Day 12 - Warburton to laverton [560 km]

Last night's accommodation was slightly down-market from the previous ones. The unit was a typical 'mining camp donga' type. However, the bed was comfortable and the water was hot. As we were confined to the compound, dinner was cooked by Jessa and Barb (our guides) - the three types of chicken kebabs were excellent. The fact that the bus is equipped to provide that kind of service comes in handy on trips of this type.

Our 'donga' with some notices on the dos and don'ts above. The soil looks fertile but the lack of rain makes it difficult for plants to grow. These from within the compound.

This strangely beautiful land belongs to the Tjkayiria People who live in the countryside. We stopped at the Tjkayiria Roadhouse for our first stop of the day. The Tjkayiria are served by the Roadhouse as well as the Royal Flying Doctor Service (with the help of the emergency landing strip).

After having a coffee we headed off again over the unsealed road through dry countryside. Vegetation changes from near-barren to scrub and clumps of trees. 

One type of tree that we saw grows as a bunch of separate trunks coming from a central root ball. This was described as a Malee Eucalyptus by one of our knowledgeable travelling companions.

We pulled off the road for lunch and luckily, we were in Malee country. 

The bus is equipped to provide a cold lunch and hot coffee/tea and sweets - Jessa and Barb have got this down to a fine art (with the travelers helping in the setting and cleaning up). 

After lunch it was straight to Laverton. There's a pub in Laverton next to our accommodation and the Queensland Vs. New South Wales 'State of Origin' Rugby League clash is on tonight. The biggest event on the Rugby League calendar and we can watch it in the pub! YES!