Having spent a relaxing few days in Port Douglas and Cape Tribulation, we are back in Cairns and planning the next leg of our journey. The next major city we are going to hit is Darwin in the Northern Territory, which is known as Australia's remotest city. The drive there can be a lonely one, and most of it is through pretty desolate outback country! Personally I love the outback, it has a raw beauty to it, and seems to have so many hidden secrets. We decided to drive through Richmond, on to Mt Isa, then onto Tennant Creek, Katherine and finally to Darwin. We worked out it would probable be six days of solid driving, but of course will take days off in between in the various towns we stop in. We are on holiday after all!
The first leg of our journey is from Cairns to Richmond, a distance of 700 kilometres that is going to be the longest leg of our journey so far. An early start is essential, as we anticipate it will take us a good ten or eleven hours to complete the journey in our campervan with stops.
Update: so we have made it to Richmond! The drive was as long as expected, taking us about ten hours. It took us through some spectacular countryside, from the rolling downs of north west Queensland to shimmering forests and then into pretty spartan outback country. An exhausting day, but a rewarding one, and we were happy park our campervan in our booked spot at the Midway Caravan Park. A nice home meal cooked on the stove top and an early night beckons, Tomorrow we are staying put, and seeing what Richmond has to offer before heading off on our merry way!
Richmond is a large-ish regional town that is an important centre for sheep and cattle farming because of the rich downs country surrounding it. It is built on the banks of the Flinders River, which is the longest river in Queensland and is popular amongst fishermen. There is also a newly built recreational lake that has been built close to most of the accommodation in the town. Our son Derek was ecstatic about this, as he is mad keen on fishing and relished the chance of catching a fish or a redclaw.
The countryside here was once part of an inland sea, and as a result is rich in fossil deposits. A large dinosaur statue in town testifies to this, as does the dinosaur centre called Kronosaurus Korner. Here you will find some of Australia's best dinosaur fossils (marine and land based), including 'Minmi', which is considered to be one of the world's best Pliosaur skeletons! The centre is air conditioned (thankfully), and we found it to be an exciting and interesting look at the history of our planet.
So we spent the day fishing and sight seeing in Richmond, rejuvenating ourselves for the long drive to Mt. Isa tomorrow.

So its a much shorter drive today, just 400 kilometres, meaning we were able to have a lie in and a big fry up for our breakfast before setting off.
Mt. Isa came into existence because of the rich mineral deposits here, and its primary function now is as a mining centre. It has an urban population of 25000 people, and a further 35000 in the region itself. Because its boundaries stretch for 45000 square kilometres, locals like to say it is the second largest city in the world!
We had no problem finding accommodation here, and parked our motorhome at the Mt Isa Caravan Park which is very centrally located and easy to find. It has a beautiful pool and clean and modern facilities as well. As this area is arid, dry and very hot, the pool really was a blessing. We plan on spending a couple of days exploring Mount Isa and the surrounds, so constant cooling off is going to be required!
Mt Isa has a rich history, much of it involved with the mining industry. Similarly to Richmond, the underground has many fossil deposits as well as rich mineral deposits, and the newly completed Outback at Isa tourist complex is the place to go to learn about these. The Riversleigh fossil Centre here is all about the unique fossil discoveries made at the nearby fossil fields, teaching you about the creatures themselves as well as how the fossils are extracted and preserved.
At the centre is also the Hard Times Mine, which is a real underground mine built and operated by real miners which you go on an explorative tour of. An intriguing look into the day to day lives of miners, here you can try out different parts of their jobs for yourself and see firsthand the skill and commitment the profession takes.
Upstairs there is also the Isa Experience Gallery, which is an interactive, interpretative, multi media gallery that illustrates the history of the region in a cultural, industrial and anthropological sense. It really puts Mt. Isa into perspective for visitors, and gives the museum a modern and exciting edge!
Another major tourist attraction, and a spot where the locals get most of their kicks, is Lake Moondarra. With my sons addiction to fishing I know we are going to spend a lot of time there, which is perfect as me and my daughter Jenny can get some sun tanning in while the boys fish. The area around the city is very important in the history of the Aboriginal people, and there are numerous sites of Aboriginal art in various spots outside of the city. We plan on exploring these, but will hire a guide as we have heard this is the easiest way of going about it! We have already visited the Kalkadoon Tribal centre, which has some interesting artefacts on display and provides strong insights into the indigenous history of the area.
There is certainly lots to do and see, and having seen some of Mt Isa already we are stoked to see what else this friendly town has to offer before we continue on our way to the Northern Territory.