Day 55: Sat 19 Aug 23 - Rubyvale to Injune

Sat 19 Aug 23 - Rubyvale to Injune (Towed 373km)

Weather: A cold front has arrived; 8 feeling like 5 Deg this morning, reaching a very modest 19 Deg with light to strong SE winds all day - the freshest day we've had for a while.

We were up, packed and ready to leave by 7.45am this morning, but it took another 30 minutes before we were able to get away from farewells from old Jim next door (who was very appreciative of the company and help to sort a few things out for him), and Des and Chris from Coffin Bay who were also leaving today. Again - one of the wonderful things about caravanning is the wonderful people you get to meet. 

Our first stop was 3kms down the road to dispose of our toilet waste, then 63km later at Emerald we stopped again to refuel. From Emerald, we turned south towards Springsure along a quiet, but very rough and bumpy road, stopping at the Virgin Rock Lions Park on the way into town for our morning brew at about 10.30. Putting the drone up for a few photos across to Minerva Hills National Park, I attracted the attention of a pleasant young man and his partner returning from a trip to the Cape York, and he was very chatty. We eventually got away again, and our next stop was about 116km north of Injune alone the main road at a rest stop for lunch. The road today was mostly very rough and bumpy, and quite hilly, so with the solid headwind, our fuel consumption was higher than usual at about 18lt/100km. Despite the rough and hilly roads, I did also manage to maintain a good steady pace. We eventually arrived at our overnight stay in Injune at the Racecourse Possum Park Campground. There were already 6 caravans and motorhomes setup, but we managed to grab a powered site with water for a princely sum of $20 for the night.  The park has good clean facilities with lots of open space and large sites, and is a good distance from the highway, so there should be very little road traffic noise. After setting up, (staying hooked up), we had a brew, then I went for a leisurely walk into and around town. There isn't much to see in Injune, but I like that local identities who have contributed to the town are recognised with simple but effective silhouette sculptures and a storyboard. There are 11 sculptures in total around town and "Their stories provide an insight into the important values of hard work, resilience, loyalty and volunteering for the betterment of the community". 

Back at the van we had dinner, and watched the Matildas play their last world cup game - unfortunately there would be no fairytale ending today. Tomorrow, only a short drive to Roma for a couple of nights.

Morning brew at Springsure - Virgin Rock Lions Park (also a free campground)


Springsure - Looking towards Minerva Hills National Park. 

Springsure - Minerva Hills National Park. Virgin Rock to the left and Eclipse Gap Lookout to the right

Springsure - Minerva Hills National Park. Virgin Rock the prominent point

Springsure - Virgin Rock Lions Park

Injune - Sculptures around town recognising the contribution of locals to the community. For example, this sculpture recognises Ivy Gladys Girle, a teacher for 24 years, but who was also involved with the Red Cross, Girl Guides, school and church choirs and gave private music lessons. 

Injune - Sculpture. Reg and Thelma remembered as a selfless, hard working and welcoming couple who were committed to improving the life for everyone that lived in or visited the community.

Injune - Sculpture. Alf Smith, known as the Roma Mailman, known as a hard working gentleman who would go above and beyond to help families on remote properties. 

Injune - Sculpture, Waverly 'Wave' Jackson, remembered as a true Aussie Bushman 

Injune - Sculpture

Injune - Henricks Park 

Injune - Henricks Park 

Injune - Henricks Park 

Injune - Henricks Park 

Injune - Henricks Park 

Injune - Old Buildings



Injune - Old Railway Station. The locomotive was involved in what's  known as QLD's worst rail disaster in 1947 near Camp Mountain in the Samford Ranges, about 20km north of Brisbane. There were 215 passengers on board when it crashed, leaving 16 people dead, and 38 others injured. The Loco was repaired but later retired in 1958 and brought to Injune.


Injune - Photos of the Rail crash

Injune - Photos of the Rail crash

Injune - Old Railway Station

Sunset at Injune Racecourse Possum Park Campsite - a lot fresher today, but sure to get much fresher as we continue further south.







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