It is getting warmer. The day started with our community breakfast comprising bacon and eggs.
Immediately following breakfast we headed to the “Stockman’s Hall of Fame” where we were fortunate to gain entry as part of a group booking. We had visited this attraction before and decided not to spend the additional money to attend an outside performance. We have since learnt we made a wise choice as the show was said to have been ordinary.
We spent a lot of time watching the making of a whip. “He” has always wanted to own one but the prices have been prohibitive. Today we were able to purchase one for a reasonable amount and “He” also received a private lesson in the use of the whip.
We left there at lunchtime and returned to the motorhome before heading back into Longreach to do some shopping. It was during this time that we were informed that the departure time for our evening entertainment had been advance by two hours. We immediately returned to the caravan park to make ourselves ready for the departure time.
We spend the evening initially on the Thomson River (said to be the cleanest river in Australia as there in no “P(ee)” in Thomson. After the cruise we were treated to a camp fire dinner comprising stew, apple pie and custard, damper and billy tea. The venue was excellent and we consider the concept to be genius.
This evening was organised through a company called “Kinnon & Co”.
Their website describes the activity as follows –
Take in the outback sunset on a relaxing evening cruise on a Kinnon & Co. Thomson River Cruise (ex Billabong Boat Cruises). Join the crew on the west’s only paddle wheeler – the ‘Thomson Belle’ for a memorable evening.
The stunning outback sunsets will be accentuated from your viewing platform on the water and your knowledge of the landscape and local area will be deepened with an informative commentary from the longest continuing serving skipper on the river.
Enjoy a two-course Drovers style meal, Drovers beef stew and desert, at the ‘Sheraton on the Thomson’, the restaurant under the stars. Be entertained around the campfire by the resident poet with a good dash of outback humour.
Cap the night off with a cup of genuine Billy tea, some fresh damper and a chance to see the carpet of stars above in the outback sky. Thomson River Cruises is an experience not to be missed, so get onboard today!
We arrive back at the caravan park at 8:30pm just in time to watch the final episode of “Sea Patrol”.