On the way I heard a couple of toots & the
Savannahlander train was leaving the station (7.50am). Quite a few out beside the
tarck to wave them off. People stayed overnight at the cabins in our park.
We got away before 9 – only 148kms to Croydon. Scrubby
savannah most of the way. ‘Ran out’ of volcanic basalt rooks & BIG &
little rounded grey rocks everywhere. We passed through the Newcastle Ranges
(hills!) – quite scenic. Still lots of dead kangaroos - & one feral pig –
with crows, eagles (one huge one!), buzzards at them; lots of Brahman cattle.
We stopped in Georgetown
– discount petrol, vans lined up one after the other! Saw couple of big free
camps – quite a few there. BIG Shed/Op Shop & Minerals shop/display there.
Stopped 20 kms out at Cumberland Chimney – last brick
remnant of the gold rush days from 1880 – 90’s – early 1900’s. Thousands there
– until gold ran out! BUT 2 big dams there with LOTS of water lilies open on them
& prolific birdlife (pelicans, ducks etc etc). 2 free campers there already
– lovely area.
Only short distance to Croydon for 2 night stay. 27 degrees
– HOT!. We have a DIRT patch in the sun!!! I was not impressed. Set up, put
awning out. After lunch went for walk around town – great Info Centre (History
of Croydon film); original Court House, Police Station, cells, hospitals
(ladies & men!), butchers, school, bank buildings all very well preserved
& maintained. It is old gold mining town too – lots of Chinese here 1890’s
– 14 market gardens!!!! Beer & ice cream reward for walk in the sun! Spag
Bol for tea.
Loos have sign ‘please put down the lid as the local frogs
enjoy a free swim’!!!