The Road to Eromanga

After the tranquility at Cooper Creek, we decided to spend one more night in the company of the millions of flies and mozzies at Noccundra.  I know what you’re thinking…why? What can I say, we’re gluttons for punishment. Anyway, it was a good place to spend the night and I was rewarded by a visit from two Royal Spoonbills who were happily looking for breakfast on the other side of the river. You’ve probably realised by now that I love my birds, so once more rugging up against an onslaught from the insects, I took my position and got some lovely shots.

From there we drove to Yowah, a little opal mining town about four hours east of Coopers Creek. I have to say, I was not too impressed. But it is a working mining town, and we spoke to other people who loved it there. We spent, what was for me, was an uncomfortable night in Yowah. I don’t know what it was, but it just didn’t feel right to me. Early next morning we drove south east to Eromanga.  

We had not planned to stay there, but we stopped for a bite to eat at the café in the caravan park and the people were so friendly, we booked in for one night, which turned into two. It was here that we had our first official happy hour gathering. Up until then we’d pretty much been loners, bush camping or keeping to ourselves. I have to say we had a lovely time and met some very nice people, some of whom we will keep in touch with.

There really isn’t much to do at Eromanga, so we went on a road trip to the junction of Windorah and Quilpie roads. There is a little picnic spot there and as we were enjoying a bite to eat, another couple came over to join us. It didn’t take us long to find out that the gentleman we were talking to had worked with our brother-in-law for many years. Small world indeed.

I also did a spot of Brolga stalking while we were on our road trip. That seems silly going on a road trip while we’re travelling the country in a caravan…anyway, that’s what we did. We spotted two separate pairs of brolgas, a family with one juvenile and a family with two juveniles. I have to say, they are hard to get close to; they are very nervous, especially when there are young ones with them. I got some good shots and some not so good shots, but what a thrill it was to see them in their natural habitat.

I also have to say I got seriously disoriented stalking one family and I must give a big shout out to my brother, right here right now. Thank you! You see we had no phone reception where we were, but my brother had given us a set of Oricom handheld walkie talkies, and I had taken mine with me. So, I was able to get in touch with Peter and he got me safely out of the bush.

As well as lots of Brolgas what else is there to see at Eromanga? Well, you could go to the Natural History Museum. https://enhm.com.au/ I’m not a big museum person, but this was fantastic. And if you like Dinosaurs, you’ll love this place. Book yourself in for a tour, you won’t be disappointed.