SURAT - POPULATION: 300

DOESN'T QUITE INDICATE
THE SEVERITY OF THE POT HOLES!

SAT 22.6.2013: From the time we woke all energies were focused on "Operation Pot Hole Exit". The generator was brought to the front of the motorhome so as to lift the back and Carole was left outside (not because of her weight), but as the "Poodle Palace" navigator. We had determined that a sojourn into the bush would keep us away from the worst of the road. Carole stood shovel in hand ready to dig if need be and pinned against the shrub trying to keep the branches off the motorhome. Drove up without an issue and the only scrape came from the shrub. After the celebrations were complete we drove to Surat. The area was explored by the New South Wales Surveyor-General, Sir Thomas Mitchell, in 1846, who travelled along the Balonne River. A year later Thomas Hall occupied Yambungal the first of numerous pastoral stations in the area that was classified as Maranoa East. The town was named after a town in West India.

THE REASONABLY BIG KOOKABURRA!

We stayed at the Fishing & Restocking Club Park (gold coin donation). This is an excellent spot, but somewhat crowded for our taste - does not help with the commencement of the QLD School Holidays!