Travel block

Outside the pub last night, all was quiet. But Cooper the dog kept watch anyway.

Our home away from home: the Birdsville Hotel.

The roads are still closed in every direction around us due to flooding and we are in lockdown here in outback Queensland. It’s a funny thing to be stuck in the desert due to flooding and making it all the more interesting is being in such a small town. Many of the locals already know us by name or reputation – we are the ones who were stuck in the mud.

Road closed.

Thanks to the road closures, we are only allowed to travel in about a one to two mile radius from the center of town. Well, it’s called a town, but this is definitely the smallest place that I’ve ever stayed in – Birdsville has a population of 70. In terms of the local attractions, there is the Birdsville Hotel where we are staying and it also houses the pub. Otherwise, there is the Birdsville Roadhouse where you can buy a few basic groceries and fuel, another fuel station, a post office, information center, a health clinic, airport, race track and a caravan park. There is just one constable at the police station. Here in the off-season, things are quiet, so the Birdsville Bakery and an art gallery are both closed.

Birdsville is so remote that it has no regular grocery store. Instead, locals place their food orders on line and then it is delivered every two weeks. But if roads are closed, the wait could be longer. There is a nurse on 24-hour call at the clinic and if there is an emergency, she can call the Royal Flying Doctor Service: a pilot flies in a plane, doctor and nurse to pick up the patient. There are also dates on the calendar for when the doctor comes into the clinic every few weeks. And on a fun note, Hair of the air offers a new fly in service to locals: haircuts, color, perms and beauty services such as eye brow waxing can all be made by appointment.

It’s a different world here in the outback. And it’s fun to get to experience this unique place. It’s been sunny here today, but we are still not sure when we will be able to leave.