We packed up in Bourke and drove to Lightning Ridge, following the Kamilaroi Hwy in an easterly direction to Brewarrina, then to Walgett. During our first stop at Brewarrina we had planned to go to the Muddy Waters Cafe, but as so many Roadies were already there we pushed on. I at least took a photo of the artwork outside the cafe.
We crossed the Barwon and Namoi Rivers, which like all watercourses out here are full and flowing. There is high green growth on the ground and the leaves on trees are lush and healthy. At Walgett we turned north onto the Castlereagh Hwy. Our destination was the Lorne Station Caravan Park. Google maps took us in via the unsealed “dry weather only” road, but we later discovered a newish sealed road that runs to the township of Lightning Ridge.
Neither of us recalls ever staying here before, but our friends tell us we have. It is not much of a caravan park – the female amenities block has only two toilets and two showers. We connected to power and bore water on rough ground and kept recalling the lovely Opal Caravan Park near the hot baths. At least there was plenty of room for all of our Roadie caravans, campervans and large motorhomes.
The risk of wet weather continued so I put up the awning with the waterproof privacy screen so the critters’ playpen would stay dry. Beccy tried to get a private room at the Bowling Club for our Roadies’ concert, but we ended up giving some locals a great free show. At least the club provided bus transport to bring Roadies into town, and most of us bought dinner at the Bowlo.
Beccy had to pick up some milk from the IGA before going to the Bowlo. She was standing next to a woman who was loudly telling everyone that Beccy Cole was in town and there would be a free concert! She did not recognise the unmistakable Beccy Cole!! Both the owner of the caravan park and the manager of the Bowlo failed to keep quiet about her presence in town and that is a no-no.
Committed Travellers 