Surat - Mon 5th October to Thurs 8th October

What a lovely small town this is! Located on the Carnarvon Highway 78 km south of Roma. The people of Surat and the local council are obviously proud of their town as it is very neat and well kept. The business people are extremely friendly and looking to assist. We came to stay one night and stayed three. We could have stayed longer. Surat is a town we will return to in the not too distant future.

The northern entrance to town with some of the campers in background at the 72 hour free camp. We have memories of the people we met here in the camp and at "happy hour". Graeme and Val, Mick and Di, Colin and Marilyn and Bruce and Annette who hail from Craignish, the neighbouring community to our recent home of Dundowran.


Surat is situated on the banks of the Balone River and hosts a fishing competition each year.

The bridge over the Balone River on the northern outskirts of town. The walk way on the bridge was constructed for the campers at the free camp to make their way into town, to go shopping of course. 

A pontoon on the river beside the boat ramp (just to the right) for recreational use. 

The river as it flows past the back of the free camp ground. 

The river as it flows past the town of Surat, the town is on the left of the river in this view. 

Memorial Park looking back towards the river.

The river walk looking from the Bowling Club back towards the bridge. Along the river walk are about 20 exercise stations to keep you fit.

Probably the best watered garden in the town, the lawns were LUSH.

The Town Hall, if you look closely you will notice that the numerals on the clock are actually letters of the alphabet that spell the name of some local identity, most unusual. Immediately to the left of the Town Hall there is a pathway that leads to the back of the hall and there you will find free hot showers for any passing traveller, or free camper out beside the river.

The local cafe, during the day probably the most visited business, especially around lunch time!

Judy and Lizzie looking what is happening in town.

The town has some interesting history and this museum tells the story in great detail.


On a walk through town we met Jimmy Davies, an NQX transport driver, originally from Cobar. Jimmy told us that he was once tour coach driver, he filled us in with some local knowledge, eg a vintage car museum at Glenmorgan, not too distant from Surat. We did not go there this time but it will be on our itinerary for the next trip.