The many iterations of this trip when Covid-19 came to play there was a time that we couldn’t travel more than 150km from home (we probably weren’t going anywhere), then we could travel 250km (we were going to Conondale NP and surrounds and then Sundown) then the east coast opened up (heading for Coffs Harbour, Kempsey and Barrington Tops). Then Queensland was open for business. The original trip was back on.
However, keeping an eye on the Southern states we weren’t sure what border crossings were open or closed. We decided to do the NSW leg first and try and find out if the Hungergate gate was open or we could cross at Barringun south of Cunnamulla.
Then the weather came into play. We could camp first night at Mungundi in the rain, with rain forecast until lunch on Sunday or have showers at Bollon and clearing on Sunday. So Bollon it was.
Brisbane to Bollon.
An uneventful day, plenty of fog at the top of the range. A quick stop at Cecil Plains, then fuel at Moonie Crossroads.
We knew that the bakery at St George closed at 1.30pm. Arrived just before the doors closed, and bought all the pies that were there.
Pulled up late afternoon at Bollon and found a spot free camping on Wallum Creek. Dinner at the pub, the only thing on the menu was pizza and because we ordered late some of us had to wait an age.
Bollon to Eulo
About 40k north of Bollon is Thruston National Park. We were going to camp here, however there is a no fire policy. Asked at Deb’s Diner in town if they knew which road to take and they didn’t but old mate at the servo might know. We had google maps, so a couple of k’s east and found a road. This road was in good condition, not driven on very often, followed a fence line and after a couple of gates we were in the park. Drove around and found the main track in a discovered the old homestead. A note of caution park in the middle of the road the edges are soft. Nothing low range and try the new diff lock out couldn’t extract you from.
Next stop was the woolshed, followed what looked like a road but was a bore drain and headed in the wrong direction. Ended up on another road that was a bore drain and eventually ran out of road. By map reckoning it was easier to travel about 500m rather than try and find the road. The woolshed was still in good condition with the other outhouses and yards in varying state of disrepair.
Once back on the main dirt road we made our way West again opening and closing gates as we went. Eventually made it back to Bollon, via Mitchell-Bollon Road, where we had lunch.
The rest of the day was spent travelling West, fuel at Cunnamulla, a couple of photos with the Fella and onwards to Eulo. Turn left onto the Hungerford Road about 5k turn left at the 3rd grid and about a k to the Paroo. A lovely wide, flat grassed area beside the river with Pelican patrolling the waterway. This meant to be camp for the night but ended staying here 3 nights.
Eulo to Currawinya – day trip
A quick trip down the well graded dirt road to Old Caiwarro Homestead, we noticed that there is no option to self register.
A walk through the old homestead, then a drive to the Pump Hole where we had planned to camp. Still a nice spot but not a blade of grass, while NP website was saying the area was closed there was no signage and people were camping in the area.
We attempted to have a look at the paddock where the old log feeders were but due to recent rains the roads were boggy and rather than tear the road up and risk getting bogged we headed down the track to have a look a another camping area, Caiwarro Waterhole. While there was water in the waterhole the camp sites were not very appealing and there was already another group at the best spot.
Next stop was the Currawinya Woolshed, a quick look around, we decided that we would come back tomorrow and have a look around the western side of the park. We then headed back to the Five Mile Waterhole.
On discussion back at the waterhole we decided that tomorrow we’d hang around here and have a look around Eulo and the following day head for Hungerford.
Eulo
A lazy day with a spot of fishing and the yabby traps in the water. Around lunchtime we all headed back to Eulo where lunch was ordered at the Eulo Queen, local honey purchased at the store and some took the option of a shower at the pub’s campground.
Eulo – Currawinya – Hungerford
Since we had last been to Currawinya a new section of the park has been opened. We drove the tracks which were better graded and wider than the main road. First stop was the Granites.
We wanted to go to Beefwood Hut on Beefwood Road but the road was closed from both ends. We were able to get to the Boorara Woolshed, even though the sheds are old they are still in pretty good condition.
While in this section of the park we drove past Boorora Homestead, unable to get close as Parks are either using it or living there. Next on the list was Bidjita Lookout which gives a good view towards the lakes and Telstra mobile service.
Last stop in the park was Lake Wyara (salt) and Lake Numulla (fresh), evidence on the track on the way in, there has been substantial rain in the preceding weeks.
Onwards from here to Hungerford where dinner was booked at the pub, $11 a night at the camp ground and most importantly a hot shower.
It was here that we made the decision to not go into NSW as news was not favourable and you never know when the border might be shut without notice. Decision to travel to Thargomindah and see what happens from there.
Hungerford – Quilpie
A couple of the group had travelled the Thargomindah road a couple of years ago and mentioned how bad the bulldust had been. Well, this time it was well graded and no bulldust. On arrival at Thargomindah we had to wait for about 20 adventure motor bike riders to get fuel. On the way out we stopped at the Hydro Power Plant. Last time I was here there were no doors on the shed, now you need an electronic key to get inside, however they have some windows so you can see the workings inside.
We then started for Quiplie, about half was a town named Toompine, seemed like a good place to stop for an afternoon drink. Get into the town which was the pub and road closed signs and the pub closed due to Covid-19. Next stop was Baldy Top which is a lookout about 5k out of Quilpie, a short walk up a steep hill for a great 360 degree view of the country side and Quiplie.
While in Quilpie we refuelled at the various outlets and some stopped at the Quilpie Heritage Inn for a quiet afternoon drink. The remainder found a campsite just out of town on the banks of the creek.
Quilpie – Mitchell
Rather than take the bitumen to the east we decided that we’d stop in and have a look at Adavale. A good gravel road all the way. Nearing Adavale we passed the turnoff to Hell Hole Gorge NP (Nee to look at this for a future trip). Adavale another small town in the middle of nowhere, camping, toilets and showers are in the community hall grounds. Unfortunately we couldn’t have a beer at the pub as Covid-19 ha claimed another victim.
Next stop was Charleville which was about two hours of good dirt road away. A quick stop at the bakery and supplies then on to Mitchell. First free camp on the West side is Fishermans Rest campground. We found a nice quite spot, which was well grassed. Some went from here int town where they have artisian pools.
Mitchell – Thallon
Today some of the group left and headed home. To get to Thallon we were on the St George road, found a good camp/fishing spot that would be good when there is some water in the river.
We decided not to stop at Nindigully as we had all been there before and it looked busy. Thallon has some painted silo, free camping and a pub. After a beer at the pub we didn’t stay at the camp in town and drove another 2 k down the road and camped beside the river.
Thallon – Sundown NP
The usual uneventful drive through some backroads to Goondiwindi, then a stop at Yelarbon (more painted silo’s), through Texas and into the northern section of Sundown NP. Nundubermere Falls nothing like the Southern section, really small campsite. The following morning a couple of mountain goats made the climb down the side of the mountain to the falls. This was worth the effort, but in reality shouldn’t be done a all.
Sundown NP – Sundown NP
There is no road within the park from the north to the Ballandean entry, following some old maps we only came to dead ends. On arrival at the gates, we aired down and headed for the old track that we used to maintain. The track has been knocked around by the elements and it easily took us an hour to travel the 15 odd k’s. The same can be said for the short cut passed the winter camp.
We decided that we would camp near the water under Rats Castle.
Our last night in the park we stayed on top of then hill, hoping that temperatures would drop and we might see some snow. It didn’t happen.
The final day was making our way out of the park, some took the opportunity and had one last night at a secret campsite.
Currawinya National Park July 2020
