Julia Woolgar: The Long Drive Maggleville, Leichhard Falls, Adels Grove, Riversleigh to Camooweal

Sept 17

Why do I listen to people, the two woman that I was talking to yesterday said that if you go via Leichhardt Falls it is lovely and the road is good, so I did go that way and I certainty did not think that going on the road from Normanton to Leichhardt Falls was worth the effort, the Falls were nice but lacking in water, and the supposedly camp site was non existent just a hole in the ground to put your rubbish in. I should have gone on my original plan on the Developmental Road all sealed.

Savannah Way

On my way I smelt something getting rather hot, I stopped looked around Plod went in side gosh smoke under the seat. Quick as a flash I removed the seat smoke galore help water I am on fire. The charger unit had completely melted all the wires every last one, lucky me the battery was still in one piece only a small amount of burnt floor. I knew I should of renewed my charger unit. Help the fridge is not cold and I had just brought some great meat. Finally I got to my night spot and cleaned up Plod and then my self after using my generator to charge the internal battery.

Leichhard Falls

Sept 18

I am still making my way to Adels Grove as several people have told me that it is very beautifully paved camp sites only. We shall see if it is worth the trip or not one never know’s unless you have done it yourself, so which way shall I go toss a coin. I went on to Burketown as my older map said the roads were sealed and they were. I arrived in Burketown what a sleepy town still it was a Sunday, so I found out later. When I reach Gregory Downs I found a Diesel pump and a very good pull off, many caravans were parked up on a free site. Made a cup of tea and along came Terry desperate for a chat and wanted me to stay for breakfast. I declined the offer as I had still a long way to go. Photos of the site at Gregory Downs.

Down to Adels Grove the road was good for 75% of the way then for the last 25 km it was bad some times I went down to 15 mph other wise items would off disintegrated.

I arrived at Adels Grove camp site and what a disappointment it was $16 a person the showers were not up to much but a clean water tap at hand was a good thing but no concrete base or power points, although the pitch was large. You could hire a canoe and paddle down the gorge to have a look. I was talking to another man John a well travelled caravaner from Bunderburg and he said exactly the same, not that brilliant. We both have seen much better places. The staff are extremely friendly and I cannot fault them at all.

Adels Grove

Sept. 19

Now I am making tracks to Lawn Hill Boodjamulla National Park only 12 km down the road but what a road 10 km per hour I did get up to 25 km but than that was driving on the verge. Arrived at the camp site not as good as Adels Grove but the Gorge was lovely. My main object is to canoe along the gorge. The canoe hire was $40 for two hours the operator reckoned you needed two hours, one hour up the Gorge and an hour back. I took some photo’s and paddled along and got back in three quarters of an hour so I got $25 back not bad for a "youngster!!!!". I showed him the photo’s of the water falls to prove it. He reckoned I was fit, I am not really. The day was far too hot to do any walking and I am not a walker. If you like walking this place is well worth a visit. . Just bare in mind the roads at the moment are very bad especially in a campervan.

Leichhard Falls

I drove very steady towards Camooweal. I passed a World Heritage Fossil site. Than on to. Riversleigh and across the Gregory and the O'Shanassy River Crossing’s. That was my excitement of this trip so far. Although the roads are diabolical I loved every minute of the day with a CD playing I was in heaven. My night stop is peaceful with no other people around so I have my generator running with a sort of air con unit to keep me cool. First time I have used it and it is great. Time for bed.

In The Fossil site

Gregory River Crossing

O'Shanassy River Crossing

Sept. 20

Still more very rough roads to drive on 20 km but then you do see a lot more and I have plenty of time. The road sign’s amused me. I think what bend and what corner.

Still some mad men go at 80 km and wonder why they go off the road.

Two men found a part that was going to be rather useful unable to buy it new.

Only another 93 km to go despite the rough roads I enjoyed my days travelling. I suppose it would be like driving over a ploughed field or a cobbled road at 90 m.p.h. Everyone waves and likes a chat. I reached Camooweal a small sleepy town. Went to have a look at a free camping site and what a fantastic spot it is too. Parked up for the night got talking to a couple Ross and Yvonne that know many good sites.