Sat, 22nd Nov, 2025 (pm) Bush camp by Darling River in Fishing Reserve, Bourke, NSW to Balonne Minor Bridge camp, Dirranbandi, Qld (Artestian Basin, Hebel & Dirranbandi)

Through open grass plains now as we reach the turn off to head north to Queensland on the Goodooga Road.

I was reading about a point of interest on wikicamps about the Hospital Creek Massacre but when I looked up we had passed the point. No sign to mark it so we kept driving as it is a narrow road and there wasn’t anywhere to pull off to look for the stones.

Some parts of this bitumen road are worst than the rough gravel road.

Through road work signs but no one working today.

Onto a new dual lane road with lines as we pass this great station entrance.

Back to the narrow road again. More road work signs where the edges of the road have been eaten away.

Back on the dual - obviously they are slowing fixing it up.

Haven’t seen any livestock or wild animals though we have seen 4 dead roos by the roadside.

Lots of emus on both sides of the fence as we near Furphy’s Rest Area for lunch.

A white dusty willy willy went by but didn’t dump any dust on us while we had lunch.

More clouds building up with the hotter temperatures. Further on we spotted Dad emu with 6 chicks then some more goats. Been a few dams on either side of the fence too - some with water, some without.

A herd of cattle are resting in the shade of the trees by one of the dams.

We are travelling parallel to the Bokhara River now which would flow into the Barwon River.

A few trucks and cars but mostly it is a vehicle free.

Into Goodooga, small town with basic homes. Around to the weir on the Bokhara River. Obviously been widened here as it is very narrow downstream.

Great water park in town.

Here’s a good renovation project.

Out to the Great Artesian Baths though we probably won’t have a dip as it is 37 degrees outside and the water is 40. Good place to visit in the cooler weather for a soak. They need a silo artist to do the water tank. Free camp here on the bitumen car park.

We did put our feet in and yes it was very warm! And smelly with slime around the edge.

I spotted a spoon-bill working its way along the water edge of the marsh overflow area.

Back out to Goodooga Road and continued northward for 40km through grassy plains with more emus running about. Found the Black Cows the signs were warning us about back on the Darling River!! The Bokhara River continues over to our left. Further west is the Culgoa River that the Bokara goes into before the Culgoa joins the Barwon River.

Into Queensland.

Into Hebel (est 1889 as Kelly’s Point, name changed early 1890s maybe after a German family living here) - I had read about how a local farmer had bought the Pub etc to keep the town alive. Pulled into the park to check out the Historical Circle.

Across the road is the hall. Walked back towards the Pub which was an old Cobb & Co changing station. Steve pointed out that one wagon has 3 springs the other had 4. Another old wagon out the back.

Along to the Hebel Hotel (1894). John Murray has been here too (2001).

Lots of hats decorating the inside.

Chatted with the barmaid. She said that Frank Deshon grew up in Hebel and has a station 20km down the road. After Covid when the border was closed he noticed the shop and pub were dying so he bought the town’s entire commercial portfolio to try and revive the town. There are just 16 people living in town and 62 residents across the entire district. I googled up more info. He has since added cabins and free camping area behind the pub to encourage travels to stay awhile. The beef is from his station too. It seems to be working. We would but I have been watching the temperatures rising and hail storms building so we will keep heading back to Woodgate.

Wandered about. Nice murals on the cabins etc.

Across to the old store (est 1897). One side was the store and the other a dance hall.

Onto the Castlereagh Highway to head towards St George. Stopped to check out the tourist info in picnic area by the lagoon on the Bokhara River - created by the weir. More places to visit on a return visit.

More Qld number plates now. Only a few water holes in the Narran River when we cross it.

Bouncing along the bitumen road. Spotted one emu, a dead pig and tuffs of cotton lining the road side. Up and down rises through the grassy stations with more trees now. Big puffy cloud ahead looking a bit ominous.

Before Dirranbandi we turn off to check out the free camp spot by the Balonne Minor River. Looks ok so will come back here for tonight.

Into town to check out the sights mentioned on the info board. Land of the croaking frogs - we might hear them when we are parked by the river. Nice displays and art works. The wind has picked up.

Back to the river and set up for the night. If you follow the road across the river you reach Cubbie Station - largest irrigation property and cotton grower (93,000 hectares). Decided to stay on the blue metal rather then further along on the grey soil in case we get any rain tonight. Good photos of drought and flood on the sign.

Got to 38 in the camper before I opened it up. Still 36 but the wind is blowing and it feels cooler. Drinks outside listening to the many birds and the kookaburras laugh.

The dark clouds are moving over us but no rain which is good.

6pm 32 degrees in the camper. Lovely video chat with Dan, Fran and Sophia. Looking forward to seeing them at Christmas.

Steve heard a Barking Owl while I was inside cooking dinner. Sat outside to eat and watch the lightning flashing to the south.

We walked further over to get a better view as the sheet lightning constantly lit up the clouds. It is so bright. A few big lightning flashes but no thunder yet.

9.30pm we hear thunder the storm is approaching.

10.30 pm the storm hit. Heavy rain then hail. I used my torch to peer outside and we could see pea-size hail going hitting the ground and our solar panels, roof and truck. Oh well the truck could do with a new paint job - no sure we would be happy to lose the solar panels though.

Half hour later with a few big thunder rumbles the storm moved to the north-east. We will survey the damage in the morning.

The rain storm and the stars came out so we could go to sleep. The rumbling and flashing continued in the distance for another half hour before I fell asleep.