JULY 2021
 

'Friendships formed and old acquantances renewed'

Owners of Retreat caravans hit the
road for their record get-together

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QUEENSLAND'S Retreat Caravan Group is setting a record for its longest Get-Together, which usually takes place over one weekend and at a single location.

Administrators Barry and Sandy Neilsen said the event, which they hailed as a "huge success", was now winding down and breaking into smaller groups.

"There have been a few friendships formed and old acquaintances renewed, with everyone willing to help each other out to ensure all had a great time," they said.

Retreaters from Queensland, NSW and VIctoria started making their way north on July 1.

Several small groups began meeting in towns which included Mitchell, Emerald, Jericho Augathella, Blackall Lara Wetlands (south of Barcaldine), Windorah, Birdsville (for the Big Red Bash), Bedourie, Ilfracombe, Longreach, Winton and Middleton.

"At many places they held mini get-togethers with happy hours, pub dinners and campfires," the Neilsens explained.

"The first groups arrived at Boulia on July 11 where they were welcomed back to the Boulia Caravan Park by park owner Mary-Ellen.

"The next few days saw more Retreaters arrive to bring the total to 29 caravans."

The town's Camel Races and festivities kept them busy before many made their own way back east, south or west.

"Fifteen members headed further north through Mt Isa to the abandoned mining town of Mary Kathleen where a great night was had with a campfire and a camp oven cook-up," the Neilsens said.

After one night in Cloncurry, where they joined by another Retreat caravan, bringing the new total to 16 caravans, they pushed north to Normanton and finally the Gulf town of Karumba to enjoy fresh Barramundi, fresh Gulf prawns and magnificent sunsets whilst enjoying a beer or two at the Karumba Tavern beer garden.

They were joined In Karumba by one more caravan, bringing the total to 31.

Many members took either the Croc & Crab morning cruise or the Sunset cruise out to a sand island in the Gulf.

The get-together began to wind down on July 24, with a farewell dinner at the Sunset Tavern.

Some Retreaters headed home but a few smaller groups began making their way east across the Savannah Way with plans to enjoy a couple of train excursions on the Gulflander and the Savannahlander. Stops on the way will include Normanton, Croydon, Mt Surprise, Ravenshoe and finally Mareeba on the Atherton Tablelands around the first week of August.

The Neilsens said the Get-Together had covered much of Western and Outback Queensland, from the Queensland-NSW border right up to the Gulf and North Queensland, for a total of five weeks or more and included a total of 31 caravans ... "a great record for the Queensland Retreat Caravan Group".

"Whilst our Queensland Retreaters have been fortunate to enjoy this great trip in a COVID-free area and no real restrictions, it has allowed the group to have a great time whilst having sincere empathy for those members severely impacted by lockdowns and restrictions in other parts of the country.

"Hopefully when this pandemic is over we may all resume the great caravanning lifestyle.

"Our group continues to grow with more members joining everyday and with a common interest in travelling our beautiful country.

"We started the group two-and-a-half-years ago and have travelled to various parts of Queensland, supporting towns which are struggling in the current restrictions."

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