Just couldn't wait for the cool season...I missed the tarpless camping, clear night skies filled with millions of twinkling stars & the remoteness.
Back door is the way to go, rolling hills, winding roads & small country towns...and the landscape surprisingly green for most of the way.
Only one straight stretch between Eldsvold & Cracow, about an hours worth.
Dirt short cut via Cracow beach was a nice stop over...tall green shady palms & a cooling breeze. An oasis surrounded by dry country. Creek pools were a lovely chocolate colour...but cool.
Tried to get out to explore Nathan Gorge via it's rough goat track, but ending up shearing a bolt on my motorcycles rear rack, so retreated with my tail between my legs...next time.
Lake Murphy on the way to Robinson Gorge/Starkvale Camp was pretty full, lush growth around it's edges. A late in the day camp or early morning brecky stop to enjoy the cool temps. Toilet + picnic area. Short walk to lake or a circuit.
Grey kangaroo's on the flats & wallaby's in the scrub surrounding the lake. Lots of birdlife.
Just outside Eidsvold, there's a camp area beside the clear running Burnett River. Good for a cooling dip. Also has a short walk to a rocky bluff.
Short side trip from Ban Ban Springs, if you want to stretch your legs is Coalstoun Lakes.
Two large volcanic craters, that occasionally fill with water. Short steep zig zag walk up to the lookout point. Good 360° views. Apparently one of the youngest volcanic formations in Oz, only 600,000 years old.
You can follow the track down to visit both craters, both have bird watching hides. No water in there this trip though.
Seasonal watermelons & pumpkins at the local farmers little roadside stalls...
Remembered to spray my bugnet with Off ! this time around...no whining mozzies all night long.
Before...Dried & leathery
After...Plump & juicy, overnight mixed fruit, just add water...and time.
