Jude enjoys Thegoat curry. |
Nigel's a winner. |
The Grand Cherokee. |
Sunset in Pimpama. |
Saturday 30th November - Pimpama
Our one week on the Gold Coast turned into two weeks with lots of drama- car drama that is. It has broken down twice so far with fuel issues, where the pump needs priming to get it going again. There has been the suggestion that we may have picked up some bad fuel along the way. Clive has been treating it with an algae treatment as well as the normal injector cleaner that he uses. We arrived safely at Michael's in Pimpama on Thursday 14th with Jess and Michael due back on the week end. They have a music concert to goto in Brisbane, so we'll see them when they get here. Our problem appears to be the same issue - prime the pump and then it starts. This is the first time that it has stopped dead as the other two were that it wouldn't start. Imagine if we were towing with the van and had a road train on our bum, and this happened. This would not look pretty, so we need a rela8ible car!. Not only this, after it was serviced a few other issues came to light that would be costing a bit more money in the future. Time for some big decisions. Mary, Clive's sister happened to ring us one night and as a throw away comment asked, "Oh, do you want to buy our Grand Cherokee ?" Then Jude, her husband came on the phone and said "When would you like me to drive it to Queensland ?" This is from Adelaide mind you. Clive meanwhile had started looking at other cars, new and used to see what was around as time was of the essence. We have to be in Sydney by the 12th December, as this is when the first Caravan Park is locked in and paid for during the silly season. So after much ado, it was locked in. Jude and Nigel would leave on the Friday afternoon and arrive on the Gold Coast on the Sunday afternoon sometime. With Michael and Jess back at work, Jude would have Michael's room, Nigel ours and we will be back in the van again. They both need to be back in Adelaide for stuff on Tuesday, so they will fly back Monday afternoon. They came up via Broken Hill - night one, Moree - night two and then into Pimpama. What they were really after was Michael's goat curry, garlic naan bread and dahl. They certainly enjoyed the meal as the photos show. On Monday Clive took them to Pacific Fair, where they all had breakfast, then onto the Casino. They both came away with winnings here and then they went into Surfers and drove around the V8 track, as Nigel is a petrol head. Sadly a Ford fan. Then back home briefly before it was off to the airport. Touchdown there was about 7.45pm. So now we have a lovely all bells and whistles, white 2015 Grand Cherokee Jeep. The rest of the week was taken up with rego transfer, install of an additional fuel filter, electric brakes added, a new CB radio and an Anderson plug installed. Plus a service and a road worthy. Then the re-packing from the old Jeep. Clive then took this upto a friend's house who will help sell it for us. He then had to catch a train back and then a Didi to home. That was a first for him as last time we used a train was on one of our overseas trips. Well this week went quickly I can tell you. Also Clive did gardening, washed the van with the water blaster and also part of the drive that could be accessed. He's been so busy these past few weeks he hasn't had time to read. He even washed all three cars. I think he is trying to make it rain, but it's not working very well. Also curries made and spaghetti bolognaise, so Jess won't be going hungry. We also cleared out the van, especially things we have not used in the past six months. If you ever buy a van, may we give you one tip. Just because there are all these cupboards, you don't have to fill them up! So the plan is to leave on Sunday the 1st December and head to Hastings Point. We were going to go further south, but given that Clive will never have towed with car before and he's still getting used to the Jeep, it's safer to do a smaller trip.|
Jude enjoys Thegoat curry. |
Nigel's a winner. |
The Grand Cherokee. |
Sunset in Pimpama. |
Saturday 30th November - Pimpama
Our one week on the Gold Coast turned into two weeks with lots of drama- car drama that is. It has broken down twice so far with fuel issues, where the pump needs priming to get it going again. There has been the suggestion that we may have picked up some bad fuel along the way. Clive has been treating it with an algae treatment as well as the normal injector cleaner that he uses. We arrived safely at Michael's in Pimpama on Thursday 14th with Jess and Michael due back on the week end. They have a music concert to goto in Brisbane, so we'll see them when they get here. On November the 19th we had doctors and a dentist appointment at Robina, so off we go. About four houses up the road the Jeep just stops dead in the middle of the road. We had a car right behind us beeping the horn, because we had stopped. Clive got out and politely told her that we had car issues and she reversed and drove around us. Lucky that Michael was home as he came and gave us a push back down the hill, so the car could be safely parked opposite his place. So we went in his car to Robina. Our problem appears to be the same issue - prime the pump and then it starts. This is the first time that it has stopped dead as the other two were that it wouldn't start. Imagine if we were towing with the van and had a road train on our bum, and this happened. This would not look pretty, so we need a rela8ible car!. Not only this, after it was serviced a few other issues came to light that would be costing a bit more money in the future. Time for some big decisions. Mary, Clive's sister happened to ring us one night and as a throw away comment asked, "Oh, do you want to buy our Grand Cherokee ?" Then Jude, her husband came on the phone and said "When would you like me to drive it to Queensland ?" This is from Adelaide mind you. Clive meanwhile had started looking at other cars, new and used to see what was around as time was of the essence. We have to be in Sydney by the 12th December, as this is when the first Caravan Park is locked in and paid for during the silly season. So after much ado, it was locked in. Jude and Nigel would leave on the Friday afternoon and arrive on the Gold Coast on the Sunday afternoon sometime. With Michael and Jess back at work, Jude would have Michael's room, Nigel ours and we will be back in the van again. They both need to be back in Adelaide for stuff on Tuesday, so they will fly back Monday afternoon. They came up via Broken Hill - night one, Moree - night two and then into Pimpama. What they were really after was Michael's goat curry, garlic naan bread and dahl. They certainly enjoyed the meal as the photos show. On Monday Clive took them to Pacific Fair, where they all had breakfast, then onto the Casino. They both came away with winnings here and then they went into Surfers and drove around the V8 track, as Nigel is a petrol head. Sadly a Ford fan. Then back home briefly before it was off to the airport. Touchdown there was about 7.45pm. So now we have a lovely all bells and whistles, white 2015 Grand Cherokee Jeep. The rest of the week was taken up with rego transfer, install of an additional fuel filter, electric brakes added, a new CB radio and an Anderson plug installed. Plus a service and a road worthy. Then the re-packing from the old Jeep. Clive then took this upto a friend's house who will help sell it for us. He then had to catch a train back and then a Didi to home. That was a first for him as last time we used a train was on one of our overseas trips. Well this week went quickly I can tell you. Also Clive did gardening, washed the van with the water blaster and also part of the drive that could be accessed. He's been so busy these past few weeks he hasn't had time to read. He even washed all three cars. I think he is trying to make it rain, but it's not working very well. Also curries made and spaghetti bolognaise, so Jess won't be going hungry. We also cleared out the van, especially things we have not used in the past six months. If you ever buy a van, may we give you one tip. Just because there are all these cupboards, you don't have to fill them up! So the plan is to leave on Sunday the 1st December and head to Hastings Point. We were going to go further south, but given that Clive will never have towed with car before and he's still getting used to the Jeep, it's safer to do a smaller trip.|
Jude enjoys . |
Nigel's a winner. |
The Grand Cherokee. |
Sunset in Pimpama. |
Thursday 14th November - Dalby to Pimpama
A cool night with 11.2, but the heat returned during the day and back to 36.4. We left for Toowoomba at 10am. We went through Jondaryan, where they have the famous Woolshed. If you have never been there, then this place is well worth a visit. They have an annual festival where they fire up all the old steam engines and machinery and show you what life was like living in the olden days. Check out their web site. We arrived at the RV centre at 11.30 and they took about three quarters of an hour to complete the job. We were originally going to spend a couple of days here but have now decided to continue to travel to Pimpama and get there a few days earlier. Yes, we're back in the rat race. Cars everywhere. What a difference to what we have become used to. Bad language back over the CB radio, which is something that you don't get in the country, as it is used strictly for traffic and communication purposes. So, we've got Michael's house to ourselves for a few days as Jess and he are currently holidaying in Bali. We'll catch up with them on the weekend.
Gai and Bear sleeping. |
Parking in Michael's drive. |
Cheers Gai. |
Chicken and potato curry. |
Wednesday 13th November - Miles to Dalby
20.1 overnight and upto 34.7 during the day. We left for Dalby just after 10am and arrived at 12.30, travelling via the Warrego Highway. A less bumpier drive than previous highways. We must be getting closer to civilisation. We are only staying one night here, as we have to be in Toowoomba tomorrow between 11 and 11.30, to have a new wheel clamp bracket welded to the chassis for the new jack. Telstra has been down in the town for two days, so the only way you can pay for goods or services is cash. Yep, good old fashioned cash. We had Chinese for tea and Clive was talking to the lady who said that business had halved due to no pay wave. Suncorp are saying that 69% of all transactions are now pay wave. It's all good until you don't have the services to make it work. Duck in oyster sauce for me for dinner - delicious. We are getting constant updates on the radio regarding the fires. It's not good, but we have been lucky so far. The issue maybe in NSW as we are planning to travel the coast way to Terrigal. Today marks our 6 months on the road and we have a lot of fun. Some stats for those interested; 9742km travelled to date. We've stayed in 65 different locations. 18 of these have been free camps,(41 nights), with the rest caravan parks. Fuel is averaging 13.3 litres per 100km or 7.5km per litre. We've used 1298 litres of fuel at a cost of $1863.07. Dearest price for diesel was $1.869. Cheapest was $1.359. Gai's top picks so far - Rosedale, (see 21st June) and Malanda, (see from October 18). Clive's are too numerous to mention. He's just loving the trip.
The big Watermelon. |
Warra Station. |
The floods Of 2010. |
Haystack School Building 1910 - 1968. |
Tuesday 12th November - Miles
This warm weather is still with us. 36.5 today and overnight was 18.8. Another hot day so the aircon was on again. There are bush fires and heavy smoke all over QLD and NSW, so I hope that we will be OK travelling through to Dalby and Toowoomba. It seems that as fast as they put one out another one starts. Clive went off to the Historical Museum, which is across the road from the van park. It took him over 2 hours to go through everything and over 160 photos later, he came back. Entry was $17.00, but well worth the money. They also give you a pass out, so you can return the next day as there really is so much to see there. Two of the main interests for him was the Shell House and the Lapidary section, which has just opened. When he was younger he used to collect shells and catalogue them. He also used to cut and polish gem stones. The samples that they have in this exhibition are amazing, especially the collection of fossilised woods. The museum is very well done as they have separate buildings for the different categories, as the pictures show. Lots of old machinery and buildings, set up as they would have been in previous days. There really is something for everyone here.
Typical house set up. |
Gai would remember these switchboards. |
Inside the hotel. |
The Iron Lung. |
Monday 11th November - Taroom to Miles
Only two blankets last night as down to 10.1, but it was a warm 35.6 once we reached Miles. We left for Miles just after 11am, as we were allowed a late start and we only had about 140km to go. We arrived just after 1pm, with a stop in Wandoan, to buy some very expensive eggs, as we had runout. We travelled most of the way on the bumpy Leichhardt Highway and then turning left onto the Warrego Highway. This was less bumpy. We also went through the Great Dividing Range, with the height above sea level as 407m. This caravan park is a drive through, and as the owners were away for the day, we could just pick our own site. They won't be back until after 6pm, when Clive will pay them. Plenty of free spaces to chooses from and lots of cabins that are fully booked out. It's called the Miles Crossroads Caravan Park is adjacent to the highway. Clive came back from the amenities block raving about them. Talk about up market. As you can see from the pictures, each is a shared male/female toilet and shower. In each one is a two seater couch, cupboards and TV point. Each one also has its own aircon unit. He figured out that what they are, are dongas with the bed removed. That's why the couch is there to fill the space. Certainly the best amenities block by far. Clive made a batch of curries for dinner and freezing so he doesn't get curry withdrawal symptoms and I had pizza. It's meant to get to 37 here tomorrow, so the aircon will definitely be running for most of the day.
Painted mural In Wandoan. |
Check out the amenities. |
Sunset in Miles. |
Bear ready for bed. |
Sunday 10th November - Taroom
There are several walks that you can do from the van park, so Clive set off for a walk around 9am. If you turn right in the park you head towards the Old Stony Crossing. This is near the site of the historic Bridge Crossing back from 1863. There are two stone crossings and there were 4 bridges built over the Dawson River to Tarcoom. A Prussian born explorer and scientist, Ludwig Leichhardt, set out in 1844 to travel from the Darling Downs in Queensland to Port Essington in the Northern Territory. During this 14 month expedition, he spent several weeks traversing the Upper Dawson, and soon discovered what was to become the Taroom District. Camping nearby, Leichhardt blazed his initials, LL 1844, into a Coolabah Tree. The tree is over 300 years old and still stands in the main street today. Even though the initials have long been grown over, this tree is recognised as a living monument to Australian exploration and pioneering spirit. At the base of the tree is a plaque commemorating the flood of 1890. Here the flood reached 8.74m above ground level, the biggest flood in this towns history. Early settlers came from the Hunter and New England regions in NSW. By the 1850's this area was a popular camping spot known as Bonners Knob, and is the precursor to the town. With the arrival of the post office in 1856, Bonners Knob was officially changed to Taroom. This is an aboriginal word believed to mean pomegranate or lime tree. There is a memorial in Leichhardt to three people killed when the load of ammonium nitrate they were carrying exploded approximately 100km north of Taroom. The explosion destroyed the semi and trailer. It left a 2m deep crater that was 20m long and 5m wide. Parts of the vehicle were scattered 2km away. The explosion was heard and houses shook 88km away in Moura and 35km away in Theodore. We have been 'keeping in touch' with the Dawson River the past week or so. Crossing the Dawson several times and also driving on the Dawson catchment area. The Dawson River is 735km long and at its mouth, confluences with the McKenzie River to form the Fitzroy River, where this river flows to the Coral Sea near Port Alma. There are sixty-four tributaries that flow into the Dawson. Several weirs have been built to provide water, for dairy farming and cotton. In 2010-2011 the town of Theodore was inundated by the river and caused evacuation of the whole town, a first in Queensland's history.
Old Stony Crossing. |
Clive's selfie In the bush. |
The Leichhardt Tree. |
Pine tree grown from seed Believed to be from Gallipoli. |
Saturday 9th November - Moura to Taroom
Thank goodness it's cooler today. Down to 18.1 last night and only a top of 30.3. Most of the day was around 29 degrees with a nice cool breeze blowing, unlike yesterday. We saw on the news the enormous devastation being caused by bush fires not only in Queensland, but in New South Wales also. Our trip is planned for some of these areas in December. We left around 10.30 today and are heading for Taroom. Rather than go to Banana and then head south, we're taking a short cut by heading down the Theodore to Moura Road. This will save us about 70km. From here we turn onto the Leichhardt Highway. The Theodore Road was pretty bumpy but we've been on worse. The sky is so hazy with dust that you only have limited vision ahead at times. OK for driving, but long distance is worse. Very dry out this way too. We are slowly working our way down south, planning to arrive at Michael's late next week, to unload stuff that we don't need or haven't used in the last six months. This will help keep the weight down too. Along the way we saw the Dawson South Mine. It was quite spectacular, with the different colours of rocks where the mining has taken place. It's quite a large mine that the public access road passes through by way of a tunnel. Along the way we saw Boab Trees, not only beside the road, but also a lone one by itself in a paddock. We arrived at the Taroom Caravan Park about 12.30. Only one other van here, so we're at one end of the park while they are at the other. Again, a few cabins. Some of these are currently in use by a road gang team that are working around the area. A message on the door says you can only get Channel 2, so Clive decided to set up the satellite dish. Done in under 10 minutes. All channels present and correct and good reception. The van park backs onto the Dawson River, which is currently nothing more than a trickle in this part. It's supposed to be a cool night tonight, with a forecast of only 13 degrees. The crochet blanket is on the bed in preparation, just in case.
A lone Boab tree. |
Dawson South Mine. |
Sunset in Taroom. |
. |
Friday 8th November - Moura
A stinking hot day with the temperature reaching 40.5 under the annex. Thankfully we don't have to go anywhere today. We didn't even go outside. The aircon has been on since 9.30 this morning. Last night it got down to 20.8. We move on tomorrow so hopefully it will be cooler. Moura was originally the name of the pastoral lease held in 1854. In 1936 the town was established as a farming centre near Moura Station. Coal has been mined here since 1961, making it one of the oldest mining regions in the Central Queensland Highlands. The mine is currently called the Dawson Mine, and it's name has changed over the years depending on ownership. Coal used to be mined underground, but this ceased in 1994, after the third tragic accident in nearly 20 years. The major accidents were in 1975, claiming 13 miners lives. Next was 1976 when 12 miners were killed, the youngest being only 18 and finally in August 1994, when 11 miners were lost. During the recovery of this one, after 18 hours, a second, more violent explosion occurred, and recovery attempts were abandoned. The mine was then sealed at the surface. There have been smaller accidents, the most recent being a supervisor who was runover by a reversing ore truck. There is a miners memorial in town, that goes through the history of mining and also tells the stories of some of the miners who have lost their lives through the years.
Sunset in Moura. |
. |
The moon. |
Thursday 7th November - Rolleston to Moura
A bit warmer last night - only 15.3, but a hot day with 37.8, and yes, I did have the aircon on once we reached Moura. We left just after 10am and travelled on the Dawson Highway. A very straight road, but bumpy at times too. Parts of the road have signs saying to drive in the middle of the road, unless over taking. Now that's a first for us. Thankfully we had no on coming traffic during this section of the highway. A small town, bigger than Rolleston, with lots of mining cars in the caravan park. It's called the Moura Accommodation Village and it's $30.00 a night. Lots of prefab cabins here, no doubt for the miners use and possibly for other guests who want one. They were predicting 34 today, but at 2pm it reached the high of 37. Very hot today, but I have the aircon on. Even Clive spent time indoors in the afternoon. When checking in, Clive was told we could have dinner in the mess if we want. Only $15.00 per head, cash only. When driving along we could see this 'white' in the distance. This turned out to be one of the open cut mines that are around here.
Painted silo. |
Moura Miners Memorial. |
Mural on cafe side wall. |
Sunset in Moura. |
Wednesday 6th November - Rolleston
Two blankets on last night as we felt the cold. It got down to 12.3 and back upto 33.5 during the day. A lazy day for me, but Clive went for a walk around town and took photos. Not a lot to see here, unless you travel another 45km and visit Carnarvon Gorge. We'd like to see that but it will be for another time when we can spend at least 6 weeks and also visit towns like, Sapphire, Rubyvale and Lake Maraboon, to name but a few. It got hot in the afternoon, so I had the aircon on. Dropped the inside temperature to 21 degrees - brrr. At least we know it works. There's a high fire danger for the next few days, just where we are heading to. Looks like hotter temperatures too.
The Scarred Trees. |
Karinbal Kanoula Country. |
Purbrook Hut Circa 1865. |
Old weighing scales. |
Tuesday 5th November - Emerald to Rolleston
A warm night of 25.3 and back to 35.7. Off to Rolleston travelling on the Gregory Highway and then onto the Dawson Highway at Springsure. It took just under 2 hours to get here, arriving at 1pm. We had a late start which was good for me. Very dry here and hot, but there is a strong wind which is making it bearable for me. If not the aircon will be on soon. Typical small country town. Blink and you will miss it and more closed shops then open ones. They need tourists to survive. Clive was talking to the park manager and met Tiger, the van park cat. He used to belong to a local who was 90 and recently passed away, so because they used to look after him when the man went to hospital, they decided to keep Tiger. In season, this park is full with Nomads and they have purchased land next door to basically double the size of the park. Tiger likes to roam the park seeking tickles wherever he can. Clive gave him some and he followed him back to our van, then jumped up inside and made himself at home. I was telling him to go but he wouldn't listen to me. In the end Clive had to pick him up and take him back to the camp kitchen, but he started following him again, so Clive just hid around the corner. We'll definitely be getting another cat once we settle down.
Cotton fields. |
Driving on Staircase Range. |
No grass in This park. |
Tiger The cat. |
Monday 4th November - Emerald
Not as hot today, according to the temperature, but out in the sun it's extremely hot. A high of 36.3 and overnight 20.0. Off to the information centre to get some maps and of course, another tea towel for me. It's another micro fibre one. We gave one to Deidre last trip and she loves it. Reckons it works well. At the back of the centre in the Centenary of Federation Mosaic Pathway. 100 years in 100 metres. This is a step by step snapshot of Emerald's history. These mosaics go through various stages of Creation, Aboriginals, Exploration, Massacres, Early Days, State Farm, Settlement, Gems, Post War, Fairbairn Dam, Coal Mining and The Future. Also in the park is the Big Easel. Vincent Van Gogh painted a series of seven 'sunflowers' in the late 1800s. Van Gogh saw sunflowers as a symbol of life and hope. Cameron Cross, the artist, developed a vision of a giant easel displaying a likeness to Van Gogh's 'sunflowers'. The Emerald Painting is the second project he has completed and the third one is in Kansas. He plans to do four more. The canvas is constructed of 24 sheets of plywood, laminated together to form four 7 by 10m panels. Each panel is coated with fibreglass and then sealed with gel coat. A total of fifty litres of paint was required to complete the artwork, which weighs approximately 4.5 tonnes. The easel stands 25m high and weighs approximately 13.6 tonnes and is anchored to the ground by 24, 1 metre anchor bolts. This painting is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. It is a symbol of the Central Highlands Region's reputation as a major Australian sunflower producer. This Van Gogh is a community funded project. The sun was just bearing down on us and there is no shade, so this was a very quick trip. We came back and put the aircon back on. It stared raining here about 5.30 with blustery winds and by 6.30 it was all over. Off to Rolleston tomorrow which is about two hours away. Fish and chips for tea from the shop in the van park. Lovely and fresh. All profits go to Care Flight, and they only do this on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Van Gogh Easel. |
Centenary of Federation Mosaic Pathway. |
Old train machinery. |
Gai resting. |
Sunday 3rd November - Emerald
Another hot day with a top of 36.7 and overnight of 21.1. Today turned out to be an eventful one also. The aircon went on early today, so I had a lovely cool sleep in. We decided to go to the information centre to get a map of the area, (the parks normally have one - but not this one), and then go to Big W and look for books as we don't know where the next one will be. Clive pulled the car forward and then came back for me like he normally does. We get in and the car won't start, so we're not going anywhere. Seems to be exactly the same problem as last time. Back to the van and a call into the RACQ again. Turns out the patrol in Emerald is off until 6pm that night. Clive said not to worry about it, as it really wasn't urgent and could wait until tomorrow. The operator said that she would check where the next available one was as this is what we paid for. Seems to be in Springsure, which is over 70km away. It turns out that the guy was actually in Emerald, on another job. Half an hour later he turn up with a tow truck. Seems he was doing a job for the police. Clive explained what had happened and how a similar thing happened a few weeks ago and what they did. He bled the fuel system and bingo, it worked. So now Clive knows what to do if it happens again. We'll get it looked at properly when we get to the Gold Coast in a few weeks time. Talking to some Ol' mates, there was also the suggestion of dirty fuel or algae in the tank or fuel lines, so Clive bought some cleaner too. So we had lunch first and then headed off to the info centre. Turns out it's closed on Sunday, so off to Big W where I did get some books. A tidy up of the car has revealed I have 31 to read! Chinese for tea and it was delicious.
Emerald . |
The Emerald Dragon. |
Another blanket finished. |
Sunset . |
Saturday 2nd November - Clermont to Emerald
Off to Emerald today. We leave about 10.30am and arrive at 12.30pm. 20.1 last night and upto 37.8 today. Another hot day, but pleasant driving as there are some clouds and this is filtering the sunlight. We scored a drive through site, so no reversing. Makes life so much easier at times. It became hot in the afternoon so I had the aircon on, while Clive was sitting outside and reading. We will go exploring tomorrow if the weather permits, although I don't think that they are forecasting rain. The drive today was much better as we are on the Gregory Highway and not as much bouncing around. Hardly any road trains or caravans today. The vans must have all headed south back home for their summer. A few B-doubles followed us, so we do what we normally do, contact them on channel 40 on the CB and either pull over where safe or let them know it is safe to overtake. The terrain today was a bit different, as against trees and more trees. Certainly agricultural country now, as paddocks of cut hay and baled hay waiting to be collected and moved. Emerald is certainly bigger than Clermont, with a Coles, Woolies and Big W from a quick google search.
View from the lookout. |
. |
Sunset in Emerald. |
Camped up. |
Friday 1st November - Clermont
Can you believe that in 54 days time it will be Christmas Eve. Now don't say you haven't been warned, so if you need to start thinking about Christmas then now is a good time. 20.2 last night and upto 37.2 today. Quite a warm one as it's hot and humid after last nights rain. Humidity today got to 97%. So we are off for a drive around Clermont today. On the back of the caravan map, they tell you the touristy things to see around town. Well, excepting the drive out to Theresa Creek Dam, these other four sites can be done very quickly. While it is a small town, it's really quite quaint, has very large wide streets and is peaceful. It's certainly not as big as I was expecting as the main street is smaller than Monto, and that was just a country town. First stop was the railway station and truck murals. These four murals each contain a green frog that can be found. Then off to the old Australia Post building, Hoods Lagoon and then to the piano up a tree. Yes, there is a piano up a tree as the photos show. From there it was a 15km drive out to Theresa Creek Dam. You can camp out here for a small fee but you need to be self contained as all there is are amenities blocks. On the way back we saw the Coppefield Chimney and the Copperfield General Store. Clermont was established in 1862, after gold was discovered and is one of the oldest inland towns in Queensland. In 1916 there was a major flood where 65 people perished and the town was flooded. The marker shows the water height and the piano in the tree is actually a replica of one of three pianos that were found in trees after the flood. Copperfield was declared a Municipality in 1874, after copper was first discovered in 1861. This was to become the first mine in Queensland. At it's peak the town had over 2000 residents comprising of Australians, Chinese and Welsh nationalities. By 1895 this population had declined to 85 and the mine finally closed in 1907. All that remains of the town today is the chimney, store and cemetery. If you like fossicking for gem stones or gold there are over 900 square kilometres on the Sapphire Gemfields waiting to be explored. So ends todays' history lesson. It's easy to see that the locals support the Adani Mine Project, as there are signs everywhere with 'Start Adani Now'. I heard some music playing in the afternoon and then Clive comes in and asks me if I would like an ice cream. If was a truck like the Mr. Whippy, so we both had a vanilla and chocolate topping cup and also bought Ol' Mate one, the prospector fellow next door. He'd had better luck out there today and was very thankful, as he was tossing up whether to get one or not. I couldn't eat all of mine so it's going in the freezer for another day. What an enterprising idea, driving around the van park selling to people.
Railway truck murals. |
Hoods Lagoon. |
Piano up a tree. |
Copperfield Store. |