I’ve always been proud to be a Queenslander and I have always loved my state. I must admit though over recent years in some ways I have become disheartened, in that I had begun to feel as though we were losing what it meant to be a Queenslander, to be a maroon, to have that spirit and soul of QLD.
After visiting the Outback I have a renewed faith that the QLD spirit is alive and well, sometimes it bleeds but it endures and always overcomes. To go out to the wonderful places and visit not just the icons such as the Birdsville pub but to go into the communities of the Outback, meet the people that are truly the heart of our great state is an amazing experience and one that was most definitely not lost on me.
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| Jimmie |
When I first decided to go out on the Outback tour with Bluedog Photography my thoughts turned to sand dunes, clay pans, the Birdsville Pub and Lake Eyre. As we began to move through the towns and the communities the tour turned into so much more. I was astounded by the genuine kindness and hospitality of the people. Every car waved as you passed, people greeted you as you walked down the street (and not that awkward if I keep my head down and look like I’m on the phone no one will feel obliged – oops I made eye contact better say hi-greeting) a genuine “hi, how are ya?” greeting. You could have a conversation with anyone and they were happy to answer your questions and tell you about the place.
I was fortunate enough to be on a tour that was led by someone who knew the areas and the people in the towns. This gave me an opportunity to meet some true characters of not just the Outback but of QLD. To push me to step out of my comfort zone and meet people and truly get to know the place. I learned a lot about being a photographer but also about being a visitor in someone elses town, community – their home.
The countryside was stunning, I saw the clay pans covered in grass, Lake Eyre at close to full, Big Red surrounded by water, Hawks everywhere you went, Wedge Tail Eagles in flight, Brolgas, Kangaroos, Emus and there were a couple of flies to keep us company too (it’s one way to nail the Aussie Salute)!
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| A well vegetated Sand Dune |
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| One of many hawks |
Have you ever seen a phone box in the middle of nowhere, the Hilton hotel without an elevator, the native shoe tree or living room ready and waiting for you by the side of the road? It’s all there just waiting for you to stop on by- it’s the QLD outback.
There are some things you should remember when travelling anywhere but especially in our wonderful backyard and that is our locals need our support. They don’t need a hand out, nor do they ask for one they need us to support their economy, their jobs and their community. It’s as simple as stopping in and buying a cold drink, a beer cooler from the local pub or an ice cream to cool you down. The little things go a long way. When you see a place that offers free morning tea or a loo for you to use just remember for them to get supplies out there makes a dent in their pocket and you’re loose change for that drink helps them keep doing what they do best – entertaining us because we are that fortunate!
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| The desert near Lake Eyre |
I always thought travelling to the Outback would be too difficult a task, that it would be too hard, that I needed a 4wd and an abundance of knowledge about cars, camping and driving. All I really needed to get started was a brochure on tours of the Aussie Outback. Jumping on a tour is easy, worry free, organised, fun and you’ll be amazed by how cost effective it really is. All I had to worry about was getting my luggage underweight with all my camera gear and making sure I was on time for breakfast. The transport was sorted, hotels organized, food taken care of, the wildlife ready and the scenery well now that was just spectacular!
Do yourself and our state a favour get out and experience our backyard especially with how it is right now because it isn’t often you will see the desert filled with trees, water flowing through it and an absolute abundance of bird life.
Do something good for your soul take some time not just to see the outback but to experience it - to live it.
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| Carcorry Ruins |
See it - Live it - Love it
