Sometimes we just need to stop;
to rest, relax and rejuvenate;
so we can feel refreshed and able to enjoy what comes our way next.
This is particularly true when we are travelling.
We began an epic journey in late 2016. We are now retirees enjoying travel around Australia in our caravan. So, after travelling through outback Queensland, we arrived at Camooweal. And we enjoyed some much needed time out at the great free camp just out of Camoolweal, Queensland.
Where is Camooweal?
Camoolweal is a very small town (population about 300) in North Western Queensland. It is only 12 kilometres from the Queensland and Northern Territory border.
We were in need of a rest:
As retirees enjoying travel we became tired, but not exhausted. But, both Greg and I knew we needed to rest up before continuing our road trip into the Northern Territory of Australia.
We had been on the road for five months, and travelled about 13,000 kms in that time. And during the last couple of weeks in outback Queensland, we were finding ourselves travelling longer distances. Plus, with temperatures constantly between 30 – 35 degrees, it is tiring. We knew if we pushed on, without resting, we would regret it.
Many grey nomads travelling through outback Australia told us we should stay at Camooweal. Indeed, Camoolweal was highly recommended as a place to have a good rest. Greg checked the campsite out on Wikicamps Australia and saw many positive reviews.
We decided we would stay at Camoolweal for three nights. Our plan was to do nothing. We just wanted to some quiet time.
What we found:
Camoolweal has a great, free overnight campsite
We travelled west through Camoolweal (on the Barkly Highway), over the Georgina River bridge. Once over the bridge, we turned left, onto a dirt road. The first campsite is just below the bridge. This area is fine, but not nearly as nice as the second campsite at Lake Francis, down the road another couple of kilometers. Lake Francis is fed by the Georgina River.
The dirt road to Lake Francis was in very good condition when we visited. However, be warned, if there is rain, people can become bogged due to the black soil. Also, you must be a self sufficient camper, as no amenities are available. However, you are only five minutes travel from Camoweal. Therefore, we had internet and phone access.
And, yes, the campsite at Camoolweal did live up to it’s reputation.
Billabong Sanctuary
We found Lake Francis to be a beautiful billabong sanctuary.
The breeze came across the water and provided wonderful relief from the heat.
Caravans and campers camped all along by the shoreline of the Lake Francis. There were plenty of grey nomads enjoying this beautiful campsite. There was space for everyone to have wonderful water views from their camp site. Shady trees were the added bonus. The area was so quiet and peaceful.
The billabong has beautiful Australian native lilies covering a large section of the water. We marvelled at how the lilies looked different, depending on the light, at different times of the day. In the morning and evening the lilies looked taller, but it was just the perspective given by the light.
Birdlife
Not only was the billabong a sanctuary for us, it was a wonderful sanctuary for bird life.
We really enjoyed watching all the bird life. We saw many varieties of Australian native birds. We saw cranes, kites, brolga, crows, ducks, ibis, and others we didn’t know the names of.
We loved watching a mother duck with her seven ducklings. Every day they swam past us multiple times. Often they were right in front of our caravan. If we couldn’t see them, we were looking where they were. They must have paddled many kilometers in a day.
There is something calming and meditative just sitting and watching birds. This is just what we needed.
And, do you know what? We are not in a hurry. WE are retired and, therefore, can choose how quickly (or slowly) we travel.
Red Claw Crayfish
Greg decided to try his hand at catching Red Claw Crayfish. We were told the Billabong was a great place to catch Red Claw. Greg was doubtful he would catch anything, given all the vegetation in the water. He had to wade out past the weeds, to put his nets in.
But, look what he caught!
We cooked the Red Claw in garlic butter and parmesan cheese. Yum! Life can’t get much better! It is times like this that we remind ourselves we truly are retirees enjoying travel.
Sunrise
Part of the pleasure staying at Francis Lake was witnessing the changing light over the water.
Here is a beautiful sunrise.
And just after sunrise…
These views were just out the front of our caravan.
Sunsets
This sunset was seen from the rear of our caravan.
The moon rising over the billabong, again just in front of our caravan.
Night time,with the moon on the water.
Rest, relax, and rejuvenate
For three days we stopped, rested, and relaxed. We didn’t do any tourist activities. We basically stayed at our campsite. Yet, we were never bored. The landscape in front of us was constantly changing. Birds were flying in and out. The light, and the colour, in front of us constantly changed.
Nature was our entertainment. It was like we were experiencing a visual sensory overload. What we were seeing was gradually, and constantly changing. Watching this beautiful display of nature provides a deep sense of awe.
Nature has the amazing ability to lift our spirit, to rekindle a sense of peace and tranquility.
We left Lake Francis reluctantly. It was such a beautiful spot. We left feeling rested, relaxed and most definitely rejuvenated. Our stop at Camoolweal restored our energy. We felt refreshed and ready to resume our journey as retirees enjoying travel.
Where do you like to go to rest and relax? Where is your preferred place?
Obviously, everyone is not going to rush to outback Queensland in an attempt to rejuvenate. And there is no need. Nature is all around us. But often we tend to overlook it.
We encourage you to no longer overlook the natural beauty around you.
Wishing you the opportunity to stop; to rest, relax and rejuvenate.
Travel safely
Cheers from Estelle and Greg – Retirees Enjoying Travel.