Gismo Queen and her King

Day 10 - Maryborough to Eidsvold - Tuesday 7 May 2024

Trying out a patch of Queensland we (and especially Greg) haven't been to before. Tonight we are camped at the RM Williams Bush Learning Centre in the tiny town of Eidsvold. We've saved the museum for tomorrow but the Light and Sound Show was excellent tonight.

But, back to the start of the day....

An early-ish start for us as we had a few things to do in Maryborough before heading off today. A quick stop at Super Cheap Auto, Coles, the chemist and then Janne's to say goodbye and return the bits and bobs we had borrowed - none of which seemed quick after it all added up. We got Greg another crumbed sausage while in town (and I am under instructions to buy a box of them frozen to take home) and headed back to the showgrounds via the servo - to ensure we were full of diesel before our travels. We were mostly packed up when we stopped for elevenses and after hooking up (much quicker this time - we are getting used to the new hitch), were on the road by 12pm. Our drive today was 222km mostly west. The roads were pretty narrow in places (single lane of bitumen down the middle on occasion!) so we didn't rush it. The first town we got to was Biggendon after 84 kilometres so we planned to stop for lunch and support a small Queensland town. Unfortunately, it's a pretty sad place with most shops closed up and many heritage buildings falling into disrepair. We did support the bakery, and on our way out of town, saw the very large livestock saleyards so that must serve a big region.

Back on the road for another 138km and we went up and down hills and dale, and did some serious hill climbing in places. It was corn and sunflower country - they were both growing by the paddock full either side of the road. A couple of hours later we rolled down the hill into Eidsvold, the town where RM Williams settled after growing up in the Flinders Ranges. This museum/learning centre honours his contribution to the region and to Australia. Entry is a mere $10, camping on site is $10 but you get a $5 discount if you book the museum and camping in one go. Excellent value.

So we set up, as we are planning to stay here for two days to rest and relax. We are really starting to get used to the new van and it is indeed very comfortable and with great conveniences.

The sound and light show runs every night at 6pm and 7pm and uses lights, sound and moving imagery to tell many of RM William's stories, through the eyes of local poets and storytellers. It is done really well. I took my glass of wine up to watch and was seriously impressed. Who knew you'd find something so clever and tech in such a small country town?!?!

posted by Tracey @ 8:10 pm