Townsville to Brisbane - July 2021
After our three day lockdown in Townsville we drove to Proserpine and spent a few days staying with my brother at Airlie Beach. I had a few loose ends to tie up in Proserpine to finalise Mum's affairs, and it was rather a sad visit without her there anymore. I had planned to visit some of Mum's friends in the Nursing Home where she had spent her last years, but I was not allowed in as Townsville was considered a hot spot I had recently visited. I drove around town and it felt like the end of an era. My parents and my grandparents had given this place meaning. Now it just felt empty.
It was nice, however, to see my brothers, and Airlie Beach sparkled in the winter sunshine, so there was some joy in our few days there. Both Proserpine and Airlie Beach were busier than I had seen in a long time, so that is good for local businesses.
It was nice, however, to see my brothers, and Airlie Beach sparkled in the winter sunshine, so there was some joy in our few days there. Both Proserpine and Airlie Beach were busier than I had seen in a long time, so that is good for local businesses.
We left Proserpine early and made Rockhampton before noon. From there we turned west again, heading for Mt Morgan and then onto Biloela for the night. We drove through more lovely countryside and on reaching Biloela, discovered it had even wider streets that any other town we had passed through. At the junction of the Burnett and Dawson highways. Biloela is the administrative centre of Banana Shire. The town's economy is driven by pastoral and agricultural enterprises (cotton production, dairying, wheat, sorghum, lucerne and other grains and cereals) and by the local coal mines which power the Callide Power Station.
Biloela to Kingaroy was another joy. We passed through stunning countryside, and gorgeous small towns full of art and friendly people.
We made a stop at Lawgi Hall to admire its mural and were invited inside to look around by a local lady who was about to make morning tea for volunteers at the historical village. She loved a good chat and was a wealth of information about the local area and its history.
We made a stop at Lawgi Hall to admire its mural and were invited inside to look around by a local lady who was about to make morning tea for volunteers at the historical village. She loved a good chat and was a wealth of information about the local area and its history.
Monto was an absolute delight. Everywhere we turned was another work of art - murals and painted cows were in abundance, lighting up the town with colour and fun and pride. It was nothing like the sleepy, drab little town we had passed through several years ago.
Silo art at Three Moon south of Monto. The legend of Three Moon Creek is one of a local stockman who was boiling his billy on the banks of the creek when he stopped and took notice of the huge moon that had seemingly magically duplicated itself. He saw one in the sky, one reflecting in the creek, and one in his billy.
Mundubbera was another attractive town we passed through. It a diverse rural centre located at the meeting place of the Burnett, Boyne and Auburn Rivers. Again we saw more attractive murals and sculptures, neat wide streets and pretty parks. Mundubbera claims to be the "Citrus Capital of Queensland", although this is disputed by the neighbouring town of Gayndah.
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We spent our final night away from home at Kingaroy, a town surrounded by low rolling hills and farmlands. Renowned for peanuts, it was a good place to pick up some last minute gifts from the Peanut Van.
Many years ago (almost 60 to be more exact) we used to live at Booie, just outside Kingaroy. Dad was Head Teacher at the nearby school called Hillsdale. My brother and I used to beg Dad to let us off at the cemetery on the way home from school so we could walk the last kilometre or so home. I found the cemetery, still quite isolated, but much more cared for than 60 years ago.
Many years ago (almost 60 to be more exact) we used to live at Booie, just outside Kingaroy. Dad was Head Teacher at the nearby school called Hillsdale. My brother and I used to beg Dad to let us off at the cemetery on the way home from school so we could walk the last kilometre or so home. I found the cemetery, still quite isolated, but much more cared for than 60 years ago.
As night fell, it became quite chilly, so we quite enjoyed a couple of drinks by the fireside in the hotel where we were staying. Dinner was delicious and the staff were warm and friendly, and we congratulated ourselves on our choice of accommodation and dining for our final night away. Next morning we hit the road early, eager to be home.