9th - 12th July: Victoria River Homestead to Mount Isa

9th July:  Victoria River Homestead to Wirib Tourist Village 

A slower start this morning while Mark went on a helicopter ride along the Victoria River.  We then headed west to check out Gregory's Tree in Gregory National Park, 

Gregory National Park

It was here that the explorer, Augustus Charles Gregory, had his base for his exploration of the top end from October 1855 to July 1856.  He even walked from here to Brisbane.  They brought supplies to the camp up the river in the "Tom Tough". Gregory was quite an amazing man from what you read.

Gregory's Tree

From Victoria River homestead we headed to Big Horse Camp where we had intended to set up camp before exploring the western section of Gregory National Park but the campsite was pretty dusty and we decided to push on to the campsite in the park near Bullita Homestead.

Bullita Homestead

When we finally got to the campsite near the homestead we found it was full so after having a look at the homestead it was back the 50 km to Timber Creek for camp.  The restored homestead was interesting.  Built on the Bullita Stock Route, it was part of the Humbert Station and is testament to the pastoralists who settled the area in the 1860s.   For a time it was part of the Durack "empire" and I presume that is the connection with the engraved tree - 'D T Durack '82'.  The homestead contained lots of stories of the hardship endured by the people living there - some not so long ago (1977).

The campsite at the caravan park was a bit of a gem.  Green grass, clean ablutions and a friendly proprietor, Alex.  With a name like that you would expect it wouldn't you?  Had quite a chat to his wife as well.  She was a teacher at the local school - Years 4 to 8 - what a challenge.

10th July:  Wirib Tourist Village to Dunmarra Roadhouse Caravan Park

This morning Peter and Maz headed off early as they are in a bit of a hurry to get to Rockhampton and also want to call in at Tennant Creek along the way.  The rest of us (Karen and Mark and the Benhams) called in at the Bush Medicine Festival being held at the Timber Creek Race Course. A team from Flinders University (at the request of the local aboriginal groups) had been doing some work on bush medicine - identifying, writing up etc and it was all to culminate at this festival.  

Plant Identification at the Bush Medicine Festival

We had an interesting chat to the archaeologists as they were setting up, purchased an artwork and a couple of small bags but as nothing was happening by 10:00 decided we had better push on.  We were running out of days.

We were back on the dirt down the Buchanan Highway to Top Springs then on to Dunmarra.  The road was in fairly good condition and we could get along at 80 to 90 kph most of the time.  Saw some wonderful scenery as we travelled trough Ruby Gap and found a pleasant spot for lunch on the Victoria River.  

The water was running quite swiftly across the causeway.  Called in at Top Springs but fortunately didn't need any fuel (at $2.20 per litre).  It was then on to Dunmarra on the Stuart Highway - back on the bitumen all the way home.  Dunmarra was a pleasant camp spot as well and they even had a free outdoor movie, "The Bucket List".

11th July:  Dunmarra Roadhouse to Inca Creek Rest Area

A 10.5-hour drive today from Dunmarra to a bush camp between Camooweal and Mount Isa.  Very flat along that stretch but still interesting how the countryside changes as you drive along.  

12th July:  Inca Creek Rest Area to Mount Isa

The very short drive today into Mount Isa was quite beautiful through the hills.

Set up camp in the caravan park followed by a fairly restful day.  Went to the Riversleigh fossil display this afternoon and are off to the Irish Club for tea tonight.  

Fossil recreations at the Riversleigh Fossil Display

Tomorrow we head towards Longreach.

Mount Isa