20190515 Qld Toompine

20190515 Toompine was originally called “thuenpin” which is the aboriginal word for “leech”. In 1891 Toompine was to be surveyed into 44 blocks when it was a bustling town, they even had a jail built of pise (stiff clay) with bottomless beer bottles inserted in the walls to provide ventilation. The great drought of 1900 saw the end of Toompine, but the Cob & Co Coach still used it as a changing post and an overnight stop, just as this Country Pub is doing today for the local farmers and travellers passing through.

Our last visit was 2012 and here we are once again, at Toompine, the pub with no town, but trust me this little country pub has all the charm a town can offer and more.

Meet Rocket, the publican, jack of all trades, bartender, chef, and let’s throw in a bit of a character as he can sure spin a yarn or two to keep you amused, but the sign says it all.

Look what I came across Rocket, now that's a blast from the past.
Yep Rocket played for the North Stradbroke Island team in 1993, then the following year he coached the Stradbroke Sharks open.

We heard about Rocket though Wendy our friend who had been there a week ago and knew Rocket from Stradbroke Island. As it turned out Des and he knew the same friends when hanging out at the Sands Hotel in Cleveland, but the funny thing is they never knew each other, so when we turned up and told him our story naturally he was curious but also busy so we left promising to return.

 When Des turned up later after the lunch rush was over Rocket said, come here you little, Beep, Beep, I want to talk to you. Anyway, while downing a few ales they reminisced over the good old day and friends they both knew.

We parked next to the old hall so Des takes it over using it as our kitchen and hiding from the flies. We meet a guy who came from the Winton festival so I made him a cuppa and we had a good chat while watching Des wash and dry the dishes, gee I’d marry you if you had tits he said, ya I get that a lot said Des as we all laugh.

Dinner done and dusted now we have full bellies before we hit the pub for a few coldies.

Our intentions were to just have a few drinks but that turned out to be many, we’ll go after this one Des would say, ya sure as I brought another.

Rocket with a couple of French girls whose English wasn’t good but that didn’t stop us from having a good time with them. 

Once all the patrons left the door was locked and we partied on with his French backpacker then out come the Stones Max as a chaser followed by much laughter.

The Pub With No Town

Toompine Pub was built out there in the far outback.

To welcome the people along that dry worn out track.

In the years gone by it was known as the district crown.

Now It's standing there alone as the Pub With NO Town.

Years ago Cobb & Co had come to rest the night.

Before they would be moving on towards the next site.

Some old stockmen and the miner now stop for the day.

Joined by a flow of tourist along the way.

The Toompine Pub was built in an area that was sound.

Till the great drought when the country side turned brown.

In the years gone by it was known as the district crown.

Now it's standing there and known as the Pub With No Town.

the old tennis court can be seen with the hall next door.

But the comforts of the town are not there anymore.

No more cattlemen wander along the dry dusty street.

Talking to the lone police seen on his beat.

The Toompine Pub may be changing hands next year we're told.

We are waiting now to see what the future may hold.

The few locals and their friends will make their way down.

To this popular spot known as the Pub With No Town.