Barcaldine

We took the Spirit of Outback back from Longreach to Rockhampton. The train stopped for half an hour at Barcaldine.

Barcaldine is a quiet town but has significant historic importance as being the birth place of the Australian labour movement and the Labor Party.

A plaque reads :

" This monument . . . is in recognition of the stalwart men and women of the west, who, through their courage, determination and dedication to the principles, objectiives and ideals of the Union Movement, played a leading role in the formation of Australia's Labour and Political Movement which emerged from beneath this Tree of Knowledge in 1891, and spearheaded the many reforms which were to result in a vastly improved way of life for Australians generally."

The Tree of Knowledge is no longer there, someone poisoned it a few years ago. The lady in the tourist shop at the railway station said "It wasn't us Liberals!" In its place a permanent memorial will be built.

Captain Starlight Lookout

It required a 3-hour 90km return journey over unsealed road to get to the Captain Starlight Lookout. Was it worth the effort ? Yes. "Captain Starlight" was a cattle thief who some years ago took refuge at the outcrop of rocks in the middle of the flat western plain.

It was a steep climb up among rocks . . .
. . . but Kay was determined . .
and the view was rewarding.

Winton

Winton is some 170 km northwest of Longreach. Banjo Paterson wrote the lyrics to the song Waltzing Matilda there. Now there is a centre on the history of the song (and everything else).

Winton is a small town with pubs, museums and gift shops.
It is a sleepy town.
but surprisingly touristy.

Smithfield

Smithfield house, partly hidden by he trees.

Apart from sheep and cattle, there were also emus !

A shed full of cut hay.

The shearing shed.
Old shearers' quarters.

Qantas at Longreach

Longreach is the birth place of Qantas. The original hanger is a historic icon.

There is a new tourist attraction at the Qantas Museum, a Boeing 747.

It is so large and the country around Longreach so flat that the plane is a prominent landmark for miles around.

Also on site is the restored 707, Qantas' first. . . .

. . . and the shell of an old DC3.

Wedding Reception at Longreach

Bride and groom arriving.

Cutting the wedding cake.
The dance.
The McLellans - Joan, Kay, Leah and Rob.
Gifts for all.

An Outback Wedding

Kay and I flew to Longreach in western Queensland to attend nephew Scot's wedding. The ceremony was held at Rosemount, just outside Longreach.

Here comes the bride Deanne, being given away by her Dad.

The ceremony begins . . . .

The wedding party's photo. . . . . .

And here are the groom's parents, aunts and uncles !