Cunnamulla - Charlotte Plains

 25 - 28 October 2021

We went for a walk on the property before leaving Charleville, bound for Cunnamulla. We usually stay at Bowra Bird Sanctuary but it had closed for the season so we decided to give Charlotte Plains a try. Mick had spoken to some fellow bird photographers who recommended the Bore Camp so we booked 2 nights.

On our way south from Charleville we noticed a warning light had come on indicating a problem with the car's timing belt. Given that this particular item had (or should have) been replaced at the 150,000km service only 1000km ago, we were a little concerned. Once we arrived in Cunnamulla we headed to the local RACQ agent who, although unable to reset the warning, was able to reassure us that is was just a reminder that should have been reset at the service.

Happy that all was well with the car, we drove back to the park near the visitor centre for a picnic lunch. A quick look in the Visitor Information Centre and we were armed with some information about possible places to stay on our way west, we then headed east towards St George, before turning off for Charlotte Plains Station.

We made our way to the homestead where we checked in and chatted to owner Robyn, before driving back the way we had come to the Bore Head Camp ground. This open area is situated along the bore drain, with some shady trees, flushing toilets, hot showers and baths for soaking in the artesian water. Although rustic and basic, the amenities were clean and there was plenty of room to find a good spot in the campground.

Of course Mick spent much of the time trying to photograph the abundant birdlife. Fortunately the weather had improved and it was not as hot as the previous few days. A cool breeze contributed to a very pleasant afternoon.

The temperature dropped considerably overnight and the cool breeze made for a beautiful morning. We decided to sample the delights of an artesian bath mid-morning. Lying in the warm water watching and listening to the birds was a perfect way to relax.

We spent the rest of the day chasing the shade and doing what we enjoy - reading for me and photographing birds for Mick. There were other friendly birders here so lots of opportunity to compare notes. During the afternoon we decided on an extra night, giving us three here. We knew the forecast was for another really hot day after a couple of milder ones, but it would be the same no matter where we stayed.

A bird, the bush and a bore drain - how much better can it get?

Tuesday night wasn't as cool as Monday had been, but the temperature did still drop during the might. On Wednesday morning, Mick rose early to go down to a now favourite spot, and once again we luxuriated in a bore bath before smoko. The temperature continued to work it's way towards 40° and we really struggled in the heat. We found a bore bath in the shade during the afternoon. Filling it while the water was still relatively cool made it a pleasant soak and a relief from the heat.

The temperature kept rising through the afternoon making it very difficult to do anything except follow the shade. After dinner, when the bugs were out in force we soaked in a tub and marvelled at the stars and satellites above us. Thursday morning was shaping up to be another hot one, and with no internet access we were unable to check the forecast. We packed up in a leisurely fashion and made our way into Cunnamulla. We filled a gas bottle and then headed to the bakery cafe where we checked our messages and the all important weather forecast.

As much as we would have liked to visit a few camping spots as we made our way towards Thargomindah, the promise of 40 degrees and thunderstorms had us making the decision that it would be another cabin night.