MATARANKA TO THE QUEENSLAND BORDER

JULY 31

It was time to explore where we were staying. Mataranka Homestead Caravan Park didn't have too much to offer, lots of dust but there was an Artesian Spring flowing into a pool which everyone hopped into. It was a triffle deep but managed to walk slowly around with Mike not far from me. Oh it was lovely and warm.

First thing in the morning John and I went for a walk to check out the Wildlife and the natural habitat of what ever was flying or hopping around. Have lots of bats fly in and the park have installed very high sprinklers that when turned on keep the bats at bay.
 Went off to investigate Stevie's pool, looked like quite a good swimming area, then back towards the springs. There is a river, Little Roper flowing close by and a floating pontoon, not sure about swimming tho with the chance of crocs.

Stevie's Pool

 

There is quite a variety of wildlife around the park and come Happy hour and out come the roos and peafowl. We were treated to some magnificent displays of peacock tails.

A couple in a van not far from us would light a fire each night and before long about 50 roos, all sizes would gather round the fire and wait for tit bits.

This little Bugger bit my arm, looking for bread.

AUGUST 1

Last day at Mataranka so Mike and I went walkng to Stevie's pool and then back to the Springs. I really retraced the walk I had with John.

Bitter Springs.

AUGUST 2

We had heard a great deal about Daly Waters pub so decided to go and stay the night. Boy talk about the Outback, the pub was typical of what one sees on TV depicting an Outback Pub (check out the photos)!

Thong Trees

Shirts 'R' US

Caps in the middle, Bras over the bar.

The historic "Daly Waters Pub"

The caravan park was very dusty (what's new) but we enjoyed our meal at the pub. (Beef & Barra.)

AUGUST 3

Next stop Banka Banka Station, lovely grassed area, it is actually a working farm. Had a huge camp fire for everyone to gather around for Happy hour.

Time to relax

Happy Hour Nibbles

AUGUST 4

Our last night in Northern Territory so we stayed at the Barkly Homestead on the highway. It was a great spot in the middle of nowhere.


AUGUST 5

Look out Queensland here we come. We had been told about a great free park but not how to find it. Drove through Camooweal (quite small) and stopped to ask directions, went to start up and truck dead as a door nail. Mike had to clean the battery, a little corrosive and once again we set off for the Billabong.

Stopped at the Camooweal Billabong for a free night camp and so did 100 others. It is a great spot along the river and we spent some time bird watching and trying to identify birds with Mike's book. While sitting there 2 Brolgas flew in and settled on the waters edge, my they are big birds.

Camooweal Billabong