CLONCURRY TO NORMANTON Wednesday 8th May 2019

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When we left Cloncurry we didn't hurry as we were only at that stage heading to Burks and Wills Roadhouse the  half way stop between Cloncurry and Normanton which in total is about 400km making the Roadhouse about 200km a comfortable stop for the day. But when we arrived there it was only 11.30am so thought we might as well do the whole lot and go straight through to Normanton for the night as we weren't feeling tired. We didn't want to spend a day at a Roadhouse in the middle of nowhere. It's a popular half way caravan stop for people who have been travelling most of the day and arriving later in the arfternoon. In fact it's the only place for the whole 400km. Our plan was to stop there the night then continue on to Karumba an hour further out to the coast after Normanton. But that was a little too far in one day. So tomorrow's driving out to the coast tomorrow will only be an hour, where we plan a two day trip. It will be nice to see the sea after the week tearing through the Queensland outback. We now feel we have got most of our big driving days completed.

As we left Cloncurry this morning just 3km west of town we went down a 2km side road to the Cloncurry Chinaman Dam. What a beautifull spot. So peaceful and quiet. Would be a great camping spot but no camping allowed . Just as well as it would spoil it. Straight across the dam looking left from our van  where the overflow is. But so dry here no spillage.

Just around to the right of the van this lovely little spot such a contrast to what we have been seeing.

Standing up on the beautifully kept reserve which they had sprinklers going to keep it green. And no the wet path isn't rainwater.

Leaving the above spot we are now heading straight up north, the road to the Carpentaria area north coast. The countryside is noticeably getting dryer as we go and a lot warmer.



Quite a change in the countryside.

We pulled over in this spot called Terry Smiths lookout for a (coffee)which is one of the free camping areas just off the main highway. There was some talk of heading up here yesterday but not knowing what the area would be like, we felt it was too risky not knowing what to expect.If it was no good or nobody else was there,  there was nowhere else to stop for over 100km which would have been too far late in the afternoon. I now wouldn't have hesitated as I'm sure others would have been there as it sounds very popular. They do the off the road lay-bys very well with good facilities , rubbish bins etc. nice spot. However we stopped, had a coffee and continued on our way.

Land getting very rocky.

Then into this lovely soft grass.

Now arriving at the half way mark. Only sign of life for over this 400km stretch of road. Went in had our lunch there as it is such a well known popular Roadhouse..

Walking under the archway to the entrance displaying their name. They told me that it had just been sold and they where in the proceeds of the hand over. I would say it would be a very profitable business as it was very busy.

The cafe inside.

This big monster pulled up outside the Roadhouse as we were coming out. Massive.

This is the parking out the back where you can stay the night  for $10 with a power site. Good value, but you wouldn't want to spend the whole afternoon here with nothing to do. 

So we decided to keep going to Normanton before we head out to the coast to Kurumba tomorrow.

Luella these must be the roads you warned us about. Advising us to put only two wheels onto the gravel and two wheels on the seal when there was      oncoming traffic. It worked well but fortunately not a lot of traffic on this road and especially we didn't meet a Road Train, whew. Good tip thanks.

Now the colours are changing again in the landscape. All along this highway there were hundreds and hundreds of these ant hills just amazing. 
 

This is different a concrete road. So many changes today couldn't get bored. In fact you might think how boring driving these big Kms for the last week are, but it always changes and keeps you interested.

PT here! Wow. My new driver. Quite pretty. Will keep her on!

Out of the blue we suddenly crossed this river.  Previously there hadn't  been any water in sight so dry. We had crossed over a few dried up river beds.

More colour changes. We also note that up in this area there is not nearly as much road kill eg kangaroos as we had been seeing down south.

We have now arrived into Normanton in the Carpentaria an hour inland from the north coast. We were told to turn left at the purple pub and that's where the camping  ground is. We are spending the night here as it would have been just too far to continue today to Karumba. Only an hour driving tomorrow that will be a shock to the system. At this stage we plan to stay two nights there. Not sure about wi fi out there so if we disappear we will be there. This little town has three pubs.

This is the icon of Normanton Crocodile country. There is a river along the road they call the wetlands, where we will stop when we are on the way out. Don't know if I will get Peter near the place but the locals just say there is a bridge you can walk over so keep on that and look down and  you will probably see a croc. We were told not to go near the river bank or take your dog, as the crocs may attack them buts that's OK we don't have a dog! Could be interesting. I might have to go alone to get the photos.😖

This is the true story of my friend above. He really is quite tame and the sculpture is life size.

Looking down the Main Street of Normanton second pub on the left The Central they told us you can get the biggest meal there one meal is big enough for two but we just went in there and brought a few cans and took back to our van as we had dinner organised. It's very nice just sitting out in our camp chairs in the balmy evenings. A lot hotter here from what we have been used too. We are at 17 degrees south of the equator.Inland the temperatures are a comfortable heat but cooler at night.

Inside the Central Pub. The third pub is around the corner. 

We were both expecting Normanton to be quite a big place as I read that they used to call it the capital of the Carpentaria but no its so small. Well thats it today we are off for our hours trip to the northern coast tomorrow to a small seaside fishing village. Should suit PT as I believe there are lots of local fishermen coming and going during the day. Might look at a boat trip. Of interest is that we have completed 2120kms thus far.