Chris & Darryl's Trips: Western Queensland National Parks

Wednesday 28 April 2021

Western Queensland National Parks - 28 Apr

Honestly, there was little to commend about this place, but we got some lovely bird photos and sunrises.

(Darryl's photo)

(Dell's photo)

These woodlice were scurrying everywhere

Happily we packed up and headed out, stopping to check out the historical Lochern Homestead on the way.

Our first view of Plains Turkeys

(Dell's photo)

It took a bit of finding, as their were no signs. This place intrigued us with strange buildings unlike any that any of us had seen before.

(Dell's photo)

Alan, Dell, Darryl and I went down to the Thomson River, from the homestead and found some quite interesting rocks, while John took off for Longreach.

Read a litttle more of the sad story here http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169220671

We followed a bit later, and were looking vainly for somewhere to stop and have a cuppa. Darryl found a tree, which wasn't all that shady, (but it was pretty much the only option), beside the road.

Across from us in the distance looked like a herd of goats, and Darryl's camera was able to confirm that.

(Darryl's photo)

The country changed again as we headed to Longreach, and became quite dry again. We did a little shopping while Darryl adjusted the bearings on our trailer, then had lunch before hitting the road again, heading east towards Barcaldine for fuel, water and the tourist information centre (which was on the cusp of closing).

(Dell's photo)

Dell and Alan went to visit friends, while we took the road south to Lara Wetlands.

Knowing we would need it, we collected some firewood along the 28 km drive, and after the turn saw the biggest kangaroo, followed almost immediately by an echidna skuttling across the road.

A few kilometers in was almost a show-stopper when we passed the sign saying no Eftpos, and it was $25 per night for us to stay. As far as we knew we had no cash, and there was no phone signal to contact Dell to warn her.