Ravenswood - September 2020
On the road again . . . this time we took a left turn after crossing the Burdekin River at Home Hill, heading for the historic gold mining town of Ravenswood. We passed through rich farming land on the way to Clare, a tiny town about 25 k west of Ayr. Then it was onto unsealed roads, though they were well maintained. We reached Ravenswood just as the pubs opened, so of course we washed away the dust with a cold, locally brewed Ravenswood Lager.
After checking into the Railway Hotel, we checked out the fantastic local museum site, which is housed in the old court house and surrounded by a few other old buildings. With the day still young we decided to do the 80k trip to the Burdekin Falls Dam. This turned out to be a great decision. The road was sealed all the way, and the cattle and emus the only bothersome traffic.
On returning to Ravenswood we still had plenty of time to do a bit more exploring, including the cemetery.
We ended the day over a few drinks and a very tasty, tender steak at the Railway Hotel. Then back to our room for an early night. With no TV, internet or phone connection, we rested well.
We ended the day over a few drinks and a very tasty, tender steak at the Railway Hotel. Then back to our room for an early night. With no TV, internet or phone connection, we rested well.
We rose early after a good night’s sleep, undisturbed by ghosts of miners or motor cycles, and walked the town in the pale dawn. The old buildings are beautifully presented, and one hopes there will be a future for them to keep history alive. Many travellers pass through, and weekends have been very busy for the hotel trade and accommodation. The town has a lovely art trail of murals and sculptures, and we just had to pose, poking our faces in many cut out characters.
We returned to a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs and chat with the owner, whose life is an interesting one. We made a short stop at an old restored miner’s hut on the way out of town. Amazingly, this rather grand hut housed his family of 9 daughters and 10 sons. That poor wife!
We returned to a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs and chat with the owner, whose life is an interesting one. We made a short stop at an old restored miner’s hut on the way out of town. Amazingly, this rather grand hut housed his family of 9 daughters and 10 sons. That poor wife!