Heading out to western Qld

After leaving Banora Point we started to make our way pretty much due west to Warwick then Goondiwindi which was our first stop. En-route we came across a 7 metre wide load just before Yelarbon, so had a slower drive into Goondiwindi although they let us pass about 30kms before town. We decided to stay at the Goondiwindi Top Tourist Park which we have on other occasions. To our surprise the park was nearly full, we had forgotten that at this time of the year a lot of "southerners" are making their way north for winter. Having a powered site was used to our advantage - we were quick to put the heater on as the night was very cold. I'd found the remote so could turn it on in the early morning before getting out of bed!!.

The next day kept on heading west stopping at the Nindigully pub for morning coffee and then lunch at St George by the banks of the Balonne River. After St George we encountered another wide load (only 4 metres this time), however we were only behind for a short time before they turned into a parking bay.  Arrived at Bollon mid afternoon and stayed at Wallam Creek free camp, where we had stayed on a previous occasion.   From Wallam Creek free camp it is only a short walk into town for a free hot showers.

Wallam Creek free camp, Bollon

The next morning we were a little slower to get going as without power we didn't have any heating and the mornings have been as low as 4 degrees C. I started telling Helen that we should have been further north and next year we'll be in Darwin, none of these freezing mornings - I was sternly told to toughen up!

Travelled along the Balonne Highway and stopped in Cunnamulla where I was able to have a chat with the Cunnamulla Fella!!

Stopped for a chat with the "Cunnamulla FELLA"

From Cunnamulla we did a slight detour to Eulo where we called into the Pardoo Patch Shop (Helen was looking for a leather bag). Unfortunately (or fortunately for the bank balance), they did not have what she was looking for, so travelled back to Cunnamulla. Drove on the Mitchell Highway towards Charleville and stopped the night at Wyandra free camp (donations appreciated) which is a great spot with showers, toilets, camp kitchen and fire pit.

The General Store PO, Caravan Park

Pub

What was the service station, no fuel here!

One of the old houses

Now just standing

Sunset

Kangaroos are now the biggest occupants of town!

Helen's note - bit of a hic-cup this morning as diesel was very low the warning light was on and may not have made it to Charleville with the caravan in tow (no fuel in Wyandra). Geoff unhooked the van and drove very conservatively into town. When he pulled into the service station the guage was showing below the empty line!!!  The tank took 124 litres and holds 138 litres, not much to spare!! Geoff was going to omit this from the blog but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Decided to stay another day after the little incident and enjoyed happy hour around the fire - approx 16 vans camped tonight. Also extended for another night as Caravan Park was showing the 2nd State of Origin game at their open air cinema, however the evening was very cold so decided to stay home.