the macks

If you are going up to Kalumburu it is worth going on the McGowan's Island. Not very far <20kms. Paul and Yvette run the camp there - lovely people and it's right on the beach. The fishing is awesome and the oysters something else. We also took the Bushtracker up to the Mitchell Falls campground, no drama's but the King Edward River was at about 700mm and pretty quick at the time. If the water is up I strongly suggest you walk through first before taking the van over. Otherwise you can leave it at the campsite on the eastern side of the KER and day trip up with just the vehicle. The camp site at the Falls is nothing special. Regards John

G'day Russ and Sue, So you are in Birdsville for the season, I have enjoyed reading your blog and it seems we have very similiar lifestyles. We have left Lilyveil (That sheep and cattle property you were thinking about) after a two year stint having successfully installed new caretakers. We are doing the backblocks of central west Queensland, Isisford, Yaraka, Wimdorah, Junda, stonehenge and are now in Aramac. Country looks great after 8" of rain a couple of weeks ago. Heading to Clermont via assorted farm tracks tomorrow to chase some gold for a while. Early July will see us heading to Afria for 5 months. Enjoy Birdsville, hope to catch you around the traps sometime Regards John and Jean

Thanks for that Chris, some enquiries are coming in Regards John

Sorry, Forgot to add our contact details:- John and Jean Mack C/O "Lilyveil" Emmet Rd Blackall 4472 themacks1@bigpond.com or 07 4657 5076 Cheers John

Hello, John and Jean Mack here, We are currently caretaking a 26,000 acre sheep and cattle property some 70k west of Blackall and close to the Idalia National Park. We have been caretaking this property since Feb 2010 - and love the place. However we are not getting any younger and need to see more of Australia before we fall of the perch or cannot travel any more This is the second property of Deb and Ian Macdonald whose home property is some 115k away and we have offerred to assist them find good caretakers to take over from us in Feb next year when we intend to re-commence travelling again. They are a lovely couple, very professional in their management of both properties and great people to work for. The role is pretty straight forward and includes doing water runs to ensure the stock have water. There are only two small Honda 160 5 hp pumps, one bore with a dfiesel engine and ten dams. The next most important issue is keeping an eye on the stock and advising the owners of any issues. Looking after the gardens - these are basic, watering the small lawns and the few shrubs doing the off bit of pruning etc. Obviously prior experience with stock or a strong rural background will be an added advantage. If you are handy with tools this will be well regarded e.g. repairing/replacing leaking 1.5" and 2.0" poly water pipes, changing oils and servicing the small Honda Pumps. The ability to confidently ride a motorbike or quad bike is an advantage as we help out with the cattle and sheep mustering several times a year. This usually involved mustering the stock from the paddocks and walking them up to the yards. We also do the occassional fence run and fix any broken wires etc. The owners do all the stock work but you are encouraged to help out where you would like. If you are a responsible licensed gun owner then predator control - mainly pigs and occassionally dingoes and wild dogs will be welcomed. The role is part-time and not onerous and there will be plenty of time for you to persue your hobbies - its a great place for writers, painters, photographers or whatever your hobby. The dams have fish and one I have stocked with yabbies. It is also a great place to take a break and immerse yourself in a lovely rural community. Blackall is a pleasant and very active country town and has all the usual facities, it also boasts one of the best aquatic centres I have seen - all heated artesian water including a great spa. Culturally there is lots going on - a very strong quilting group and the artistic community is well catered for with visiting artists and workshops. Add to this the many small town regional contry and agricultural shows. Longreach is about 2.2 hrs by tar road to north and the road to longreach is 90% tarred and more being done. The job comes with the exclusive (at not cost to you) use of the furnished two bedroomed cottage - old but sound with pressed tin ceilings. The kitchen has all the use mod-cons electric stove, large modern fridge and microwave etc. There is digital satellite TV and an internet connection. The garden has a small lawn and plenty of space for a veggies garden plus shady trees and a bush BBQ. The Ian and Deb supply meat from their property and also provide a modest wage which has allowed us to save a significant amount since we have been here. They are looking for an active couple rather than a single person and hope to attract someone for a minimum of one year. Should you feel you would like to enjoy this lifestyle for a year then contact us with a resume detailing your experience and we will pass it onto the Ian. We offerred to help him out in this task as he is pretty flat out most of the time running his own property. Feel free to contact me with any questions you have I can also supply some photo's Regards John Admin Edit: Contact Details are: John and Jean Mack C/O "Lilyveil" Emmet Rd Blackall 4472 themacks1@bigpond.com or 07 4657 5076