Winton is home to Australia’s Dinosaurs Banjo and Matilda, among others. They were discovered on a cattle property and since then the collection of fossil bones has been overwhelming. They are crying out for volunteers to help them process their finds. Its a truly impressive place on a “Jump Up” – raised ground dating to around 95–98 million years old. As the cap-rock surface of The Jump-Up is solid rock it has resisted erosion throughout a period of deep weathering that has washed away the surrounding countryside. 

Winton’s main street has so much character. At dusk the noise from the galahs flying overhead is deafening. The Museum dedicated to Waltzing Matilda and to the history of this area are sensitively and lovingly shared.

Winton is home to the greatest Aussie Song – Waltzing Matilda written by Banjo Paterson in 1895 while visiting Dagworth Station. Its first public appearance was at the North Gregory Hotel on April 6th 1895. We stayed at the Hotel and listened to Gregory North, a great bush poet telling us about the history of Banjo Paterson as well as the ins and outs of this famous song. Greg performed nightly at the hotel – you can find out more details here https://www.gregorynorth.com.au/ He is truly talented so I shall finish today’s blog with one of his limericks and some photos of the Jump Up in Rangelands where we walked among the enormous eroded rocks as Wallabies fed nearby, black and whistling kites swirled on the thermals overhead and we looked out in awe at the never ending vista before us.

August

Now August is august, it is revered around the earth.It’s noble, honoured, kingly; of inestimable worth. And if you’re wondering why- well, its the month of my great birth.

( Greg and I share this birthday month) Here is another :

Seems it’s sugar, bananas and sun

Juicy pineapples, nuts by the ton

Sporting’s all rugby league

to the point of fatigue

thats what Queenslanders do to have fun!