330 kms / 5 ½ hrs

NT/QLD border - Camooweal (fuel) - Mt Isa

After a peaceful sleep last night we left the campsite at 7:30am. We crossed the NT/QLD border and saw 3 police vehicles and a lot of bikies (we think from the rebels). The police cars overtook us yesterday so it was nice to see them again today.

Today was mainly a driving day. We spotted more police vehicles further on and another bikie gang (not sure if same club), a few wedged tail eagles and other birds and we were lucky enough to see some droving cattle. There were about 4 cowboys on horses and lots of cattle on both sides of the road and we had to stop a few times to let the stray cattle cross the road.

We stopped in Camooweal to refuel then continued onto Mt Isa. First stop in Mt Isa was to refuel and then go to the Tourist Info to work out where we should stay for the night. We checked into the caravan park around 1pm then had lunch. We had a problem with shorting the power so that took a while to sort out.

We decided we would have a relaxing afternoon and take the kids to a local water park and play area. Unfortunately we got there and it is closed on Wednesdays for cleaning and maintenance. Josh was devastated so we finally got him back in the car. We went to the city lookout with its global signpost, its offers a 360 degree panorama of the city and mine area (black rock open cut mine). The signpost gives directions and distances to several major national and international cities. It is 1,860 kms to Sydney (if only it was that close to drive!!).

As we were driving down from the lookout we saw the rodeo ground and it looks fantastic. I would love to see a rodeo here. We went back to the caravan park and had a swim in the pool which was very refreshing. We chatted to some backpackers and a couple from Sydney.

While Rog cooked a lamb roast in the camp kitchen the kids had fun playing in the playground. After dinner I was trying to take the kids for a shower and it took forever as they had to stop at the neighbours campervan to check it out (our kids are such sticky beaks!), then we had to pat several dogs and then we finally made it to the showers!