Lyn and Tony's property was once again shrouded in mist as we departed, but it soon cleared up en route to Rocky. It was a slow process negotiating numerous sets of traffic lights and people heading off to work.
We often spend the night at the rest area in the small town of Duaringa, which is 109 km west of Rockhampton. This is where we stopped for our coffee break and to stretch our legs.
A lunch break in Emerald before arriving in Alpha just after 2:30. We are camped on the outskirts of town in an area shared with another six vans. There are no facilities here, which suits us just fine. It’s the first time we’ve passed through this small town where we’ve never stayed before, despite numerous previous visits.
A rather late start this morning as we headed further west towards Barcaldine, 140 km away, before turning south onto the Landsborough Highway. Thirty kilometres later, we turned onto a well-maintained 13 km dirt access road that led us into Lara Station. We stayed here on two occasions last year and enjoyed the experience so much that we have returned again.
Site fees remain at $20 per night, which provides access to very clean, flushing toilets and hot showers housed in a demountable unit. There is also a dump point, drinkable bore water, and free wood if you gather it yourself; otherwise, it costs $10 per barrow load. There is a hot artesian pool and the most stunning sunsets.
We were spoiled on our last two visits, but were surprised at how many were camped here this time—at least sixty vans per night surrounding the wetlands, with generators running, and they now allow pets. Regrettably, all these factors have contributed to the decline of birdlife. Our plan was to stay a week, but we left after just three days. If you decide to stay, the best time is late September to early October when everyone has left to head home.
We often spend the night at the rest area in the small town of Duaringa, which is 109 km west of Rockhampton. This is where we stopped for our coffee break and to stretch our legs.
A lunch break in Emerald before arriving in Alpha just after 2:30. We are camped on the outskirts of town in an area shared with another six vans. There are no facilities here, which suits us just fine. It’s the first time we’ve passed through this small town where we’ve never stayed before, despite numerous previous visits.
A rather late start this morning as we headed further west towards Barcaldine, 140 km away, before turning south onto the Landsborough Highway. Thirty kilometres later, we turned onto a well-maintained 13 km dirt access road that led us into Lara Station. We stayed here on two occasions last year and enjoyed the experience so much that we have returned again.
Site fees remain at $20 per night, which provides access to very clean, flushing toilets and hot showers housed in a demountable unit. There is also a dump point, drinkable bore water, and free wood if you gather it yourself; otherwise, it costs $10 per barrow load. There is a hot artesian pool and the most stunning sunsets.
We were spoiled on our last two visits, but were surprised at how many were camped here this time—at least sixty vans per night surrounding the wetlands, with generators running, and they now allow pets. Regrettably, all these factors have contributed to the decline of birdlife. Our plan was to stay a week, but we left after just three days. If you decide to stay, the best time is late September to early October when everyone has left to head home.
On our last day, we were joined by fellow BT owner Stephen, who had just come from Lawn Hill and was camping on the Gregory River. We had a long chat when he arrived, and he joined us later in the day, spending time around the campfire.
Good to see the pics taken by your drone. Really gives a different perspective of what the surrounding countryside looks like. Alan
ReplyDeleteYes Alan...although still a little hesitant to wander too far
ReplyDelete