Outback Queensland CFT Trip - Day 6

A relaxed start to the day with a 7:30 breakfast and no bags to pack. It was a real touristy day with our first stop at the Qantas Museum. I loved the large model biplanes relvolving around the ceiling on a track.

On then over the highway to the Stockmans Hall of Fame. I am impressed with the building design. We arrived to a Brahman bull resting on the front lawn and a kelpie sitting on a barrel at the front door.

Inside I moved quite quickly through the displays but was fascinated by the pioneer kitchen - so many familiar things both from home and Underhill.

I enjoyed a welcome proper coffee, for the first time this trip, before we left for town and the Station Store run by Kinnon & Co. This family entertained us for the rest of the day..

Our first treat was a billy lunch (corned beef and pickles sandwich, anzac biscuit, apple and a drink) while we watched an old time tent show. Although quite corny this was really well done by two young Kinnon brothers. Their white horse was so well trained and calm.

The boys then took us on a Cobb & Co. coach ride to the Longreach Common and back. This was, of course, quite bone shattering, especially when they ran the horses, but a new experience for me. The boys had had to go to the USA to obtain a licence to run public stage coach rides as they are not available in Australia. I was interested in the way they broke in new horses to the task. They put three in the front and two behind - the centre front one can be a new horse who actually can't do anything wedged in between the other horses except what he is supposed to do.

Back to an afternoon tea of scones and tea/coffee.

We then watched the old Australian film "Smiley gets a gun". This had us all absorbed and laughing. Off then to our sunset river cruise on the Thompson Belle. This paddle wheel boat engine was quite loud but as the sun set the engine was cut and the peace of the river was fantastic. There were a few birds and a whistling kite nest but the drought means the birds have all gone to moister gullies.

Back on shore we were treated to an evening of entertainment: poetry by Scotty, banter by one of the Kinnon boys and a film about Harry Redford. Home then to the motel to collapse after a very long and busy day.