9:00am 20 Deg . Country very dry and flies as bad as I have ever seen!
The Diamantina river crossing adjacent to Devonport Station very scenic. Turning left on to a good gravel
road we arrived at the Diamantina National Park gates, we proceeded to the ranger station.
The information centre, which is not staffed, is sited in an old store room at the station buildings.
Our group continued on to Janet’s Leap, the most magnificent vista!
We went to Hunters Gorge site for lunch and then drove the loop track which is 68km long, very interesting
scenery and gave a good insight into the park.
Ian with his trusty readily accessible allen keys, tightened more than a few rattles made by the rough
tracks.
We then proceeded to Gum Hole Camp to be confronted by a sign that fees of $5.45 PP must be paid on
line! This information was not forthcoming at Bedourie or the ranger station when we inquired about the
park. Not having phone service did not help!
This shambles of Camp Registration fees in remote areas must be addressed.
Even though lots of water in the Diamantina there was very little bird life.
Monday 28 th
9:30am 20deg and beautiful clear skies.
Headed west to Boulia on a good gravel road, fuelled up (thirty cents cheaper than Bedourie!)
With a shower and shopping at the good local supermarket where fresh produce was available.
After lunch we went on the Plenty Highway heading west, road was in good condition.
Arrived Tobermory on the Northern Territory border 5:15EST office closed. Fuel $2.25 litre.
Decided to push on and camp 20 kms further west. 433Km
Tuesday 29 th
On road 9.30 am 19 deg. Flies getting worse. I had the first flat tyre for the trip.
Continuing on to Jervois for our planned camp, arriving early we were able to do some washing etc.
Fuel 25cents cheaper than Tobermory! Camp oven roast dinner!
Wednesday 30 th
Lazy morning 11am start on to Batton Hill, the road was the worst corrugations I had ever encountered.
Campsite dry and dusty, camp kitchen with very good wood BBQ, toilets and showers with donkey boiler.
Hosts Tania and Cyril Booker ( children of Lindsay) very welcoming and we had booked a bush tucker tour
for 9am the following day.
Thursday 31 st .
Another fine sunny day, after the bush tucker tour all had a lazy day in camp, before enjoying
the sunset tour to Goyder’s Pillar which was spectacular.
Friday 1 st June
Our group did the native track walk, which is a well signposted and interesting walk, ending on a rise with a
view of the surrounding area. As we were about to leave camp a group of vehicles from the south arrived
and exchanged friendly banter.
12:45 22deg our adventure on the Hay River track began.
An hour down the track while clearing timber I impaled a piece of wood into my hand, nurse Annie being a
midwife declined to do any intervention, so Ian saved the day with a pair a pliers!
Lunch beside the track before camping under the shade of gum trees. 74Kms
Saturday 2 nd