26 July to 1 Aug 2012–Yallakool at BP Dam and surrounding areas

26 July
We got away from the Nestle Inn at a reasonable time (before 09:30am!). Traffic was running freely on the Gateway and the Bruce and we made the turn off onto the D’Aguilar Highway at Caboolture without too many problems.  Stopped in Woodford (gotta use the dunnies), and decided that it was time for coffee.
Going through Kilcoy, we decided to have a look at a spot on the Brisbane River where we have camped before.  It’s on the bank of the River, and is quite pretty.  Unfortunately, this spot has now been blocked off.  A locked gate is in place with a STOP sign, Private Property no Trespassers posted.  The last time we stayed there, Rick spent quite a while picking up rubbish and glass, so this may be the reason.  There is still a road down to the lower levels, but that is not really suitable for vans or camping.  Damn!  In that case, we will carry on towards Kingaroy and THE PEANUT VAN!!!
We had an early lunch at Nanango.  Stopped at the Nanango Pie Van and had Pie and Peas.  Yummy!!!

I managed to restrain myself in Kingaroy, at the Peanut Van.  Just bought some Super Crunchy Peanut Paste and a small bag of Chilli and Lime peanuts.  Very tasty indeed.
We took a shortcut across country to the Burnett Hwy which came slightly unstuck. 1 road was marked as a through road on my map, and and it did NOT have a No Through Road sign.  Unfortunately it came to a dead end in someone’s driveway.  It looked like the road used to go through, but no longer. Getting in the driveway and turning around was fun.

View Yallakool Park at BP Dam in a larger map

Finally got to Yallakool around 14:45pm. We’ve booked to stay four days, paying $27 per night.  It’s a lovely place and lake is full as a goog!





27 July
Nice quiet day, it’s cool but sunny so I was able to get the washing done and dry.  Rick got the Mungrill organised and we collected a nice little bunch of people for Happy Hour.
28 July
Took a drive from the caravan park out to the dam wall itself. The embedded sign was primarily self-promotion by old Joh!  It was windy as hell out on the lookout – 30 sec stay and then we bolted.

Drove into Murgon via Barambah Bush Retreat.  Nice little spot at $26 per night powered and $21 per night unpowered. It’s quite a bit busier than Yallakool though.  We’ve booked in at Yallakool for a further 3 days, making it a full week.
Had the obligatory coffee in Murgon, then headed to the Information Centre. The presiding volunteer was very helpful and gave us a lot of information about the local area.  Rick bought a car  sticker and we headed to the QLD Dairy and Heritage Museum. Very interesting but I got a bad case of hay fever / cough??? while in there – probably dust or mould causing it. Place is certainly worth a visit though.  There is a very good display donated by a local of polished stones of various sorts.  They also have displays set up in various old houses and sheds, and have a small church which is still used for local weddings.

From there we drove up onto the Tableland through some healthy looking agricultural areas to couple of local beauty.  The area also has some pretty spectacular homes.
 
 
29/7/2012
Today was a Footy Day.  Port Adelaide was playing Fremantle at home in Adelaide.  Not that the home advantage was ANY help at all.  Best we don’t comment on that game at all.
30/7/2012
Wow, it was quite cold this morning with a quite heavy fog!  Lasted till probably 9:00 before slowly dissolving.
We decided to drive to Goomeri and then take a loop around the countryside.  Had some coffee and then drove down to Kinbombi Falls.  It’s a nice place for an overnight stop but is quite small.  Would be a tight squeeze for the van.  The view down the valley is nice, and apparently the toilet caretaker has a sense of humour.