Four Week Trip to Western Queensland - Part 1

Trip To Blackbraes National Park August-September 2026

29th August Day 1

We left Julatten about 9.30am (11,8261km on the Prado) and headed off towards Mareeba. We had planned to stop at Centenary Park for our coffee, but it was market day and the park was packed out so we kept going towards Atherton. Stopped at Rocky Creek Memorial Park (10.45am 118343km) to have our coffee. Birds were very scarce here as the adjacent area had recently been burnt, one lone melaleuca was flowering and attracting a few Brown Honeyeater, two Yellow Honeyeater and a male Rufous Whistler all recorded in a 20 minute survey.

Yellow Honeyeater

Then stopped in Atherton to buy a new lockable hitch pin due to our old one having seized and not working. Back on the road we stopped at Mt. Hypipamee National Park (12.15pm 118380km) for lunch. It was cool 14ºC and overcast with a few light showers, so we had a cup-of-soup to go with our sandwich. The cool temperature was probably why the birds were not very active. The usual scroungers headed our way looking for handouts, Australian Brush Turkey, Grey-headed Robin and Lewin’s Honeyeater along with Pale-yellow Robin plus a couple of Grey Fantail (keasti). We could hear a Fan-tail Cuckoo, White-throated Treecreeper and a Victoria’s Riflebird.

Grey Fantail (keasti)

Grey-headed Robin

We had our lunch and left at 12.50pm heading to Ravenshoe and then onto Mt. Garnett (2.12pm, 118455km), where we fuelled up at the top store $2.56lt. Stopped off at Bill Brotherton Park on the way out of town to brew up a cup of coffee. We then found the gas bottle was empty so had to switch it over - don’t remember it running out on our last trip. Had our coffee and back on the road (2.37pm) to Pinnarendi. The road was pretty quiet and we were in no hurry, arriving at Pinnarendi at 3.30pm (118509km). The camp ground was very busy and looked nearly full as was the reception area with people booking in. Eventually got to the front of the queue and caught up with Nadine who then managed to arrange a take away pizza for our dinner as the café was fully booked. Found a space in amongst the other caravans and camper trailers, then organised the quick overnight set up by leaving the main tent stowed and using the rear hard-lid and insect screen. Also left the quick awning stowed away as there was no forecast of any rain.

Had a rest before going for a walk to Garden Dam.

Nothing on the dam but had 14 species around it including a Common Bronzewing, Whistling Kite flying over, Noisy Miner, Little and Noisy Friarbird plus two Eastern Grey Kangaroo.

Noisy Miner

Eastern Grey Kangaroo

We continued along the track to Big Dam, which was also quiet, one Australasian Grebe on the water, one Australasian Darter with a Little Pied Cormorant perched on a dead tree, two Masked Lapwing along the muddy bank. A few birds were in the surrounding woodland including three Grey Fantail, a female Leaden Flycatcher, a female Rufous Whistler, in all 16 species.

Grey Fantail

Back at camp we had some winging young Galah plus several Noisy Miner being fed by adult birds. The temperature was starting to drop quite quickly with a cool wind blowing. A warm coffee and a few nibbles before we headed off to get our pizza. Back to the camp to eat our delicious pizza. Had an early night, 9.30 to bed.

30th August Day 2

We had a great nights sleep. Awoke to 11ºC, not too cold. Had a welcome coffee to wake us up before a breakfast bowl of porridge. Got organised and walked down to No1 dam to look for a reported leucistic Grey Fantail which had been seen here 10 days ago. We were hopeful but disappointed we did not see it, bit of a stretch to see it after 10 days. A Pacific Black-Duck flew off as we arrived and an Australasian Darter was fishing before it climbed out and walked along the edge. Took a few photos on the muddy edge before it climbed onto a fallen branch and spread its’ wings to dry.

Australasian Darter

Walked back to big dam and took some photos of a Little Pied Cormorant and an Australasian Darter perched together on a dead branch.

Australasian Darter and Little Pied Cormorant

A few birds were in the surrounding woodland including Little and Noisy Friarbird feeding in Grevillea pteridifolia.

Grevillea pteridifolia

Garden Dam was very quiet with one Straw-necked Ibis flying over being the only bird we did not see here yesterday, total five birds in 20 minutes. Back to the T-van to pack up and move off to the café for morning coffee and a biscuit, said goodbye to Nadine and left Pinnarendi (10.47 am, 118510km). Headed towards Hughenden along the Hann Highway, passing The Oasis Roadhouse and turning off at the Blackbraes National Park after 204km non-stop from Pinnarendi. The Hann Highway was very quiet with little traffic, doubt we saw more than 20 cars/caravans plus half a dozen trucks. With most of the road sealed now we could keep up a steady pace until we approached the Blackbraes National Park section of road which had some serious potholes due to flooding several months ago. Followed the entry road 4km to the homestead, which is now a collection of three houses and workshop. Gone was the old school we stayed in some 20 odd years ago. Had a late lunch here before heading along the 18.9km track to Emu Dam campsite, definitely 4WD only. Parked up and walked along the dam wall to another camping area, which we had been to before. Checked out the dam road and site which were all OK, so returned to the car and drove across.

Emu Dam Crossing

We set up camp before a restorative coffee and a rest whilst overlooking the dam. Mainly Australasian Grebe and Green Pygmy Goose with one Cotton Pygmy Goose, plus a few Black Swan, Plumed and Great Egret and Little Pied Cormorant.

Blackbraes National Park - Emu Swamp Camp

We enjoyed the peace and quiet with no other campers and only bird song to disturb it. Checked out the Prado batteries to see if they had charged up on our 226km journey from Pinnarendi but they were still showing 2% and 3% charged, the same as it was when we left. However the charge in the battery was showing 13.6 volts, which did not make much sense as the car was still starting OK, so must have had a full charge. Looks like the Battery Management System was not recording correctly. Relaxed until the evening meal and the sun going down to reveal the stars above.

Emu Dam Sunset

After the meal we sat watching the stars and lots of satellites going over. Some of which appeared to be satellites were behaving strangely and appeared to be turning around and going back the way they came – UFO’s! Very early night after a tiring day.

31st August Day 3

Had a good nights sleep and awoke to 9ºC. A warming coffee got us going before a stroll along the dam wall. Much the same birds as yesterday with a few additions including 53 Hardhead, three Australian Pelican, 34 Little Black Cormorant, one White-bellied Sea-Eagle, one Straw-necked Ibis and one Nankeen Kestrel flying over.

Nankeen Kestrel

There was also an increase in Cotton Pygmy-goose with 12 counted. Back for breakfast which we decided was going to be a cooked one as a treat. Egg, bacon, tomatoes and baked beans! After this we had to go for another walk along the dam and into the main campground which was also empty. Only new bird was Black-faced Cuckooshrike. There were 13 Straw-necked Ibis on the edge of the water in a more natural environment than suburban lawns!

Straw-necked Ibis

It had started to warm up by the time we got back to camp so we relaxed under our awning and watched the birds on the dam. After lunch we had a short snooze before checking out the birds on the dam again. By now it was getting hot 27ºC and the birds were hiding and quiet so switched to try and get a few photos of the numerous dragonflies flying around. Graphic Flutterer was around our camp, but most action was down by the water.

Graphic Flutterer

Other dragonflies and damselfly seen were Blue Skimmer, Wandering Percher and Common Bluetail.

Blue Skimmer

Wandering Percher

Common Bluetail

A Pied Butcherbird was bringing sticks to a tree, but dropping them when it arrived, either too big, too small or inexperienced at nest building. A quiet afternoon reading and catching up with the diary. Spent to evening star gazing, not so many satellites tonight.

1st September Day 4

An early start to the day to begin packing up the T-van whilst a Pied Butcherbird was giving us a farewell song.

Pied Butcherbird

We had decided to head for home and get our battery problem sorted before we headed into more remote areas. Managed to conduct a 20 minute survey of the dam before breakfast and finishing the packing. Drove out and across the dam wall, passing the other campsite and spotting two Nankeen Kestrel perched in a tree.

Nankeen Kestrel

An uneventful journey to The Oasis Roadhouse, where we stopped to have a stretch and our coffee. Continued on north and saw our first Wedge-tailed Eagle for the trip flying over the road before we reached Mount Garnet for a stop at Bill Brotherton Park for our afternoon coffee break.

Wedge-tailed Eagle

The resident Great Bowerbird bower in the park had moved since we saw it on a previous trip, mainly due to the council (?) removing several trees causing the birds to re-locate. Two birds were attending the bower, both moving objects and placing sticks in the structure, which is now more exposed under another tree.

Great Bowerbird

Back on the road we continue on passing through Ravenshoe, Mount Hypipamee NP (rare that we past by here and not stop!), Atherton, Mareeba and then home arriving just after 4.00pm. Big day completing 469km. Hopefully we will continue our journey after we resolve the battery problem.

Unforeseen Mystery Tour!

We planned a trip away for a three week break in between other commitments. Our plan was to go to Kurumba in the Gulf of Carpentaria, via Georgetown and Normanton to Cloncurry and back to the coast at Townsville. From here we could travel north towards Cairns, calling in at a few National Parks we had not visited for some years. However, plans changed while we were on the road.

Trip Diary June 9th

Headed off before 9.00am stopping at Mareeba to stock up on food for the trip before a break at Centenary Park for morning coffee. From here we headed towards Atherton and beyond to Mt. Hypipamee National Park (The Crater) picnic area. Here we had our sandwiches purchased in Mareeba, which turned out to be white bread, not the multigrain that Lindsay had asked for. Birds were pretty quiet here but not surprising as it was mid-day, a normal time for birds to be less active. Most birds we heard, but a few scroungers showed up in the picnic area, Australia Brushturkey, Lewin's Honeyeater and Grey-headed Robin.

Grey-headed Robin

Then onto Mt Garnet via Ravenshoe where we stopped to refuel, diesel was $2.09 at the top shop ($2.30 on the other side of town at the BP servo!). Uneventful next leg of the journey, but we did see a couple of Wedge-tailed Eagle at the side of the road. Arrived at Pinnarendi Station Stay and The Brick Oven just after 3.00pm. Caught up with Nadine at the Brick Oven Café/reception. 

Pinnarendi Station Stay Brick Oven Café and Reception

Set up camp in our normal area of the campground. Keith took a walk to the Garden Dam then we took it easy for the rest of the day and evening.

Pinnarendi Campground

Rain overnight, still some drizzle in the morning. A group of Galah with a begging juvenile were in the camping area making a noise at dawn and an immature Australian Magpie came around the camp looking to share our breakfast. The magpie was out of luck as we had porridge for breakfast.

Two Adult and one juvenile (middle bird)

Australian Magpie - immature

Decided to take a chance on a walk to Garden Dam when the weather partially cleared, but as we started the threatening clouds started building up again before a few sprinkles of rain fell. Not enough rain to stop our walk though, so we continued onto Garden Dam where yesterdays two Australasian Grebe were still swimming around. Also here was a White-faced Heron who decided to fly off in the direction of Big Dam. The surrounding vegetation contained a few melaleuca's that were in flower attracting lots of birds; Noisy Miner, Noisy Friarbird, Brown Honeyeater and Blue-faced Honeyeater. A Pale-headed Rosella was also foraging in the trees. Then continued onto Big Dam where more flowering melaleuca's were attracting more honeyeaters. Big Dam was very quiet with only 4 Pacific Black Duck and 2 Australasian Grebe on it. In the dead flooded trees was an Australasian Darter and presumably the White-faced Heron from Garden Dam. The surrounding trees contained many more birds including Lewin’s and Scarlet Honeyeater. A male Rufous Whistler was quietly going about his business as was a Grey Fantail. From here the next stop was No 1 Dam, which was devoid of any birds, but the surrounding vegetation had Red-winged Parrot, Pale-headed Rosella and Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike.

Black-faced Cuckoo-shrike

The drizzle had returned so we headed back to camp in time for lunch. Took it easy in the afternoon, having a shower and catching up on bird surveys. In the evening we headed off to the café for pizza night and shared a table with five others. Good evening with plenty of stories to swap along with many different pizza varieties which were excellent. Everyone enjoyed the pizzas, we bailed out on a few varieties as we were full and did not want the ones with anchovies. The sunny afternoon had turned into a drizzly evening and we retired to the T-van for our usual evening decaf coffee and an early night.

Nadine and Ronnie Making Their Delicious Pizzas

June 11th

Awoke to an overcast morning with rain in the air. Had a coffee and started to pack up, cleaned the inside of tent first before packing it away. Had breakfast before continuing the pack up, all was going good until we tried the quick awning. We had forgotten the correct procedure so reverted to a you tube video to refresh our minds, finally got it packed. Called into the café to say goodbye to Nadine and had a coffee. Stayed a bit longer talking to a couple from Melbourne then headed off for Georgetown. Stopped a Mt. Surprise for a toilet break, then continued on to Georgetown. This stretch of the road has long been a challenge for us due to the sections of single lane and vehicles driving to fast flicking up stones, resulting in two cracked windscreens and a cracked side window over the years. However, we were pleasantly surprised to find some widening of the road in some single lane sections and a new bridge being built, probable due to recent flooding causing damage.

Stephan Creek Between Mt Surprise and Georgetown

Arrived in Georgetown and stopped of at Greens Park for our lunch, this has become our lunch stop over our previous visits. Had lunch and emptied the Porta Potti at the dump point then continued on to Cumberland Dam, 20km west.

Cumberland Dam Chimney

We arrived to find the lower camp fenced off and access to the water and viewing platform also closed off. Luckily there were not too many others camped at the top area so we found a spot and set up camp.

Cumberland Dam Camp

Decided to have a break and went birding down by the dam, ended up with 42 species. Most prominent were Plumed-whistling Duck with many other waterbirds including, Magpie Goose, Comb-crested Jacana, Green Pygmy-goose, Australian Wood Duck, several species of Egret – Cattle, Plumed (Intermediate) and Great. Three Brolga flew in and two Red-tailed Black Cockatoo came in for a drink. Download a free PDF copy of Bird Field Guide for Gulf and Cape York.

Plumed Whistling-Duck

Magpie Goose

Back to the T-van where we found an electrical problem with the Redarc screen just having a couple of question marks where normally the percentage of battery charge remaining would be displayed. The solar and 12v charging light were still showing, so had to spend time checking out the connections and fuses, all seemed OK.

By now it was time for an afternoon coffee and a relax before dinner. Lindsay cooked up some pork mince. We managed to send a message to Jason at Horizon Campers (T-Van agent in Townsville) and after a few messages back and forth we arrange to go down to Townsville for his auto electrician to look at it next Monday, hopefully. As the evening progressed so did the wind strength making boiling a kettle of water outside difficult. Did manage a cupper before an early night.

June 12th

Restless night sleep, awake at 6.00am. Cooled down to 16ºC in the morning so back to jeans and jacket. Spent time doing a survey across the dam, a few different birds to yesterday and not quite so many. Back for breakfast then packed up, had some correspondence with Jason about our electrical gremlins. Met a bus load of tourists from Heritage Tours and had a chat with the tour leader/bus driver. On our way out we checked the large bird information sign near the chimney, spot the mistake with a bird name. Why can't birders be involved in checking the signage before the final proof?

Section of Bird Interpretive Sign - Note the Suckooshrike!

Noticed a few birds in the other (Toxic) Dam, not a lot on it, nothing new from the main dam, but birds were using it unlike previous visits. Did see some Black-faced Woodswallow and a White-winged Triller in the surrounding trees. Near the main highway there were a couple of Red-backed Kingfisher.

Red-backed Kingfisher

Drove back to Greens Park in Georgetown to look at the electrical panel as a message on the Redarc screen said blown fuse so had to dismantle the panel again to change the fuse, but it did not fix the problem. Meanwhile Jason had phoned Redarc in South Australia who gave him a few ideas to try and find the problem. I tried these tests narrowing it down to a faulty battery sensor. Jason said he would order one for next Monday, so we had to go to Townsville. He also suggested we go to Greenvale and camp out the back of the hotel and have a meal there. We decided to go to Greenvale via Forsayth and Einasleigh, stopping at Forsayth for lunch. The road to Einasleigh was bitumen and we had never actually driven it before - lots of bends and hills, but little traffic. Stopped at Einasleigh for afternoon coffee then off to the Kennedy Highway. We saw a pair of Brolga alongside the road before we came across five Wedge-tailed Eagle feasting on a carcass in the middle of the road, two of them flew into a nearby dead tree, highlight of the days birding.

Brolga

Wedge-tailed Eagle

Once we reached the highway we only had a short distance to travel before we turned off onto the Charters Towers Road to drive the 55km. to Greenvale. Arrived in Greenvale and quickly found the Three Rivers Hotel with the campground out the back. A few other campers were here, set up and had a cuppa. In the evening we went over to the bar to order a meal and have a drink. Waited 45 minutes for a pretty ordinary meal, not impressed. Jason (Horizon Caravans) who recommended it must have stayed on one of their good nights!

Back to relax before bed and to write up this diary.

June 13th

Cool morning, 8ºC. After a warming coffee we went for a walk around town and along the edge of the golf course. Plenty of Rainbow Lorikeet, Little Corella and Torresian Crow plus a couple of Great Bowerbird and Pied Butcherbird giving us a great rendition of their call.

Great Bowerbird

Back to camp to pack up and have a cooked breakfast as it began to heat up and layers were taken off. Set off as far as the Greenvale Road House, where we stopped for a coffee, which turned out to be a very good one. Then on to the road towards Charters Towers, which was very quiet with little traffic. Stopped at a couple of rest areas before arriving at Fletcher Creek, our overnight destination, just in time for lunch. The road from Greenvale was notable for the number of corvids on it (could not pick out any Ravens from the more obvious Torresian Crow).

Found a spot to set up camp easily as there were not too many other vans and motorhomes around, unlike other times when we have driven past and it has been wall to wall campers.

Fletcher Creek, Overnight Set-up

Had lunch and a snooze before finding some shade to sit and have a coffee. Went for a walk to the amenities block and had a chat with a couple who had 3 dogs and been on the road for 2 years. Back to camp to have afternoon nibbles and a decaf coffee, whilst looking at the map for places to go after Townsville, still not decided. Had pork sausage, potatoes and veggies for dinner, Evening spent inside as the temperature started to drop to 15ºC. Early night to snuggle up. Not many birds today, which just about sums up the trip apart from Cumberland Dam.

June 14th

Not quite so cold this morning 11ºC. Took a few photos of the creek before a cooked breakfast.

Fletchers Creek Beside Campground

Packed up and headed towards Charters Towers on a very quiet road, one car overtook us and a few cars were escaping Charters Towers. Arrived in Charters Towers and headed to Centenary Park where we had morning coffee and a snack. Nice park, but not many tables and chairs. Had a go on the exercise equipment which was a good idea. We were entertained by a group of about 50 Blue-faced Honeyeaters causing havoc! We had sent a message to a friend, Laura, who is living in Charters Towers, to see if we could visit her, but she was in Townsville! So we agreed to try and meet her there. Set off for Townsville with again not much traffic on the road until we neared Townsville.

We headed down to Pallarenda and found a parking spot to have some lunch and a rest. Organised Laura and her partner Jack to meet us at our lunch stop for coffee. Had a pleasant time catching up before they headed back to Charters Towers and we booked into Rowes Bay Caravan Park on a powered site this time. Set up before we both had welcome showers before we visited our 99 year old friend who still lives on her own and is as bright as a button. Keith used to work with her husband when we lived in Darwin in the 70's-80's. We spent a few hours catching up before returning to the T-van and having dinner. Early to bed as screeching car tyres and sirens from police/ambulance rang out. Much warmer here 21º C in the evening. Another early night.

June 15th

Did an early morning survey at the Caravan Park, heard Barking Owl calling and were entertained by Sulphur-crested Cockatoo trying to get a drink from the water tap.

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

After getting organised we went for a walk along beach front, not a lot happening here, a few Silver Gull on the beach at high tide and a flock of 26 Masked Lapwing flying from the Townsville Common direction towards the city. Back for breakfast and a trip to O’Brien’s windscreen repairers to see if we could fix the chip on our windscreen, they said they could and to bring it over tomorrow at 8.00am. Then back to the Caravan Park, Jason let us know the part to fix our battery sensor had arrived at the Auto Electricians and to go to his place first for directions. Had trouble with the hitch on the T-van/ Prado which involved taking the jockey wheel apart to free it up, because of this we missed out on lunch. Got directions to the auto electrician and drove over leaving the T-van before heading for some lunch at a local shopping centre. Ended up with a late lunch, cheese and ham croissant plus a cheese and mushroom filo pastry washed down with a coffee. After a while decided to drive back to the electricians and got a call on the way to say the fault had been fixed. Spent sometime at the electricians setting up the batteries before calling into Jason’s again for him to complete the setting up process. Back to the caravan park where another friend called through the fence for a quick chat and an invite to go to his place for drinks tomorrow. After dinner and a relaxing evening catching up on bird survey input, an early night was in order.

June 16th

Up early to take the Prado in to get the windscreen chip fixed, only took about 40 minutes. Back to the park before going out again, this time to the Townsville Adventure Kings 4x4 shop to see if they had the 12v electric blanket they had been advertising. They had some which were on a special half price deal, but when we got to the counter to pay found out it was also 2 for 1 as well. Bargain if they work. Also bought an Anderson plug socket to fit in the car and replace the cigarette plug on the fridge lead, which had been coming loose.

Back for lunch and a snooze before Jason arrived to put modified clips onto our awning (to replace wingnuts), making it easier to adjust them. Temperature was showing 36ºC. quite hot.

Modified Locking Clamp

Drove down to Pallarenda for a short walk, then back to have our showers. Next off to another friends house for a drink and get up to date with each others news. On our way around to the caravan park we noticed the pizza van was parked across from the van park so we bought one for our dinner on the way back, not bad and an easy meal. Evening spent catching up with the diary and bird surveys as the temperature dropped to 21ºC.

June 17th

Up early to get ready to meet up with birding friends Chris and Len at the Townsville Town Common. Arrived at 8.00am and Chris and Len arrived a few minutes later. We stood around chatting then another birding acquaintance Tony arrived so we set off together stopping along the road to do some 20 minute surveys. Few Bush birds, Brown-backed and Brown Honeyeater, Little Friarbird and Leaden Flycatcher all female.

Leaden Flycatcher - female

Waterbirds were in low numbers due to high water level and plenty of alternative wetlands in the region, but as these dry out more birds will use the Townsville Common. Waterbirds included Royal Spoonbill, Magpie Goose, Grey Teal, Comb-crested Jacana, Great, Plumed and Cattle Egret. 

 

Royal Spoonbill

A few raptors were around, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Swamp Harrier, Black Kite and Australian Kestrel. 

 

White-bellied Sea-Eagle

When we had finished at the common our next stop was a butcher/grocer shop to get some bread and meat before heading back to the T-van and lunch. After lunch had a snooze before going out to see our friend and fellow photographer Ian for a coffee and a chat. Then it was shopping at the supermarket and a walk along the Strand with strong cool winds blowing. Usual town birds along here, Peaceful Dove, Rainbow Lorikeet, Australasian Figbird, Magpie-lark, Common Myna, Scaly-breasted Myna and House Sparrow. The last three species are all introduced and not natives.

Magpie-lark - female

Then off for an early dinner with another friend at a Thai restaurant, very nice meal. Back to the T-van to clean up and write up the diary plus catch up on e-Bird surveys.

June 18th

Awoke to an overcast drizzly morning. Time to clean up everything before breakfast. Went to the cookshed to have breakfast, whilst watching the end of the England-Croatia world cup football match, England won 4-2.

Match in Progress!

Both had showers before finishing packing the T-van and said farewell to a couple of Varied Honeyeater who were calling to us as we left. We had found that most of the National Parks on the coast will still closed after the wet season and also rain was forecast, so we headed inland once more.

Varied Honeyeater

Left the park as the drizzle continued and followed the signs to Charters Towers. Had a slight detour as we missed one turn off, but eventually got back onto the right road. The drizzle eventually eased off and stopped just passed Woodstock. Stopped at the Reid River Rest Area for morning coffee then continued up the range towards Charters Towers. Plenty of trucks on the road, some chasing us to go faster. Stopped in Charters Towers at Brownson Park for a loo break. It was then 88km to Campasie Rest Area, where we had stopped on previous occasions. For most of this journey we were stuck behind a road train and were glad to pull off and watch it disappeared into the distance. Had lunch and continued on to the Burra Range, where we pulled off the main road to take the 10km track to the White Mountains National Park Canns Campground Creek. This area is known for its diverse flora. To make the most of the plants found here you can download a great publication - "Plants of the Burra Range-White Mountains National Park" by Betsey R. Jackes. This is a PDF book allowing easier identification of plants with lots of photos and information. 

Lots of flowering Grevillea decora and acacias along the way.

Grevillea decora

Arrived at the campsite and found the No. 1 site we had booked had too much of a slope on it for our rig and as all the campsites were unoccupied we made a decision to go to our favourite site No.8, where we had camped before. Set up on this site before a coffee. Not much bird life apart from the noisy ones, Noisy Miner, Blue-faced Honeyeater, Laughing Kookaburra, Pied Currawong plus a Pheasant Coucal.

Pheasant Coucal

Quiet night with the campsite to ourselves. The temperature started to drop quickly so more layers were put on.

June 19th

Heard a Southern Boobook calling in the night. It was a cold start to the day 9ºC. After a warming coffee went for a walk along the creek and logged down a 20 minute survey, managed 14 species, but it was hard work. Five Red-tailed Black Cockatoo flew over and a single Little Friarbird was foraging in a grevillea.

Little Friarbird

Back for a cooked breakfast fried egg with beans on toast, started to warm up by now. Went for a walk along the access road, through the Ironbark forest, which was very quiet. A few Rufous Whistler, a Grey Fantail and a couple of Willie Wagtail seem to have this habitat to themselves.

Rufous Whistler - female

Walked about a kilometre before we turned around. Back to camp and morning coffee. A ranger came to clean the toilet, after which we had a talk with him and gleaned some information about The Lakes National Park and Blackbraes National Park (adjacent to each other). The Lakes was still having some infrastructure put in and was quite wet in places plus it might have been dodgy turning around with the T-van. So we decided to call into Blackbraes National Park instead. Had a rest until lunch. In the afternoon a couple of day visitors came and went. I took a walk along the Poison Creek Road, which leads to a swamp. We had thought of driving to the swamp, but as we had visited there on a previous trip we decided against it. Good move as the sandy track started off by having many broken tree roots sticking up with the potential to get punctures 100%! Walked about a kilometre and not seeing much bird life in the Ironbark trees turned around and came back to the creek for another walk along it. Did my good deed for the day by rescuing two butterflies from sticky Sundew plants (drosera) plants in the sandy creek bed.

Sundew and Butterfly

Again few birds. Spent the rest of the afternoon writing up the diary. Just after 5.00pm a few black clouds appeared and a strong wind accompanied them, luckily nothing else came along. The wind eventually died down. Had some nice good quality sausages for dinner. Quiet evening with two camps who had arrived in the late afternoon.

June 20th

Up at 6.00am for coffee before heading off for a walk, this time went right at the creek and followed it for nearly a kilometre when I found a bird wave  with 8 Striated Pardalote, White-throated Honeyeater, Grey-crowned Babbler, Weebill and Red-winged Parrot

Grey-crowned Babbler

Back to camp for porridge to warm up as the temperature rose to 14ºC, not as cold as yesterday’s 9ºC. After breakfast we packed up and left at 9.50am. Stopped along the road several times to photograph flowering Melaleuca and Grevillea.

Fibrebark Melaleuca nervosa

Grevillea decora

Grevillea sessilis

Pulled over just before the highway for morning coffee. Then onto Torrens Creek where we took the Aramac Road, which is now sealed unlike our last trip along here when it was a rough gravel road. After about 80km we reached the Moorrinya National Park turn off and followed the unsealed track to the Shirley Shearing Shed campground (16.7km). Reached the campsite to find uninspiring burnt areas for the sites, found our site and set up before lunch.

Moorinya National Park, Shirley Shearing Shed Campground

After lunch we had relax before heading down to the creek where we could hear plenty of bird sounds. Australian Darter seemed the most prolific with at least 18, 7 of them took off and soared around  overhead for a photo opportunity of in flight shots. Also flying around were Great and Plumed Egret plus 3 Yellow-billed Spoonbill. 

Australasian Darter

Australasian Darter

Plenty of other birds including Spiny-cheeked and Singing Honeyeater, White-plumed Honeyeater (one of the most prolific birds in the outback) and Zebra Finch our first sightings of these species for our trip. Other interesting birds were a couple of Spotted Bowerbird, a pair of Whistling Kite building a nest, four White-necked Heron plus one White-faced Heron and three Grey Shrike-thrush ssp. harmonica who insisted on following me around! In all 32 species.

Grey Shrike-thrush ssp. harmonica 

Just on dusk the Torresian Crow which had been making a noise since we arrived headed of from further down the creek, presumably to a roost site, in all 76 flew past. Lovely sunset clouds to take photos of before dinner. 

Moorinya National Park

Moorinya National Park

Played a few hands of cards before an early night with only one other camp.

June 21st

Pretty good nights sleep, not too cold, 10ºC in the morning which did not last long as it soon started to warm up. However, the early morning rise to see the sunrise was a bit disappointing, plenty of clouds, but little colour. Went for a walk along the creek to the south where most of the waterbirds seemed to be. Looked like volcanic rock, which formed numerous small waterholes which probably trapped fish for the birds to get an easy meal. Found a few new birds for the list including Little Pied Cormorant, Royal Spoonbill, Red-backed Kingfisher, Cockatiel. Just on dawn the Torresian Crow seen leaving yesterday returned, counted 75, amazing as 76 were counted leaving! 24 Red-winged Parrot also flew in.

Red-winged Parrot

A few Plumed Egret were flying along the waterhole and a pair of Whistling Kite were building a nest.

Plumed Egret

Porridge for breakfast then a leisurely pack up before we left at 10.00am. Drove the 16.7km to the main road, where Lindsay took over driving for about 70km. Then I drove into Torrens Creek for morning coffee and to catch up with the internet. Whilst here a Brown Falcon landed nearby being chased by Blue-faced Honeyeater and Australian Magpie.

Brown Falcon

Uneventful drive for the 90km to Hughenden. Headed to Robert Gray Memorial Park alongside the Flinders River for a late lunch at the same spot we had been before. Had our first Yellow-throated Miner for the trip here.

Yellow-throated Miner

Then went off to find the hospital as Lindsay had a tip from her hearing aid lodged in her right ear. Being Sunday it was very quiet with nobody obviously around so we left and booked in at the Allen Terry Caravan Park. Set up camp before a welcome shower in the not so exciting amenities block. However the showers were most welcome. Spent the rest of the afternoon getting organised. In the late afternoon large flocks of birds flew overhead to roost sites nearby. 80+ Galah, 100 + Little Corella, 100+ Rainbow Lorikeet and in the Campground 44 Apostlebird were foraging on the grassy sections. A Nankeen Kestrel was perched nearby where we had seen an Australian Hobby years before.

Nankeen Kestrel and Galah

After dinner spent the evening catching up on e-Bird surveys.

June 22nd

Cold morning down to 9ºC, had porridge for breakfast again to warm up. First up we went to the Hughenden Hospital to see if we could get Lindsay's ear cleared of the hearing aid tip. Waited around for a hour with a visit from a young nurse who was very helpful, but admitted taking the tip out was beyond her experience. Then had to wait for a doctor, so I headed off to fill the car with diesel. Went to the self serve where we had been before, it was $2.06lt. A service station near the hospital was $2.29! The other garage across the road from the self serve had no prices advertised. Went back to the hospital, where the doctor said the same as the nurse, beyond her expertise. She said she would get in touch with the doctor at the health clinic so I went back to the caravan park and packed up the T-van. Back to the hospital to pick up Lindsay as nobody in Hughenden was game to attempt to remove the tip. Decided to go to the Whistling Dam near Porcupine Gorge for lunch, however we missed the entrance road so kept going. Eventually found a shady spot under a tree at the turn off to Pretty Plains Station and had lunch with views of cattle. A few birds were around including some Crested Pigeon.

Crested Pigeon

Back on the road we found a new rest area with a toilet a further 4km from our lunch stop. Then off on the sealed road until we got near Blackbraes National Park where the road was unsealed for about 20km. This section had been hit with the floods a few months ago with the surrounding wetlands covering and washing away segments. We had decided not to go into Blackbraes National Park and kept going to the sealed section where there was still quite a bit of damage with some roadworks necessitating traffic lights for single lane traffic. Quite a few potholes to be avoided. We made good time to the Oasis Roadhouse, about 4hrs with two stops from Hughenden, in contrast to a previous journey when it was unsealed taking 9hrs in muddy slippery conditions. Got to Pinnarendi Station just after 5.00pm and booked in with Nadine and set up camp next to a Track Trailer Topaz caravan. Had a chat with the Topaz couple. Just time for a quick 20 minute survey before dinner, all the usual campground birds Crested Pigeon, Galah, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Grey Butcherbird and Australian Magpie.

Grey Butcherbird

Had a quiet evening.

June 23rd

Up for the final leg back home. Slow pack up before having a coffee at the Brick House Café. Said farewell to Nadine and got onto the road to Mt. Garnett, uneventful journey following a slow truck part of the way. Passed through the town and continued on to Ravenshoe for a loo stop. Then onto Mt. Hypipamee for lunch with rain threatening, but did not amount to much. Sat in the shelter having some lunch in the picnic area whilst a few birds hung around looking for handouts, they should know by now they will not get anything from us! Grey-headed Robin and Australian Brushturkey were the main scroungers.

Grey-headed Robin

Then off to the Atherton Hospital to get Lindsay’s ear seen to. Booked in and did not have to wait long before we got to see a doctor. He had a look and said there was nothing in the ear, so we had to believe that was the case - it must have come out of it's own accord! Next stop was Mareeba, where we decided to get a coffee, at The Big Hat where the Courtyard Café is located inside the store. Their were still a few showers still around, but we managed to avoid most them. After the coffee break were were on the last leg home via the dump point at Rifle Creek (Mt. Molloy) to empty the Porta Potti, then we reach home getting back sooner than we had planned. Well most of the trip was not as planned, but it was good to get away.