AROUND-OZ MOTORHOMES

Island Reach Camping Area - Imbil
Sunshine Coast Hinterland - Queensland

If a quite country town situated near a river appeals, then Imbil is definitely a spot to visit. We spent the weekend with the Suncoasters chapter of the CMCA at the Island Reach Resort. Well the name "resort" is probably a bit of a misnomer, but it is definitely on a reach of picturesque Yabba Creek. But the town of Imbil itself is lovely and that's probably what this story is more about. Only 17 kms off the Bruce Highway and 600 metres from the centre of town - what more could you want. Signage to the camping area is not great - easier to say it is on the right hand side, just before the main part of town, heading north, or on the far southern side if you have come from the north.

Owners John and Chris Beckman (beckman@tpgi.com.au) have a large gate at the front, so simply stop and walk through to the nearby office. Rates absolutely the best - $3.30 per person per night and $2.20 each for children. (increasing slightly after Easter 2003 to $5.00 and $2.50 but still the best value in the surrounding area) You can pay for five nights and stay for seven a wonderful money saver. There are only 8 powered sites at the back of the camping area - the most picturesque ones are on the riverside and that's where most of the members parked. There is an undercover area with BBQ and benches for the essential happy hour evening together. A mixture of flat and semi-flat areas ensure you easily can find a spot to park. It is peaceful with lots of birds in the nearby trees and waterways. Sulphur crested cockatoos were probably the most numerous and noisy morning visitors. Magpies wander around picking the ground for any scraps you might happen to leave behind.

Surrounded by shrubbery from neighbours, the camping area is very private with a delightful in the country feel. There are large shady trees and big open areas - so take your pick of where to park. You can hire a canoe - go swimming or picnic. Day visitors admitted free, from 9a.m. - 6p.m. A walk uptown doesn't take long to do, but it is easy to spend a considerable amount more time wandering around. On Sunday I wandered up to get the paper about 7.30 am expecting little activity. Was I wrong - there were heaps of cars in the main street. We knew the Mary Valley Rattler operated in this area but this old steam train has given a new lease of life to many of the little old railways towns along its path. The Rattler operates on Wednesday and Sunday - this gives the excuse for a country market on the Sunday, starting about 8 am and going through till 2 pm. The Rattler has up to 200 passengers and stops at Imbil for lunch from 12 noon to 2 pm. Imagine what a good cash injection this would give to the old timber getting town. The pub for instance turns on a special fish and chips lunch up on the verandah for a very reasonable $5.95.

You have to be keen to walk up to this lookout!

But let's go back to the walk. First you go through the camping area up to the road. A few hundred metres along is the Robinson Family Park which is bisected by a road and very large bridge. Note the flood level signs - up to 10 metres just off the road - and yes the Yabba Creek does reach these sort of levels fairly frequently. The view of early morning reflections, with the cattle across the river and ducks and pelicans was serenity itself. The other side of the park includes a BBQ, benches and children's play area, just excellent for picnics. Continuing towards town is the Ollie Robinson Walk which commemorates the old timber cutters and getters - the essential history of the town in the early days. The focal point of town common is a large white cross with clock on top - a practical memorial to those who died in the wars. There are a couple of gazebos and BBQ spots - all inviting the visitor or local to stop and picnic. No wonder this is the main lunch spot for the old Rattler. Lots of fresh water taps along here if you need to fill up those water tanks.

A bit naughty but the driver shows you how to flatten a gold coin!

Since it was still early morning, and the market stall holders were still setting up, Rex our Border Collie and I continued on, noticing the older style shops and how well maintained they were. All the makings for the 9th Birthday BBQ of the Suncoasters had been purchased from local shops - the butcher shop stood proud on one corner, with the Railway Hotel on the near corner - and yes for once it was right beside the railway. The little station was having its garden watered while two boys played soccer nearby, with a gentle but firm warning - don't kick that ball into my flowers! The little station was immaculately cared for - you could feel it saying "the people will be here soon - I'll put on my best for their visit". Not seeing an obvious newsagent, I asked in the cafe and was directed to the 4 square shop across the railway line at the far end of town.

Here you will find a real country store - everything from magazines to hardware to food and once again, very friendly staff. Imbil Village is serviced by The Forestry and Irrigation Departments (Department of Natural Resources ), a Bowling Club, five churches, Hardware Store, Hotel, three dining outlets, 3 fuel outlets, Butcher Shop, Grocery Store, Post Office, Caravan Park and a Museum. In addition, there is also a swimming pool and a play park. Most of these are within easy walking distance of Island Reach township. On the way back we wandered through the markets, some of which were still setting up. Being a crafty person, I took special interest in some beautifully made items, including a magic plastic bag holder, casserole carriers, turtle pin cushions and more - all finely finished. There was another stall with really unusual fruit trees and plants and yet another with hand made soaps. Managing Rex on his lead, plus carrying the newspaper and taking photos, I didn't have any spare hands for a purse - only popped $5 in my pocket to get the paper, so this time, there were no purchases made. But when we are next in the area, this will be another matter.
Back to Island Reach and another peaceful day. The clouds of yesterday had dissipated and still no rain. One day soon it will have to rain - we can be in drought and Europe in flood - where's the logic in the weather?

We caught up with some friends we had made at the CMCA Barcaldine Rally and made some new friends. Lyn, who is undergoing treatment for the residual effects of a breast cancer operation, will be coming to see me at home with a quilt and I could give her a few tips on teaching her left hand to be able to embroider. I'm not sure husband Bill was as excited as Lyn when we spent quite a while in deep conversation. We met up with Nev who was on his own at Barcaldine but has now a new lease of life thanks to fellow member Jan, widowed 12 months ago, and both these inspirational couples will be the subject of other articles. We thoroughly enjoyed our CMCA Suncoasters weekend - thanks to everyone who made us so welcome.

Imbil contact address

5-15 Island Road, Imbil 4570 - Phone (07) 5484 5247

Inquiries for the Rattler train (07) 54822750.

Chrissy Eustace