Day 50 – Winton to Boulia

Before we leave Winton I need to mention the “rainwater tanks” in people’s yards etc. Winton doesn’t get reliable rain so a tank for that water would be a waste of money instead Winton relies on artesian water which comes out of the ground very hot and smelling of sulphur. The town feed goes into the “rainwater tanks” where it cools down and the sulphur smell dissipates. I think it’s the first time I’ve ever needed to turn on the cold tap first in the shower and then very gradually add the hot.

Today we travelled across country dissected by multiple channels of the Diamentina River. That’s another name I’ve never thought about before but it seems Diamentina was the wife of the first governor of Queensland, the man who declared it a separate state. The environment is always changing and never bores us. Our first stop was at an un-named rest area in pristine condition.

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The next stop wasn’t so impressive I presume back in the days when Cobb & Co. travelled the route more effort was made to provide comfort for the passengers.

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We were very impressed with the views from a lookout.

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Another stop was at the site of the Hamilton Hotel, now all that remains is a chimney but the stones used to build it are very interesting, some is actually petrified wood.

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Along the road are references to the Min Min Lights and some impressive images created in metal.

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When we stayed at this Caravan Park before it was overflowing with campers, this time it’s great. I did wonder before why there was a cattle grid at the entrance, today we discovered the reason. The poor beast has scars from the awful “Camel Burrs”.