The Legends of the Queensland Outback

Just out of Longreach the stage coach lurched, just about unseating me and my fellow traveller.
I hooked my arm around the back of my seat at the same time he did. "I'm not getting fresh" he said, "it's more a matter of staying on board"

The noise of the team ahead and the wind and dust didn't allow for much conversation and I just quickly nodded, to scarred to even flash the smile that makes babies cry. Our coach rolled on in the heat and the dust.

I turned around and glanced at my husband riding shotgun up front. It was unlikely his shooting skills would be needed, but with rumours of duffers working in the area, all precautionary measures needed to be taken.

​We met the Cobb & Co stage coach heading in the opposite direction. After a brief discussion on the road ahead, the drivers noticed huge black clouds building.

No one wants to get caught in the rain on these roads, so the drivers hightailed it back to town.

If my seat was precarious before, it was nothing compared to a team of five at full gallop. We clung for our lives.

Funnily enough my seat seemed really stable now, as we trotted into town. So much so, I was able to take some photos.

And that was just a small part of our days entertainment with the Kinnon Family.

You may recall a week or so ago when we stopped in Augathella, I mentioned Smiley. This was the home of the little boy who inspired the writings of Moore Raymond. The book was heralded as Australia's answer to Huckleberry Finn.

Smiley in the first movie was played by Colin Smith, who was later drummer for the Bee Gees.

Filming for the Smiley films was completed at Campden Park Station, just out of Longreach. .

We were treated to the second movie, "Smiley Gets a Gun" with popcorn included. Our day wound up with the Harry Redford Tent Show, near where it began with a Devonshire tea, so long ago..

The Kinnen Family have certainly worked hard to bring the history of the area to life and provided an entertaining day. Some of it you'd never get anywhere else.

Imagine the nightmare of health and safety in New Zealand getting an authentic attraction like this up and running.

There are no disclosure clauses. The danger is laid out plainly for those taking the coach ride and by agreeing to have your photo taken with the coach, you agree to knowing the risks and will take the ride anyway.

Our day wound down quietly out at the Apex Park just outside of town, roosters, brolgas and all.