Betoota to Birdsville

After leaving Lara Wetlands we headed to Longreach where we stocked up with food - IGA would be doing well at this time as it seemed hundreds of others had the same thing in mind!! Continued onto Jundah where Hels made the decision to stay the night in a Caravan Park so she could have power and water to enjoy before spending 3 weeks in the dust!

The red sand dunes started to appear as we got closer to Birdsville

A lunch stop on the side of the road, Hels didn,t venture out as the flies were about in masses!

Continued on the Thomson Development Road picking up some fire wood for the cold nights ahead and then to Windorah for re-fuelling.  Driving into town we noticed a huge line up for the pumps and thought they may have run out of fuel, however the Electricity Utility was working on the lines hence no power!  Initially thought we would have to wait another hour but they completed their work earlier and power was restored. Perhaps it was a few of the 'not happy Jan' faces that made them work a little faster! Camped at Betoota Pub for the night where new owners were renovating hoping to be finished in time for the Races in August.  The pub looks a whole lot 'fancier' since we were there in 1987.

The sign says it all!

The pub is under renovations and expected to be open within a month. We were able to have a look inside as the owners were on site and keen to show us around.

The bar looks very similar to how I could remember from back in the 80's, just no beer!

This is the sign leading out from Betoota, our daughter worked at Mooraberree for a while.

The dirt section of road from Windorah into Birdville was not too bad as we were earlier than most people into Birdsville and the water truck was working in some sections. Arriving in Birdsville we were surprised to see a green Common area plus some kerbing and green medium strips!!  Camped on the Common and caught up with WA couple who we met at Betoota, also volunteers at the Big Red Bash.  Joining our camp area was Hack and Jody friends from the Sunshine coast hinterland.  Had a few days before we were able to check into Bashville (Big Red site where the concert was held) so topped up with fuel and water plus enjoyed great Happy Hours before our shifts began.

Spot the flies, even hard to get a photo without them in it.

Arrived in Birdsville, stopped at the pub on an early morning ride. Not Open!!