Day 144 Killarney

Wednesday 8th September, 2021 31.3km

The road up the range

2851.5 / 2247.4km

I woke up early. The guidebook has the walk to Killarney split into two days. The distance is about 33 kilometres with the climb up the range a tough start to the day. In the end I managed to climb the hill in short order. Yesterday there was a lot of traffic but today a Monday I didn't see a vehicle until about 10am.

The light up top

Had a quick stop to take a shot of Teviot Falls. Then the view opens up into a valley where the Condamine River begins it journey. It's a magnificent view down the valley, in the crisp morning air it was a wonderful day to walk.

The border with NSW comes right next to the road so I did have a cheeky look over the fence. It's amazing that the rabbit proof fence keeps the zombie hordes at bay.

Half way up

Teviout falls

The Gorge road was open and I started down it. After the walk through the valley it was getting a little disappointing to be confronted by lots of signs. The land here is in private hands and of course the people driving through must have their share of assholes. But the agressive signage and fencing makes the walk less than satisfying. Still lovely spot. 14 Creek crossings, although 1 is a concrete causeway so no problem. I have a depth marker on my pole so I can see how deep it is and avoid spots that go over a height that fills the boots. In the end with a few little diversions I got across with dry feet.

Then it's a long slog along the last bit into Killarney. Today I had 4 cars stopping to have a chat. 2 photos taken. Might be famous on someone's else's page. Didn't have my tooth in though, whiskers hide a lot.

Then finally Killarney. Bitter-sweet. I've done as much as I can. Time to meet the family but a feeling of wanting to go on and finish this bloody thing.

Over the top. Start of the Condamine River

The town of Killarney closes early, 3pm and no Cafe, only the food works store. The town is stretched and I still had 850m to go to the motel/caravan park. I dropped in at the pub to look at the menu for an idea of whether I would walk back tonight. Decided against it and took some refreshments with me instead. The motel was $90 but deserves a mention because it was cheap, clean, and maintained well. The lady running it was a pleasure and offered me some lasagne for dinner. One of the best places I've stayed and a bowl of complimentary snacks like 2 packets of chips and 3 or 4 Cadbury favourite type chocolates. I've paid a lot more for lot less.

Horses enjoying the sun

Time to clean up and I will be picked up tomorrow. Train arranged Thursday out of Brisbane to get me up to Hervey Bay to my car.

The border with NSW

My head made it into NSW!

Canbanorra Gorge

The local neighbourhood watch

14 crossings of the Condamne River achieved
without getting my feet wet

Turnoff to Killarney

Town of Killarney

Killarney Heritage Centre

Day 144

Qld done!