for a day out!

Today I decided to head out and about in the great outdoors and explore an area that is so close it's almost a crime I have not spent more time there.

I stopped at all the stops along The Falls Drive

 

First stop Browns Falls and as the sign suggests ‘track suitable for able bodied persons only’... this is no joke... while the track is not long, just 600m, and it’s not steep... it is difficult terrain.

For the most part the path is a little difficult to navigate as it is not always obvious. This has its pros and cons, great in that the area is remaining relatively untouched by humans, however difficult for a first timer to feel confident they are going the right way! Word of warning is that you will need good hiking shoes and all your hands free to negotiate some of this track. 

Am sure the path is there somewhere.... 

Little red reflective discs dotted the way. Although in some cases they were difficult to locate and some appeared to be more of a ‘here I am’ marker rather than an actual indication of which way you were meant to go!

Can you spot the one across the creek.... Peek-a-boo!

Coming back seemed a whole lot quicker, and easier as I managed to remain mostly to one side of the creek bank, unlike the trek there where I seemed to be zig-zagging most of the way!

It was definitely worth the trek.

Round trip to just under an hour... sign says allow 20mins there but then you have to allow for photo time, staring into the beautiful waterfall time, getting lost in thoughts time and standing around with your hands on your hips wondering if you’re going the right way time!


Next stop.... Daggs Falls... which is really just a 5m walk onto a lookout platform but still very beautiful!

A gorgeous lookout

The Queen Mary Falls track is by far the most popular in the area and one I have completed many times before. The 2km circuit is well paved with gravel and bitumen to guide the path making it accessible to most. 

The path at Queen Mary Falls is a lot more obvious and user friendly!

Being a circuit there is no back tracking, depending on which way you go you start your journey by weaving your way to the bottom of the Falls... 

Queen Mary Falls from the bottom...

but of course, what goes down must also come up... 

and from the top..

it’s not overly steep but it will get the heart pumping and the sweat dripping on a hot day. There is of course the option to do it in reverse and at one point even a post that indicates the ability to choose your own adventure... 

If the climb was all a bit much fear not... there is a cafe waiting for you at the end with lots of yummies and goodies to refuel you...

and chances are you will have some company to enjoy your snacks with....

Lunch date!

Driving further up the road is the amazing Carrs Lookout which is definitely worth the extra drive up the winding range.

Was such a beautiful way to spend my day, and only a short 30 minute drive from my home. Really must make an effort to go there more often!

for Warwick Rodeo

This past weekend I didn't need to scour the paper for something to do because the last weekend in October is always marked on my calendar as Warwick Rodeo weekend.

Warwick is about 85kms south west of Toowoomba and is kind of my home town. It was home to me when I went to boarding school there in the early 90s and now my parents live there. 

Warwick Rodeo is said to be 'Australia's Most Famous' but am sure many people in Mt Isa would challenge that! 

What sets Warwick's apart is that it coordinates all the thrills of rodeo events with the, Warwick Gold Cup and Canning Downs Campdraft, the biggest in Australia. They are worth over $55,000 and $25,000 respectively and the event goes for 7 days with all the finals culminating on the last full weekend in October.

We pretty much head there every year and this year was no different. It was about 5:30 by the time I got to Warwick after work and arrived just as a massive thunder and lightning storm hit. I opted out of heading for the rodeo Friday night, I was busted after a busy week at work.

Saturday morning there are markets in the town's main park followed by a street parade.

My old High School Pipe Band

The temperature hit 30something ridiculous on Saturday, so after the parade we went home to escape the sun and so everyone (the twins mainly) could have a rest before heading down to the rodeo Saturday night. 

Sunday morning we headed back down to watch some of the finals action.

And it was also an awesome opportunity to catch up with the niece and nephews! 

All this one wanted was to sit on Aunty Zita and snuggle - I wasn't complaining!

So hard to get a pic of these 2 together at this age! Super Cuties!!!

So if you are into all things country and want an action packed rodeo weekend, lock in Warwick Rodeo 2015, last weekend in October!

Linking up with Essentially Jess for IBOT!!