Wednesday 26th May - Thursday 3rd June 2021

On arriving at Julia Creek, we were surprised with how few travellers were at the free camp. When we checked in with the camp host, they completed the camp permit to allow up to four days camping, so here we stayed for three nights. We set up camp beside the billabong and enjoyed the first night by walking into local pub for dinner. The following day we walked into town to exchange books at the Library. The 28-30 degree days make it easy to get out and do some walks etc.

Friday we rode bikes from the camp into and around town and checked out a few more sights, the Shire has donated 4 pushbikes so campers can borrow (free) thumbs up Julia Creek.

Saturday, do we stay, do we move? As we enjoy the next spot so much, Mary Kathleen Historic town, lets move on. A quick stop in Julia Creek Laundromat and topped up the freezer from the local butcher, great tucker back on the road after a fuel up and water tanks filled at Cloncurry we reached Mary Kathleen mid afternoon 200k for the day.
A walk to the old town centre, now flattened only concrete slabs remain but the land owners have installed great information board giving great info on the history of the town, mine and people, Sunday a walk to the perimeter of town and a camp oven lamb for dinner.

Early start Monday morning as Alan has a Chiro app 10am in Mount Isa, that done and problem solved onto Woolies as the next shopping wont be until Katherine NT nearly 2 weeks away, needless to say a wine top up also.
Another 60k west and camp at the WW11 Historical site a good flat area popular with caravan/motorhome travellers.

Tuesday easy drive 130k west to Camooweal where set up at the billabong just out of town, we are seeing a lot more travellers now as there would be 100+ camped nightly and we see a mass exodus each morning and mostly new travellers setup during the day. We are here for 3 days soaking up the weather. Wednesday we did the 5k return walk into town, needing a break from the flys and a nice cold beer the Pub was looking good, being 12.30 and no backpackers etc the pub cant open till 2 pm due to no staff, bugga 2nd choice an icecream and back to the flys. Our permits into Northern Territory have been approved.
Thursday morning Lorelle found a travelling hairdresser, so 1 ½ hours later, lots of talking and $20 lighter, she arrived back at camp with a haircut. Another 4 km walk before a loaf of bread was baked, apricot stuffed chicken Maryland being baked tonight in the camp oven.
Tomorrow morning we cross into Northern Territory. We have loved northern Queenslands countryside and weather.

PS: for those who check out our blog via your mobile, did you realize that each blog has a photo album that goes with it. Please scroll down to the bottom and click on the photo tag, to see photos.

PPS: The turbo is working fantastic, DABUS travelled the roads towards Mount Isa, which are quite hilly with ease.