We left Mount Isa heading to Winton but we had one more bush camp before arriving...we stayed off the road at a truck stop...the next morning was a lesson on not lighting camp fires or throwing cigarette butts into the bush...Not sure how it started .. no one was owning up... but we quickly got packed up and moved the rigs out of the way..in case it really took off...
We had some quite strong winds blowing this morning and it was the quick thinking of some of the other campers that it was able to be brought under control by digging a trench and wetting the ground around it..
After that excitement we headed to Winton... once again nothing on the roads to report...
We didn't plan on doing much at Winton except to check out the dinosaurs that was the whole point of coming here,as we missed them the last time we were here, 3 years ago... John and I only booked in for 2 nights ...Michael and Lois booked in for 4 nights...this is our last stop with them... we part ways here... much sooner than we anticipated but things change... John and I want to head up to Airlie Beach from here and Michael and Lois want to go to Longreach which is the opposite way...We did plan on being together till we reach Boonah for the Rally in October but I have to return to Sydney for my surgery so we had to cancel the rally...
The next day after arriving in Winton we checked out the new Waltzing Matilda Centre, which wasn't here the last time.
The Waltzing Matilda Centre, is in the heart of Winton, it is the world’s only tourism attraction dedicated to a song. If there is one song that lives in the hearts of all Australians, it’s “Waltzing Matilda”.
The song written by A.B. Banjo Paterson in 1895, has played a significant part in defining the Australian character. “Waltzing Matilda” inspires the Australian spirit. It can be a feel-good song, a rousing chorus or simply impart a feeling of nostalgia. It’s sung at sporting events, in schools and by expatriates all over the world.
The centre with ’homestead’ buildings nestled around a peaceful billabong, the centre pays tribute to the life of the swaggie, and the true spirit of the Australian character.
The centre was upgraded with $1 million from the Queensland Heritage Trails Network. It’s a high-tech, interactive and fun experience, offering a spectacular Billabong Courtyard light and sound show, The Home of the Legend, an interactive exhibition gallery, Outback Regional Art Gallery and Qantilda Museum’s vast collection of the region’s pioneering memorabilia.
It was well worth the visit...
In the afternoon we visited the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Fossil Preparation Facility..
It is the largest fossil preparation facility in the country and just the beginning of an on going project to develop a Natural History Museum in the region. The facility is located 25km out of Winton. The guided tour is both informative and comical and you learn about the discovery, digging, excavation, preservation and reconstruction of dinosaur bones and skeletons. We visited the laboratory where technicians are working on the delicate bones. The preparation facility is reconstructing the largest dinosaur skeleton yet and this beast has affectionately been named “Matilda”, how appropriate in the heart of Matilda country.
On the way back we stopped off at the Musical Fence...
It's made of five metal strings attached to fence posts and was designed and built by Melbourne percussionist and instrument builder, Graeme Leak.... It was opened in July 2003, It is the first permanent musical fence installation in the world which makes it all the more amazing that anyone can drop in at any time and play away on what is, in effect, a giant 5-string guitar!
Also been added is lots of other different metal objects that you can collect a stick and have a go yourself...including a drum set..
As this was our last evening with Michael and Lois we went out to the local pub for a farewell meal...
Thank you Michael and Lois for a great 4 months..we have enjoyed your company immensely and our many "Happy Hours"
Thank you for all the knowledge you have shared with us of Western Australia...Thank you Michael for keeping us entertained with your constant sense of humour, John is going to miss your company very much ( me too )... Lois thank you for all your help with sewing and making all the wonderful things you have for me...
We are going to miss you guys heaps.. just sorry it came to an end sooner than we expected..
Stay safe in your travels... till we meet again
