Barcaldine

Leaving Longreach we “town hopped” until the New South Wales border 831 kilometres to the south. Our first stop, an hour’s drive east of Longreach, the small historic town of Barcaldine. An interesting two days at Barcaldine, the birthplace of the Australian Labor Party.

This magnificent memorial stands in the middle of the road commemorating those of the district who volunteered to serve in the Great War 1914 -1918.

Constructed in 1901, this quirky heritage listed building, complete with galvanized iron sides and back wall is definitely unique.

Blackall

Stopping for a few hours in Blackall, we managed to fit in a tour of the historic Wool Scour, have lunch and capture a photo of one of Australia’s favorite sons. After retiring from shearing Jackie Howe owned the Universal Hotel in Blackall.

Charlieville

Three days at the Charlieville CMCA* Bush Camp allow us time to explore another important inland centre. The most famous building in Charlieville, the hotel below is one of the few masonry buildings built in the 1920s, reflecting the social and economic fabric of those prosperous and pioneering days.

Of course, it wasn’t all beer and skittles for the like of “Weary” the swagman, who is remember by a statue and poem just down the road from Hotel Corones.

Weary
His name is “Weary” and his face
is one you’d see in every place.
He’s been through cold, and rain and heat,
with aching limbs, and tired feet.
From head to toe he seems to sag,
He’s traveled far and humped his swag.
His dog, too tired to scratch a flea,
now leans against his master’s knee.
If you feel travel-stained and sad,
Feel better now, you’re not this bad.
Although you’ve lost a little zest,
Poor “Weary” here can never rest.
R. & P. Davis

Nearby is Charlieville’s War Memorial.

Cunnamulla

Located in front of the Paroo Shire Hall, the Cunnamulla Fella has gazed across the centre of the town since 2005. Signifying the region’s focus on tourism, the statue is based on a song written by Stan Coster and sung by the late country music legend Slim Dusty.

A testament to the building skills of the pioneers, the Post Office built in 1890 is still in use today. In 1892, when a tornado wipe out half of Cunnamulla, the Post Office was unscathed!

During the boom days of wool in the early twentieth century, when sheep stations employed a lot of workers, Cunnamulla’s retail shops flourished and there was almost a pub on every corner.

Back in his woolclassing days Jack often accompanied Shearing Contractor Lenny M. on the trip back to St George at weekends or after cutting out a shed west of Cunnamulla. Invariably, very hot and very dry as they crossed the bridge over the Warrego River, the pub below was indeed a very welcomed sight!

Coming Up: Where’s my track suit pants?

*CMCA – Campervan Motorhome Club of Australia