Day 3. Town 7: Goondiwindi lies just over the New South Wales boarder in Queensland, indeed this position is one of the reasons for its existence as a Customs House (main picture) was constructed to collect taxes on goods passing over the boarder in times gone by. It’s also where I switch to Queensland time, which is one hour behind NSW at present.

Elephant Tree

The high street has that uniquely Queensland feel about the place, but just what causes this is hard to identify. That extra bit of heat in the sun, the blend of old and new property and the seemingly extra friendly Queenslander’s who all ask how am I doing are all perhaps components that merge to create something different from south of the border.

I soon find the Tourist Information Office and gain a new friend in the assistant. The 79 year old lady (who had her birthday last month and is the wife of a former mayor) was happy to oblige when I asked what is the must see attraction. She advise me that it was herself! On hearing this, I said I was pleased to meet her and went on to ask, what is the second must see attraction? The reply was not quite so profound as the first reply as she suggested I go to the former Customs House which is now a museum.

The Victoria Hotel

With this new recommendation I trot off out the door and across the road to the Custom House Museum and ring the doorbell. I am met by a middle aged lady who starts by apologising for not having any shoes on before leading me indoors to commence my $3 tour. The museum consists of a bit of a hotchpotch of local historical pictures and artefacts and is an enjoyable way to learn more of the towns history including a two major floods. Whether the flooding led to the development of the towns Water Park I am not sure, but sadly I am informed the despite the park being used for water skiing, boating, swimming and general outdoor recreational pursuits it all came to an end when all the water all but seeped out through the bottom!

Goondiwindi means the resting place of the birds, but for now, it is also the resting place for Peter Harris. Good night.