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Published: June 28th 2022
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Battlecamp Road opened on 10 June after the wet. A mixture of red dirt and bitumen ( some new sections). We stopped at old Laura Homestead for morning tea. The buildings that are left are well preserved and give an insight into homestead living. It was first established in 1879 by two Irish cousins. There are station buildings, stockyards, structural foundations, native and introduced trees and vegetation. Many areas have been restored. The Laura River is located below the grounds.
We drove on to Quinkan Cultural Centre, unfortunately we could not go to the Quinkan Galleries to see the 15000 year old rock paintings due to an internal dispute within the community. As an alternative we collected our guide Ray who took us for a walk up to Split Rock to see the rock art there. Very Hot ( 32degrees) by the time we reached the top. He explained the significance of the rock art and also pointed out various trees such as quinine tree, kapok and bush grape trees. Lots of agile wallabies. We walked backed down and had a picnic lunch.
We drove through the afternoon and were met by the staff at Lotusbird Lodge where we
would stay for the next two nights. We were directed to our very substantial cabins which included a verandah. Very comfortable.
After a lovely dinner we walked back to our cottage to be greeted by frogs and gecko on the windows and doors. They were also in the bathroom as were hundreds of black ants in the bowl of the toilet. A very exciting experience going to the toilet in the night.
We woke the next morning. It had been a noisy evening of leaves dropping on the roof plus rain on and off. We were woken by the birds at 6:00am. So much for our sleep in and late breakfast of 7:30. We ventured up to the lounge area early and had a cup of tea. After breakfast we went for a walk around the lagoon and saw a Lotus bird, brolgas, magpie geese. It was very peaceful.
Kevin and I took a 45 minute helicopter ride over Rinyurru and we were able to see the surrounding land and where the river systems flow to the sea. Saw a few crocs sunning themselves on the riverbanks. Back to camp for a cuppa and there were 4
brolgas on the edge of the lagoon.
Luck is with me - I discovered this morning that I had left part of my camera charging equipment at home. Sue the lodge owner has the same camera as I do so I was able to charge both batteries and will nurse my camera to the end of the trip.
There is an onsite laundry and so we took advantage of this and the lovely weather to catch up on our washing and put the clothes to dry on our balcony. Everything is supplied for a donation to the Gouldian Finch Breeding Program established by Gary.
After lunch we were taken by Sue to see the finches. They have 400 pairs breeding in the cages. When ready they give birds to areas that are known habitats and have people who are trying to re-establish a Gouldian finch population. A restful afternoon, then at 4pm ice-cream followed by a walk around the lagoon. Back to the room to start folding and repacking bags. We walked down to the verandah for pre-dinner drinks followed by a delicious meal of wild caught barramundi with prawns, fried rice, chips, salad and wombok salad. Dessert
was slices from a new vegan business in Julatten, "Raw Gems" dessert.
Back to the room to be greeted yet again by frogs and lizards in the doorway. More ants in the toilet.
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