Busy, busy, busy. Our day started at 5:45am when the alarm sounded. We had to get us as we were due to arrive at the Longreach railway station before 8:00am to start our first activity for the day which was a train ride. The experience was called “Great Darr River Rail Adventure.” Nine members of our group took part in this experience.
The web site for the company that operates the train states “All aboard our unforgettable 2000 class rail motors, fall in love, and feel her rhythm on the rails. Take a different perspective of the country as we encounter wildlife and bring alive the numerous waterholes, passing scrub and grasslands with it’s incredible natural and cultural heritage. Step off the rail motors for a short Mulga Walk, learn of bush medicines and Leander sand ridge secrets.
An unforgettable highlight on this trip is the homemade morning tea after arriving at the beautiful Darr River waterhole. Return to Longreach with many great memories and stories to tell, a full belly, and a classic Darr River rail motor experience.”
That description is right on as the rail motors are vintage and are on loan under a 10-year contract from Queensland Rail. They were built in 1970 and are part of only a few remaining examples of the “Silver Bullet”. The trip was great and after departing the station at 8:30am, we returned at 11:30am very satisfied with value for money on this adventure which was operated by Outback Aussie Tours. During the trip we noticed many kangaroos and the kangaroos liked racing the train. However, several times the kangaroos tried to penetrate fences protecting crops and it was sad to see them bouncing away when they contacted the fences. We were shown examples of new fences that are said to be kangaroo proof but there were many places where the kangaroos were on the wrong side of the fence. So much for the kangaroo proof fence.
Upon our return to the caravan park, we visited an on-site accessory retailer where we purchased a couple of collapsable chairs. We also booked a tour at the Stockman’s Hall of Fame for tomorrow.
We had lunch in the caravan as we decided what to wear to our next adventure, a cruise on the Thomson River followed by a dinner. One of our group visited us and before we knew it, we had little time to get ready for our 4:00pm departure so we decided very quickly what to wear. We were being picked up by bus to be transported to the departing point for a cruise on the Thomson River. We were told that the Thomson River is the cleanest river in Queensland as there is no “P(ee)” in Thomson.
Our afternoon activity which was attended by all our group except two is best described from the Outback Aussie Tours website. The experience is called “Drover’s Sunset Cruise with Smithy’s Outback Dinner and Show.”
“The colours of the outback come alive at sunset as you glide down the Thomson River aboard the M.V. Longreach Explorer. Capture 360-degree views as our skipper enthrals you with captivating stories about the river, its wildlife, and Indigenous heritage.
As the vibrant sunset colours fade into starlight, we dock for a 2-course dinner and show at Smithy’s. Relax under the stars with table-service dining featuring camp-oven themed modern cuisine and live entertainment. Book early to experience this multi-award-winning tour.”
We all enjoyed the cruise especially when we were given a complimentary drink. The evening show was performed by a young couple performing under the name of “Wicker Suite”. They were good! Meals were alternate with either lamb or barramundi being served. Everyone had a good night. We returned by bus to the caravan park.
Our refrigerator has been slowly getting warm, and the cause is possibly a buildup of ice. He removed a fair about of ice so we have our fingers crossed that the refrigerator will get cooler to the point where we are happy.
We had a late night expecting to have our first sleep in since leaving home.