Roadtrip of discovery uncovers top heritage attractions
MARRIED FOR 50 YEARS AND LOVING TO EXPLORE AND TRAVEL AUSTRALIA’S FASCINATING COUNTRYSIDE, JULIE AND RUSSELL MORGAN JUMPED AT AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE TOP TOURIST DESTINATIONS SUCH AS THE HERITAGE-LISTED JONDARYAN WOOLSHED ABOARD AN EXPLORE BY GEMLIFE MOTORHOME.
“The Jondaryan Woolshed in the Toowoomba region was a real highlight,” said the GemLife Bribie Island couple.
“We arrived on its annual show day and were able to experience everything from working farm machinery used in the early days to sheep shearing, sheep dog exhibitions, and so much more. Best of all, we were able to camp on site on what is the oldest and largest operating woolshed in Australia which was established 164 years ago,” said Russell.
The ten-day trip also took the happy explorers through Warwick and Stanthorpe, and down to Tamworth where the final day of the annual country music festival was being celebrated.
They then headed out west through the inland route up to Moree, Goondiwindi, Roma, Dalby, Maleny, and back home to Bribie Island.
Another big thrill for Julie and Russell was visiting the heritage-listed Spring Bluff Railway, located between Ipswich and Toowoomba, which has a history extending 150 years and is also known for its beautiful, landscaped gardens.
“You don’t see many trains go through there anymore, but we were lucky because one went through while we were there – a rare sight indeed,” said Russell.
There was also plenty of interest in the Explore by GemLife motorhome according to the couple, who said they handed out many brochures to people they met.
“We also met a couple who had purchased a new home at GemLife Palmwoods. They had heard about the motorhomes but had never seen one before, so we gave them a tour. They couldn’t believe how spacious and comfortable it was!”
The trip was a spur-of-the-moment decision fuelled by the fact the couple would be travelling to new destinations they had not previously visited while enjoying the independence and benefits of a motorhome with all the latest features.
“We were lucky. GemLife was able to provide a motorhome at short notice. Having our own accommodation on wheels meant we had great flexibility to chart our own course and sightseeing schedule.”
The Morgans, who have two daughters and three grandchildren, said they are seasoned travellers having owned a Jayco pop-up caravan while their kids were growing up. They have also enjoyed cruises and flights but say this was the first time they had experienced travel in a motorhome.
“We were given a great induction by Andrew Dover at GemLife which really helped. I guess the main thing to remember is that the vehicle is bigger than what most people are used to driving. You have to pay attention to the length and size, and watch the mirrors when reversing. It can be daunting at first but it’s pretty easy once you’ve got the hang of it. We will definitely go again!”