Central QLD...so much to see

Reporter: Marg Werner

We made it to Longreach unscathed although our friends from the GC traveling 2 days behind us managed to run over a dead kangaroo requiring some minor car repairs.  Longreach is a land of large cars and caravans, leaving us feeling a little naked without the house on the back.  Nevertheless our AirBnB proved luxurious, large and welcoming and located well.  First night dinner we walked to the local caravan park...these are like mini cities with endless vans... and had a great meal in the onsite function centre complete with bar and great live entertainment.  We sat with 2 other couples who proved full of conversation and interesting local facts and then we slowly walked home in the balmy evening warmth.

---

We planned to spend our one day stretched across various local activities but after arriving at the Stockmans Hall of Fame for 9am opening we staggered out at 3:30pm...a mighty tribute to the pioneers and development of this drought and flood prone harsh country.  Too late to include tours of Qantas and Thompson River boat cruises.  But the drive-past the Qantas site confirmed the enormity and oddness of seeing large planes (including a 747) positioned in the middle of outback Australia.  This taste of outback has established the need for a return trip here and on to Mt Isa in the future.

---

Leaving Longreach we traveled 8 hrs to reach the coast and the small village of Yeppoon.  Another great AirBnB located us in the tiny main road on the beach foreshore with great balcony and well appointed beachhouse.  Great base for visit to Rockhampton, walking, harbour seafood yummies and a surprising visit to the local find...The Capricorn Caves.  First discovered in 1888 they are above ground dry caves with many discovered fossils of prehistoric animals from millions of years ago when this area was under the sea and covered in volcanoes.  Many fossils are still being discovered by the paleontologists currently onsite.  We had a marvellous 1 hr tour through the labyrinth of caves...highlighted by a rest in the "cathedral" area used for wedding ceremonies and opera performances.  Because of the structure of the caves the acoustics are equivalent to the Sydney Opera House.  With lights dimmed and then total blackness a rendition of "Alleluia" made the space almost surreal as we sat and absorbed the surrounds and music.  An absolute highlight for both of us.

Tomorrow we move on to Agnes Waters, picking up Steph and friend Kate to join us.  Still soaking up mid 20 degrees and sunshine...sorry Melbourne people!