Longreach

Day 33, 34 & 35

Longreach is located at the North Eastern end of the Thomson Development Road.   Passing the Stonehenge turn off, the road jumps down back onto the plains offering this incredible vista.

Thomson Development Road

We took a rest break at a layby about half way where we encountered this inquisitive kite.

Kite

Arriving in Longreach mid-afternoon, we set up camp at the caravan park and waited a short term for Lee and Johno to arrive from Emerald.  We planned to spend 3 nights here so we afforded ourselves the luxury of renting powered sites with accompanying on-suites.

Col, Sal, Lee, Johno, Jan and Mike

There were no fire pits at this park but Mike had sought dispensation and was given permission to operate his new pig wood burner.  The day concluded, that’s right, with sunset drinks.

Longreach Sunset

The park was well serviced in the mornings with local vender peddling everything from milk, bread and ice to fresh market garden vegies.

Jan Makes A Selection

Then later, received a visit by a family of brolgas.  They seem quite friendly and didn’t mind having their photos taken.

Longreach Caravan Park Brolgas

Our groups then split up to make their own way around the sights of Longreach.  Sally and Colin made off to the Qantas Founders Museum were bumped into Lee and Johno.  Mike and Jan stay at the park to catch up on domestics.  This was not their first time in Longreach and had done the sights before.

Qantas Founders Museum

747 Rolls Royce Jet Engine

Colin Does His Best Biggles Impersonation

Catalina Flying Boat

They then completed a walk-through of the Longreach Stockman’s Hall of Fame.

Stockman’s Hall Of Fame

That evening we had all booked tickets on the Starlight Cruise Experience.  This included a river cruise on the Thomson River on the Thompson Belle Paddle Wheeler, a camp oven dinner, a short doco on Captain Starlight and entertainment provided by the Kinnon and Co. crew.

All Aboard The Thomson Belle

A Few Drinks Later

Thomson River Sunset

Thomson River Turtles

The Camp Cook-up

A Good Turnout

Our final day in Longreach comprised of domestics.  Stocking up and cleaning clothes before settling in for our final evening, again around the pig.  This shot has Robbie the dog included.

Our Final Night in Longreach