25 MILLION YEARS OLD (Savannah Way 7)

After Lunch we left Leichhardt Falls and continued our long drive to Adels Grove near Lawn Hill National Park. (see map)

 We drove across more plains, rivers and cattle stations.

 Due to the late rains this year some of the roads were closed. We had to detour through Burketown. The only thing of interest here was the bore, which was drilled by the government in 1897 for stock and irrigation. However, it was found to be unsuitable for drinking or for crops. It has been bubbling hot water ever since. During the early 1900's a shower was built for weary, dusty travellers.

After another detour through a mining site we eventually arrived at Adels Grove, which is a beautiful holiday park with cabins, permanent tents, a camping area, a store and repair shop. This is the restaurant. Adels Grove was originally a station homestead and then an experimental Botanic Garden set up in 1939  by Albert de Lestang, hence the name Adels. He planted over 1000 species and supplied the worlds botanic gardens with seeds.

The next day we went on excursions. George and I are waiting for the coach. Our cabins are behind us. Ann took the photo.
The morning tour took us 52k south to Riversleigh. Riversleigh is a world heritage fossil site. There are over 200 sites but only one open to tourists. Riversleigh is famous because the fossils are 25 million years old and extremely well preserved because of the calcium rich water and limestone that they are formed in. Not only that but the fossils spread over a 20 million year span and so they show the evolution of the species that were in this area.

 We climbed this hill shrouded by Kite birds flying overhead. Ann and I enjoy the view. (Photo by George)

The gulf Plains stretch for miles.

Our local guide shows us where fossils are embedded in the rocks This one is part of a huge bird.

 This is a fossilised stromatolite, millions of years old.

On the way back to Adels Grove we stopped for morning tea by a river which, covered the road.

Our little 4 wheel drive coach ploughs through the river. After lunch we went on a cruise through a beautiful gorge. (The subject of next post, which maybe in a few weeks time because we are going to Melbourne to see the grandchildren and their parents)