Oma Waterholes, On the Banks of the Barcoo River

Isisford, pop.120, is on the Barcoo River, about 125kms south of Longreach.  We arrived here late in the morning and it was already heading for 40C.  To get our bearings we called in at the local cafe, and air conditioned comfort.  The Outer Barcoo Interpretation Centre has a great film of the area and a display about the oldest modern crocodile - isisfordia duncanii - fossilised remains were found near Isisford.  This small crocodile was the ancestor of all modern crocodiles.




We got directions to Oma Waterholes, about 15kms out of town, where we're planning to camp for a week.  We have the huge camping area to ourselves so we pick a nice flat site, near some trees and close to the river.  Major Thomas Mitchell explored this area in 1846.  He followed the Barcoo River from the Great Dividing Range to this area, crossed the river, then returned to Sydney.  There's a monument near the place it's believed he turned around.







This is a very tranquil place with many birds, kangaroos and cattle.  The group of apostlebirds are very noisy and keep us entertained as they walk around our camp.  The take refuge in the shade under the caravan during the heat of the afternoon.  We've also had a spotted bowerbird hanging around the camp.  On our way into town we pass by a small waterhole which is frequented by brolgas.  We've also seen these graceful birds flying around making their distinctive call. The river is home to ducks, pelicans and cormorants - so we know there are fish in there somewhere.
We have been catching yabbies in the river - delicious, far too good to use as bait.  Our yabby trap is also good at catching small fish which we throw back.  No luck yet with the fishing rods, although the bait is being devoured, possibly by yabbies and turtles which abound.

Isisford has a few tourist attractions.  There's a small museum of historic memorabilia.  There are also the "Moon Rocks" which are formed by limestone deposits around a fossil or crystal.

One other attraction is the swimming pool which is open for a couple of hours in the afternoon.  Although we've been swimming in the river near our camp, it's nice to swim where we can see the bottom and not get nibbled by shrimp.