CAPE YORK TRIP DAY 9

24 June 2014

130km East of Birdsville, Birdsville – Glengyle Rest Area north of Birdsville (243km)

Dawn was spectacular this morning but I didn’t get any photo of it.  It was another cold morning.  Flora even managed to get some stitching done before we set off this morning.  Mine is still in its bag.

Again interesting scenery as we drove towards Birdsville.

Just over 100km out of Birdsville there was a section of bitumen road.  Bob’s warning light came on so we pulled up in a rest area and he put in some more fuel.  Then as they were about to climb in the passenger side step up gave way and had to be totally removed.  Flora’s warning light came on when we were about 40km out of Birdsville.  This part of the trip gave us all a good indicator of fuel capacity of each vehicle.

First stop in Birdsville was at the roadhouse.  

After filling up our thirsty vehicles we headed for the bakery to quench our thirst.  We had thought we would be having morning tea here.  Instead it ended up being lunch.  We were disappointed to find that the Birdsville Museum had closed as we had really enjoyed it at our last visit here.

After spending some time at the very informative Visitor’s Centre we had a look at the second sculpture in the series near the banks of the Diamantina River.  

We were also able to top up our water tanks here.  

And how could one not visit the Birdsville pub.  We ducked in for a look and stayed for a drink. 

After we drove out of Birdsville we saw a mirage.  It really looked like water in the distance but of course it was not.  We were travelling along what is known as the Bilby Way. 

Along the way there was a stand of rare Wadi trees (Acacia Peuce).  This was one of three stands of Waddi Trees still standing.  The wood is very hard and will not usually burn. 

We stopped to have a look at Carcoory Ruins.  Ten years ago we had camped here on our first Oka trip.

We then continued onto Glengyle rest area near Cuttaburra Crossing at Eyre Creek. 

Some wild flowers were blooming.  They were so small trying to survive in the crusty sun baked soil.  

By the creek there was a bird watcher’s hide.  Sitting there one could observe the many birds settling in for the night.

We had a campfire tonight and enjoed sitting under the brightly lit sky eating dinner, sipping our wine, talking and listening to Min play.  It was a magical night.