Heading north from Pilliga towards Burren Junction, the 30km road is currently under construction and the detour was a muddy sidetrack for about 3km. The first job we had when arriving at Burren Junction was to pull out the hose and wash DABUS.

After hearing some very negative feedback about Burren Junction Bore Baths, which we have previously enjoyed twice before, it was a pleasant surprise to see the Bath was actually clean. Both times we have been here previously, the Bore Bath has been covered in algae, to the point you couldn't see the bottom or the seats. After our first time here, we've learnt to have a noodle with us, so you can float around the circumference of the pool and not have to touch the seat or the sides.

One of the negative comments we got was that there were lice (like a sea lice) in the water. The first time we hopped in, we both commented that something was biting us. On other trips to the Baths, we didn't have any bites; the bites didn't affect us, so we don't know what this issue was.

A donation box has always been at Burren Junction but now a caretaker comes around morning and night to collect the $5per vehicle nightly fee. This has stirred up a lot of negativity from travellers who have previously stayed there for months at a time, and we think some of the travellers we met at Pilliga now go there. Pilliga has the same fee, which is payable at the local Café, but this is not policed and some travellers are pushing boundaries.

Starting another beautiful morning, having a soak before breakfast, we left Burren Junction heading to Collarenebri. The route to Collarenebri is 92km, this road was a bitumen road very much in disrepair and was currently getting patched up, here and there. It was also a very bumpy road. During our travels we had no one behind us all the way, until we stopped just before Collarenebri. Our stop some 6km before town was to release our grey water. On getting back on the road a truck came up behind us and as we pulled into town he flashed his lights at us. Alan stopped, went and spoke with the driver, only to be informed that we had lost a full water tank just back out of town.

Thankfully this occurred when we had someone behind us and not over the last 80+km's. Back we went and found it on the side of the road, water pipes hanging out of DABUS's rear. A rod had broken and with the weight (100kg) the whole support just gave way. Picked up, dusted off all the bits and pieces and with the tank, now drained, secured inside DABUS, we head off once more. This problem is fixable and we will tackle it once we arrive in St George.

As our map was showing the road from Collarenebri to Mungindi was unsealed, we seeked out some advise on the road condition. The advise we received was 'yeah take it slow, you'll be fine.' Heading out of town the road had recently been surfaced, that didn't last long as the road then turning into a two wheel rut road. This was ok, until another vehicle was coming towards you, then we had to be aware of the many washouts that were outside of these wheel ruts.

Arriving in Mungindi, meant that we have just arrived into Queensland. Here we have come across cotton growing region. Still heading north for the day, we arrived at Thallon to view the Silo Art, which we had seen before. Nindigully Pub, 45km south of St George was a stop for the night and where we enjoyed dinner. Happy hour was in progress, when we went in for dinner. Glasses (and full glasses) of wine were only $3.50 each.

We grabbed a table near the firepit, in the beer garden and were then advised happy hour has been extended another hour. Yeap, starting to like this outback pub. We enjoyed our dinner under all the fairy lights that were hanging from all the trees, chandeliers hung over other tables (classy) and other dancing lights were projected over a big river gum.

Saturday morning was an early start, as we had to get into St George and purchase rods, pipping etc to fix the water tank. Once we purchased our goodies we found an engineering mob behind the hardware store, which cut and welded the pieces that we needed. We waited while they did this job, $50 lighter and with heartfelt thanks we were now equipped to ensure the repairs could be done.

Leaving St George, we start to head west towards Cunnamulla. Our destination for the night is Bollon. Here we get phone reception, so we can watch the Supercars in Darwin on Foxtel.

Phone reception was patchy, so Sunday afternoon we packed up DABUS and drove 100metres into town, parked under a Telstra tower, to watch the rest of the car racing. Once the race finished we drove another 1hour up the road and found the most peaceful free campsite, Murra Murra Road Junction, beside the Nebine Creek. The generator was running, to charge up batteries, we had the boom playing music, when all of a sudden the generator stop and at exactly the same time Alan's phone died along with the music. The question was asked if we had a UFO above us. Anyhow after that we just sat back and enjoyed the serenity and the campfire.

The following morning we arrive at Cunnamulla by 10.30 and decided it was way to early to stop for the day, so we proceeded in driving our longest day, 350+km and stopped the night at Toompine Pub.

Toompine known as 'The pub without a town'. Cobb and Co. once serviced this town with it's regular coach schedule. All that remains today from those early pioneering days is the South Western Hotel (circa 1893), and a population of two.

On arriving at the pub, we went and spoke to the publican, Rocket, we walked back to DABUS, covered in a million freeloaders (flies). We spent the afternoon inside doing a crossword puzzle, before heading into the pub for dinner. There was a strong odour around the place; it bought back memories of school years with Stink Bomb seedpods. Mulga trees are in abundance here and we are assuming these trees are the culprit for the strong odour. Rocket is the barman, cook, waiter and dish pig. He cooked up a massive meal and we enjoyed a dinner of rump steak and barramundi.

The following day we drove 70km to Quilpie, our first stop was to finish off fixing the water tank and fill them up. Arrived at the dump point and came across Sheryl and Brian. This was already pre arranged to catch up again and we enjoyed two nights beside the Bulloo River. The weather is pleasant throughout the day but cold during the night. We are joined in the camp with the freeloaders yet again and the flynets have now come out of there hiding spot.