Go West

We started our journey on a very wet and cold morning in Cape Tribulation, not what you’d expect from northern Australia but it is winter,

We headed towards Lake Eacham, I visited this place with my parents about 20 years ago and remembered it as my dad would not go for a swim as he said he didn’t know what might be in there! Well when we arrived there was a sign saying a fresh water crocodile was living in the lake and not to disturb it (like you would ?..,). Anyhow people were swimming and even though it was a bit chilly and still raining we went for a dip.

We found a good spot at a free camp for the night and early next morning headed West to Innot Hot Springs and enjoyed an early morning soak in the springs at the side of the road, surrounded by flocks of parakeets, which seemed a little annoyed that we’d disturbed them.

The day went a little downhill then! We passed a sign for copper gouge which entailed a 60 km drive down a very rough dirt track including creeks, not ideal for a city car with a tent on top.

But we persisted as Chat GPT said it was worth it! You could also then loop further West so we wouldn’t have to drive back. Jokingly we said how funny it would be if there was a river right at the end of the track, well there was and it was too deep to cross, even though 2 people said ‘you’ll be fine’ we walked the crossing and in parts it came nearly up to my knee!

so we had to drive all the way back to the main road!

The day ended on a positive note though when the woman in the gas station recommended a camping spot out of town. When we pulled up it was this amazing little wetland area with loads of birds.

And even a few wild pigs.

Was a great little spot and we had a walk at night to see what was about.

The next day after a quick swim at a dam in a town called Croydon ( more fresh water crocs)

We headed further West and spent the night in a little town called Normanton and the free camp was right on the river, and they recommended we camp at least 5 meters back from the river edge due to crocs, again they were a little elusive although we went to the local pub for tea.

And on the way home we saw some eyes floating around in the river.

We’d heard about a detour to the coast that was worth a look, Karumba is on the northern coastline and one of the few places in Australia where the sun sets over the sea, it’s also known as a good place to catch barramundi fish, which is very tasty!

We filled some water bottles up with wine and sat by the coast watching the sun set, and it was pretty special.

And of course barramundi and chips for tea at the local pub.

The Queensland outback is probably not what most people outside of Australia would think it’s like. It’s not barren and lots of open red soil, but in parts thousands of acres of lush green grasses, forests, and wide open green spaces.

It’s also dotted with little towns that always have a hotel (pub) and the odd interesting local with a story to tell you. We’ve visited as many as we could! And often if you buy a beer or a meal they will let you camp in the back for free.

There’s a lot of mining history, and the towns are trying to create a sustainable tourism from this with local museums and historical artefacts. Not massively my thing (Richard loves it) but the towns are so architectural with Victorian and art deco buildings it’s hard not to be a little impressed,

It also offers up some unusual experiences, the outdoor cinema in Winton.

And you can’t say you’ve experienced outback Queensland without going to the toilet while there are half a dozen frogs living in it (preferable to a snake I suppose!).

If you ever get the chance, grab a camper and head west in Queensland and although we covered about 3000 miles it was only scratching the surface!

Next stop The Blue Mountain region…..🚗