Yallakool Tourist Park

29th - 30th October

We (John and Elaine) arrived late on Thursday afternoon and set up camp overlooking the Dam. Graham and Cathy Forrest were the first to arrive early Friday morning, and set up camp so that they had a great view of the dam. Soon after greeting them we headed off to check the schedule for Saturday and confirm with the wineries the numbers we were expecting for the tasting and lunch.
By the time we returned 3 more vans had arrived and we were well spread out over the area allotted to us. When the Middletons arrived they received a lot of help on finding the best spot to put their van. Must say Neil took it very well, extremely patient with the lot of us. They possibly had one of the best views over the dam. By drinks time our numbers had expanded again by 4 more campers. We had a few drops of rain and started to look for cover. With an extra piece of tarp we managed to join Ian and Hannah’s awning to Joe and Carmel’s tarp. Turned out great, and when the rain stopped there was a nice sunset over the dam. However, there was a slight problem getting a good view of the sunset. About this time Gordon and Lorraine arrived and wanting to show off the new van, picked the spot right in front of Joe and Carmel’s tent. (NICE VAN) We think Gordon has been taking lessons on how to get the centre position from Bill. We had a great social night with lots of laughs.

Saturday morning a couple more arrived early and set up camp. John held a demonstration of his apple peeler, all went well until they tried to peel an onion, that didn’t work, the gadget is for peeling apples after all. We assembled at 9.30 to discuss the day’s activities, and find out how many where doing the wine tour, and how many where staying behind to enjoy a relaxing day. Graham welcomed the last two groups that arrived soon after 10am, however, they decided to spend the day swimming, and relaxing, rather than join the wine tour.

Moffatdale Ridge was the first winery, and they made us feel very welcome. They were waiting for us when we arrived just after 10am with the wine and tasting glasses arranged on the back deck overlooking the river. It didn’t take our group long to get comfortable. Thought we might have had trouble moving on to the next stop. The wine was enjoyable and the 10% discount on all wines was greatly appreciated. Great winery we would recommend it to anyone. (For those who might be thinking of doing a wine tour of this area, Moffatdale Winery now prepares a lunch on the back deck.)
On to Goomeri to visit Cheese World, some were disappointed that there was no local produce available for tasting, however the cheese offered was good. They kindly donated a cheese board and cutting implements for the club to raffle. Everyone assembled on time and we set off for a scenic drive back to Tipperary Winery, we even found a dirt road.

The wine tasting at Tipperary was very ordinary and we didn’t feel as welcome as we had done at Moffatdale Ridge. Lunch was served promptly and quite good, especially the cheesecake, yum.
By this time everyone appeared to be quite relaxed and I think they probably would like to have gone home for a sleep, however, we still had 3 wineries to visit. I felt quite sorry for the lady at Bridgeman Downs Winery as most just settled down on the chairs outside the winery to relax. A few tasted wine and purchased a couple of bottles while others played with the puppy. (A cattle dog). She was beautiful. We assembled outside for a group Photo.

We had a quick visit to Dusty Hill Winery and I am told one or two tasted their wine. We were put off by the $5 charge for wine tasting, however the winery with its old building and church is very picturesque. Last stop was Clovely Winery and surprisingly some found a little room to try the cheese platter. Must be because we had to pay $2 each for the platter. Olwen tried to make us feel welcome and they donated 2 bottles of wine to the club for a raffle prize.

We arrived back at the dam early and settled down for a short rest before the afternoon activities. Some found the energy for a game of tennis, while others played botchy or swam and the others brought their chairs and encouraged the players. While this was going on Joe and a few helpers got the fire going, and Carmel and her helpers set up for coffee and nibbles.

Dinner was delicious as it always is when the club members bring a meal to share. The desert was very tasty. I need to get some of the recipes.

John thanked Joe and Carmel for their help in putting the weekend together as we would never have managed without their help. Joe was very diplomatic in his way of reminding us when something needed to be done.

Next morning there were a few that had sore muscles after the tennis game. Some went for an early morning walk and then breakfast and a chat. (One of John’s favourite pastimes.) It was a nice relaxing morning.

People started to head for home around 10am and a couple of lucky ones stayed on until Monday. Thanks everyone we had a great weekend and we hope you all did as well.

A special thanks to the group that travelled home with us, I haven’t laughed that much in a long time. I am looking forward to seeing the minutes of the planning for the 4WD old people ’s home.

By Elaine & John Lucas