We have been out and about once again and this time our trip has taken us to the Lake Boondooma Camping and Recreation Area. An Angler’s Paradise!

The dam itself is regularly stocked with fingerlings of golden perch and other popular recreational sports fish and is located on the Boyne River.

Besides fishing, other activities include: swimming, sailing and water skiing. If you have the need for dry land activities there is a tennis court, children’s playground or you might want to ascend the dam lookout.

Our journey to the dam took us a little over 4 hours and as we drove along, the smell of eucalyptus wafted through the air and the soil appeared a rich red colour. We made a couple of stops on the way for refreshments and with baby on board, nappy changes were required. Kingaroy was the second stop and being renown for it’s peanut growing, we couldn’t resist the purchase of some macadamia and raw peanuts. YUM!                            

A very slight detour of a few metres did occur when someone, who shall remain nameless, misread the map instructions.

On arriving at our destination we drove up to the kiosk to find out where our pre-booked site was located. Then the cars were unloaded, the tent erected and extra shade

was needed, so up went the tarp. It was blowing a gale on the day and the tarp only lasted a few hours before it literally came crashing down on top of us. No one was hurt and we had a bit of a giggle about it. The tarp was then discarded to one side.

Doesn’t our little grandson Hayden look a picture of happiness! Mind you, I think he’s smiling at his mum.

We managed without the tarp and the boys decided it was time for their first attempt at fishing. With rods and reals in hand, off they set, leaving us girls to our own devices. A walk around the campgrounds seemed like a good idea and a visit back to the kiosk for souvenirs. Back at camp now and bub is happily playing with his toys while mum and grandma chat away about the days adventure. Not that we did much but our time spent was very relaxing and that’s what we were after.

Dribble and all you must surely admit he looks just adorable!

This was only to be a one-night stay and knowing the expertise of our fishermen I decided to ready the steak and vegetables for dinner. All fished out for the time being, the men headed back to camp. Where’s the fish I asked? They both looked at each other smiling and the reply from grandad was “I caught a turtle”.

As dusk drew upon us the wildlife came out to feast unperturbed by man. Of course I’m speaking about, one of our unique Australian animals, the kangaroo. Nightfall, and we are all sitting gazing up at the magnificent sight of trillions of stars and I have

never in my life seen the Milky Way so clearly. The atmosphere here was so calming and peaceful. We laughed and joked for a few hours before retiring for the night.

Dawn and the kangaroos are around our campsite once again. After breakfast the fishermen take off for the water to try their hand at catching something. While this was in progress, the girls start packing up for the trip home. It might be an angler’s paradise but once again our men arrived back empty handed. Maybe next time might be lucky!

Our journey back home saw us stop off at Gordonbrook Dam and then Wondai’s information and wood museum. The dam itself was full of blue-green algae; therefore no fishing was to take place so we strolled around for a look-see.

The wood museum was absolutely fascinating with its different wood collected from our native trees. I have always wondered what the trees looked like that all the different wood comes from. Here, photos of the trees were displayed above each piece of wood. Artefacts were for sale and hubby invested in a DVD named “The Last of the Bullockies.”

This documentary tells the exciting story of the original bullockies, the timber-men of the South Burnett region. Told in their own words for the last time before their memories, like the bullock teams they drove, faded forever into history.

I find myself thoroughly enjoying our family outings and slowly getting to see and know more about our glorious country.

By Terri Sander