As you know Willandra National Park is a favourite of ours. Its an iconic part of our pastoral history, it allows you to enjoy the plains of outback NSW, with stunning sunrises and sunsets. Some sections are harsh whilst the historic home, the creek and outbuildings provide and oasis away from the heat. Of course all of us enjoy it there and think fondly of friends and good times.
The "One Tree Plain." Flat and as vast as the eye can see. (unless you use binoculars..then its even further)
However, it did come as a surprise when my daughter asked if she could have her 21st birthday there. I was delighted. She had invited some of her American friends over for Christmas and we all agreed that this would be a fabulous place for them to get a taste of rural Australia.
Rather than camp, we chose to hire the Overseers cottage. Many of the greater rural properties generally had a huge homestead for the owners, a managers home, and overseers cottage and then shearers accommodation. The cottage is neat, clean and tidy. For Susies birthday lunch we were granted the use of the formal dining room in the homestead.
Christmas itself was quite intense. A full traditional day consisting of Turkey, Ham, roast pork, plum pudding as well as salmon mousse. Seafood consisted of 3 kg of king prawns and a few dozen pacific oysters. Cheese, sweets, and a variety of beers, wines and champagne. We have not done this for some time, as its easier to head to a restaurant for Christmas day. The work load, oven, dishwasher did not stop from early morning to evening as guests came and went.
It was 11pm by the time we had packed for the trip out west. Leaving early, the journey was uneventful. Tar all the way to Hillston, where re fuelled the Rav4. The next 80km is on a dirt "dry weather only" road. I was very pleased that there were mobs of emu and kangaroo in such numbers that it would have made Qantas proud. Our visitor was delighted to see this.
On arrival we discovered that there was no water! Not to the cottage, nor any other building. We learned there was a power blackout a few days before and clearly the bore pump had switched off. Despite our best efforts to find a switch we failed. Fortunately I always travel with 60 litres of drinking water. However this was not going to be enough for cooking, washing and drinking over 3-4 days. I made the choice to drive 80k back to Hillston to buy what extra water we could. The BP servo, was open and I refuelled, purchased an extra 40 litres of water.
Toyota Landcruiser off to get water.
Functional washes using what water I could get from the water tanks on the home, (uncertain as to the quality we chose not to use it for cooking or drinking). Basically a bucket, and a dipper you have to be quick. For a brief moment I thought I saw our American friend go green.
Susies birthday lunch was a traditional roast lamb with all the trimmings as well as french champagne. Cooked in the gas oven of the cottage, placed on the back of the Landcruisers tray and driven over to the formal dining room.
It was a brilliant meal. Later that afternoon we had afternoon tea and birthday cake under the shade of a tree on the manicured lawns. The Willandra creek billabong making a beautiful backdrop, as Whistling Kites soared overhead.
The following day I chose to get up early, as the days were reaching 40c, and drive the Merton trail. It had not been driven on for some time and so I was delighted to see a full array of wildlife, including feral goats and pigs and a Geep! A Geep is a cross between a goat and a sheep and they look amazing! I assume they are like a Mule...
The afternoons were too hot to engage in too much activity so we cruised around the homestead and relaxed with beer in hand. Susie announced her engagement and is heading off the the USA for 4 months.
Willandra has become a very significant place for us all. It was our good family friend Jims last trip, Susies 21st and engagement as well and many other fond memories.
Again, this is a trip and christmas we shall never forget.
(Note:- All meats and vegetables in this post are "free range." No human was harmed in their processing)
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