On my bucket list for a long time was Winton and the Dinosaurs. Finally, we made the trip. We were supposed to travel with friends, Kathy and Rob but Kathy got a chest infection just before we were to leave so she had to stay home. However, Rob did come with us.
Winton is 1357k way out in Western Queensland. We caught a little regional plane to Longreach stopping at Blackall on the way.
After more than 3 hours, we finally spotted the town of Longreach where we were joining an 'Aussie Outback Tour', which would take us on a 6 day coach tour of the outback including Winton and the dinosaurs. (Bill kept reminding me that the dinosaurs were no longer alive.' Western Queensland has been in drought for seven years. We saw first hand how the cattle and sheep farmers are suffering and how they are diversifying.
After we settled in our motel in Longreach, Rob and I walked into town while Bill had a rest and tested the internet access.
The walk was very pleasant through a 2.5k linear botanic garden showcasing plants that can tolerate a dry, hot climate.
Soon we arrived in the main street of Longreach, it was a typical country town.
Rob is checking out the old farm vehicle together with a bull on board. It was parked outside the Cob and Co. museum.
We passed the Information Centre, which used to be QANTAS headquarters in 1921. Our national airline QANTAS was started in Winton in 1920 but the HQ moved to Longreach in 1921. The airline was started by two war pilots, Fysh and MacGinness, who felt that airplanes were the way for people in the outback to travel and receive mail and goods. So they started
Queensland
And
Northern
Territory
Aerial
Services. It will be 100 years old in 2020.
A typical country Post Office
I found myself a new man, a stockman (cowboy).
We had a cool drink and then started our walk back to the motel for a 'meet and greet' dinner.
Everywhere was dusty and dry. The temperatures were mild in the day and cold at night.
(to be continued)
This looks like a fun trip. Thanks for sharing the super photos, am looking forward to your next post. I am intrigued by those dinosaurs:)
ReplyDeleteInteresting looking town. I hope I get to see the dinosaurs!
ReplyDeleteExciting trip.
ReplyDeleteInteresting trip. There is a big dinosaur park in South Africa which is great fun, you used to be able to just walk in amongst them, but I gather it is now fenced which is quite sad! Take care t'other Diane
ReplyDeleteWell I learned what Quantas meant! Nice to know. I am always in awe of dinosaur beds.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear you are still travelling. For an outback town, Winton looks quite civilised.
ReplyDeleteHello, this sounds like a fun trip. I like the tour of the town and pretty garden walk. Enjoy your day!
ReplyDeleteyou find the most interesting and wonderful trips to take. love that post office best of all. and would enjoy the coach ride to. hope you got pics of the dinosaurs.
ReplyDeleteGreat new guy you found there, though he looks a little shy! I did not know that about Quantas...they certainly have come a long way since then. Looking forward to seeing those dinosaurs!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this post very much. I'll be back to learn more about this area. I already learned quite a bit about the history of Qantas.
ReplyDeleteHi Diane, I so enjoy reading your blog to see where you and Bill will be off to next! And even though we too are traveling on our USA cross country road trip, I am trying to set aside some time to keep up with what fellow bloggers are doing. I look forward to reading more about this dinosaur quest.
ReplyDeleteGot it thanks, Diane.
ReplyDeleteThis time it is safe -I hope?
Great photos - I have always wanted to visit Longreach and that area of Qantas fame.
Colin
Not good news about the drought, but glad they are coping ... did not know the history of your airline, nor that it was an acronym... my new thing to learn this afternoon! looking forward to learning more about the dinosaurs (dead or alive ;>)
ReplyDeleteWhat does Bill have to say about you taking up with a cowboy? Even with the drought, the trees and foliage look healthy. Glad you're well and enjoying travels.
ReplyDeleteI imagine the bull in the truck belonged to "your" stockman! Looking forward to the rest of your trip.
ReplyDeleteI see you got sit close to the propeller. I figure that spot was to let other know if it stop spinning.
ReplyDeleteJust a little weird humor it seem when I ride on propeller jet I get that seat.
Coffee is on