Gayndah – 30-6-2023

After leaving Maidenwell we decided to find a camping ground with power where we can use our heat pump and be warm and comfy for the night. We also decided to stay in the area and not travel further north or west so we can do our K’Gari Island tour straight after the school holidays which finish next Sunday.

For the next three nights, we did some camping ground ‘hopping’ staying in a different camp every night. We were actually looking for a place to stay for a few days where Bulla can install the electrical system and that doesn’t cost too much in camp fees.

The first night we stayed in Gayndah on a campground used by lots of fruit pickers. Gayndah is in the North Burnett area and claims to be the oldest town in Australia (founded 1849) maintaining its old-fashioned charm today. Several buildings have been heritage

listed including Mellors Drapery which is the last shop in Australia using a flying fox for its money transactions. The aerial system works by transferring money with a docket from the shop counter to the till located in a back room. The correct change is organised and then sent back down the line.

Gayndah is known for its yearly Orange Festival, celebrating all things zesty. It produces high quality mandarins, lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit and we didn’t leave without trying 1l of their most delicious freshly pressed orange juice. What a treat!

On the way to Gayndah we stopped in a small town called Wondai and visited their timber museum. Inside, the wagon camp diorama, complete with restored bullock wagon, effectively captures the spirit of those involved in the felling and logging of timber in the early 1900s. Set against authentic wooden slabs and shingles, are displays of South Burnett timbers, artifacts and photos relating to the early timber industry in the region.

On display outside was a huge Red Gum Log, weighing 23 tonnes, which was transported there from a town north, about 80km away. Imagine the effort to move such a huge log let alone pick it up to load onto ox wagons???

The next night we stayed at the Mingo Crossing caravan park, a park at the side of the road we saw as we were traveling over the bridge. It was right next to the Burnett River, which eventually flows out at Bundaberg, famous for its Rum distillery. The camp site is surrounded by rural countryside which adds the peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. As we were connected to power and water, we gave Elsie and Jacko a good clean, and also scrubbed all the bird poo off our awning that had accumulated over time. Bulla lit our fire pit as it was getting dark, and we enjoyed a drink around the fire with a couple from Harvey Bay camping next to us.