, stands and instruments out of their car boots. I looked at Shelly, the publican, and she looked at me as if to say “WTF”. Well, it turns out that they were invited by Tommy to play at his party. He was not aware that i already had been booked as the entertainer for the night. An agreement was made that I would play my normal 4 x 45 minute sets and that the band could play during my 15 minute breaks and for the last hour at the end of the night.

After the initial shock to all of us, it really turned out to be a fantastic night. So Happy 60th Birthday Tommy. Here’s hoping you have many more to come.

Rhino and Shelly, the publicans, of the Dajarra Hotel, could not of been more welcoming to Don and I. As well as putting us up in their backyard with power, they fed us dinner and delighted us with their company.

Since we had a couple of weeks up our sleave before Cloncurry, I approached Rhino and Shelly to perform another gig as well as work around the pub for the week, for the same gig money. They took up the offer, so after making beds, doing laundry, ironing clothes, the extra gig on Friday night rocked with all the locals and station people all mingling as one culture. It was great to see and great to be a part of all people, black or white, can live in harmony together.

Thanks again to Rhino and Shelly for our fantastic time spent in Dajarra.

On one of our free days, we went four wheel driving touring with the principal of the school and his wife, Geoff and Ann Marie. We had a picnic lunch under the awning of the truck and a wonderful day of scenery and driving with great company. Even though we did blow one of our tyres along the way (Don as driving at the time) and even though we didn’t find the aboriginal cave drawings, we still had a terrific time.

While in Dajarra, Don was not feeling well so we took him to the Dajarra hospital where they possibly suspected one of the fever virus i.e Ross River Fever or Dengue Fever. His joints and muscles were aching and he just thought it may have been from the kick back of all that grading he did on Swanvale near Jundah. But after so long, this should have healed but was only getting worse. So with blood tests conducted, we would have to wait until we reach Cloncurry to find out the results.

Camp 80 Cloncurry

The township of Cloncurry in north west Queensland is located on the junction of the Matilda Highway and Flinders Highway (Overlander’s Way). Known affectionately to locals as “The Curry”, it is the heart of the great north west.

After introducing ourselves to Nancy, the publican of the Post Office Hotel, Cloncurry, where I would be performing this Friday night, she decided to send us up to Gilbert Park Caravan Park where she would pay for a powered site for 2 nights. See what I mean by smaller towns. They certainly go out of their way to help whenever they can.

The caravan park was probably one of the better ones we have stayed in with beautiful green grass and park managers who are only too willing to help in anyway.

Cloncurry itself wasn’t all that special but certainly a nice clean town with all the necessities needed.

We must have smashed our back window on the way up from Dajarra on the dirt road. Not bad – one window in just over 2 years of being on the road. Anyway, at $460 to replace it, for now it has cardboard and lots of thousand mile tape impersonating as a window.

The gig absolutely rocked with about 150 people. Apparently, another band was playing the same night at the Bowl’s Club but everyone was at the Post Office Hotel, rocking with me. Good to hear stories like this.

We final got the results of Don’s blood tests back and yes he has been diagnosed with Ross River Fever. Only takes one mosquito which must have bit him during our time in Jundah. Ross River Fever attacks the joints and muscles and also makes you very lethargic. It can take anytime up to a year to get over it. Hopefully, cause Don is so strong, fit and healthy, it won’t take that long. We will just have to wait and see what happens.

Camp 81 Quamby

Where the hell is Quamby? Just 44 km north of Cloncurry lies the little town of Quamby with a population of 3 i.e publican, Richard and 2 backpackers. That’s it. Just the pub. The Albert Hotel, originally the Customs house in the 1860s, is all that remains of a once prosperous gold mining and cattle fattening district. So how do they survive? Well it is on the main highway from Cloncurry to Mount Isa and it is surrounded by cattle stations. The publican, Richard, has spent a great deal of money doing the pub up in a traditional rustic feel which looks great and makes you feel like you are well and truly in the country. The travellers stop for the Quamby’s pub renowned hamburger and the station people call it their local pub.

Initially, I was booked for one gig but since we arrived a couple of days early, Richard asked if i could do 2 gigs – one on Sunday night and one on Monday afternoon. No problems especially after the Mount Isa episode, was only too willing to help. He even gave us a donga for the 3 nights since there really wasn’t anywhere for us to put up the camper.

Thanks Richard for making us feel very welcome in your country pub.

Sunday night was great, with locals and passer byes coming home from the Gregory Downs Rowing weekend. Monday afternoon was a bit quiet but we still managed to have a rocking good time.

Camp 82 Mount Isa

Mount Isa is a thriving inland city set among the dramatic landscapes of the Selwyn Ranges and offers travellers a variety of tourism experiences, including Underground Hospital and Museum and Adel’s Grove.

With 2 gigs booked in Mount Isa at the Overlander Hotel, we headed there from Quamby through Cloncurry. The mountains and rock formations east of Mount Isa are spectacular and we really enjoyed the scenic drive from Cloncurry to Mount Isa.

After meeting Rob, the manager of the Overlander Hotel, he mentioned that there is no room for camping and no hotel rooms available, but there is a caravan park across the road. Again, with the free camp site some 30kms out of town, the caravan park was no choice. I really begrudge paying $28 per night for a little bit of dirt with no discount for a week stay.

Anyway, overall Mount Isa is way too big for us. After being in small towns of about 100 people, 20,000 people and traffic lights was just like being back in Brisbane. I had heard the rumour that the best thing about Mount Isa is seeing it in the rear view mirror as you leave town. I am tending to believe that now.

As we had blown a tyre back in Dajarra, I got our good friends, Mick and Nat, back in Brisbane, to send us up the spare we had left behind. Turns out if you need anything sent to Mount Isa from Brisbane, the cheapest way is via Greyhound bus lines. Only $66 later and our spare arrived in time for Goodyear Mount Isa to change the wheels over from the bad tyre to the new tyre at no charge. Maybe Mount Isa isn’t that bad after all.

I had Thursday and Sunday nights booked for gigs. Thursday night was OK but it was a Thursday night after all and from 6pm to 10pm which is really too early. Not a big crowd, probably about 40, and more interested in playing pool than listening and dancing to music.

Sunday night was a complete disaster with the manager cancelling the gig half way through my first set and paying me either. We had stayed an extra 3 nights in Mount Isa at $28 per night for Sunday night’s gig without payment. Apparently, the patrons were complaining about the songs and wanted the juke box on. Funny, isn’t it that i have not received any other complaints from any other pubs before?

So if you are an entertainer / singer don’t play at the Overlander Hotel, Mount Isa. They do not treat you well and totally disregard the agreement and booking.

So we left Mount Isa on Monday feeling very disappointed and with a sour taste in our mouths. I have decided no more gigs in big towns. They just don’t appreciate it like the smaller towns do.

Until next time, take care ...

Trips 64 - 76 Jundah to Swanvale

Camp 64 Jundah


We arrived in Jundah in mid December 2009 from Brisbane going through Gayndah, Thangool, Biloela, Moura, Taroom, Muckadilla, Injune, Tambo, Blackall and Isisford with gigs along the way.

Monique, the publican of the Jundah Hotel, had just undergone surgery so she needed someone to co-manage the pub with her for a while.

Our 14 weeks in Jundah were both memorable and adventurous. Christmas was held by the Thomson River on a property called Carrilla for all the “orphans” who didn’t have family to spend Christmas with. There were canoes, people were fishing, the kids were swimming and jumping off the home made pontoon, Don did a hangi with all the meat donated from all the station people and Jundah Hotel. I even set up the system gear, hooked into a generator and gave the folks a few songs during the day and night. I must say that it is one of the best Christmas days Don and I have spent together.

Monique asked if I would perform at the hotel for New Year’s Eve. The night rocked with all the locals who were in town and the kids had an absolute ball dragging the adults out onto the dance floor.

New Year’s Day was spent on the Thomson River just outside of Jundah. First time ever I had seen Monique drunk and it was very funny. As usual, with the Jundah locals, we had a great time and caught some bream and yellow belly.

Just after New Year, the rain started and within no time Jundah became an island. With the roads cut off east, north and south, we amused ourselves with only the locals for a couple of weeks with no tourists able to get in or out of Jundah. The Thomson river outside Jundah reach 6.7 metres while the river to the south reached 9.75. Unfortunately though once the rivers resided the mosquitoes and sandflies moved into Jundah in their hoards. Everyone was suffering was all the bits including the locals who are pretty much used to all of this.

This is when I decided to my Jundah to Jundah Tour while Don stayed with Shane and Monique to help them out at the Jundah Hotel as well as on Swanvale.

On my way back from my Jundah to Jundah tour the rains had started again even though the wet season was officially over. My last 4 gigs were cancelled due to floods and I had to get back to Jundah before I couldn’t get in at all. I made it of course, and Don and I stayed there until the floods resided once again.

Thanks for Monique and Shane for making us part of your family for our 14 week stay and thanks to every local in Jundah, who made us feel like we were locals too.

Camps 65 – 75 Jundah to Jundah Tour

Since Don was gaining so much experience with Shane on Swanvale and Monique no longer needing me at the pub, Don and I decided that I would go away for a while and do a Jundah to Jundah tour to make some money. So once the January 2010 floods resided I was off to do a tour heading east, south, north and then back west to Jundah. This included the following towns:

• Camp 65 Cunnamulla
• Camp 66 Bollon
• Camp 67 St George
• Camp 68 Garah
• Camp 69 Moree
• Camp 70 Gravesend
• Camp 71 Condamine
• Camp 72 Wallumbilla
• Camp 73 Roma
• Camp 74 Muckadilla
• Camp 75 Mitchell

So I was away for 7 weeks doing 12 gigs. Initially it for 9 weeks doing 16 gigs but the last 4 gigs in Tambo, Aramac, Charleville and Morven were cancelled due to more flooding in March 2010.

The 12 gigs were:

1. Oxford Hotel, Cunnamulla – where I was given a room for the night

2. Bollon Hotel, Bollon – camped on the banks of the river

 

3. Riverview Hotel, St George – met another kiwi who looked after me while I was in St George

 

4. Club Hotel, Garah – Deb and Tony, the publicans, were absolutely great people

5. Golden Grain Hotel Motel, Pallamallawa – rocked with a buck’s night

6. Royal Hotel Motel, Moree – OK

7. Gravesend Hotel, Gravesend – rocked

8. Commercial Hotel, Warialda – gig cancelled due to renovations not being completed but still paid the fee

9. Federal Hotel, Wallumbilla – played here before but still a good night

10. Royal Hotel, Roma – day of the races, loads of drunk people

11. Muckadilla Hotel Motel, Muckadilla – played here before

12. Hotel Richards, Mitchell – Lyn and Ingrid, two terrific ladies who own the pub



I had a great time, met some wonderful people, but most of all I missed Don very much and we both decided that we would never do this again separated. As great as it was for Don to gain so much experience on a cattle station, branding, mustering, fencing, drafting, grading, etc and even though I managed to make some money and pay the bills, it still was hard being apart considering we started this journey together. Anyway, was an experience that I do not regret.

Camp 76 Swanvale

Shane, from the Jundah Hotel, also owns a cattle property called Swanvale some 40kms east of Jundah with about 260,000 acres. After doing my Jundah to Jundah tour, Don still have a few grading jobs to do, so we decided to camp out there for a while instead of the pub.

We camped on the banks of a beautiful creek while Don graded the two main roads in and out of Swanvale. With not a soul in sight, we used the portaloo for the very first time. Fantastic invention – no smell and ends up all mush with no lumps.

After Don completed the two main roads, we then moved camped to beside the homestead where I cooked dinner every night for Shane, Don and the 2 French backpacker boys.

Until next time, take care ...

Trips 52 - 63 Brisbane to Jundah

Camp 52 Brisbane

We decided to head back home for Rhylee’s (my grandson) first birthday. Although not a big event, it was still great to see some family and friends and of course Daniel (my son) and Rhylee.

As usual, we stayed at Ness and Janine’s house with one of their girls giving us their room for the time. As I said it was great to spend some quality time with them, Daniel and Rhylee.


While there I managed to pick up a gig at the Pine Rivers Golf Club. A lot of our friends and family turned up especially from the 4WD club, Don’s family and Enthalpy (my last work place). It turned out to be a terrific night with people enjoying the music and dancing the night away.

Camp 53 Gayndah

Gayndah is a town located on the Burnett River in Queensland, Australia. It is 366 kilometres north of the state capital, Brisbane, and 145 kilometres west of the regional city of Maryborough. The Burnett Highway passes through the town. Gayndah is the administrative and major population centre of the Gayndah Shire, which has a population of 2944 persons.

We camped at the Manda Inn Motel and Caravan Park which has only recently been taken over by new owners. Basic facilities at present but I am sure with the enthusiasm of the new owners, this caravan park will be quite an attraction.

No gig here as we just stopped over for one night on our way to Thangool.

Camp 54 Thangool

Thangool is a town in central Queensland, Australia. The town is located in the Banana Shire Local Government Area, 591 kilometres north west of the state capital, Brisbane and 12 kilometres south of the Shire administrative centre, Biloela. At the 2001 census, Thangool had a population of 325.

The Thangool area was originally home to the Gangulu Aboriginal people. The town was surveyed in 1925 and primitive shops constructed from corrugated iron and logs were established soon after. By the 1930s, a cotton boom had allowed the town to support two hotels, two butchers, two bakers, a picture theatre, a cordial factory, a blacksmith and a bank.

We camped at the back of the Thangool Hotel even though the owners were a bit reluctant to give us a piece of dirt and some power.  During our time there we visited the well renowned Mount Scoria.  With only 3 of these types of volcanic mountains in the world, it was an opportunity not to be missed.  Apparantly, the volcanic rock can be played to make a tune.  Fortunately, Don was persistant and climbed all the way to the top where he played a tune on the volcanic rock with his crutches while I only managed to reach half way.

What can I say about this gig? The brother and sister owner team of the Thangool Hotel are more interested in their French backpacker fiancée than running the pub. They are musicians themselves and even though I never mentioned that I played an instrument, they were not impressed with the backing that I used. So much so that they cut me off half an hour before I was due to end and paid me less than what we had agreed upon. Therefore, if you are a singer / entertainer yourself, I recommend never going to the Thangool Hotel to perform. They do not live up to any agreements.

Camp 55 Biloela

Biloela is a rural town in Central Queensland, Australia. It is situated 120 kilometres inland from the port city of Gladstone at the junction of the Burnett and Dawson highways. At the 2001 census, Biloela had a population of 5,447. Biloela is the administrative centre for the Banana Shire which has an area of 15,729 square kilometres.

Biloela and the Banana Shire, dubbed by locals as a 'great place to grow', has a diverse range of industries. Extensive grazing and cropping concerns are found in the area. Cotton, sorghum and wheat are grown in the area. The Callide Power Stations lie just north of the town. Coal is mined at the nearby Callide and Boundary Hill mines which supply the power station. A large abattoir is also situated in the town.

Biloela is aboriginal for 'Big White Bird' (often confused with 'white cockatoo', since these are the only 'big white birds' in the area).

We camped at the Biloela Caravan Park with a powered ensuite site and just as well because after I performed my gig, I ended up with a stomach bug which had me running to the toilet every 5 minutes.

The gig at the Biloela Hotel Motel was a great gig with a much younger crowd who rocked with me first and then went into the nightclub next door and run by the same people.

Camp 56 Moura

The town of Moura is located in Central Queensland, Australia. It is situated approximately 48 kilometres west of Biloela on the Dawson Highway, and 180 kilometres west of the port city of Gladstone, and is administered by the Banana Shire Council. Town population is 1802 persons (2001).

The town was named after a local property, also named Moura, which in turn is believed to have been named after the town of Moura in Portugal.

We didn’t actually camp in Moura but only about 7km out is Dawson Rest Area. A beautiful spot where we fished and swam in the river.

The gig at the Coal & Cattle Hotel Motel in Moura absolutely rocked. Initially for 4 hours I was extended with another hour because the patrons were having such a great time and so was I.

Camp 57 Taroom

Taroom is a town on the Dawson River in Queensland. Australia in the Taroom Shire. The town is located on the Leichhardt Highway, 485 kilometres north west of the state capital, Brisbane, 302 kilometres from Rockhampton and 341 kilometres from Toowoomba.

The name Taroom is said to be an aboriginal word for native fruit trees in the area.

Taroom is a major centre for the Queensland beef industry. Other industry includes prime hard wheat and forestry.

We stayed at the Taroom Caravan Park. A very basic caravan park with toilets, hot showers and power.

No gig here as we stopped over for the night on our way to Muckadilla.

Camp 58 Muckadilla

Travel some 40kms west of Roma, along the Warrego Highway and discover the whistlestop town of Muckadilla. Once home to the famous Muckadilla Baths, this town may lack the bustle of bigger towns, but not the hospitality.

John and Sue, the publicans of the Muckadilla Hotel, have a camping ground beside the pub. With 2 gigs already performed here previously, they let us camp there with power for free.

Friday night’s gig was very quiet with only a handful of people however Saturday night was a bigger crowd of around 60. Both gigs were great and the patrons really enjoyed the live entertainment. Thanks again to John and Sue for booking me in twice. It was greatly appreciated.

Camp 59 Normandy Station

After meeting Al at the Muckadilla, we decided to head out to the property where he caretakes called Normandy Station for a few days. Camped beside the old shearer’s quarters, Al and Don bonded while Al showed Don how to shoot with different types of firearms, catch and slaughter pigs and goats, and generally having a station feel time on Normandy. Thanks Al, for your hospitality – we really appreciated it.

Camp 60 Injune

Injune is small Queensland country town situated on the Great Inland Way between Roma and Rolleston. With a population of approximately 500 people, Injune is rich in both European and Aboriginal cultural significance. Surrounded by National Parks, it offers a convenient and comfortable base for those seeking to explore the natural wonders of the area.

The owners of the Injune Hotel let us camp at in the back yard of their backpacker house with power which was only a few doors down from the Injune Hotel.

The gig absolutely rocked with the owners encouraging the patrons to get up and dance rather than sit outside and drink and smoke. I was located in the dining room part so half way through the gig they closed the main bar at the front of the pub which forced people to buy their drinks from the back dining room bar. Thanks again to Kay and Sonya for their hospitality and their enthusiasm.

Camp 61 Tambo

Tambo is situated along the famous Barcoo River and is the oldest town in Queensland’s central west. It is a unique, fascinating and diverse region with a landscape of wide open plains to weather beaten mountain ranges of the Carnarvons.

It is so great when the pub where I am going to perform has a camping spot at the back and the Royal Carrangarra Hotel in Tambo was no exception.

In the back beer garden called the Outback Club which was officially opened by Lee Kernaghan, the gig was a success. Even though there wasn’t much dancing, you could still tell the patrons and publicans appreciated the live entertainment and music. Thanks goes to Carol for booking us.

Camp 62 Blackall

Blackall has long been known as Jack Howe country. The gun shearer of the late 19th century chose Blackall as his home base when he was shearing sheep, and he went on to become a publican and leading citizen.

The Barcoo Hotel, Blackall is another country pub with caravan park facilities at the back. With a powered site at $10 per night, we enjoyed the sights and sounds of discovering Blackall.

The gig started off quite slow so we delayed the start time by an hour. This ended up being better as the patrons started to come in and enjoy the music. The publican even made a make shift stage for me out of pallets and flooring sheets.

Camp 63 Isisford

The present, the past and even the earth’s prehistoric era are all rolled into one at the township of Isisford. Isisford itself is a classic example of a pioneering town and has a variety of historical architecture ranging from government facilities to hotels. There’s a general store, pool and an 18-hole western golf course.

The owners, Rob and Mauz, were happy for us to camp at the back of the hotel for the few days while we were there.

Clancy’s Overflow Hotel is an example of the gracious architecture of a bygone era. It was established in 1875 and has mellowed comfortably into another new century. The gig was great with about 60 people turning up from stations all around Isisford and the locals having a great night of dancing.

Until next time, take care ...