We have now been at Winton for two nights after the drive from Barcaldine and Longreach. The countryside is amazing. So green after all the rain.

The road to Winton for the most part follows the old train line from Longreach to Winton. I think the line is now only used for freight.

Winton continues to amaze with its energy to do stuff. Some great attractions here and things to do and see in the outback. We have been here before, but it was nearly 13 years ago. Doesn’t seem like it was that long ago. Back then we charged around seeing all the stuff to be seen. This time we have been a bit more focussed.

The Waltzing Matilda Centre had burnt down and new one constructed. Must say it is pretty good for a two hour look see, very focussed on seeing the Winton region and its ‘treasures’ through the lens of Banjo Patterson’s ‘Waltzing Matilda’. Very 2025 tech too in the displays.

That evening we experienced the charms of the Royal Theatre, a volunteer run open air picture theatre, deck chairs and all! We saw a 1935 John Wayne classic (his 33rd movie), ‘Cold Vengeance’ aka ‘Dawn Rider’. Entertaining 58 minute Western gun fighting, horse riding and fist fighting movie, very 1930s movie making! The Royal operates 5 (or is it 4!) nights a week during the winter touring season with all sorts of old classics and present day attractions.

Spent most of day two at the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum about 20km out of town. Since our visit way back when the Museum and its environs have come a long way. The eleven kilometre road in has been sealed and new buildings constructed.

A dinosaur trackway all 52 metres of it is under one roof, a major resource effort. The story behind getting this display from its original creek bed location on a cattle property to the Museum is extraordinary. Great determination and of course some Government grant support helps.

Dinosaur Canyon has a number of displays of the animals ‘out in the wild’, bronze statues of course. Truly impressive place to visit and tour around.

Back in town we enjoyed dinner at the Tatts Hotel, good feed.

We next head for a free camp, a bit west of Cloncurry, hopefully will be there mid late afternoon for a rest!