Day 230. Winton

A day enjoying the Outback Festival

Sunrise at the Winton Showground

This morning, I woke to a beautiful sunrise! Bec and Scarlett were still in bed, but I was up early as I had a date with a few Bush Poets. Just as I was heading out the door, both Bec and Scarlett began to stir; so I set up cartoons on the TV for Scarlett, and made a hot cuppa for Bec. Then I was gone!

Bush Poetry behind the Council Building

This mornings Bush Poetry consisted of both professional poets, and 1st time amateurs all giving it a go. (Would you believe that Channel 7's QLD Weekender crew were even there, as they were filming a segment for their show). The poetry went on for ever, as there were lots of people wanting to have a go! But I must admit, I haven't laughed so much in ages. I left after two hours of 'therapy', and returned to the van to pick up Bec and Scarlett to take them into town. Bec wanted to visit the 'Afghan Bazaar', and Scarlett wanted to try out more circus tricks.

Scarlett taking a photo of mum and dad (with an old AMPOL tanker)

 

Ummm... Where's the horse dad?

 
Unfortunately for Bec, there really wasn't much of a market on. However Scarlett was impressed as there were competitions, rides, and of course the circus trick tent! She was really enjoying herself, and was not happy when we had leave at lunchtime.

Before we left, we checked out the trucks - as there was a huge range of old vehicles on display. It so happens that there is a 'Trucking Re-union' on here in Winton at the moment, and there were trucks from all over Australia attending from as far as Western Australia and Victoria. It really is a huge event, and I can honestly say that I have never seen so many restored old trucks in any one place before. I took a million photos for Russell (Bec's dad who is an old truckie) but there's so many I'll probably have to burn them all onto a disc for him.

Scarlett with a mini Mack truck

We also decided to check out Arno's Wall, which was only a block away from all the action here in Winton. The wall is made up of a collection of junk, rocks, and concrete; and extends for more than 70 metres and is as high as 2 metres. There's everything you could ever imagine within it, including a few motor bikes, engines and even the kitchen sink! We had a great time spotting all the unique items held within the wall. Bec even found a microwave oven in the wall, who's door still opened.

A section of Arno's Wall

Winton is also home to the infamous 'Musical Fence', a public instrument that has to be seen to be believed! Surrounding the fence is a number of artistic musical objects made up from 'junk', and these can be used as percussion instruments to accompany the Musical Fence. All three of us had a go at playing everything, and I must say I can now understand why the fence is located so far out of town!


Scarlett playing the Winton 'Rubbish' drums!

During our visit to the Musical Fence, we came across a Tornado that was heading for town. Most people think of Willy Willies, when thinking of tornado's here in Australia; but I can tell you this thing was bigger than any Willy Willy! It was so big and moving so fast towards us, that when I got out of the car to take a photo of it, Bec and Scarlett decided that they weren't taking any chances - as they wouldn't get out of the car - and even went to the trouble of winding up all the windows and leaving the car running. What about me! Luckily for us, it ended up burning itself out just before it reached the Industrial Shed that you can see in the photo.

A tornado on the outskirts of Winton

Later in the afternoon, we set up our chairs on the footpath in the main street of Winton and watched the grand 'parade' go by. Scarlett absolutely loved it, as there were animals, trucks, floats and lollies being thrown out to all the kids. Lets just say that she collected a large proportion of lollies, and has stashed them away for a rainy day!

Some horses in the Grand Parade

Ansett Airways Memorial

Russell also asked us to find out about an Ansett Airways plane that crashed just out of Winton back in the 60's. We found a memorial plaque mounted in the main street. It is the only large commercial plane to ever of crashed on Australian soil, killing all passengers and crew. This happened back on the 22nd of September, 1967. The actual crash site is on a cattle station about 12miles out of town; but as its on private property access to the crash site is very restricted.

Is this the real Elvis?

We spent the evening watching a World Record attempt from the strongest man, who attempted to run over a certain distance whilst carrying 330 kgs at the same time. There were Indigenous dancing, and some great country music and even 'Elvis' was on the main stage. Scarlett had a ball, and danced the whole night away! So much so, that we lost track of time and didn't get back to the van until after 10pm. Tomorrow we move on, but all agree we have enjoyed our time here in Winton.