Our Christmas Road Trip

We decided this year we would visit a couple places on our ‘must see’ places during the Christmas
break. Stockman’s Hall of Fame and the Qantas museum in Longreach in South Western Queensland.

We set off with a detour we not really more a slight deviation to Brewarrina to attended the annual Macdonald Rural Christmas party, this was an opportunity to catch up with clients and friends as well have a Christmas drink with other members of the MacWool team.

We stayed at the fabulous and highly recommended Beds on the Barwon, this place get better and better each time we stay. If you are ever in Brewarrina this is the place to stay, an opportunity to soak up the far west in top notch accommodations, The hospitality of Grant and Melissa Vlatch certainly makes one feel extra welcome.

Next morning we crept out of our cabin and hit the road early as we were planning the next night to be in Charleville 550km and about 6 hours driving north of Brewarrina. Couldn’t pass through Bourke NSW without a quick coffee at Morrall’s bakery, with a quick drive around Cunnamulla to re aquatint ourselves with this once familiar little town before heading on up the road to Charleville in time for a late lunch.

We checked into the very welcoming Charleville Motel  where we cranked up the aircon and took a pleasant afternoon nap. Dinner was in house the Menzies Steakhouse it was an enjoyable meal, we both chose steak which was cooked to perfection. Up and at ’em early next morning we decided to get to Blackall for breakfast and get some miles under our belt before it got too hot.  We aimed to be in Longreach another 500kms up the road by bit after lunch.

This section was uneventful apart from the best morning tea break at Tambo at a ‘do not drive by without stopping’ place where we had a sensational latte and coffee for Sharpy. Fannie Mae’s is certainly like an oasis in Tambo.

After checking out the ‘Tree of Knowledge’  which is said to be where the Labour Party started in Barcaldine. It is amazing that two icons from our history and life today began within 60 odd miles of one another and are now supported by the Stockman’s Hall of Fame. So much Australian history in one small corner of this vast country, a great place for visitors to get a snapshot of our early history.

After a sandwich in the park while looking at the original Qantas ticketing office in the main street of Longreach.

We decided to visit the Qantas museum today as it was very hot and it was indoors and air-conditioned. The next few hours were spent wandering around this very interesting and well laid out museum, to think a business that started out giving joy rides to local graziers to drum up business has become one of the most recognised brands and a successful world class airlines.

After checking in to the Albert Park Motor Inn, this is an older style motel which very comfortable

and the staff offer a very high standard of service and go out of their way to make you feel very welcome and get the best out of your visit to Longreach. The kangaroos even welcomed us back to our room each day, while they were taking advantage of the verandah shade that ran the length of all the rooms. Dinner was at the local rissole (RSL) excellent inexpensive meal in this quaint little club.

Check out my YouTube video of all photos from trip