After leaving Bourke we headed north towards the border on our way to Cunumulla. Approx 10klm from the border we stopped for a cuppa coffee and scones. Whilst the husband is farming another huge property, his entrepreneurial wife heather, supplied refreshments at the front gate, whilst homeschooling the children. What a wonderful experience to grow up in.
Cunumulla, South Queensland, is 800klm west of Brisbane. With a population of 1300 people and an elevation of 189 mtr. It lies on the Warrego River, and not surprising for outback Queensland, major industries are, cattle, sheep, goat farming, along with tourism and opal mining.
Pastoralists arrived to take land from local Aboriginal people. By 1863, all of the land along the southern Warrego River had been acquired by pastoralists.
The town name of Cunnamulla is derived from the Cunnamullah, cattle station which in turn is the Aboriginal name of a deep waterhole in the Warrego River.
A settlement arose here because there was a reliable waterhole where two stock routes merged. The town itself came into being in the late 19th century as a coach stop for Cobb & Co coaches.
You’ll know you’ve arrived when you spot the Cunnamulla Fella. This larger-than-life statue is a tribute to the Aussie larrikin stockman.
After exploring some of the local sights from the Info Centre, we decided to visit Charlotte Plains sheep and cattle station and stay for a few nights, to get a taste of the outback life. A highlight was soaking in their 1890s station bore. Its inviting mineral-laden water comes straight from the Great Artesian Basin at 70deg C
Free camping here spread over a large area with over 50 vans, space to enjoy the freedom you are accustomed to in Australia, but close enough to share stories and a drink around the many fires throughout the camping area.
Ceramic baths are spread out all around, linked by the spa waters from deep underground.
Plenty of room here, no power or internet. Heaven!
Bath with a view…………….
When we arrived at Charlotte Plains, we passed through a series of gates. Sarah operated the gate and mentioned she heard a noise coming from the wheel. Once we set up at the camp site I took the wheel off and noticed the grease cap had dislodged and was freely spin in the cap.I noticed the grease had a lot of metal filings. My first thought was possible bearing failure. I was not going to take any chances, so the next day returned to Cunumulla in the car to make calls and enquire at the local mechanic RACQ. We are insured, so felt it was worth lodging the issue.
Peter, at P J’s Automotive was very helpful, (upon entering I noticed the heater was on, 16 deg beautiful sun, his wife said very cool in the mornings. I was in my shorts and T-shirt, she had a puffer jacket. Well I am from Melbourne). Peter said he could meet me at the property 50 klm away in the early afternoon.
Peter arrived, inspected, replaced the split pin which had worn off, which caused the metal fillings, re-grease, adjust brakes and was off. 2hrs travel and 1 hr on-site…..$420. Worth checking for peace of min
While wool growing and beef production are still the main industries, the new industries are organic wheat, organic chickpea, goat and lamb production.
The mighty Warrego River is on the edge of town. Kayaking, fishing, swimming … it’s the perfect place for a picnic.
A few photos of Cunumulla and surrounds.
No need for a garage up north, repair vehicles under a Sun Shade
