Toogoolawah Rail Trail

After a couple of lovely weeks catch up in Finley with Jessima and family, a sort through our few remainder belongings in readiness for moving it to Qld as part of Jessima’s relocation in 4 weeks time, we made our way to Qld dodging bush fires and storms.

Many sections of highways were closed, due to the fires, so when we got over the Great Dividing Range we felt close enough to Brisbane so stayed for a few days in Toogoolawah. 

Fires burning at nearby Ravensbourne/Crows Nest NP very close by, view from our camp.

We explored the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail in both directions on both our morning walks. The BVRT is 161 km long, from Ipswich to Yarraman. 

Thanks to Toogoolawah for a great freedom camp in the heart of town.

Awesome foot bridge

Woomera Blast Off!

Although Woomera is still an Air Force Base, it no longer tests missiles and sends satellites into space.  Base sector South, the village centre, has been opened to the public (tourists).

It is a manicured oasis in the middle of a flat dry treeless region that stretches for hours in every direction, the restricted access area is actually larger than England. It was a fascinating visit.

We had a great vantage point over Lake Hart where the missiles were launched

Missile Park in the village centre, including debris collected from Simpson Desert

The obvious choice for a  letter box

Only about a quarter of the original town is inhabited, with sections of suburban streets turned back to wasteland, but also have a bowling alley and cinema

Kangaroos feel at home too

Fun Fact #7 Bob the Railway Dog

Bob

What a great morning walk.......

Peterborough in SA is a town that loves its railway history and the home base for Bob the railway dog. He hitched daily rides on trains on the South Australian Railway, sometimes as far as Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne.  He had no one master, and went home with the Engine Driver of the day. Bob was born  c1878 and died July 1895.

We came across this true story as we walked along Peterborough’s main street. Monument and story board.

He had his own Postcards


His collar was engraved