We had a very long day yesterday travelling from Emerald to Longreach, we were on the road for over 6 hours, so its the longest stretch we have done since some of the days in WA. Longreach is basically outback Queensland, for most of the 100 k’s from Barcaldine to Longreach it was barren country only suitable for cattle. Plus its mid 30’s in temperature, so not the most hospitable place to be. It just makes you appreciate how the pioneers developed this part of the country, particularly in summer when it must be “bloody” hot.

After setting up we had a quick look around town but we were keen to just relax after the long drive, so a few Bundy’s as the sun went down was how we finished the day.

Today we were off to the Australian Stockmen’s Hall of Fame. Today was it last day before closing until March next year so we where very lucky to get in. Once again booking is mandatory and its all done on line, COVID has certainly changed the way tourist attractions get their punters in. It was a very interesting place and highlighted how hard it was for people on the land in the 1800’s, particularly stockmen. Even Susan’s dad would have had it tough when he was a stockman here in central Queensland in the 40’s & 50’s, no aircon or soft comfy beds in those days either.

After the Hall Of Fame, we had a walk around the township. I went to the Powerhouse Museum and Susan went to the Arts & Craft Museum next door. The Powerhouse Museum was very interesting. It’s surprising the number of country town around the country have been the first place in Australia for different things. Longreach was the first place to use gas to power their generators for electricity in Australia. They used coal, trained in from a coal mine in central Queensland and burnt it and trapped the gas which then ran the engines that generated electricity. This happened from the early 50’s to 1971, when it changed over to diesel until to 1985 when the powerhouse closed.

I was here in Longreach 46 years ago as a 15 year old on a school trip and the one thing I remember was the water tower. I climbed it up thru the centre to get a look around Longreach then. Of course you can’t do that today but the memory is still strong.

Tomorrow is QANTAS day, off to the Museum and the night show, looking forward to that.