The Bowen Coal Basin extends about 500km, from Collinsville at it's north to Theodore and Rolleston in the south in a near vertical key hole sort of shape.
Driving south to Elphinstone Lake, you pass one coal mine after another, and for the most part following the railway line that carries the coal to the coast, at Bowen. The road is not overly good or bad, some sections narrow, undulating and rolling in others, but sealed all the way.
A very popular free camp is located on the banks of the Elphinstone Lake and affords views of the lake and the rocky outcrops around. It's close to the road but the traffic is light. It's not unusual to find lots of caravans and RVs here during the winter months, about 60/night atm. It's a big space and there is plenty of room to move. The lake has lots of water birds and the fishing is supposedly good. The sunrise each morning is spectacular!
Expected to stay one night or maybe two but after three I'm running out of fresh food provisions.
The Plan: spend most of the day here then drive to Nebo for the night and have a meal at the pub. The google lady, inside my phone, says its 63km.
click an image to enlarge
 |
| The Bowen Coal Basin. |
 |
| Sunrise. |
 |
| The view from the the rocky outcrop. |
 |
| The view from my SUP on the lake. |
