3rd October 2015 from Blackall via Tambo, Augathella, Morven, Mungallala, Mitchell and Roma to Miles

We were up early and went for a walk to see a bit more of Blackall.  There is plenty of history associated with this town which we found fascinating.  As we walked along the main street, we stopped to talk to one of the locals.  She was a mine of information and told us a lot about the town.  Like many of the outback country towns that we had visited, Blackall is suffering from the effects of the drought on farming families together with a lack of opportunities for young people who leave to find work in the cities.

John "Jackie" Howe - the Champion Shearer

John Howe - known to mates as Jackie Howe, was born about 1861.  He was a champion sheep shearer and once shore 321 sheep in a record time of 7 hours and 40mins at Alice Downs Station, near Blackall.  He was a strong trade unionist and was active in the shearers strikes of 1891 and l894.

Beyond The Black Stump - Blackall

The history of the Black Stump

The Black Stump

Curious Neighbours

The rustic camp kitchen at the caravan park

The Dunny

Thankfully, there was a more up-to-date facilities block at the caravan park!












We then departed from Blackall and headed east passing through several small country towns.  What impressed us about all these small communities was the pride and care that the locals took in caring for their towns. The old buildings were beautifully preserved and represented the history of these outback centres.

Tambo Post Office

Tambo Shire Hall

The Old Tambo Post Office

Historical Court House now a Public Library

Colourful wild flowers beside the highway

Gradually leaving the drought behind

School of Art Hotel - Roma

Our Campsite by the highway at Miles 

Our last night on the road was spent at Miles - a freebie next to the highway along with several other caravaners and campers.  We had to cross the "highway" to the toilet!  We met some more lovely people and had a pleasant evening discussing the current rugby with some fellow travellers from NSW who were heading west into the Outback.  The traditional arguments ensued about Queensland vs New South Wales' rugby skills!!  The two guys also discussed their skills using the Baby Webber!