https://www.amazon.com.au/Gun-Fights-Ghosts-Goannas-Motorcycle/dp/1763563103

It starts today….

Day One of an adventure is always the most exciting and the scariest. This is the first summary story of my trip around Queensland. It provides an overview of my book Gun Fights, Ghosts and Goannas, which is story about motorcycle touring through Outback Queensland, something I’ve had on my bucket list for a long time. I’ve always dreamed of a trip like this, along with doing a full ride around Australia. Now it’s happening, and even though I don’t have a solid plan, I’ve got a few goals in mind. I want to rewrite the story of the “Swaggie” in the Waltzing Matilda legend, and I’m determined to find or buy a boulder opal in Opalton. From there, I plan to ride down to Coolangatta, and then start a journey up the Queensland coast, photographing beaches for my blog.

Photos of the first day

Twisting the throttle

As I set out from Townsville on my solo adventure, I feel a mix of excitement and nerves. This trip is more than just a motorcycle tour—it feels like a rite of passage. My panniers are packed for any situation, from a zombie apocalypse to dinner with the Queen. Leaving my family behind for the first time, I’m curious about what this journey will teach me about myself. It’s more than just a midlife crisis—it’s a search for something beyond the daily grind.

I think back to a scene from the movie City Slickers, where Curley tells Billy Crystal’s character that the secret of life is “just one thing.” I wonder if, by the end of this trip, I’ll figure out what that “one thing” is.

https://www.amazon.com.au/Gun-Fights-Ghosts-Goannas-Motorcycle/dp/1763563103

This is my first serious long-distance motorcycle tour—7,000 kilometers over the next month. I’ve had my share of road trips, but this feels different, especially with my KLR650, Emu, carrying so much weight. Once I hit the road, it’s strange leaving home, but I focus on the ride. Despite being familiar with the route, I feel exposed and anxious, overtaking ore trucks and fighting the cold wind.

Exploring Charters Towers

I stop briefly at Macrossan Park, a free campsite near Charters Towers, making a note to return one day. Continuing west, I visit Charters Towers, a town steeped in gold mining history. I reflect on how the town grew with the miners and their early socialist ideals, which eventually led to the formation of the first mining unions in Queensland. After a quick lunch, I explore the historic sites before moving on, eager to find a good campsite before dark.

As the day ends, I settle at the Campasepe River Rest Area, happy to find a quiet spot among some caravans. It’s been a long day, but I’m excited about what lies ahead on this adventure through the outback, riding solo and seeing where the road takes me. Click to following link for day two of my adventure: https://digitalswaggie.com.au/day-two-motorcycle-tour-of-outback-queensland

If you want to read more about my adventures through Queensland you can buy my book “Gun Fights, Ghosts and Goannas” It will make a great Christmas present for your mates or your adventure addicted friends. Check it out at:

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Gary is a travel writer, educator, training specialist and part time adventurer. When not paddling rivers, diving on the Great Barrier Reef or riding down some dusty outback track on his trusted KLR650 "Emu" he likes to explore historical areas and look for the back story.

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