Longreach

Sunset on the Thomson River.

A short video of the Paddle Wheeler cruise.

We arrived at Longreach right on lunchtime. Checked into the Longreach Tourist Park for two nights, set up and had lunch. After lunch we went into Longreach and enquired about the Outback Pioneers Tours to be told they were booked out for the two nights we had booked into Longreach for. So, we phoned the park to see if we could extend for a night which was OK. So we now have two tickets for the Captain Starlight’s Paddle Wheeler dinner cruise on the Saturday evening and are now spending 3 nights in Longreach. Back to the van for washing and dinner prep. On the Friday morning we headed out to the Qantas Founders Museum and took a double ticket allowing us to visit the Stockmans Hall of Fame as well. Both were really great to visit and realise the spirit this great country is built on. The photos will tell the story hopefully. Both sites are well worth the visit.

On Saturday we attended the Longreach Country Race Meeting. Again another enjoyable afternoon with $2.50 each way bets, fashion parade and young attendees fashion parade. We were allowed access to the members stand and could easily see the saddle up and weigh in as well we were right on the finish line by a slight angle.

My first race was a disappointment as Pimpmyride was scratched despite my thorough form study. So I asked for an each way bet on Flossy but when I checked my ticket the bookie had taken it out as a Win. Yes my horse came 3^rd. Dallas picked Boy in a Million eachway and won $5.00. Race 2 Judy Hunt had text for Race 2 Horse 2 each way. The horses name was Clearwater, quite an omen with our Murphy connections, it came 3^rd and we discovered the bookie could choose not to pay out 3^rd place, which he did! Dallas picked Boingo which came in 2^nd, not bad after winning at Blacky the week before. I had a Star is Born which ran 2^nd to last! Race 3 Dallas picked Italian Son while I picked Stylish Luck all to no avail. Race 4 had to be our last as we had to get ready for the Captain Starlight Paddle Wheeler Cruise and Dinner. Dallas picked Holey Gadoley while I went for Wicked Woody. Holey Gadoley did not place while Wicked Woody won on a photo finish. The $16.00 win replaced some bet money and made the day a little better.

Back at the camp we prepared for the Outback Pioneers Starlight’s Cruise Experience and what an experience it was. As well Outback Pioneers run a Cobb and Co Stage Coach experience, Harry Redford Old Time Tent Show, Billy Can Lunch and the NOGO Station Experience. If you are in Longreach you must attend at least one of these events they are a laugh a minute. The bus drive said was a bit late picking us up cos he got caught up with some Free Campers on the way in looking for some free toilet paper! On the way out he pointed some interesting facts about the town, the old railway station was built in circa 1918, Queensland Railways were true to form when they discovered it never been opened so being an organisation that always gets things done in 2018 they got the Australian Governor General up to Longreach to open the Railway Station.

We soon arrived on the banks of the Thomson River, which the driver informed us about the possums and that free campers had buggered the site up with too much rubbish so the Council has now closed it to camping. Soon we boarded the Thomson Belle Paddle Wheeler after an informative and quite funny safety briefing, like if some one falls overboard they will perform the mandatory “man overboard” drill. The Paddle Wheeler is a new build based on and about 1/3 rd the size of Emy Lou on the Murray River, she is diesel powered. However, if a woman aboard advises she does not want her man rescued then they have no choice but to follow her instructions! Onboard we all enjoyed some lovely nibbles whist we were given an informative commentary about the river particularly that the Thomson River and the Barcoo River join up and then it become the Coopers Creek, only place in the world two rivers become a creek! When we arrived at Boatman’s Bend we turned around slowly with all passengers paying attention to a balanced load so we did not overturn!

When we returned to the Thomson River Wharf we alighted and walked up to the camp fire dinner area where we were further entertained with jokes and poetry and then served a delicious camp oven stew with mash potato and bread. Following main course we were served apple pie and custard with cream. The deserts left over were placed on a tray with handles, then whirled around one of the lads head several times, after which he offered desert seconds now being Apple Turn Over. Following desert we were treated to the movie of Captain Starlight, very informative and funny. Following this we had billy tea served with damper and golden syrup we then sang the National Anthem in memory of all serving Australian services and bused back home. A great nights entertainment.