Calliope River, Boyne Island & Rosedale - 6th to 10th March

The Calliope River RA is always a great place to stay-over. On this occasion there was also a Sunday Market, and as we had already planned to stay Saturday and Sunday this was a welcome diversion. As an added bonus on Saturday night we were treated to an impromptu, and probably illegal, fire-works display. This display was the full-monty, mortars and all, it lasted 10 to 15 minutes. Sunday and full of brekky we headed to the market, only to find that dogs are not permitted. Jude went to the market and I went back to the van with Lizzie. I didn't take any photos as we had stayed here previously. Take this link to check back; Calliope River Rest Area - Wed 25th November.

Monday we packed early and headed for Boyne Island. We booked into the CP there and the tariff was a very reasonable $20 per night for a powered sight. Unfortunately the midges were offered free accommodation and brought all their mates with them. Jude made a special trip to Woolies to buy a 'robo-can' insect spray dispenser. The Tannum Sands/Boyne Island area is quite beautiful apart from those biting bugs. We had a look around Gladstone and found that we could not walk Lizzie anywhere in the parks etc., as dogs are not permitted under threat of a $375 fine. What is it with these councils in this area? Not 'dog friendly' anywhere.

Gladstone Marina and in the background is the coal terminal.

The entry channel to the marina with the coal loading wharf in the background. Three ships can be loaded simultaneously.

Centre photo, under those gantries, there is a train being unloaded. The terminal is so vast that the train looks like a model from this distance.

The gantry leading to the right takes the coal to the ship loaders.

The grain terminal.

The bauxite refinery in the background. Gladstone is an industrial city, not photographed, there is also a power station and the aluminium smelter at Boyne Island. Gladstone is not a pretty city but very busy.

Two nights at Boyne Island then pack up in the rain. We were heading for another free camp, but mostly they are overgrown with grass and wet because of all the rain we've had up here. We made a snap decision to head to Rosedale, a small town on the Agnes Waters to Bundaberg road. We camped behind the pub and paid a tariff of $20 for a powered site but no water. That makes Boyne Island CP with a pool sound really cheap. The Pub is up for auction this weekend if anyone is interested. You will be bidding for the pub, caravan park and the sports ground, all on the title. Only one night here at Rosedale and then onto Bargara. We have noticed, since leaving Mackay and travelling south on the Bruce Highway, that the northern migration of the southern 'mexicans' has commenced. Large vans that are piloted by unfriendly individuals that do not wave.

Our camp site behind the Rosedale Pub and beside the sports ground. The cream coloured cricket sheds serve as the amenities, clean but rustic!

The Rosedale Pub, up for Auction on the 13th March. The beer is cold and tastes good.

The Rosedale Memorial Hall and friday Bingo Centre.

The main street of Rosedale, General Store on the right and the Police Station at the top of the road. That's about it for Rosedale!