WURUMA DAM VIA EIDSVOLD Qld

  I have spent the last couple of weeks with some of my close Grey Nomad friends at delightful Wuruma Dam  situated in rural SE Qld between the small towns of Eidsvold and Monto. Noted for its beautiful views and as a venue for fishing and water sports, Wuruma Dam is situated on the Nogo River between. It lies approximately a 2.5 hour drive west of Bundaberg and has a sealed road access from the Burnett Highway via Abercorn. The dam was built in three years from 1966 at a cost of $5.3 million. It is a mass gravity concrete structure with a storage capacity of 165 400 megalitres. the only downside is that there is no Phone or Internet connectivity hence, the time lapse since my last post. I have found that Internet coverage in particular is not as good here in Qld as it is in other states.
  There where 9 other Grey Nomad forum members here when I arrived, My old mates Jules and Billeeeeeee, Marj (Happy Wanderer), John (Yeoeleven), Rod (Rover), Roy (Highwayman), Paul (My Van) and John and Maryolaina (Cruizin Cruise). Except for Cruizin Cruise I had stayed with all the others at Greens Lake in Victoria last Christmas.
   From here Jules, Billeeeeeee, Marj and I intend to embark on a new adventure together over the next few months and travel to Darwin and then down the west coast of WA before crossing the Nullarbor Plain back to the east. I expect that there will be plenty to talk about and many pictures to show so why don't you come along with us.
  We have now left Wuruma and have begun the journey west along the Burnett, Capricorn and Leichardt Hwy via Biloela, Emerald. Longreach, Winton, Boulia and Mt Isa and then on to the NT border. My next post will probably be from Bedford Weir near Blackwater after a couple days drive with overnight stops at roadside free camps along the way.
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Sunset at Wuruma Dam

OAKEY CREEK - BOWENVILLE Qld

  If you are travelling NW from Toowoomba Qld along the Warrego Hwy and need some respite from the many trucks on the road, then Oakey Creek Free Camp is a good place to stop for a while. Turn off about 1 km beyond the road to Bowenville Township and continue for another 5 kms and you will find the popular site. The Camping area is huge, probably one of the biggest that you will come across during your travels. I estimate that 50 acres or more have been set aside, so if you are like me and sometimes need somewhere quiet and private to rest up for a day or two, then this is ideal. The topography is mostly flat and treeless except for the eastern side near the small Oakey Creek, the best place to set up if you are lucky enough, as I was. I enjoyed a stroll along the bank of the unspoiled, unpolluted little stream on more than one occasion. There's a good chance that there are fish to be caught for those keen enough to try and although I didn't actually see one I suspect some splashing near the waters edge may have indicated a Platypus in the area, a definite possibility according to a sign nearby.
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TEXAS Qld by the DUMARESQ RIVER

  Now we are in Qld but only just, right on the border with NSW in Texas. Its around 250 kms from Bingara via back roads that scaled even more highland ranges. I prefer not to travel more than 150 to 200 klms per day if possible, so included overnight stops at Warialda (previously described in a post} and tiny Ashford, that appeared to be closed for the day.
  The friendly town is small with a population of about 700 and a couple of dozen buildings with, except for the old RSL, little historical interest. Texas is "RV friendly" and it was refreshing to find clean facilities that even included a free hot shower, had been provided for travelers, conveniently located in the centre of the main street. A large area has also been set aside for Free Camping beside the Dumaresq River just 1 km from the main street and the aforementioned facilities. There was plenty of room for me and the dozen or so other Campers and it was quiet and peaceful. After a pleasant walk along the river banks to take some photos, I decided to stay a couple of days.

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