Boulia

20 -21 September 2023

Leaving Bedourie and heading north, once again we made a few stops to photograph birds. Mick spotted some likely habitat and his assessment was spot on. He managed to get some photos that he was reasonably happy with, given the harsh conditions in the middle of the day.

We stopped for lunch at a rest area and then drove in to one of the campgrounds near the Georgina River where we had thought we might stay. We found birding friend Paula camped there but decided to keep moving on – the high temperatures were having us causing us to seriously rethink our plans. With the kite photo “in the bag”, Mick was satisfied with his efforts so we pushed on to Boulia.

We bought some groceries and fuelled up before heading to the caravan park to try to find a shady spot. There wasn’t much to choose from, but it was quite late in the day so we managed with some dappled shade until the sun started to go down. We planned an early start so we could visit friends in Winton, so set the alarm for 5:30am.

Up before the sun, we were breakfasted and packed up, and on the road as the sun started to rise. Hope we didn’t make too much noise and disturb the neighbours.

Bedourie

18 – 20 September 2023

We moved on from Cuttaburra Crossing, travelling north to Bedourie. As with all our journeys there were a few stops to try to photograph birds, including the Flock bronzewings south of King Creek. This time Mick was able to get a couple of shots even though it was the middle of the day and the light was very harsh.

Along the way we stopped at another Eyre Creek crossing - this one on Glengyle Station - that was teeming with birds. We weren't the only ones who stood in the middle of the bridge with cameras trained on the creek.

We continued on to Bedourie and set up at the council run campground. Once we were settled and had finished lunch we wandered up to the Visitor Information Centre to pay our camp fees. We also obtained a swipe card to access the swimming pool and artesian spa.

Once again the temperature reached the high 30’s and we felt a swim would be beneficial. We walked next door to the pool and were pleasantly surprised to find a large swimming pool, with a shade structure overhead, and a smaller artesian pool. We found the artesian water a bit too hot, but we did spend quite a bit of time in the swimming pool, floating around on the pool noodles that are thoughtfully provided. We were the only ones there on the first visit, and on each subsequent visit, there were only a couple of others enjoying the water. It was a fabulous way to spend some time, and to escape the heat. Access is $10 for up to four people, and is valid for as long as you are staying in Bedourie. What a great facility! Bedourie is a well maintained, very small town which is well worth a visit.

We ended up staying for two nights so Mick could revisit the creek and other birdy spots – and the proximity to the pool made it an easy decision. After a final morning at the creek, we packed up again and moved on towards Boulia. Mick was hoping to catch sight of the Letter-wing kite along the way, and we had a potential camp spot picked out.

Cuttaburra Crossing

16 – 18 September 2023

We left Birdsville with the plan to spend a night or two at Cuttaburra Crossing. Lots of people had told us about what a great place it is and we wanted to see for ourselves. We arrived before lunch time and drove straight into what looked like a good camp spot right on the water. After walking around the area for a bit we decided we had found the best spot – absolute water views, some shade, easy access to sun for solar and not too far from the toilets.

                                       

Sitting watching the birdlife on and around the water held our attention throughout the afternoon. It definitely lived up to the expectations and Mick was like a pig in mud trying to get photos of the goings on. As an unexpected bonus the flies were nowhere near as bad as other places we had camped over the last few weeks – but there were millions of bugs at night attracted to the light. I guess you can’t have everything perfect.

Mick was up early to go down to the water near the road to look for Flock bronzewings but without success. We decided to stay a second night with a plan to have dinner early – before the bugs came out to play. It was another spectacular day on the water and even though it was very hot – 37° - we had shade in the afternoon and the entertainment helped to pass the time. As planned, we ate early and had drinks with fellow birder Paula.

If it hadn’t been so hot, we may have stayed another couple of days, but we decided to move on so packed up and headed to Bedourie.

Birdsville

13 – 16 September 2023

We left the campground and headed north again, towards Birdsville. This would be our first time in Queensland since leaving home in October 2021. Entering Queensland from South Australia would also mean another change of time zones. We arrived and were set up in the caravan park in time for lunch. Mick had been to Birdsville previously for work but this would be my first visit. Our arrival coincided with some very high forecast temperatures – mid 30’s – and we found the sudden increase a bit challenging after so long in cooler climates. We knew this would be the start of lots of hot weather and we would eventually get used to it.

We spent the afternoon quietly at the caravan park trying to escape the heat and catching up on the small mountain of washing we had accumulated. The caravan park is well set out and is just across the road from the roadhouse which doubles as the grocery store. The pub is a short walk around the corner, as is the Visitor Information Centre and Bakery, the coffee shop is only two blocks away.

After a number of very early mornings we decided to have a slower, later start to our first full day in Birdsville. After breakfast we walked down to the river at the back of the caravan park and along to the Visitor Information Centre. The centre is very well set up and was hosting an exhibition about the local area. The staff were happy to answer our questions and talk about the local attractions.

Of course there had to be some birding involved in this visit so on our second day in Birdsville we took an early morning drive the 14 kilometres out to the Waddi Trees. These ancient trees are only found in three places in Australia and Mick had been given information about some likely bird sightings there. The heat and harsh light meant that there was only a couple of hours in the early morning suitable for photography so we didn’t spend too long there. Back into town and we went for a drive to a Burke and Wills location – another tree bearing their blaze. We also had a look at the local swimming spot but unfortunately the water looked quite muddy and it was way too cold to do any more than dip your toes in.

One of the major attractions in Birdsville is the “Big Red” sand dune. We figured we should at least go out for a look, and the 35 kilometre drive in the air conditioned car would at least provide some relief from the heat. Most people take the challenge of driving to the top, but we decided against it. We were happy just to get there for a look and to take a couple of photos. No need to push the vehicle just to say we’d done it.

Arriving back into town, we decided there was another “must do” activity for us – a beer at the Birdsville Hotel. The cold beer and air conditioning was sorely needed and very much appreciated. We walked back to camp and had a couple more drinks with birding friend Paula who was also staying there.

Mick decided he needed one more session at the Waddi Trees before we left so he headed out early while I started to pack up the camp. He was back in plenty of time to finish packing and leave well before the 10:00 am check-out time. We had to fuel up and re-inflate the tyres as we would be travelling on bitumen for most of the rest of our journey. We called in to the café for a coffee before hitting the road and ended up staying quite a while chatting with the owner who is also a keen photographer. She told us stories of going out on country with her father, and the expeditions she has taken with anthropologists, archaeologists, geologists and other academics, visiting and documenting significant sites. One day she hopes to use her developing photography skills to share her cultural knowledge. It was fantastic how a simple cup of coffee lead to such an interesting conversation.

Back on the road and we continued north towards Bedourie.