Southern Outback Queensland & Lightning Ridge
There are a couple of choices for travelling over the QLD/NSW border to Lightning Ridge. Our first intention was via Nindigully -Thallon-Murigindi. However, locals advised that after recent rain, there had been some washouts on the road which had unsealed parts. Unfortunately, this meant missing the Thallon murals and other local sights, it is best, though to heed local advice, particularly for unsealed roads.
After farewelling St George with breakfast at St George Bakery, we headed along the sealed Castlereagh Highway towards Dirranbandi, a short 1 hour drive.
Located on the traditional lands of the Kooma people, the indigenous population here identify as Gamilaroi. And what a lovely spot for the township, with the town reserve surveyed around 1885. This makes Dirranabandi a comparatively young town, with a population of approximately 700, which varies each year as seasonal workers stay whilst working for the cotton farmers.
Around 9kms from the township, is the largest cotton producing property in the Southern Hemisphere. The 80,000 hectare (over 197,600 acres), Cubbie Station and their cotton ginnery, making them the major employer for this area. This station also is the largest irrigated station in the Southern Hemisphere, being a role model for inland Australia’s sustainable development, both ecologically and economically.
Such a beautifully clean township with plenty of interesting structures to see as you wander the reserve stretching the legs.
But, the jewel in the crown was quite possibly, the Dirranbandi Bakery. Decorated with reminders of the owners home Russia, including simply gorgeous tea sets, this spacious bakery was very popular.
Multitudes of sweet delights and pastries, beckoned from their various cabinets. Stocking up on supplies for ‘later’, it was time to continue a short 45 minutes to Hebel.
Located close to the border, Hebel’s population is around 70, with the township boasting a pub, General Store and Camping ground. All which have withstood the passing of time, reminiscent of the good ole days.
Being around 4kms from the QLD/NSW border, Hebel was originally established as a border town with a customs post, around 1886. Once part of the trail for Cobb & Co and a with the pub previously a hideout for the Ned Kelly gang, Hebel has its fair share of history to share.
An easy 45 minute drive from Hebel and you arrive in Lightning Ridge, opal country. Our accommodation here, was the easily located Bluey’s Motel, directly across the road from the Bowls Club.
More about Lightning Ridge, in the next story. Cannot give it all away here!
Royal Rajputana has just turned one year old. Part of the Fitzgibbon Chase community shops, this is an innovative venue, bringing city style to the suburbs.
From butter chicken through to vegetarian or meat, the extensive menu is catering for a majority of tastes. Saffron rice was light, fluffy and very aromatic, making for an awesome accompaniment to your choice of curry.
Water is plentiful, refilled regularly, whilst the well stocked bar provides for your wine or non/alcoholic preference.
Take some time to stop by. Have a chat, watch the world go by and enjoy some good quality Indian cuisine.
Life is wonderful thing, but all along the road we are tested. Sometimes you need to take some time to just smell the roses and appreciate the sheer beauty of our extraordinary planet.
There is a lot to see on this road. We took a total of around three hours to drive and stop for brunch and photo shoots. A nice way to spend a weekend morning. The two photos above were taken at the Ocean View Area of Mount Mee. You can feel the cortisone levels dropping as you soak in the sheer beauty.
Watch out for those checkered flags on your left as you drive from Dayboro. Go in and check it out.
Meals were delivered in such a quick time. Not only that, they were, hot, tasty and enjoyable. Add that to the good value price and we have a winner. The meal above was the large Pitstop breakfast.
I opted for a small meal, luckily! This Avocado, bacon and one egg mix was perfect.I could not have eaten any more. Note though, the extra large coffee in the background. Not mine, just saying!
They have pancakes for which you choose your own toppings. This one was strawberries with strawberry jam. Lovely jam by the way, I had a little taste. Not overly sweet, with more of small bite to it.
Or, go Canadian style and pile your bacon and maple syrup on the pancakes.
The venue is a photographers dream. The memorabilia inside, the views outside, where do you start. However, my intention is to return on a clearer day and take some awesome pics. Watch this space.
No one photo can show you the sheer beauty of these views. Take some time, drive Mt Mee, enjoy. If you need to escape life for a few hours and reconnect with nature, this is one of the better places to do so.
With a refreshingly different style of menu presentation, the Outback Steakhouse provided us with a very pleasant venue for a Fathers Day treat. Once you realise the markings throughout the menu are actually part of it and not the scribbling from a previous patron, you will be somewhat amused!
Even when you are the driver for the day, the non alcoholic Mocktails are quite tasty. Yum to this thirst quenching Cherry Limeade!
Too big a meal for me but hubby loved it and ate every tantalising morsel.
Check out out this packed bun, bursting at the seams. A little note here too, those side salads. Not only pleasing to the eye but very appetising. They side salads exceeded expectation, a lot more than just lettuce mix.
Note the subtle green blanket on the chair back. not something you see often in Brisbane, however a nice touch for those chilly, pre stunning day, winter mornings.
Somewhat out of the box, but today my choice was this superbly creamy apple & cinnamon porridge, topped with tasty berries, strawberry compote and a most delicious, macadamia crumble. Presentation was superb, I mean, end of the day, this is porridge right?? But, to make a porridge look and taste this appetising, takes some talent.
Should you have a preference for greens, why not try the green bowl. Add a side of salmon if that is to your taste. Again, presentation superb!
Perhaps your preference is chorizo. This chorizo and potato hash was a delightful dance on the tastebuds. If you are a chorizo fan, give it a try. Most likely something you will not only enjoy, but savour.
Last, but not least, sweet potato waffles paired with a curried savoury mince, and an added side of delicious bacon. Superb pop of added colour with the beetroot!
Drop by here, they are well worth the visit. Should you feel the need the need to dispose of the breakfast calories, there are tennis courts across the road! Or just bring your bike.
Seating is a mix of tables, bar stools, indoor & outdoor settings, there’s plenty to choose from here. We dropped by early in the week for a brunch and were not disappointed. 
The other dish chosen today was an interesting chilli scrambled egg. The chilli was not overpowering, and the maple bacon, simply delicious! Oh yes I did have just a little taste, luckily!
Stop by, spend some time and browse the interesting specialty shops, before you indulge in a bite to eat or refreshing beverage.
The idea behind the event, was to complete a uni project studying “relationship”, “human interaction” and the idea of “sharing within a multicultural environment”.
Watching the process, participating as well as interaction, really was a lot of fun. The rice dishes included some delicious recipes from China, Korea, Carribean, and the Philippines.
This Korean rice dish above, sported a symphony of colours and textures, added to which it was superb! 
What was the key behaviour everyone took away from this? I believe it would be the completely relaxed, non judgemental and friendly attitude of everyone involved, no matter what background or culture. A reminder that you do not have to step too far from your comfort zone to be surprised by what is out there.
The view from the restaurant and bar located on level 6, was certainly stunning as the sun set. Huge, inviting lounges, invite you to rest your feet and enjoy the location. The bar and restaurant area has massive doors opening to this secluded location.
The two bedroomed apartment we viewed, had a gorgeous view of the story bridge at night, as you entered the second bedroom. Muted colours throughout enhanced the beautiful lights outside.
Comfortable lounge setting, leads onto the enclosed glass balcony. Everything you need for a chilled out stay has been included.
DINE LIVE TRAVEL 