Queensland Outback Tour - Tamworth to Burren Junction

253kms: Oxley & Kamilaroi Highways via Gunnedah, Baan Baa, Narrabri & Wee Waa 

We brushed past the airport at 9:45, fully laden and pleased to finally be away of a substantial trip. Neither of us are prepared to indulge in the defeatism of blows dealt us in the past few years when we’ve tried to get away. That sort of thinking was becoming part of the problem, so when the time came to leave this morning, the anticipation was for what we would see and experience and nothing else.

Gunnedah happened mid-morning and it seemed reasonable that we stop for coffee. The Verdict is the new name for an old location; one that harks back to our dark days in Gunnedah. Saturday morning coffees with Sue were about the only time I left the house and these coffee dates were the intimacy I was capable of. Rather than reflect on the negatives, it instead was a pleasant reminder of how far we have come.

From Gunnedah, it was a short hop to Baan Baa: portentous because my two years there in 1982 and 83 were my first principalship and Chris and Sarah were both born while we lived here. We stopped in at the Railway Hotel and had lunch in seats underneath the dart board where I had spent many hours and in the bar, where many victories were celebrated by the Baan Baa Cricket Club during our two minor premierships and one premiership. The pub is now in the hands of Robert Maunder, who was a junior player in those teams. The Railway is only four years off its centenary and could have died had it not been for the Maunders buying the licence to keep it open and in the process, keep it local.

Sue reflected on the kindness of the publican’s wife at the time, Doreen Bruce, who used to buy clothes for Chris and Sarah. She also mentioned her prize-winning scones which won a CWA event and then her invitation to attend events in the future was revoked.

The school looks in great shape although it ceased being a school a long time ago and at last enquiry was BnB.

Head down after lunch and a turn off at Narrabri onto the Kamilaroi Highway and through Wee Waa to our overnight stop at the artesian baths at Burren Junction.

The first bore was sunk at Burren Junction in 1921 and over time was distributed across the district

Click for today's photos

through a series of dug channels. However, over time, concern about the affect of the bore water on the local soil led to talk of capping the bore. Instead, it is released into the circular baths and then the overflow goes into a channel to evaporate. It’s a constant 41 degrees C and makes for a pleasant end to a day driving. The camping area offers plain dirt spots with no power or water but it’s a popular spot, as payment is by donation and there are clean toilets and warm showers.

We finished the day with a big western sunset and the smell of campfires. The million flies were an unrequested option.