Winton / Boulia - 21/11/12 to 24/11/12

On arrival in Winton we drove around the caravan parks (three) to check them out before making a decision on where to stay. What we were looking for was the most shade and a pool as, once again, it was going to be hot. After setting up it was straight out to the Age of Dinosaurs Centre. We had to get there quickly to get on the next tour. It was actually a very impressive set up and it was quite a surprise to find out just how many dinosaur fossils are being found in the Winton area. It has Australia's largest collection and they are presently working progressively on uncovering as many bones as possible of Australia's largest predatory animal. All pretty amazing stuff with the staff there obviously very passionate about their work.

Later in the day we checked out the Waltzing Matilda Centre. Banjo Patterson (supposedly) wrote Waltzing Matilda at Combo Waterhole, not far from Winton, and the Waltzing Matilda Centre is said to be the only tourist attraction in the world dedicated to a song. Not bad but a few things did not work properly and there appeared to be little urgency to fix them. Maybe it was because we were the only people getting around the centre and not many more (if any) are expected until around Easter next year when it has cooled down a little.

Arno's Wall was another attraction we checked. Basically, this is a two metre high wall built around a home (I am guessing it Arno's place) that has many and various things concreted into it. If you can think of it, it is probably in the wall somewhere. Can't describe it any more than that and it is probably best to just check out the photos below. 

And after all this hard work it is, of course, time for a drink in the local. We had a couple in the North Gregory Hotel which is one of those famous country pubs. It has been around since the late 1800's, with the current version built in the 1950's. It was state of the art in its day and its present owners are looking to return it to its former glory. Doing a pretty good job from what we could see. Winton is a town of older buildings, with most in fairly good order, hot weather, artesian water that comes out of the ground at around 80 degrees and goes through cooling tanks before going out to the town's folks and a culture now based mainly around tourism with farming the main other industry.

As part of our trip out to Central Western / Western Queensland I was keen to show the family all the places I had worked. This included Boulia. Vicki and I checked out how to best do this and we decided the best option was to leave the van in Winton and travel out there for an overnight stop. The road is single lane and fairly rough and not the best for towing a van across. Also, it was a long way to go for one night. Therefore, we headed off first thing the next morning, after locking the van and leaving it with the air con pumping away. It was going to be over 40 degrees in Winton and we thought the van would explode if we locked it all up with no cool air going through it. As we left we wondered if this was a good option as we would not be back until some 30 hours. What could possibly go wrong?

Half way through the trip of 360 km's we stopped at the Middleton Hotel, which is basically a pub in the middle of nowhere. Very old hotel but plenty of character. We were the only customers until a couple of truck drivers stopped for lunch. Then on to our motel at Boulia where the first thing we did was turn on the air con in the room to cool it down. I worked in Boulia in 1987 and 25 years later not a lot has changed in the town. There are a few new buildings and a lot more that are no longer there. Westpac is long gone having left town in 1990, however, the building is still there and is now the Centrelink/Aboriginal Affairs office. We walked the main street and checked it all out as I explained what was what to the family. This took about 15 minutes. We also drove around a little and checked out some of the other things, including the race course which now has a fairly big annual camel race carnival. This did not exist when I was there but has now grown to be a major event of the region. 

Boulia's main claim to fame is the sightings of min min lights. These are mysterious lights that appear out of nowhere and follow people, while always keeping just far enough away to remain a mystery. The lights are said to appear, disappear and then reappear with an eerie will of their own and have teased both travellers and locals for years. Scientists are unable to explain this phenomenon. They have now built a Min Min Centre to tell the story. Well put together attraction and, obviously, a big thing for the town. 

That night it was down to the pub for dinner and a few drinks. Weird feeling being back in the local after 25 years. Saw a few familiar faces but no one I knew well so didn't get to talk over old times. Probably just as well so the wife and the kids did not discover some stories that are best left in the past. 

Next morning we quickly checked out Boulia's museum and their dinosaur fossil museum. The fossil museum is a new thing as fossils have only been discovered since my time living there. The fossil collector was keen to pass on his info and we could have been there for hours but we managed to escape when he got other visitors. Then back in the car for the return trip to Winton. Again stopped at Middleton Hotel, this time for lunch. Had one of the best toasted sandwiches I have ever had and then had a good old conversation with the elderly owners who had quite a few stories to tell of the area and the local goings on.

Back in Winton later in the day and all good with the van. Nice and cool inside after 30 hours of continuous air con. Vicki and the boys went for a swim while I checked out some spots in town. Went out to the football ground where I played a few games against the Winton devils (and they were evil too). Finished off the tour with a beer in the Winton Hotel which is another famous old country pub.

In Winton it is hot (did I mention this)

I bet I'm the first bloke who ever thought of doing this to get a crazy wacky photo

At the Age of Dinosaurs Centre

These are dinosaur bones wrapped in plaster. They have to chip away the plaster and the rock around the bones to expose them. Very tedious work, although the people at the centre seem to get excited about this.

Out front of the Waltzing Matilda Centre

North Gregory Hotel

The lounge area, being returned to a 1950's theme, which  is when the pub was  last rebuilt. A common theme throughout country pubs is fire. I think the North Gregory was burnt to the ground around three times.

The old general merchant store in Winton

Wheelie bin holder Winton style

Searle's of Winton. If you can't find it here it probably doesn't exist (or hasn't made  it to Winton yet).

Arno's Wall which has just about everything concreted into it - including a few kitchen sinks

The road to Boulia

The stop half way to Boulia at the Middleton Hotel

Having at chat at the bar

Pub pets at Middleton

The local hall and outside bar across the road from the pub. I think the "Hilton Hotel" thing  is a bit of local humour

Scenery on the way to Boulia. Pretty boring photo cause it's pretty boring scenery

The remains of the Hamilton Hotel, about 80 k's from Boulia. It was on the way to this pub (it still existed then,) on my very first day in Boulia, that I was involved in an accident when the car that I was travelling in rolled over. Met most of the locals while standing beside the road looking over the wreck. It would appear here I am getting a bit teary remembering all this.

Relaxing in our air conditioned motel room while it's around 43 degrees outside. Also, this was the first time we have had so much space since we left home.

Sights of Boulia

Pretty impressive stuff, eh?

The local pub at Boulia where I had previously enjoyed quite a few cold ales. And did the same again on this trip.

Believe or not, this building used to once house the Boulia branch (and the second officer quarters) of Westpac Bank. 

Members of the golf course were given a sand green to look after. This involved tiding them up once a week ready for Sunday golf. I had the 11th, specially chosen as it was near the road and I could simply climb the fence and walk about 10 metres. Thought I would do my bit for the course, some 25 years later.

Boulia's dinosaur centre. The story goes that Winton had land dinosaurs while Boulia had sea dinosaurs. This was, of course, some time ago.

Could that be a min min light in the background ...............?