Saturday 20th July
It was 4.3 degrees last night but bearable. Maybe we are getting used to this weather as it didn't seem that cold. Gayndah lays claim to being the oldest town in Queensland. It was originally settled in 1849. The wide main street features centre parking and also old and modern buildings including the Grand Hotel which was built in 1912. A unique thing about Gayndah is that all the named street signs are vertical. Clive had already walked to town in the morning but he took me for a drive once I woke up. Just outside of the town is Pioneer Place. A great spot for a picnic and BBQ as there is plenty of space here. Then we drove to the Big Orange - for the mandatory 'Big" photo and then to Archer's Lookout, (yes I freaked out again). Archer's Lookout sits on "The Duke" one of Gayndah's twin hills know as the "Duke and Duchess". Up here you get an excellent view and perspective of the town. The town clock of which there are pictures on the web pages, was designed in the shape of a citrus tree. The stained glass and stainless steel timepiece stands proudly in the main street and depicts stories of the Gayndah District. Clive also went to the information centre on his walk that is also entry to the museum. Cost is $5.00 per person but there is enough relics in the front to enjoy without going through to the back. There is a live display of the Ceratodus - or Queensland Lungfish as it is known. This fish has both lungs and gills, so can breathe either in the water or in the air. It does need water to survive though. The Ceratodus is only found it the Burnett and Mary Rivers and became a fully protected species in 1914. Studies have tried to introduce it to other creek and river systems but these have not been successful. Battered fish and chips from the park, (garage station), for tea tonight. Off to Ban Ban Springs, about 35km away, and then onto Biggenton tomorrow for two nights. The fish and chips was the best have had so far. Lovely light batter and cooked to perfection.