Croydon is a long way away

Over 500 km west of Innisfail Croydon is a long way away from anything. But, it completed our westerly exploration of Queensland for this trip. Dirt roads prevented us from exploring Burketown and Hells Gate and Camooweal was just too far west to then have to turn back to Mt Isa, a near 400km round trip.

Croydon has made an attempt to attract tourist interest with the restoration of several period buildings, an operating ore crusher at an old mine site and a very pretty lake with great tourist facilities. It’s also the other end of the track from Normanton for the Gulflander. We ended up spending a couple of nights in Croydon parked up with Ross & Paula and Graham respectively from NSW and Victoria in a small caravan park.

The old buildings are set out in a small historic precinct in the centre of the township….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The police sergeants house, jailhouse to the rear, an occupant pleading for release, natural release, sites for natural relief (cleaned), the courthouse complete with re-enactment, Croydon on a hot night, the townhall, courthouse, another residence and back to the police sergeants house. Even new imitation gas lights adorn the square.

Spread throughout are remnants of Croydons gold mining heritage……..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and then theres the new station……

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

note the steel sleepers and the rails bolted to them. You might even see the the undulations and unevenness of the rails. And one of the original steam engines although the one at Normanton is in better condition. Croydon was he end of the line. Back to Georgetown

But, Georgetown was just the base from which to explore one of Queenslands most fascinating natural attractions. Cobbold Gorge, some 90 km southeast of the town accessed by 40% good bitumen, 60% bad dirt was surprisingly well patronised. On the drive out on one of the dirt sections we followed two caravans in a cloud of dust. We also had to contend with loads of cattle across the roads but 1 1/2 hours later we rocked into a resort……..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

where we met Zeke and Helena. From here we were taken across country in 4 wheel drive buses…

 

 

 

 

 

 

which we were eventually forced to leave and go on a cross country trek on foot to learn how to survive on bush tucker and too see what happened to people who didn’t….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But then it was back to the rescue boats and the cool of the gorge proper…….

 

 

 

 

 

 

These boats are electric, don’t make noise and don’t move fast. They also have a motor at each end which seemed a bit strange until we got to the end of the gorge….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and , yes, that’s a freshwater croc languishing on the banks. Oh, and there’s no room to turn around at the head of the gorge hence the motor at each end and electric so no noise stirs the crocs as food arrives in the boats.

The gorge on water is spectacular, a naturally beautiful place. The cost of the guided tour was $79.00 per head, probably a bit exorbitant but we are really pleased that we did it.

Back in Croydon cos I forgot this bit about their lake and the old gold mine….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then it was back east. Covering territory already passed through was a bit boring but necessary. A couple of free camps along the way and into Atherton. Passed Herberton cos the park wouldn’t have us so into an overflow paddock in Atherton. Turned out to be one of the best parks we’ve yet stayed in  (Big 4) despite our poor cousin status.

Drove back to Herberton to the historic village. Fantastic, whole day experience. Owned and redeveloped by the owners of Just Jeans this is probably one of the highlights of the trip and certainly the best of its type anywhere…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Individual exhibits and contents are terrific……

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and that’s just buildings one and two and not everything that’s in them. The John Deere shed was something else….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and the pharmacy…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and this is but a smattering of whats on offer.

Everywhere you turn there are reminders of history, of things you can remember from childhood (and earlier) all displayed in category and context – clothes in the clothing shop, tools in the workshops, toys in the toy shop, bowsers and cars in the service station, pills in the pharmacy and on and on. We were worn out before the day was up – brain drain and weary feet. Terrific but in too many ways a vivid reminder of our age.

Athertons offer to the tourist is the Crystal Caves – a man made  cavern behind and under a shop that sells jewellery, but displaying one mans collection of crystals. Its certainly interesting…….

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This post seems to be all about photos. Perhaps I’m just lost for words but we’ve certainly seen some indescribable sights over the last couple of weeks. Its interesting to note that there has been far more to see and do as we’ve moved closer to the coast but perhaps that is a reflection of the isolation and low population of the west of the state. Some towns try to make the most of their attributes but it would seem that tourism is the key these days and most are sticking to the coast.

We’re now in Cairns, resting up then starting work until the Waterhouses arrive on Wednesday 9th July.