COOL WITH CHINA RINGING IN CHANGE
There is the COVID-19 recreational travel rule that states residents of designated outback areas can travel 500km, but only in outback areas. For example, if you live in Hughenden, 382km west of Townsville, you cannot travel to the coastal capital for some much needed R&R. You could though go to Winton or to Cloncurry but not, technically, to Mount Isa, which is 521km to the west. And you can go north to The Oasis, Einasleigh, Forsayth and Georgetown. The options are limitless for those ready for some exploration.
Sooooo, let’s have a bit of fun and work out where people can and cannot go. Charters Towers residents are limited when it comes to heading to the coast. They can go to Townsville and Maggie and they can go to barra-mudcrab hotspot, Giru, but not down the road to Ayr.
Townsville people can go westwards, taking in the Mingela, Ravenswood and Clare via Hillsborough Station circuit. This brings you out at the back of the Burdekin River Irrigation Area, just a hop, step and a jump to the Bruce Highway and back up to Townsville. And of course they can go to Charters Towers, but sorry Greenvale is out of bounds. Bowen to the south is out of contention because it is 201km from Townsville. Cardwell is out due to it being 165m north of Townsville. Paluma, Hidden Valley and Ingham-forrest BeachHalifax and Dungeness are all very much within the permissible perimeter of travel. I have often met people in Townsville who have lived there for years, but say they have never been to Charters Towers.
Few have even heard of Ravenswood, but this old gold mining town is a treat. There is accommodation at the two historic pubs and when camping reopens there is the former show ground, presided over by caretaker and award-winning bush cook, Woody Pigram.
Croydon worth visit
AT Mt Surprise in the outback Etheridge Shire you are only 400km from Townsville. If you live there you are not allowed to visit the big smoke. But, you can go to Georgetown, Einasleigh, Forsayth and Croydon. Technically you can’t go to the Gulf Country capital of Normanton because it is 518km to the west, so you will just have to suck it up and be content with a weekend in Croydon.
And before anyone arcs up and says “OK smart-arse, what’s wrong with a weekend in Croydon?” I’d like to add that I have spent many happy occasions in Croydon and take great pleasure in recommending it as a holiday destination.
People do not always speak kindly of Croydon, but I am not one of them. The place is awash with characters and the town is, after all, the home of Australia’s biggest cattle duffing case.
The main bar in the pub is called The Poddy Dodger’s Bar. Mareeba cop, Dusty Sweeper (now retired), busted the case wide open.
Six thousand head of cattle stolen plus horses, plus cattle lick blocks, plus fencing materials. Croydon, beautiful one day, perfect the next.
CORONAVIRUS CO has brought about great change e in the world. International travel is at a virtual standstill, people are working from home (well, ostensibly they are working from home; the ones I know w are either out jogging or watching Netflix). People are stripping animal shelters s of pets. The last time I checked, the Townsville City y Council’s Animal Care and Adoption Centre (formerly known as The Pound) had run out of dogs and only had d a couple of cats. Pilots are working as shelf stackers in Woolies. Baristas and wait staff are down at Bowen picking tomatoes. The most momentous change in my book has nothing to do with lockdown, social distancing, the shutdown of international travel or new working arrangements. No, the most momentous change e in my book goes far, far deeper than that. This is a great leap forward for mankind. Sit down, please, and calm yourself before you read any further. Peter Snell the barber – whose global headquarters are in Third St, Railway Estate – is now taking phone appointments. I kid you not. For the first time in 34 years – thanks to coronavirus – you can ring up and make a phone appointment. His CEO, Sue, who just happens to be his wife, will answer the phone and schedule you in for a session with the celebrated shearer.
Snellie has been cutting hair for 43 of his 58 years. When he went out on his own he set up his first shop in Boundary St and was there for 22 years before moving to Third St, Railway Estate, in 2008. Pre-coronavirus, the customers sat in the shop, yakking away about world affairs and laughing at Snellie’s jokes. A terrorist attack in Yemen could spark 30 seconds of debate, but a sudden rise in the price of beer or durries could trigger an anti-government backlash that would last for days or until something else happened to turn the tide. Now apart from the bloke in the chair, anyone waiting has to sit outside. And, yes, Snellie is an entertainer. If you happen to have an extra-large melon, he will get out his calculator as you sit down and start doing a few sums while telling the assembled audience seated around the perimeter of the salon, that “for jobs like this I like to provide a quote before I start cutting”. They love it. Now, of course, this once captive and appreciative audience is socially distancing outside.
Sue says he is just as funny at home. “Dogs love him. People cook him little treats. Really, I just don’t think he’s ever grown up,” she said with a laugh. You can’t help but imagine that chez Snell must be one of the happiest little microhabitats on the planet.