After an overnight stay in a cabin at the @Crows Nest Tourist Park where the transformation over the past few years has been extraordinary, my LSM (Long Suffering Male) and I drove at a very leisurely Saturday pace through Goombungee, then Quinalow and Maclagan and wound our way to the Bunya Mts.
Boasting the largest stand of majestic Bunya Pines in Australia, this was a place recommended by many friends and tourist brochures, so a birthday weekend had seemed the ideal time to book, and choosing a March date meant it wasn’t yet too cool. At 1100 metres above sea level, it can certainly turn on the chillier weather.
While the farming countryside was green after recent rainfalls, it was a huge stand of Grass Trees (Xanthorrhoea Australis), which drew our appreciative attention. Also known by the Aboriginal name, Yacca, their ability to withstand fire along their black trunks and survive in poor soil types drew the now very outdated name of Black Boys. This large number of Grass Trees scattered over the grassy hills on the approach to the climb to the Bunyas made a spectacular sight.
Stopping at Various Lookouts along the climb meant we were taking in views of the lowland areas of the Burnett and back towards Crows Nest. Then the shilhouettes of the distinctive shapes of the Bunya trees outlined the skies and heralded something very special at Mt Mowbullan.
Fishers Lookout and Munroe’s Camp gave a snapshot of the timber getting history of the area which is now a protected National Park with its unique Indigenous cultural heritage and custodianship.
Accommodation abounds on the mountain. Our lowset cabin was ideal for our needs. Apart from a few nibbles and byo drinks, we chose to eat at Poppies for breakfasts and the Bunya Tavern for the special birthday dinner…. so it was a cooking and cleaning free weekend!
Mist and wind set in and we just managed to get the Festoon Falls walk in before we decided a drive to Bell was next on the relaxation agenda. What a feast for the senses! The fungi, footholds in the huge trees used to gather the nuts for feasting, the ferns, trickling waterfalls and rock pools and birdlife were abundant and enchanting.
Once the rain became a bit heavier, It was on the drive down the opposite side of the winding mountain road that we noticed LSM had a tick on his neck….courtesy of the recent rainforest walk. Calling on his boy scout knowledge, we knew what to do, and after a day or so, the little blood-sucking critter died and we were able to remove it completely. One of the downsides to rainforest walks, as well as the stinging trees.
Bell, and the nearby Koondai area were interesting…..and if only I had charge left on my phone….doh! My mother’s parents had won a piece of land in a ballot in the late 1920s, but the arrival of the Depression, poor soil and no capital to improve the padture, the bank foreclosed on all the surrounding farm lots and the family was forced to move to Toowoomba with their five young girls and only the clothes on their backs. Those times were very tough.
Back up to the Dundaran village to watch the cockatoos tackle breaking open the tough bunya nuts, the wallabies graze on the sweet wet grass and the mist close in. The serenity of the surrounds and the fresh, scented air were a balm to the soul. LSM is home and enjoying the Lime and Bunya Nut Jam on his breakfast toast.
We would highly recommend a Bunya retreat to everyone – birthday or not.
Leaving Toowoomba with mixed feelings on an overcast Sunday in late February is both daunting and exhilarating. The next eleven days promise to be a real adventure meeting and workshopping extraordinary women in the remote south-west of Queensland. Women who live extraordinary lives in extraordinary climate conditions by calling on extraordinary skills and strengths. Before meeting these pillars of their outback properties and communities, I am going to enjoy the journey along the way.
Toowoomba to Hebel is the first leg. A mere 7 hours (plus time added for toilet stops and drink breaks). Being in a car with fellow workshop presenters for the drive will be a new and pleasant experience, far from the solo drives of the past.
Highway upgrades in recent times often mean the smaller regional towns around Toowoomba are now bypassed, but on this trip our route took us through Milmerran where we admired the history of the town on its water tank. Then the flat country for hours until a quick stop in Goodiwindi for fuel and a snack and a change of driver, and more hours of sorghum crops, wide open spaces and occasionally a few sheep or cattle.
But oh how the clouds and the sky offered a panacea to the sameness of the ground below – the flyaway fairy floss tendrils were captivating. How the shapes worked overtime to spark our imaginations.
Having discovered that different GPS programs can steer you into NSWales rather than keeping above the Queensland border was an interesting discovery when we had to stop and ensure we were on the right roads. We carried on the Mungindi Road, via the 23 kilometres of gravel to Thallon. The absolute pride in the community was ozzing out of the pores of this quiet, unassuming community which has provided such enjoyment to tourists and local alike through its silo art, information panels and sculptures. Knowing that one of the Thallonites who has been at the core of this community reilience was coordinating the gathering of our first retreat in Hebel filled me with confidence and keen anticipation. Thank you Liz for the terrific contributions to our retreat,
And so it was on to Dirranbandi….where a fleeting glance left me disappointed that we didn’t have time to explore the Bakery.
As the sun sank into the western horizon, the glow, the colours and the expansiveness were breath-taking.
Dodging sheep crossing the road in the gloaming was a reminder of the challenges of living remotely…. but intrepid driving conquers all.
As Hebel came into view, as we unpacked and met the current backpacker at the General Store, found our digs for the night, ate a hearty meal and bunked down, we really appreciated stretching out in the air-conditioned donga and relaxing tired bodies.
Early morning wandering around ‘the town’ took little time, but reflecting on the lifestyle, and marvelling at the rejuvenation of the place thanks to Frank and Michelle and the Deshon family took much longer.
Such a friendly welcome to Hebel set the scene for a great day of ‘retreating’ with those extraordinary women, and we couldn’t have had a better start to the road trip! Thank you Hebel!
An unexpected scene of a film crew preparing actors with their makeup and costumes at an Empire Film Services site across from the hostel sure put a smile on the dial as I walked up to The Domain. Having a somewhat checkered past, the park now provides a home for the NSW Police Remembrance Wall, a heartwarming statue of Robbie Burns as a tribute to his writing prowess, and provides lots of green space in the heart of the city for sport and huge entertainment events – and who could pass up a Sunday stroll to listen to the entertaining characters at Speakers Corner.
Perhaps this was the forerunner to conspiracy theorists on social media, but they are not nearly as much fun.
Wending along the path up to the State Library through such a tranquil garden and admiring the architectural diversity, it was definitely an almost Parisien feel. Even though my quest was a bit disappointing in the way of research results, it was a very pleasant few hours’ detective work – and the staff were very helpful and the toilets were first class.
The lure of the Art Gallery was strong, so back through the Domain and to the contemporary galleries and gardens. Such a diversity of themes, styles and materials – so very ‘now’ and futuristic…and this is just one space in this huge metropolis! But first lunch – Italian-style prawn risotto with a Bambino Mocktail in the Terrace on Domain restaurant opposite the gallery……just the ticket!
What a giant giggle and a few introspective moments when walking through the entrance to what was an amazing welcome at the Art Gallery walk. SO different from the old collection and building style.
The magical feel continued as a volcanic rock statue of Ganesh protected the entrance to the space and The Gallery Shop’s curved, subtle coppery-toned opaque walls beckoned a book nerd like me to see what was inside - no sense smiling like a stunned mullet from the outside is there? It is keeping the reins on the purse that’s the hard part.
Everywhere you look on every one of the many levels, there are shapes and swirls, art melding into functional pieces and a whole world of wonder to feast upon…and even a meditative garden in which to feast. An hour of joy at every turn.
The Louise Bourgeois exhibition is superb. The mosaics, the contemporary Indigenous offerings, the space, the light and the design of the building, did I mention the space? all resonate with a subtle lifeforce and it is definitely a space for the public to fill their lungs with creative essence - and even contribute a clay ball or three to the massive installation where each day the contributions dry out on the periphery of the giant table and then they are rolled gently into the central mass. Not many more days before it will be totally covered.
A day well spent! Such a quick trip, but plenty of new sights and senses. Sydney rocks!
Nothing like a travel challenge to heighten the anticipation of a trip with a research purpose. A 25 minute walk to the bus transit centre in Toowoomba’s CBD; a 1 hour 20 minute bus ride to Goodna railway station for a 2 hour work diversion in Ipswich – great company and ultra delicious lunch at !arket Organics – then train trip to Roma Street, change at Platform 5, then on to Lindum Station and a walk up the hill to a sleepover with my Mum ……. quite a day, and nowhere near Sydney. The reality of downsizing to one car sometimes takes a bit of getting used to!
3.50am shower in the dark to avoid waking Mum, a walk to the designated pickup spot for the 4.30am taxi to the airport to avoid disturbing the older residents of the ‘village’. Chatty driver and a swift drive to the familar Jetstar entrance at the domestic terminal. This quick trip was a nudge from Jetstar to use a COVID credit…so with the front row seat booked and ignoring the querying look on the face of the flight attendant to the question about my capability to handle an exit row emergency, I boarded then 65 minute 6.10am flight from Brisbane to Sydney, slept, and was happy that my light carryon backpack was the right choice – thanks to JS for a great gift!
Then a brisk walk to the train station at the airport and only 4 stations later (Museum), I was enjoying the early morning sights and sounds of inner Sydney’s Elizabeth Street with Hyde Park close by. So my quest began. To understand the world my great great great grandmother and her sisters had been steered into, I had to unpack this city’s colonial history and walk in their steps – my trip challenge.
Hyde Park
Strolling, snapping, sizing it all up….
War wore on in those early times……and man’s inhumanity continues
The serenity of the park – wondering if all those scurrying, eyes-on-phones worker ants knew the stories under those magnificent trees.
I knew I was close to my destination when the quite ungainly sculpture of Lieutenant Governor Lachlan Macquarie pointed across the road to the Hyde Park Barracks. His impact on the British colony was immense – both for positive and negative plans and decisions made.
It was time to cross over to the other side… the history I had travelled to find.
Free to enter – not so for the convicts who were the first inmates in those formative colonising years.
Francis Greenway designed the buildings, and Governor Macquarie implemented the harsh policies that ground the convict workers down. 70 sweaty, smelly, often diseased men in fetid conditions in the hammocks after daily toil creating the tools to create the buildings.
Punishment
Terra Nullius – most definitely not. The misunderstandings of the longest surviving culture on Earth; the appalling treatment and the Myall Massacre and its aftermath are sensitively depicted and heart-wrenching to see and listen to.
As the colony grew and freed convicts became the business owners and settlers, the role of the Barracks changed. The Earl Grey Orphan scheme and other schemes to bring young orphans or casualties of the Irish Potato Famine out as servants saw the Barracks become the arrival destination for many of these young colleens.
Unexpected emotional overwhelm just took over as I crossed the threshold of the amazing exhibition depicting what my ggg grandmother and aunts must have experienced. Unintended tears just flowed. I can, in some small way, feel what it might have been like for these teenage orphans in such a strange country so far from Ireland.
As much as if these appear to be useful and even generous items, the conditions were not always hygenic and rat remains have been found under the floorboards. Now I know where the saying ‘hair looking like a rat’s nest’ originated.
A lasting memorial integrated into the wall of the Barracks complex highlights the modern respect and curiosity that surrounds this fascinating aspect of Australia’s early history.
Armed with my emotions and research possibilities, I headed off to the New South Wales State Library to start my quest for more background information, then on to Sir John Young Road to the Pacific House Hostel and my nearby rest haven ready to tackle another day ahead.
Not being sure of the route, or the impact my constant nattering would have on my driving companion, it was with a slight dose of apprehension that I joined DM for a trip to Inverell. We have a mutual love of words, and were heading to a writers’ workshop presented by Michael Burge. Michael’s authorship of the novel Tank Water had intrigued and grabbed me after meeting him at the Glen Innes Writers Festival, and we wanted to have him present at http://www.wordfesttoowoomba.com.auWord Fest Toowoomba. So to participate in one of his workshops seemed an ideal way of some personal writing growth as well as building a relationship with this talented and charming )fella.
The toll of the medical concerns of my LSM (long suffering male) over the previous months had become glaringly obvious. My body ballooning had reached stretching point and heavy work commitments and taking stress on board via oddles of food meant a lot of self-care was in order. So it was with a goal of rebalancing that I popped my travel case into the back of the car and relaxed into the passenger seat – not being behind the wheel was certainly a novel experience, and I was primed to sit back and enjoy it. First we had to make sure we were heading in the right direction on this weekend to Inverell.
Ok……not such a positive start to find my notorious sense of direction-dysfunction would be on display so quickly, I fumbled with the online map and steered us along the suburban streets of Toowoomba south through the quiet of Cambooya on to Leyburn. First impression was of a typical comfortable country town priding itself on holding events which were a bit different and attracted an injection of economic joy into the place. Note to self: check out the classic sprint car races in 2024!
DM was a very safe driver and the time between Leyburn and Inglewood passed in general conversation which turned the previous coffee cuppa chatting into a more insightful understanding of our mutual interests, family situations, and love of travel and made for a more relaxed interchange. Inglewood had plenty of parks, rest areas, wide tidy streets and very little traffic for a Friday afternoon. In a previous work role, I remember visiting the local primary school to see one of the early Stephanie Alexander school gardens and remember being impressed by its potential.
After a short break, and encountering plenty of roadworks, we drove on to Texas – a challenge for the GPS, which insisted on the big-horn cattle country in the US state being a better destination. Texas was a smaller, compact country town with a peaceful air, but with that late Friday afternoon deserted feeling. We drove south into New South Wales.
Traffic on this back route was surprisingly minimal, so the main concern was the possibility of roos on the road as dusk approached. We only slowed for two as we neared our destination of Inverell about 127 kilometres south of the border. The area was looking green and the cattle were sleek, though the creek and Dumeresque River crossings didn’t have much water in them. Plenty of free camping areas along the way attracted a few travellers, but we were both glad we had booked the comfort of air-conditioned motel rooms as the outside temperatures had hovered around the forty degrees for most of the journey….not jealous of the campers at all.
As retired teachers, we were not surprised to see that the motel owners were not on site – end of year school events had switched on the grandparent supporter mode and they had kindly switched on the air-conditioners, and given directions to Inverell Sporties, a short 400 metres walk up the road, for a good feed. We did enjoy the barramundi on prawn risotto. Leaving the Friday night raffle crowd, we ambled back and downed tools for the night.
Saturday’s workshop was excellent. My need for a sleepin, and DM’s need for a walk and breakfast set us up for the day and we arrived at the Inverell Library ready for anything….but not before a wander across the road to the Celtic Walk and the Federation memorial – wonderful community recognition, design and reflection on the town’s history. Finding a galah feather capped it off!
Michael Burge’s relaxed presentation style, the accommodating library staff, and the very friendly and diverse participants created a pleasant day. Generous to a T, Michael was there to ensure budding writers could advance their manuscripts towards self-publishing or publishing armed with his handy book Write Regardless. Interactive, practical, digitally confident and supportive – a great workshop and lots of fun.
Heading back to Toowoomba gave us plenty of chat time, and the four plus hours flew by. We would both recommend spending time in that part of our beautiful countryside.
Proudly covering the side tracks along Cambooya Street in Drayton, and parallel to the still operating main line south from Toowoomba, this fascinating train museum is only a short trip from the centre of Toowoomba. Its history, the smiling and knowledgeable volunteers and the variety of the exhibits make it a ‘must do’ destination for visitors to the Darling Downs.
Choosing to avoid the crowds milling around the floats of the Carnival of Flowers parade in the city we headed to this site which was also blooming with Spring flowers. Entry via the old Cream Shed opened onto a vista of beds of coloured annuals and trim hedges lining the paths. Entered in the Not-for-profit category of the annual Garden Competition, and decorated with beautiful orchids, stahgorns, calming greenery and quirky seating along the platform, this amazing museum exudes the pride of its many volunteers, and the $5 entry is very cheap for the extensive exhibits and the chance to savour the bygone era of train travel. The little shop offers memorabilia and the haunting sounds of a lone singer on the platform made the experience definitely one to remember.
Many of the carriages brought nostalgic memories back, as we wandered in and out of the museum. The steam driven engine in full swing was a highlight. The Shed allowed a glimpse of the restoration, the high cost of components and the enormous number of hours it ppl to bring these huge machines back to working order – let alone maintaining them. Few visitors would be aware of the efforts over many years that have gone into the thriving enterprise we are so lucky to have on our doorstep.
Of particular interest is the Dreamtime Carriage. The whole of the inside of this carriage has been painted by Kalkadoon artist Domi, now operating the father-daughter Doolamai gallery at 2B Taylor Street. The attention to detail, the illustration of his cultural threads and totems is nothing short of astounding. The more you look into each of the panels, the more you discover. From one end of the carriage depicting the scenes of day turning into the shades of night at the other end of the carriage and so much in between, this is a remarkable artwork, and a feature all our locals need to see. No photos are allowed inside the carriage, so you need to pop in yourself.
One of the reasons for the visit was to explore the possibility of using the facilities for a couple of our Word Fest Toowoomba events planned in our 2024 program. Incorporating all forms of oral and written storytelling across all the arts, we are excited to be offering local emerging writers, poets, playrights, artists, musicians a range of opportunities beyond the regular offerings. We are publishing our program now so that interested participants or audience can claim the dates and jump on board these carriages which we are hoping to use as very different and inspiring venues…..and there might even be a literary train trip!
The friendly volunteer guides, whether behind the bbq, in the Dining Carriage serving Carol’s famous scones and a cuppa, creating the garden displays or those giving their time to take vistors through the history are an amazing bunch and full credit to them all for their dedication and the fine results. It was a very relaxing and magical place to spend time…..highly recommended. Thank you all for a wonderful experience.
To see how we partner with Downs Steam and how our 2024 program unfolds, please visit our website, sign up to our newsletter and follow us on Face Book. http://www.wordfesttoowoomba.com.au
Proudly covering the side tracks along Cambooya Street in Drayton, and parallel to the still operating main line south from Toowoomba, this fascinating train museum is only a short trip from the centre of Toowoomba. Its history, the smiling and knowledgeable volunteers and the variety of the exhibits make it a ‘must do’ destination for visitors to the Darling Downs.
Choosing to avoid the crowds milling around the floats of the Carnival of Flowers parade in the city we headed to this site which was also blooming with Spring flowers. Entry via the old Cream Shed opened onto a vista of beds of coloured annuals and trim hedges lining the paths. Entered in the Not-for-profit category of the annual Garden Competition, and decorated with beautiful orchids, stahgorns, calming greenery and quirky seating along the platform, this amazing museum exudes the pride of its many volunteers, and the $5 entry is very cheap for the extensive exhibits and the chance to savour the bygone era of train travel. The little shop offers memorabilia and the haunting sounds of a lone singer on the platform made the experience definitely one to remember.
Many of the carriages brought nostalgic memories back, as we wandered in and out of the museum. The steam driven engine in full swing was a highlight. The Shed allowed a glimpse of the restoration, the high cost of components and the enormous number of hours it ppl to bring these huge machines back to working order – let alone maintaining them. Few visitors would be aware of the efforts over many years that have gone into the thriving enterprise we are so lucky to have on our doorstep.
Of particular interest is the Dreamtime Carriage. The whole of the inside of this carriage has been painted by Kalkadoon artist Domi, now operating the father-daughter Doolamai gallery at 2B Taylor Street. The attention to detail, the illustration of his cultural threads and totems is nothing short of astounding. The more you look into each of the panels, the more you discover. From one end of the carriage depicting the scenes of day turning into the shades of night at the other end of the carriage and so much in between, this is a remarkable artwork, and a feature all our locals need to see. No photos are allowed inside the carriage, so you need to pop in yourself.
One of the reasons for the visit was to explore the possibility of using the facilities for a couple of our Word Fest Toowoomba events planned in our 2024 program. Incorporating all forms of oral and written storytelling across all the arts, we are excited to be offering local emerging writers, poets, playrights, artists, musicians a range of opportunities beyond the regular offerings. We are publishing our program now so that interested participants or audience can claim the dates and jump on board these carriages which we are hoping to use as very different and inspiring venues…..and there might even be a literary train trip!
The friendly volunteer guides, whether behind the bbq, in the Dining Carriage serving Carol’s famous scones and a cuppa, creating the garden displays or those giving their time to take vistors through the history are an amazing bunch and full credit to them all for their dedication and the fine results. It was a very relaxing and magical place to spend time…..highly recommended. Thank you all for a wonderful experience.
To see how we partner with Downs Steam and how our 2024 program unfolds, please visit our website, sign up to our newsletter and follow us on Face Book. http://www.wordfesttoowoomba.com.au
Year 12 formals can produce as much anticipation and stress for school leavers as the exams and final days, but here in Toowoomba a group of volunteers with angel wings is taking away the stress for those young men and women who might otherwise miss out.
The financial cost to dress from head to toe in formal outfits can often be a deal-breaker for many families. For whatever reason, some young people just quietly avoid the event altogether and miss the milestone, fun and memories a school formal brings.
Founded by Gay Hold-Carpenter and a group of cheery volunteers, Project School Formal takes the angst away from families who need a little help. This year, the generosity of many businesses and community support organisations from across South East Queensland has made it possible to set up, once again, a confidential service in Grand Central Shopping Centre ‘s Level 1 across from the St George Bank site at the Margaret Street entrance. A flurry of ‘setting up’ activity over a short two weeks has seen the empty space convert into a magnificent boutique overflowing with high quality clothing and accessories.
Inside this discrete store young people who have pre-booked an appointment via the Project School Formal website, meet with volunteers who are ready to supply, at no cost, an amazing outfit that puts a glow on the faces of everyone involved. Ensuring complete confidentiality, this service does not operate as a ‘walk-in’. Appointments are made online and all volunteers are trained in the ‘fairy godmother arts’ of putting the students completely at ease when they arrive for their appointments.
Week 1 at the store has seen the well-oiled appointment process switch into gear. The racks of new and near-new formal gowns and suits are colour-coded and displayed according to sizes for ease of selection. If the necessary size is not there, the volunteers quickly source suitable gear from the willing band of businesses and support groups who love to help out. Heartfelt thanks go to all the volunteers working hard behind the scenes as well from admin to muscles when needed.
Accessories, handbags, jewellery, socks, ties and shoes are all available. Already, the volunteers know what will be needed to replenish supplies or source culturally appropriate wear, and the calls have gone out to connect with community groups who can assist. As in previous years, the response has been overwhelming and Week 1 has started in style.
Thank you so much to Gay’s Angels. If you can help keep those angel wings flying high, please check out the website and get on board – https://www.projectsf.org.au
What does a large regional city do to entice visitors? Townsville over many years has offered cultural and sporting events to bring the economic dollars, and I unwittingly booked a week’s visit at the same time as a few events were scheduled and paid the price of scrounging for accommodation. We can’t keep using the excuse of Queensland’s distances for not spreading the word near and far to our domestic population about the attractions on offer and how best to take advantage of them…and not everyone has a car or can afford the highend accommodation. There is definitely a space for marketing budget buzz. Let’s spend that government tourist fund better.
Why is my usually positive antennae wobbling?
If it hadn’t been for family and friends I would not have seen the gems of the past few days. The Tourist Information Centres could really showcase the local highlights, but sadly this wasn’t the case in Townsville. The location opposite the Cowboys headquarters was hardly visible; the staff, while friendly and helpful were unsupported by great resources selling the actual local attractions for the particular weekend. BONZA airline is giving competitveness a good shot with its direct flight from Toowoomba to Townsville (see my previous blog), but there was not one piece of information about Toowoomba in there……..win-win NOT! Let’s hope this changes.
Rant over.
Footie fan? Rugby League followers were treated to a local derby….and merchandise was flying off the shelves! Without the Cowboys team Headquarters in the centre of the Mall, the place would not survive. Despite various strategies over the years and different think tanks to enliven the historic precinct, and it being the gateway to ferry service to Magnetic Island and a short walk to the Strand and its pleasant sea views an Deld family walks and playgrounds, the Mall is not thriving. However, having the Football; Chamber Music Festival; the Defence Force Talisman Sabre 2023 Community Day and the Ephemera Sand Sculptures all on the same weekend meant there was something for everyone!
So it was positive seeing the huge numbers making the most of Townsville’s dry, warm winters in the Mall. Families and Defence Force personnel communicating and sharing was great to see. I was buoyed by this as I eneteted the Perc Tucker art gallery – two wonderful exhibitions. It is always a favourite destination. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but definitely a worthwhile spot. Along the Mall, the history is recorded and The Balcony restaurant, the Brewery and eye-catching facades kept the interest (ignoring the many empty shop fronts and the row of op shops was difficult). Discovering the Pedlar Project cafe for brunch was a happy find. Food and service were satisfying inside the very tight space offset by eclectic decor and its pet-friendly policy. This can often be a contentious topic, so I won’t inflict my personal views about the couple who brought (4) four dogs into the cafe….actually I just did I know. Ok…one dog scratching under foot next to patrons’ food is quite enough in my books. Another rant over. 🤗
$40 spent on a taxi fare later, I arrived at the outer western suburban airbnb at Douglas. The proximity to the James Cook University and Townsville Hospital Complex is obviously a plus fir local workers and international students, but the area has been a casualty of the COVID 19 Lockdown. The public bus service seems to be the only means of getting to shopping or other facilities, and the Riverway shopping Centres are ghostly in their death thralls. This is such a shame, as the houses and estates are pleasant areas. The bnb owners were welcoming and the accommodation adequate, though the disadvantage of not having a car was apparent. However, the accommodation situation for the event-crowded weekend was the reason for having to go to the outer suburbs.
Staying put meant a chance to catch up on a few work tasks and to review the yarning and interview I had done with an old friend and to take stock of what touristing was to come. D’s extensive advocacy of the rights and future of Indigenous Australians is renowned and her wisdom always an addition to my life.
One purpose of my visit to Townsville was to spend time with a cousin to fill in some gaps on the Family Tree. It was he who showed me the aftermath of the years of lockdown, but the RiverPark Tavern overlooking the weir and the tranquility of the river presented a good menu and venue and a chance to pull those family stories together. It was pleasing to see it was jammed pack for Sunday lunch despite its building still not being quite completed.
Being free to explore on a Monday was a great feeling. Retirement does have its advantages! My longtime friend, AS, was the ultimate Tourist Guide for the day. She started with a very thorough walk around Riverway. This complex in Thuringowa is a design triumph. Adjacent to the Cricket Stadium, with its rocket-launcher sculptures, the heritage rain trees and very fun and functional Indigenous Games Trail, lies the lagoon.
This is a wonderful place – full of sensory playgrounds, riverbank walkways, shaded paths, an amazing full swimming pool as well as children’s wading pool, a full-time lifeguard, a very tranquil cafe overlooking the pool, turtle -laden water of the river, a library with wonderful breakout rooms and free community facilities and the professionally curated Art Gallery. With renowned local artist Anneike Silver’s outstanding mosaics adorning the walkway, the gallery kept us intrigued with its current exhibitions.
Heading back from the Upper Ross towards the CBD, we drove past Kirwan High where LSM and son had years of their education journey. We then stopped at Otto’s market at the Warrina Complex. Its range of produce and gourmet food products is extensive. It even had a few gluten free offerings. Outside the produce section is the hallway of cafe tables and food outlets mingled amongst quality gift shops and boutique style shops. Noisy with the buzz of people enjoying themselves – very catching!
Then it was on to the architecturally interesting Queensland Country sports Stadium. Its design represents the distinctive shape of the tropical pandanus palm. With the Cowboys Centre of Excellence under the shadow of Castle Hill, it is a fine addition to the city and obviously a boon to holding major sporting events close to the CBD. The cafe overlooking the field offered a varied lunch menu and we spent time exploring the different sections of the building, and were pleased to see some of the Cowboys’ team training.
A short drive through the CBD saw us at the Drill Hall Art collective. A superb showing of local artists and their creative pursuits, we spent quite a while browsing and buying.
Then just down the road to the very popular Strand with its peaceful view across to Magnetic Island. Always presenting something visually appealing, the remnants of the Sand Sculpture exhibition were interesting finds. With playgrounds aplenty and the ocean siren and its temperature change of colours, the pier and its sails and the views of the port and the Casino, it is a tourist mecca.
To round off a tourist day, we headed to Kirwan to a home-made delicious chicken curry and then back to the bnb. Thank you AS and TC. What a great touristy day! No more ranting!
Molly B travlyn 
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