Gundabooka National Park - near Bourke

24 – 25 April  2015

We had read about this park, and the lady at the visitor centre recommended Yanda Campground as the best spot to camp. We drove out of Bourke and then turned onto the mostly unsealed Louth Road. The campground is signposted, but with the smallest writing possible so it was necessary to slow almost to a stop to read the directional signage. Turning right off the road, the road to the campground is only a few kilometres, but quite rough in parts.

We were told the campground is right on the creek – and it is, but it’s quite a walk down to the water.  We selected a spot close to one of the picnic shelters and not too far from the (hybrid) toilets, and set up our camp. We didn’t bother with the awning or table as the picnic shelter had ample space as well as a free gas barbecue – which we later learned wasn't working. I hope the next user appreciates how clean we left it.

An opalescent sunset more than compensated for our lack of proximity to the water.

We were fortunate that we were the only ones camped there and looked forward to a peaceful night when we saw the headlights of 5 vehicles. We were somewhat concerned as we have heard horror stories if rowdy young people arriving in campgrounds like this, after dark, and causing quite a nuisance with unruly behaviour (gosh I am sounding old and cranky!). Anyway we need not have worried, this group of young people set up camp and hardly disturbed us. We heard them going to and from the toilets, but they had turned in by about 10pm. Perhaps they were really old people masquerading as young’uns.

Hooded Robins are common but not as common as Jacky Winters.

A lucky catch. This Black Falcon flew past late in the afternoon and for once the focus was bang on.

We took our time in the morning to pack up and left for Bourke, intending to stock up on supplies – silly mistake. It was Anzac Day and all the shops were shut, except for the bakery which was going to be shut during the Anzac March. We stopped in to buy, what turned out to be, a very nice loaf of bread. I can recommend this little bakery.

We tried to fuel up, but waited an inordinate amount of time and gave up, confident the long range fuel tank on the Prado would get us to Cunnamulla. It’s 250km from Bourke to Cunnamulla and most of the road is straight, with a 110km speed limit, so it was an easy drive – except there are a couple of rest stops but not one toilet – be warned! When we arrived we found the town to be closed – nothing was open. We were able to get fuel at a 24hour card operated bowser, but that was it. So much for our plans for meals for the next few days. It was a Saturday and apparently Cunnamulla is closed on a Sunday too.

We made our way the short distance to Bowra Bird Sanctuary, which was to be our home for the next three nights.