Onwards towards Brisbane.
We diverted from the Bruce Highway to visit Gladstone.
A strange town. Both approaches are through mangrove mudflats and the town itself is perched on top of a very small hill. It claims to be the harbour town of Queensland and it certainly has no other notably features. We didn't stop.
We fuelled a place called Benaraby and found a rest area close by where we lunched.
Our detour to Gladstone had made us miss one of the much mentioned rest areas at the Calliope River.
We broke one of our travelling rules, never go backwards, to investigate.
It was well worth the effort. This is a very large camp ground well off the road and well appointed with trees and decorated by the river. It is clearly one of the best and most popular bush camping areas in Queensland.
The difference between a tyro and an experienced traveller is demonstrated by the image called up in the mind by the word "Calliope River". To the tyro it is just another potential overnight camp to be found. To the experienced camper, it is a haven which provides relief from the poor facilities so common on the road.