1960, and at age seventeen, I had the urge to go see Australia. Now, at age seventy three, I have managed to go 'round the island at least 30 times. I was a truckie for ten years, and later a coach captain, for twenty years. Some of the tours were thirty seven days.
Time for a break. So, my partner, Jennifer, and I arrived in Richmond, NW Qld. Magic weather. She sees an pamphlet advertising a day tour to a cattle property. It read, "Hamstead Tours"offers a unique bush experience. Nestled in the foothills of the rugged Gregory Range. Hamstead Springs has an unrivalled mixture of spectactular scenery, unusual geological scenery, colourful history- all served up with a good dollop of home cooking and bush hospitality. Enjoy a traditional "smoko" in the ranges with campfire tea and coffee, then lunch at the historic homestead. Hear the heart-rendering story of the lonely grave, and visit the water wheel in the scenic creek.
"I dunno, been there, done that" was my reply, when Jennifer suggested we go. So we went. It was a wonderful day out. Ross drove the bus, like a typical bushie. (The gravel road is a bit lumpy.) He told us of the history of the area, his family, his lovely wife, Linda, who must be the best camp oven cook in the whole of the north west, the problems with the cattle industry and a lots more. Smoko, up on the edge of the Gregory Range was magnificent, (so was the scenery) We saw "Indian Head", split rock cresent, the water wheel, mushroom rock, then saw, and heard the story of the lonely grave.
Lunch put a couple of kilos onto everyones waist. (Well, one can't refuse a lady like Linda, a!?)
Ross kept a a running commentary, all the way out and back. It's his land, so you won't see any hamburger wrappings or empty Coke tins out there. It's his private property, and a wonderful day out. If you are going to Richmond, be sure to go on the tour. That's the recommendation of a ex coach captain, who reckoned he'd seen it all.
What a great report Pipes and that comes from an ex coach/tour driver as well. No where near as long as you though mate and I tell you that for free.
I have made a note of that great tour for when I am in that neck of the woods as nothing is like a recommendation from a person that has "seen it all" but still enjoyed it. Good on ya.
__________________
Live Life On Your Terms
DOUGChief One Feather (Losing feathers with age)
TUG.......2014 Holden LT Colorado Twin Cab Ute with Canopy
DEN....... 2014 "Chief" Arrow CV (with some changes)
