Surat August 2010

 From Roma we went to  Surat fishing club campground.  This lovely little area is beside the river.  Just outside Surat. Where fro a donation there is water and toilets available and it is an easy walk into the centre of town.  There is also another area on the other side of the road at the boat ramp where there is a fishing platform and people are able to launch canoes etc.

 One side of the storyboard at the campground.

 This board gives a good idea of what services and what attractions are in the town

The walking track into town culminates in an exercise track with stations provided for various physical activities.

 One of the things that is rather interesting in  Surat is the old Cobb & Co changing station which has been turned into a museum.  It was more than just a changing station as it was also a store and was run a one for many years after the coaches stopped running in the district.

 Model of 1/12th scale of a Cobb& co coach

 Store section of the museum

  There seems to be a dispute as to which was the last coach to make a run in the district but not only is there the model of a coach and horses but there is one of the last coaches there too.Lynn admiring the coach.

  A short walk up the street from the museum takes you to the old shire hall. This building has recently been repainted so that it looks quite smart. The council office is now in a new modern building .

 From  Surat we drove to Cunumulla and although we planed to stay at the showgrounds there we found that they had been closed and the only place to stay was at the caravan park. It was quite a nice park and we were very pleased to be given a site next to Chris and Nick from  Tassie who we had met earlier in our travels. we had 2 days cacthing up on washing and other chores.  Chris and I both did some baking in our turbo ovens . I made a pie and Chris made biscuits.

 Heading south from there we had to be very careful where we stopped as there had been so much rain . even morning tea stops were had beside the road as in lots of places it was too wet to get off any further.

  We eventually arrived at Bourke and made enquiries about camping along the river but were advised that at Mays Bend where we wanted to go there was black soil and it wasn't recommended. Instead we camped at Kidsons Camp caravan park which is just north of the town and had lots of drive through sites. It  started to rain just after we set up and pured all night.

 Although we hadn't talked to Chris and Nick prior to finding a park we were very glad that we stayed there as when we caught up with them next they said  that a vehicle from a van had been stolen from the Caravan park in town next to them. They had to stay there as it was the only park that took dogs. they were travelling with their border collie Buddy.