Winton

16th to 17th August 2022

After a lovely quiet night staying in a gravel pit campsite with two other campervanners that had sneaked in late evening . We stumbled upon a sign for Combo Waterhole and conservation park. We drove 8kms down a tarmac road with lovely green yellow fields to find this hidden gem. It would be a lovely spot to camp. No signs saying you can’t. We enjoyed a lovely brekky outdoors before heading to Winton.

Tarmac roads, however bouncy at times. We noticed on many of the farms had a long list of towns on big green sign posts inside their gates all within 90kms which we think are probably cattle stations.
We couldn’t help but smile when we saw a sign advertising Phillip’s Footes Restaurant in Sydney only 1995km, for Winton pharmacy. 😅🤣😂 This bar is a favourite with grotty yachties and used to sponsor a boat Beverley sailed ⛵ on called Witch Doctor 🧙‍♀️

When we arrived at the pharmacy there was no mention of Phillip’s Foot Restaurant so we’re guessing it was a very old sign.

We stayed at the Tattersall campsite which is belongs to Tattersall Hotel. Only $30 and that included free laundry facilities! They had two washing machines out doors next to the showers which actually were in good working order.

We went to the North Gregory Hotel to listen to Gregory North, poet talk about the origins of Waltzing Matilda.
Met a character Lyle from Harvey Bay, a former truckie who did voluntary work at the truck museum for many years when he retired. He said years ago he used to love going to the Winton RSL as always guaranteed to pick up a nice lady. We met Melissa owner of a bar in Brisbane who was with a large group of Hoteliers having a night out with their association.

Dinner at Tattersall Hotel. The only place with a vegan dish on their menu.
Stir fried Asian vegetables which were actually tasty.

EVERY BONE TELLS A STORY.
The next day we headed for the Dinosaur museum. Had a tour of the laboratory which was very interesting and learnt about how Elliot found a dinosaur leg on his farm and then started the museum. We learnt how they prepare the fossils which are over 90 million years old. Then a visit to the Centre for a talk and film about the above and dinosaurs and a viewing of their bone collection.

Next stop Bladensburg National park. About 20km outside of Winton.
As campsites and tours have been booked out we registered in advance online. There wasn’t much information. The first part of the journey was uphill on a half decent tarmac road then once we entered the park gates we endured a 6km drive on a corrugated red dirt track. Very rattly. No signage until close to the campsite. Saw dry pastoral fields and large dried up lakes which resembled flat, dirt fields.

About 6 others at the campsite along the river… Apart from the flies. Got to christen our fly nets.
Unusual land ..sort of like a dessert flood plane.
Saw two storks and a few kangaroos, galas and a lovely sunset.
Dinner under the stars. Fortunately the flies had gone to sleep somewhere. We did put out our mosquitos coils and candles though.

Woke early and decided to take a slow drive down the rattly road. Fortunately spotted three lots of timid kangaroos plus one old fella camouflaged by nature, only spotted by their dark ears. We switched off the engine and sat watching them watching us. We were also blessed by flocks of galas and lorikeets.