Day 23 – Belyando Crossing to Charters Towers

Within 2 hours of arrival at Charters Towers Ann was enjoying a meal of Barramundi!

When we first looked out the window to check the weather this morning, we thought it looked a bit foggy. Then we realised that it was just the red dust on the window! A weather check outside revealed blue sky with a few white clouds and looking like a nice day to come. The weather gods certainly didn’t disappoint and it turned out to be a beautiful day.

We left Belyando Crossing reasonably early as there was no reason to stick around and we didn’t want there to be any issues with either of the two vans parked behind us wanting to make an early start of their own.

Leaving Belyando Crossing

Leaving Belyando Crossing

Morning coffee was at the Cape River Rest Area (Q401) which is about 90 kms North of Belyando Crossing. This was quite a reasonable place to stop and several vans appeared to be well settled in for the foreseeable future. The Cape River itself was a very wide expanse of sand without any sign of water. That said, the landscape changes quickly and we did see areas that seemed to have water lying around, some creeks with water, and some empty dams and some dams with water. There is nothing consistent about the landscape up here at all, other than cattle nearly everywhere.

About to cross Cape River - dry as a bone

About to cross Cape River – dry as a bone

Bush coffee break

Bush coffee break

From there it was less that 120 kms to the Dalrymple Tourist Caravan Park at Charters Towers.

Arriving at Charters Towers

Arriving at Charters Towers

Arriving at Charters Towers

Arriving at Charters Towers

Beautiful Poinsettias by the roadside in Charters Towers

Beautiful Poinsettias by the roadside in Charters Towers

We’ve got a nicely sheltered spot with plenty of greenery and all services – this is a welcome change after several days without internet, mobile phone, TV, water or sullage. After a quick set-up we went for a short walk around the park. It is very lush and tropical and has some very nice facilities, including a massive camp kitchen.

Setting Up

Setting Up

Views around the caravan park

Views around the caravan park

As it was about noon by now we drove back into town for lunch. We ended up at Henry’s Café and Restaurant where Ann indulged in a serve of barramundi and I had turkey. Both our meals were delicious and we went for a quick walk around town to try to walk some of it off. We stopped at the Tourist Information Centre and spoke to a very helpful lady who told us about all sorts of places we should see – we left with an armful of brochures and maps.

Henry's

Henry’s

Then it was back to the van for some relaxing and bringing our blog up-to-date.

We’re not sure how long we’ll stay in Charters Towers but it does seem a nice place to be with plenty to see and do.

Categories: 2014 Townsville Adventure | Tags: ,

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