Friday, 29 April 2016

Combo Waterhole; Kynuna - McKinlay {Jolly Swagman Billabong - Banjo Paterson}

Under the Shade of a Coolibah Tree



Combo Waterhole is just one billabong in a series of water catchments in the Combo Waterhole Conservation Park, which is part of the Diamantina Catchment area.

Not only is the group of billabongs and waterholes immensely beautiful, they are also immersed in history.

Not many have heard of Combo Waterhole, but you would be in the minority if you have not heard of the Billabong that a Jolly Swagman camped  at, under the shade of a coolibah tree.  You know the tune, hum it as you read on.

Back in 1895 A. B. Paterson (Banjo to you and me) was visiting the Kynuna ( North West Queensland) area and spent some time with "Squatter" Bob MacPherson who ran the property Dagworth.  Not long before Banjo's visit, there had been Shearer's Strikes, coupled with gun fights and burning of shearing sheds.

Banjo used the stories from Bob MacPherson to write the words to Waltzing Matilda ( more on that can be found here:  More on Waltzing Matilda.

Combo Waterhole, was once part of the Dagworth Station, now it is a 49ha Conservation Park. 

The access is well sign posted.  The turnoff is located 132km North West of Winton ( or 15km east of Kynuna) on the Landsborough Highway.  The parking area is 8km from the highway on a dirt road that during the drier months can be accessed via conventional vehicles.  ( Please check road conditions during the Wet Season)

Once you reach the carpark, you will need to walk just under 3km (round trip) to visit THE Billabong.  Seriously, though - you are in for a treat!  It is just beautiful.

Along the way are information boards with plenty of interesting facts.  I dare you to not hum the tune or be on the lookout for the Swagman's Ghost as you go.

The other little known part of history that Combo Waterhole is famous for - is it's "stone overshots" - interwoven rows of stone (no mortar) to create a wall so strong to with stand the force of flowing water for over 100years.  These walls, were used for creating dams to help sustain a permanent source of water, but also, they became a place for the Cobb & Co carriages to cross during times of good rain.

If you are travelling in Outback Queensland - put Combo Waterhole on your "Bucket List"  - don't drive past - it really is worth the time check it out!


Swagman, Jumbuck, Winton
Located on an old Stock Route - the old 'wagon wheels' let's you know you are close.

The walking track is well maintained and accessible to all ( could be a bit trick in the Wet Season though)  

Coolibah, Winton, Swagman
"Stone Overshot" - these dam/crossings have been in place for over 100 years!

There is plenty of information to keep you interested along the way








swagman, billabong, combo waterhole
Add caption




We arrived quite late in the afternoon - but, it made the scenery all the more amazing



kynuna, blue heeler, coolibah, swagman

Waltzing Matilda - you will be humming it as you walk along; make sure you keep an eye out for the Jolly Swagman's Ghost!



Memorial Plaque to Jolly Swagman and the poet Banjo Paterson


winton, swagman, billabong, blue heeler


THE Billabong!  Combo Waterhole






waltzing matilda, banjo paterson, winton,

The sun sets over Combo Waterhole.  Perhaps if you stay long enough, the Jolly Swagman's ghost may be heard



The light over the dried and sparse spinifex is really quite breathe taking






coolibah, winton, kynuna, waltzing matilda, squatter, shearer

Sunset over the carpark at Combo Waterhole Conservation Park


Full Moon on the drive home to Mount Isa


No comments:

Post a Comment