Longreach & Winton

Upon leaving Blackall we travelled to Barcaldine where we saw the Tree of Knowledge (a dead tree commemorating the Shearer's Strike of 1891 - it does have an impressive roof erected over it & was once a lovely live eucalypt). We also visited the Workers Heritage Centre, an impressive 'village' celebrating the Australian workforce through the ages. We stopped at Ilfracombe with it's 'machinery mile' - an amazing collection of old machinery on display along the main street. The kids enjoyed climbing into some of the machines. We arrived at Longreach late in the day & the campsite we decided we'd stay at was packed with grey nomads, so we found ourselves a place off the road tucked in behind some trees. We went to the Stockmans Hall of Fame the next day, which we really enjoyed & explored the town. We decided not to do the Qantas Museum after much deliberation as we were getting a bit 'museumed out'! We have now found a good free campsite just out of Winton, so have stayed put for a few days. It is good to have some time to chill & watch the awesome sunrises & sunsets! The kids have entertained themselves building towns & farms from sticks & stones. The days are heating up - we've even had a quick dip in the 'billabong'! Yesterday we visited the Waltzing Matilda Centre. We like Winton - although it is small, there's lots to see, the people are friendly & there are free showers at the BP! In the evening we went to an Open Air Theatre that showed old movies (Popeye, Mickey Mouse, bits of old Musicals & a play put on by kids - very amusing & yes, the movie stopped numerous times, during which we all booed & stamped our feet in good fun!). You sat in rows of canvas deck chairs & could go into the projectionists box & have a cuppa after the showing. Life was different then & it is quite different here in these outback towns! (forgive the blurry night photos).