Visited Normanton during our lunch stop while travelling to Karumba.
Adels Grove
Stayed overnight in donga style accommodation rather than driving back to the van. Adels Grove Camping Ground is an eco-sensitive park on Lawn Hill Creek, located 10 kilometres downstream from Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. Adels Grove is set among a plantation of exotic trees initially grown by the French Botanist Albert de Lestang in the 1930s.
Lawn Hill
Lawn Hill Gorge is formed by Lawn Hill Creek, which is fed by numerous freshwater springs from the limestone plateau to the west. The magnitude of the sandstone cliffs lining the gorge, its emerald waters and lush vegetation make it a visual splendour. Serving as an oasis, the spring water and surrounding vegetation attract an abundance of wildlife.
The 1.5km late morning (hot) walk to the falls & a swim…
… Indarri Falls, five small but invigorating waterfalls. We swam to all 5!
… and then onto Indarri Falls Lookout before returning for lunch at the ranger’s station.
Gregory
Based here at the riverside free camp for 3 nights… beautiful but quite popular location. Will leave the caravan due to 100km of poor dirt road conditions and travel in to Lawn Hill & Adels Grove on day 2 of 3 in the Jeep only (booked accommodation for this night).
The Gregory River is a river located in the Northern Territory and the state of Queensland, Australia. The river is the largest perennial river in arid and semi-arid Queensland, one of the few permanently flowing rivers in the northwest of Queensland.
REFRESHING! with day temps over 30.
Burke & Wills Roadhouse
Long drive today… about 460kms. Departed Mt Isa and travelled the “long” way to Gregory via Burke & Wills roadhouse to avoid poor condition dirt roads.
Caravan fridge
Fridge has been fixed. Car was checked out by an auto electrician. Car 12v supply was OK. He then had a quick look at fridge electronics. The fridge’s PCB had a burnt out section! Packed up the caravan and took it to a fridge repair business in Mt Isa. They fortunately had a replacement, albeit 2nd hand board. The board was fitted, tested and for about $400 all up, have a fridge which works on 12v again. It seems the onboard PCB 12v fuse was not correctly seated and one of the legs only touching it’s connecting point. No doubt with bumps along the road, there was a spark which burnt out the board.
Hard Times Mining Tour
The Hard Times Mine is an underground mining experience in a mine built and operated by real miners that provides an opportunity to get up close and experience first hand the daily life and workings of an underground mine.
Preparation and above ground…
Below ground…
Moondarra Dam & Lake
Lake Moondarra is an artificial lake on the Leichhardt River in Queensland, Australia, 16 km downstream from the town of Mount Isa. It provides water to the city and the adjacent Mount Isa Mines (MIM) mining lease.
Mt Isa City & M.I.M. Tour
Interesting 2.5 hr city tour which also included a brief drive through the “entrance” area of the mine
Mt Isa
Travel plans have changed due to fridge issue which needs to be fixed. Mt Isa was the closest major town. We expect to be based here until mid next week.
