20230623 Qld Toobeah, Dalby, Bowenville, Helidon to Home

We left St George for the 4th time over our 10 Years of travelling and headed towards Talwood, opps Des just missed the turn of, back on track again driving along the Barwon Highway, the road is very rough in patches but we’ve found that with most roads this trip. Stopping for lunch at Desies favourite town, Talwood were he would walk back and forth catching his yabbies every few hours. The amount of time we’ve been this way yet we have never called into the town of Toobeah, and now I know why, the only action in this town is the Hotel.

Toobeah town started out as a small railway town servicing the growing sheep market, it has since grown into one of the strongest Cotton/wheat/livestock growing areas in Qld.

The Coronation Hotel or Toobeah Hotel Motel was built in 1911.

The beers and meals are a tad expensive but most pub’s are these day but they were big meals so Des and I shared a delicious plate.

The Rovers are out and about as we slow down to let them pass and what a seen it is, I so want to join them in the roundup.

This has been a regular sean this trip, the pigs are out in force and are becoming road kill.

We turned off at Goondiwindi to Millmerran along the Gore Highway and Omg the roads out here are in bad need of repair, there’s roadworks all along the highway.

Stopped in Millmerran for lunch then left for Dalby driving along Millmerran -Cecil Plains Road and although it’s a bit narrow the road is relatively good. Every time we pass a floodway we both check to see if there’s water which means yabbies, I’m starting to think we only go on these trips so Des can catch his years supply. Turned onto Dalby-Cecil Plains Road which is wider and has a few rough spots but otherwise good, but the closer to Dalby the worse the road got.

The gypsies are back in town.

20230624 On our way to Dalby to catch up with our dear friends, Sue and Richard, it’s became a regular drop in place either at the start or on our way home from our travels, I’m thinking it could have more to do with the delicious roast meal Sue cooks with her fabulous cauliflower bake, with no peas of cause but it more to catch up and have a few laughs that prompts our return. We ended up staying a couple of days and Sue caught up on all the gossip from home compliments of Des, he’s a have a chat, then Richard throws in a few humorous comments which cracks Des and I up.

Poor Richard reluctantly joins us for a photo with his dog, Daisy May and Mum Sue before we leave for Bowenville Reserve for out last camp before heading home.

Who’s a pretty boy.

Arriving at Bowenville Reserve we find our special camp spot after moving a couple of times before settling in but we haven’t finished yet, come on Des we need to collect some wood before you can relax.

The campers below getting smoked out by his neighbours, someone doesn’t know how to lite a fire.

20230629 We had a lovely few days lazing about and enjoying the tranquility as we watched the comings and goings of campers and chatting to the odd few and we even had a visit from our good mate Glen, but unfortunately couldn’t stay. The Bowenville Reserve is a large area that sits on the Oakey River, if you’re keen you can fish or throw in a few yabbie pots to keep you entertained or build a fire and enjoy a your favourite ale while keeping warm.

The John French Bridge named in honour heroes who died serving this country.

We herd the motorway was closed after heavy rainfall caused significant movement in a cutting on the northern side of the road but only one side is closed.

I have to say The Criterion Hotel have the best meals in town and are all home made by the elderly owner, get in early she say’s because it’s going to freezing tonight.

Wright’s Creek as we enter Helidon.

Our trip in a nut shell, we traveled 6,863km and visited 195 places, we had many highlights but The Dimboola Wimmera Steampunk Festival was one of mine and of cause the most delicious cray fish we have every had at Port MacDonnell, but all good things come to an end as we take the last leg of our journey home.

Home Would Bound