After leaving Casino on the Wednesday morning, we made for Tenterfield along the Bruxner Highway. Whilst in the Triton travelling along, Di found a bug sitting on her cap, and decided to set him free by holding the cap out of the window as we were driving - grip not tight enough, and cap sails off back down the road, and we are left to do a u-turn and go and retreive it - very funny at the time. First town we came to was Mummelgum, and then Mallanganee, where we stopped at the lookout over the surrounding mountains.
Then onto Tabulan, where we had lunch in the cafe, and then continued up the Great Dividing Range through Drake, and finally arrived at Tenterfield, where we got some info from the Information Centre. We decided that the free campsite / rest area beside the New England highway at Bluff Rock would be a good overnight stay - the views were great and the fire in the shelter shed, and roast cooked on the fire, were fantastic.
Woke up Thursday to another overcast day, and the threat of showers again. We had planned to spend some time exploring the area, so made from the National parks, and some walks. First up was Thunderbolt's hideout deep amongst the granite boulders. Still unsure how they form and balance on top of each other. Next stop was Basket Swamp Falls, which was 14km's down a bumpy dirt track. We walked to the lower falls (all up hill on the way back), and the views and photos were great.
Once at the top, we walked to the upper falls, but the rains started, so it was back to the Triton for a bit more driving to the next place - Boonoo Boonoo falls. We thought that Basket Swamp were magestic, but they were completely surpassed by Boonoo Boonoo - if you are ever in this area, make a point of stopping in - it is well worth it. This time we walked to the upper falls first.
Then followed the path down to the lower falls, and where this falls over the cliff into the valley below is awesome - such a great view we could have watched for hours - the photos just don't show how high these are.
Next stop was Bald Rock National Park, with the plan to do the walk to the top. Having arrived late, we needed to make it quick, so opted for the harder, steeper climb of 2.5 km's, with a suggested time of 2 hours. It sure was steep, with Di only making it half way until the steepeness got the better of her, but the views were great. I continued on, and reached the top and snapped off a few photos. Again, the round rocks still don't make sense to me, and I can't understand how they are formed.
From here it was time to find a site for the night, and several people had raved about Stanthorpe, over the border in QLD. After getting our passports stamped, and immigration done, we were allowed a temporary pass, and pitched at the Top Of Town caravan park. Again, it was cold, rainy, windy, and fairly unpleasant, but at least we got dinner done.
Friday we had a look around town, had a coffee, and then visited the art gallery - some great works by a local artist. Then staying in QLD, we went to Girraween NP to do a walk to The Pyramids - another boulder of granite sticking up out of the ground. After approx 500 steps, the climb up the granite began, with Di's knees feeling the worse for wear from the previous day. Lucky she stopped, as this climb was even steeper than Bald Rock, and was quite dodgy - would be very easy to fall, which would not be a good result. Again, the views were amazing, with 360 degree panorama.
On the return walk, we detoured to Granite Arch, which is where 3 rocks have formed to created 2 walls and a roof - still doesn't make sense to me how this happens, but nature is a funny thing.
From here, we went to Glenlyon Dam, which was about 60km's west, and camped for the night.
Saturday morning, we followed the dirt road towards Texas, stopping at the local butcher for some supplies. Then onto Goondiwindi for a morning coffee. From here we had decided to head west to try to escape the rain that seemed to be following us. First stop was Talwood, with lunch beside the football oval and we chatted to some fellow travellers. Final stop for the day was Nindigully, where we camped beside the river just across from the pub. The entire population was 6, and the pub has lots of Akubra hats adorning the walls from local stationhands, as well as a patchwork quilt signed by many famous celebrities. This was also where the movie Paperback Hero was filmed.
Sunday we drove north to St George, where we refilled with water and info, and continued our trek west towards Bollon for lunch besides the river and cemetery (the dead centre of town - I called it). Couldn't see any koalas in the trees as advertised. Our plan was to spend the night in Cunnamulla, and spend some time looking around.
Monday we visited the local info centre, and spent quite a bit of time learning about the great artesian basin, and how it has opened up about a quarter of the country, and the impacts it has. Also looked at the art gallery and time tunnel and museum. We also got a photo of the famous Cunnamulla fella.
After a bit more of a look around town, we went back to camp for a swim in the Warrego river to cool off - it was a bit over 35 degrees. Whilst the water was pleasant, the climb out through the mud was a bit ordinary, but well worth it.
Another great dinner, and sitting under the stars typing at the laptop.
We are heading just up the road to Eulo, where we have booked in for a mud bath tomorrow evening out under the stars - will let you know how it was soon.
More to come soon.....
Di and Hammo
