Sat, 22nd Apr, 2017 Bush camp, Broad Arrow, WA (Ora Banda & Broad Arrow history)

7am 17 degrees, few clouds but mainly sunny. Paul arrived early and we headed across to Ora Banda to check out the pending leases.

Stopped at the Golden Quest Discovery info boards across from the Tavern.

This pub was made famous when it was fire bombed and the publican murdered by a bike gang in 2000 and 2001.

Found a track out to the pending ground then headed off in different directions trying our luck. Unfortunately no joy so we followed the fence line along and tried another spot. Getting lots of exercise and Paul only christened his detector with a nail and two bits of aluminium.

Said bye to Paul then we drove back to check out the original site of the Ora Banda township. Sadly the sign needs a good makeover.

Followed a track to the Government Dam. The dam still holds water but other than rusty pipes and busted water tanks there is nothing to show there was a township here.

Kev was having fun taking lots of photos then found lots of ‘treasures’.

Headed back towards the tavern past the old Government Stamper.

Steve was interested to see the old boiler was held up by a new beer keg and there were lots more kegs marking the roads!! Poor old digger has given up the ghost.

Still a few quaint old homes here.

Headed back out of town and turned off at a sign ‘Memorial’. Then had to decided what track to take as there were no more signs. Eventually found this plaque about the slaughter house. An old foundation and lots of tin cans and broken bottles everywhere.

Further down the road was another ‘Memorial’ sign so we turned off and found two beside the road. The site of the first settlement in the area and the Cobb & Co stables.

The photo is of the Halfords, who had the slaughter house, as they journeyed here from South Australia – what amazing people.

Back to Broad Arrow – only a couple of houses here and the Tavern. It is famous for all the signatures all over the walls.

First we checked out the info boards near the railway water tank. The signs are very faded.

Kev found his niko and we went into the tavern reading all the names and sayings. The walls, furniture, light fittings, ceiling and bar have all been covered in signatures. They are now covering the fence too now. One room has been left in its original state and there are a few old photos in there.

Chatted with the publican who has been here 30 years about the bottles Kev and Linda found. He had a good one and said it was worth $1500. Because they had the marble in them, a lot were broken so the kids could get the marble out to play with. Oh well, we have got something of historical value at least.

Paid our donation to the RFDS then left our mark on the window.

Steve found Tom & Marlene Casey’s names and Gavin, Tonia and the kids.

The sun was setting as we headed across the road back to camp.

Stopped to check out a cairn first – for the Freemasons.

Lovely colour on the clouds as we drove back into camp.

Great day out even if we didn’t find any gold – all the history is amazing.

Got the fire going and enjoyed another lovely evening outside. Will miss the campfires when I am at home. Have to look at the Southern Cross and see how it sits in the sky as it looks horizontal here!!