Over three weeks we traversed this vast state and clocked up some 6,500 kms on our dodgy car which from day one decided to Underperform – we limped our way back to Brisbane having realised that the trip we did was only half of what is out there. So we need to return for more.

In the meantime a short appraisal:

Most “Outback” commercial we saw on TV – buy three bulls get fourth free!!

Most Heart stopping moment – being out in the boondooks and a warning light coming up on the dashboard as “Restricted Performance” – a metaphor for us we wondered ??

Most amusing moment – Ben’s Chicken races.

Most belittling moment – being measured against a dinosaur thigh bone.

Most appreciative moment – listening to Gregory North, bush poet par excellence and raconteur of Outback stories.

Best discovery – Roshni’s Indian Restaurant in Mackay. Best Indian we have had since leaving India.

Outback Gal with a voice – Corinne Ballard https://corinneballard.au/

Best Sunset – over the Rangelands on the Jump up in Winton.

Best accommodation- Saltbush Retreat Longreach and Harry’s Restaurant for dinner.

Biggest realisation – People who live in the Outback however hard the life, love it.

Happiest moments – listening to all the galahs chattering their way into Winton on a daily basis.

Most hair raising – negotiating the Red Course in the Granite Gorge. Neither of us were entirely confident we could do it, but we did and we went back to the old lady in reception to register we had come back alive !

Lonesome loos- I lay awake wondering who that man or woman is who has the job of keeping all the loos clean, with plenty of loo paper, and the occasional frog in this massive state. A big undertaking!

Best Loo – undoubtedly Maryborough – the home of Mary Poppin’s author P.L Travers. Visiting the “Cistern Chapel” Maryborough’s own efforts in the 2020 competition for “Divine Dunnies” – transforming the loos to become one of the finest public toilets in Australia. Nancy Bates, community champion and former editor of local newspaper the Fraser Coast Chronicle, spearheaded it. In a cheeky nod to Michaelangelo’s brushstrokes on the Sistine Chapel two local artists created artwork spreading pure joy with plenty of cheeky, quirky humour to make people smile while having a pee.

That’s it for Outback Bitesize. There is so much out there. Go and find it. Its the Green Bit in this map of natural ores found in Aus.

Hope you enjoyed it as much as I have writing it.