Travel & Display | Bundaberg - Mt Isa QLD

Tuesday-Thursday: 14-16 July

Farewells and a Fast Track West
Tuesday, July 14th began with a tender reunion – a visit with our dear friend Pastor Mark Turner, newly returned from New Zealand after the loss of his mother. It’s always a gift to sit with a friend in a season like that, to share a hug, a prayer, and a little encouragement before the road calls again. And call it did – we turned our hearts and our wheels westward, bound for Darwin, carrying with us a wonderful opportunity: the chance to display Essie and share the Ministry at the Royal Darwin Show. What a privilege!

A Little Miracle in Rockhampton
Our first stop was Rockhampton, and honestly, we weren’t sure it was going to work out. A huge 4-wheel drive and caravan show had booked out every bed in town – not a single room to be had. But isn’t it just like our Heavenly Father to have things in hand before we even ask? At the last moment, a kind local lady felt prompted to list her Airbnb, and we were welcomed with open arms to “Pinky’s Retreat.” We left her with a copy of the Overlander book and a heart full of gratitude for another small, sweet reminder that we are never travelling alone.

The Tree That Wouldn’t Be Forgotten
Wednesday morning found us on the long road to Longreach, proudly known as the capital of the outback. Along the way we paused at a poignant sight – a dead ghost gum in Barcaldine, cared for beneath a beautiful memorial structure built in its honour. Though the old tree gave up its life back in 2006, its story lives on as a tribute to the great shearers’ strike of 1891, a struggle that helped shape the Australian Labor Party.
It’s called “The Tree of Knowledge,” and we couldn’t help but think of Genesis chapter 3 as we stood there. By the time we reached Longreach, night had fallen, and we were welcomed by an unexpected committee – kangaroos lining both sides of the road, watching us pass. We drove carefully and prayerfully, grateful that not one hopped over to greet its flatmates on our bonnet!

Essie Steals the Show at the Qantas Museum
Thursday brought a little burst of joy. We brought Essie out for a photo at the Qantas Founders Museum, and before long we’d caught the eye of a lovely retired couple exploring the country. It wasn’t long before we were giving them a ride around the museum’s ring road, laughing and chatting along the way. They gladly took a copy of the Overlander and told us we’d made their day – and truly, moments like that make ours too.

Dinosaurs, Discernment, and the Evidence All Around Us
From there we continued to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Centre just outside Winton. Their timeline for the fossils on display felt just as lifeless as the bones themselves, and it was humbling to stand there, surrounded by such clear evidence of the flood written across the land, and be reminded once again of the truth we carry and share.

Wildlife, Wide Open Spaces, and a Welcome Sabbath
We pressed on through the vast, sunburnt beauty of far western Queensland, blessed along the way by glimpses of God’s creativity – Australian Bustards striding through the scrub, and graceful Brolga Cranes standing tall on the plains. By day’s end we reached Mt Isa, so grateful. There wasn’t time to set up Essie there; Sabbath and Tennant Creek were calling, and our hearts were set on being ready to rest in Him.

One Last Conversation Before Sabbath
But God wasn’t finished with us yet. The next morning, as we fuelled up to leave Mt Isa, a lady at the servo struck up a conversation, curious and warm, asking about our journey and the Ministry. She left with a copy of the Overlander in her hands – a beautiful, unplanned encounter and a gentle reminder that He goes before us, opening hearts and doors all along the way. What a way to close out three unforgettable days on the road!