Outback Queensland 2023

 The last part of our journey was the run down the Darling River from Brewarrina, through Wagett, Bourke, Louth and Tilpa to Wilcannia.  There was lots of dust, cattle grids and great places to stay. We camped at beside the river at Walgett, Rose Isle farm stay near Bourke and at Tilpa Weir. Jimmy Little mural at Walgett Sign at caravan park in Bourke Nankeen Night Heron on the Darling Aboriginal fish traps at Brewarinna European carp trapped in the fish traps That's us at Brewarrina Walking to the aboriginal art at Gundabooka national park And, some of the art work Lunch time at the Tilpa Pub Bird life at Tilpa Weir Look at me

 Roma is a busy town due to the gas industry.  The locals understandably have varying opinions on the large scale of fracking in the area.  We stayed at the gun club in Roma which was quiet except when the Thursday practice and Saturday comp was on.  After Roma we tried a couple of free camps before staying at Lightning Ridge.  While there we did a trip out to the Grawin opal diggings where we had a nice hamburger lunch at the Club in the Scrub. Several days later we arrived at Bourke where the temperature was in the mid 30s.   Ah, Heaven! The draper shop at Roma Building your own burger comes with risks - ah, jalapenos The gums are flowering at Yuleba A Red Wing Parrot at Judds Lagoon, Yuelba     We are at the Club in the Scrub - it looks a bit 'rustic' The Club has a TV.  They must use it to watch the footy   And, of course, the club has a golf course Lightning Ridge has several quirky buildings illustrating the local sense of hum...

 We have turned south and are now heading towards home.  Our first stop was at the small town of Springsure where we were very fortunate to receive an interesting, informative and humorous Aboriginal heritage presentation from Daryl.  He is trying to keep his culture alive and impart knowledge of his culture to anyone who has the time to listen. We camped at the Staircase Ranges where, in 1905, Chinese labour was used to construct a road cutting in the sandstone rock using hand tools. Our next camp was at Lake Nuga Nuga which was formed about 160 years ago because the Brown River silted up after flash flooding.  With all its dead trees it looks a bit like Lake Eildon. Daryl telling us about the local aboriginal culture A small part of Daryl's. collection of knives, axe heads and spear heads The hand cut cutting at Staircase Range Fivsies and a Lake Nuga Nuga sunset A moth in 'cammo' on the side of our van A stilt at Lake Nuga Nuga Lake Nuga Nuga Sunset