Then back in the car and we started the 1300 kms to Mt Isa
where we were booked in for 4 nights for the rodeo. As we had done the Top Didj
tour and had to get a few things we didn't leave Katherine till about 2 pm.
First stop about an hour down the road was at Mataranka Bitter
Springs. This is what we expected from natural springs. Crystal clear water,
not too hot and flowing slowly so that we hopped in at one end and floated down
about 75m and got out again.
Unfortunately we took the wrong path, somehow, and walked all the way back to the carpark and then down to the springs again instead of a 75 walk back to where our towels were. Still not quite sure how that happened but went back in for another swim to get over it before going back to the car.
It was another 200+ kms to our free camp for the night and
arrived just after dark. We were so lucky to get a spot and had to back into a
position just off the highway. It was loud as the road trains had to slow down
on the corner but we were just glad to have somewhere to stop for the night. A
quick dinner and straight to sleep. Although we spent the night being shaken out of our beds by the humungous
road trains.
Then it was an early start as we weren't sure how far we
would get towards Mt Isa but had a lot of ground to cover. Stopped a couple of
times along the way for stretching and food. Made it 620 kms to Avon Downs the
last free campsite in NT. It is right opposite the Police station and was
fairly noisy but it was nice to arrive early enough to get a spot and have a
walk around before dark. The free campsites along the Barkly Highway are a lot
quieter than those on the Stuart Highway.
It is such amazing country out here. Huge open plains. Really BIG skies. The sunsets and sunrises are incredible as are the magnificent bright night skies. I can see how people fall in love with the outback and never want to leave. In saying that we are here in the middle of winter and it is HOT and DRY.
Next morning I went for a walk and took a couple of early morning pics. The kids did some school work as we weren't in a huge rush to leave with not much more than 250 kms to Mt Isa.
We came across some drovers running a herd of cattle along
the stock route which was also the highway. All very excited as it was real
cowboy stuff.
Next thing we were leaving NT and entering QLD.
We then stopped at Camooweal which is the first town in QLD. Apparently it is said that you haven't been to the QLD outback if you haven't been to Camooweal. What a great looking little town which even had a post to tie your horse up outside one of the shops. Took a pic of this amazing mural on the side of one of the buildings.
Before we knew it we were in The Isa!!!!
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