We left Julia Creek and headed east for 150 kms to the town of Richmond on the banks of the Flinders River. It’s a small outback town with a population of around 850 people.
Richmond is approximately halfway between Mount Isa and Townsville and in recent years has become an area rich in marine fossils which date back 100 million years. So it did not surprise us that the first thing of significance that caught our eye as we entered town was the big blue Kronosaurus statue. This is situated in front of the Visitor Information Centre which also houses the marine fossil museum and is aptly named “Kronosaurus Korner”.
We stayed at the Lakeview Caravan Park beside Lake Fred Tritton. The park offers:
• Drive thru power and water slab sites
• Unpowered sites
• Cabins
• Clean amenities
• Laundry
• Great outdoor BBQ and picnic tables overlooking the lake
• Camp kitchen
• Pet friendly
• Free Wi-Fi
• Telstra and TV reception
Besides the above it has access to a wonderful 1.6 km return walk around the lake. The walking trail also takes you through an area planted with bush tucker plants and trees. The lake has been stocked with barramundi and other fish for those wanting to do a spot of fishing. On one side of the lake is a great free water playground for children, but as it was not in use we are guessing that this only operates during the warmer months.
The park is currently undergoing some new renovations. Soon they will have some awesome sites for fifth wheelers and larger motor homes/buses and another bigger area for unpowered campers.
It’s a short walk into town and we loved reading the heritage signs about many of the buildings which once stood in the town. One thing we did notice is that so many of the buildings were destroyed by fire, but in different years.
There are a couple of pubs, two supermarkets, and a few other stores in town including a great butcher where we stopped and picked up some beaut steak and sausages. We had been told this butcher shop is renowned to be the sausage king in the area.
Next we headed across the road to the bakery at the Visitor Information Centre as we wanted to buy some fresh bread. Unfortunately the baker told us that due to a decline in passing trade she no longer bakes for the public only for her café which she runs. So instead of bread we walked out with a couple of her very delicious steak Dianne pies – yum.
As you meander through town keep an eye out for the Moonrocks. They are used throughout the town for a number of things and just next door to the caravan park you will see them displayed in a large rock stack.
The town is very RV friendly and also has a camping area close to the centre of town down by the river which can be used for up to 72 hours. It was only opened by the Council in 2017. You must be fully self-contained, as there are no facilities as such, but they do supply a dump point and a potable water outlet. You must register at the Visitor Information Centre and the cost is $5 whether you stay for one night or for the full 72 hours.
Another great little town whose Shire Council and locals are working hard to keep it going.
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Safe and happy travels.
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Happy Aussie Caravanning Lifestyle
Dixie and Graeme