One of our shorter journeys, Blackall to Longreach, a distance of 213 k's. On our trip we drove through a herd of cows being rounded up and driven along the road somewhere. It took us around five minutes before we made our way through them, travelling at around 5 km per hour. We set up in a park in Longreach which is obviously designed for the peak tourist season. It probably has over 50 van sites with only about 5 vans, including us, in place. All the sensible people have moved on to cooler climates by now and only the fools are travelling in this part of the world.
We checked out the town and got a feel for what it would be like when the tourists arrive. It seemed there was some good stuff on offer but most had been closed down until around Easter next year. We headed out to the Stockman's Hall of fame for the afternoon to wander around and check out all the exhibits in air conditioned comfort. Fairly well put together but probably needs a little work to spruce it up. It has been operating since 1988 and probably not much has changed within it since that time. However, we all enjoyed it, particularly Jacob who seems to have an interest in things to do with the land. Back to the van park for a swim in the pool and then into the air con for dinner (did I mention it's hot).
It was off out to the School of the Air first thing the next morning for the 9.00am tour. We got to the see the Prep class and their teacher in action. They put it all up on the viewing screen outside the broadcast room and you can see the teacher live and the kids are all on the screen via their web cams. Very well set up and run organisation. Then off to the Qantas Museum. They have three aircraft in place that you can check out, including a 747 and the first 707 manufactured by Boeing. The tour of these were great except, again, very hot as you move around outside. The 707 was fitted out with a private luxury set up for some Saudi Arabian with it's own bedroom, ensuite and separate lounging room. Apparently such people as Michael Jackson and Madonna have chartered it at some stage of its flying life. There is a long story as to how the Qantas Museum purchased it from the last owner, a UK airline, for one pound. Bit of graft and corruption involved.
While at the museum the boys also went on a flight simulator. This was pretty cool as they took off (several goes required) and then flew around over Sydney. Numerous crashes as they tried to fly under the Sydney Harbour Bridge and many more crashes as they tried to land. Nate managed to get the plane on the ground but ended up going out the back fence of the airport and ditching the plane somewhere. However, I estimated he had enough time to get out before the plane caught fire. That must count for something.
We had one final check of the town, went out to the showgrounds where I played a few games of league against the Longreach side, and then home for a bbq dinner.
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| Driving through cattle across the road. It took us quite a while to get through them and out the other side |
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| "Please, you go first" |
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| Jacob and a mate having a rest outside a shop in main street of Longreach |
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| At the Stockman's Hall of Fame |
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| This is what your cowboy hat starts out as before it is moulded into shape. But these clowns didn't seem to know that. |
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| In a studio at Longreach School of the Air |
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| The lesson does not appear to be going well. |
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| At the Qantas Museum |
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| Inside Boeing 747 engine |
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| Your pilot and co-pilot for today are ...... |
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| The luxury fitout in the Boeing 707. Here are the gold taps. |
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| And here is the private lounge |
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| Boys on the flight simulators |
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