We had missed travelling to the Gemfields in 2017 due to time constraints and a northwards route closer to the coast. This time I was determined we would stop, albeit for only two nights at Sapphire to try and get up close and personal with the mining of substances other than gold and iron ore.
The road was fairly gruelling once more, but we did pass through some wonderful landscapes and fascinating settlements. Barcaldine (Bar-CALL-din) was first on the agenda with information regarding the shearers' strike and a memorial to this event. We didn't stop in Jericho, but discovered Snow's Bakery in Alpha with a visitors garden and displays. We arrived at the Sapphire Caravan Park just before five in the afternoon. This allowed us to partake in the bird and wallaby feeding which occurred daily in the grounds.
The caravan park was high above town in a bush setting, which was absolutely delightful. We were relatively close to the loos and the nights were not too chilly - an added bonus. We enjoyed a drink at one of the campers' bbq areas and then fell gratefully into bed. The day had been long and tiring.
We were up and out for the Sapphire Markets the next morning. This was a chance to wander through an extraordinary number of different stalls, with a major emphasis on gems and crystals of all sizes and shapes. We enjoyed brunch in a shady spot with seating before a final browse. Then we were off to Rubyvale.
We joined a walking tour of a sapphire mine underground. This was an utterly mesmerising experience and our guide was knowledgeable and chatty. We then had a Devonshire tea and coffee at the adjoining café, before deciding to stop for a refreshment at the Rubyvale Pub.
With only a couple of exceptions, any visit to an outback watering hole usually was an absolute delight. We sat with the locals, bathed in the glorious afternoon sun, in the beer garden of another character filled hotel. We eventually departed to catch the afternoon feeding at the caravan park and listen to Willow, a more than able singer who arrived to entertain us. All free of charge.
With only a taste of the Gemfields under our belts, we moved onwards towards Bundaberg. We overnighted at the very comfortable Raintree Motel in Biloela and ate a delicious dinner at the Thai-Nor restaurant. Biloela was bigger and more cosmopolitan than I expected, though there were some empty shops in the local centre. However, the combination of industry and agriculture, along with close proximity to the Sandstone Country, means that the town's future is guaranteed. Plus, every review I read about Biloela remarked on its friendliness.
We set off for Simon's house outside Bundaberg the following morning. He was due to fly out to Canada in less than a week, so we decided to grab as much time as possible with him.
As usual, our stay was him was rather memorable.
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