Lotus Creek, Qld

Ratings: CP * Surroundings *

Lotus Creek.... the most isolated place we've stayed in!  An interesting overnight stop on the dry, western side of the Great Dividing Range where the caravan park / service station owner and his dog are the only permanent residents.  Ours was the only caravan and we had to hunt around for an electrical point that worked.  Mobile and internet services are non existent and the only deliveries made to Lotus Creek are fuel supplies.  All other supplies are brought in by the owner who must travel more than a total of 200 km to the nearest towns, either Sarina (north) or Rockhampton (south). Wide open skies, a stunning sunset and the quietness of night added to our memorable experience!

The sun begins to set over this dry land where no substantial rain has fallen for 3 years.

Gracemere, Qld

Ratings: CP ** Surroundings **

Darter

An overnight stay in Gracemere allowed us time to stands astride the Tropic of Capricorn! The tropic marks the most southerly latitude at which the sun can be seen directly overhead at local noon. This occurs at the December Solstice on the 21st or 22nd December.

Pay attention, class!  It's time for your lesson.  A sacred ibis seems to be supervising these plumed whistling-duck.

Lake Awoonga, Qld

Our corner of the caravan park

Ratings: CP **** Surrounding ****

Pretty-faced Wallaby

Barramundi for supper?  Lake Awoonga on the Boyne River is framed by the Mount Castletower ranges and is the main water supply for Gladstone.

The picturesque and beautifully maintained recreational area at Riverstone Bay.

Childers, Qld

Idyllic setting for two peaceful nights in Childers but sad memories of a terrible fire at the Palace Backpacker Hostel in 2000 and the death of 15 backpackers still haunt this pretty town. The building has been renovated and restored to become the Palace Memorial Space. It contains a glass mural of "memory boxes", each one dedicated to each of the victims and a memorial portrait created by the artist, Josonia Palaitis.  Moving and poignant tributes to "The Palace Fifteen" can also be seen.

Joey is staying in mum's pouch....respect to marsupial mums...imagine carrying this little one around!

Ratings: CP *** Surroundings ***

Lake Boondooma, Qld

Ratings: CP **** Surroundings ****

Blue-faced Honeyeater

Waking to morning mists and water birds. Lake Boondooma is used for recreational activities but is actually a dam built across the Boyne River to supply water to a power station. The closest town is the village of Proston.

May I have a bite? A noisy miner decides to share my sandwich!

Millmerran, Qld

Morning light after an peaceful overnight stay on the edge of this lake, our first stop in Queensland.

Black on white as a raven glides towards the great egret. 

Time to move on. As in many parts of Australia, the climate defines the type of homes built in Queensland. This is a typical Queenslander house in the rural town of Millmerran.

Moree, NSW

Ratings: CP ** Surroundings *

We had an overnight stay in Moree, known for its artesian hot thermal baths and fertile soils. It sits above the Great Artesian Basin. It was also one of the destinations of the 1965 Freedom Bus Ride through New South Wales highlighting discrimination against Indigenous Australians and led by Charles Perkins. After some confrontation with the council, it was agreed that the Aboriginal children could swim in the Moree public swimming pool outside school hours.

For those of you who don't recognise the words, they are basically Australian for "Lock up your valuables" but with more embellishment!

Camp kitchen in the park where people gather to discuss pressing issues such as where to travel to next!