Day 7
Depart Charleville 8.30am
Arrive Longreach 3.30pm
515kms

Stops:
- Tambo for fuel
- several unscheduled toddler toilet stops
- Barcaldine for lunch

Today was a BIG day in the car. Probably at the upper limit of what we'd attempt again.

We made a good start from Charleville, and we're on the road early enough.

There was lots of long straight and somewhat bumpy road, with the occasional curve thrown in to keep you on your toes. There was a surprising amount of roadworks. We're not sure if it was flood repairs or just planned upgrades.

We saw more emus during the day, and a similar amount of road kill to previous days. We also saw a highway patrol car in the middle of nowhere, with someone pulled over, presumably for speeding.

At Barcaldine, we drove past the Tree of Knowledge, but decided against stopping for a look, instead making a decision to push towards Longreach before it got too late. We will come back through Barcaldine, so may get more of a chance to stop in a few days time.

The majority of the road we travelled today, we had also travelled (before kids) some 16 years ago. The contrast in the landscape from then to now is incredible. I clearly remember that the area around Longreach last time resembled a moonscape - with barely a blade of grass to be seen. The amount of road kill last time was incredible, with dead roos at maximum of 100m intervals. This time however the landscape is showing the signs of an area which has had above average rainfall for the last few years. The roadside verges are almost green, and the scrub and paddocks have a healthy ground cover. The cows look happy and well fed. And the road kill is no more "concentrated" than elsewhere on our trip. While there is no doubt we are in the Outback, the land seems to be thriving, as much as it can, of course.

Once settled in at tonight's caravan park, we were welcomed by a couple of Brolgas. Ms3 liked the look of them, but quite calmly proclaimed, "I think they've come to eat me for lunch", but didn't seem too bothered by them, so I think it was just her warped sense of humour shining through.

Everyone is tired tonight. The couple of later night activities in Charleville have caught up with the kids. Hub went in the tent to help settle them a while ago now, and hasn't returned. I'm guessing the snoring I can hear is not from the kids (and it's 8.15pm).

Tomorrow we will explore what Longreach has to offer.