Surat is located 450km west of Brisbane and is home to the Cobb & Co Changing Station. For 40 years Cobb & Co coaches ruled the roads and were Surat’s lifeline delivering goods, transporting passengers, linking towns and bringing mail.
Holding an important place in history, the very last scheduled Cobb & Co coach travelled from Surat to Yuleba in 1924.
Within the building that once served as a changeover station for travellers and horses alike, the Cobb & Co Changing Station complex now displays varying exhibitions depicting the lifestyles of yesteryear and the importance of Cobb & Co to Surat. The Cobb & Co Store Museum, the Balonne River Gallery, a fresh water aquarium, library and Surat visitor information centre are all together in one complex.
Cobb & Co Changing Station is an RACQ 150 Must Do
For an outback escape, head to Mount Isa, situated in the Selwyn Ranges set in the heart of North West Queensland.
The city is described as 'the oasis from the outback', emerging from the red rock surrounds as a gleaming mirage to weary travellers. Famously, Mount Isa was constructed for mining purposes as the city has vast mineral resources. It is still recognised as one of the world's greatest mines, producing copper, silver, lead and zinc. However, the city has grown into a thriving industrial and commercial centre, which has metropolitan conveniences and country charm. The environment is picturesque yet harsh, and the city's setting has barely changed since its establishment. Yet the rugged terrain and mining town seem to be the main drawcard for tourists. All adventurers will enjoy fishing, camping and four-wheel driving through the surrounding outback, and the end of each day is marked by a spectacular sunset that highlights the landscape's colours. Travellers might want to visit the spectacular Lawn Hill Gorge in Boodjamulla National Park and the world-heritage-listed Riversleigh Fossil Fields. In Mount Isa, some of the local attractions are the School of the Air (the Royal Flying Doctor's base), the Underground Hospital, the Mount Isa surface mines, and the Outback at Isa complex, which incorporates the award-winning Riversleigh Fossil Centre. Find accommodation in modern and traditional motels and caravan parks. Flights to Mount Isa are available through Qantas.
If you're like many people and find it hard to pack lightly when arranging your suitcase for an extended trip, the process of packing can be a frustrating one.
It can be hard to whittle down a list of things to take when going on holidays, after all, who knows what unexpected things you might be invited to do whilst on the trip. While you might not be ready to part with anything on your list, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that you fit as much as possible into your suitcase. Here are a few tips:
Fill in every tiny space: From putting things inside your shoes, to ensuring that every corner and crevice is filled, this will help you to gain every extra centimetre of space. It also helps if you roll your clothes (this can also help them stay less wrinkled).
Use airtight plastic bags: Whether it’s ziplock bags for smaller items such as underwear, or larger vacuum-sealed bags (available from BIG W) for large things like ski clothing, airtight bags will not only save you space but will also help you to keep your suitcase organised.
Leave room for souvenirs: Most people buy at least one thing whilst on holiday, so remember to leave some extra room in your suitcase for the things you’ll be bringing back with you.
Make a list of what you’ve packed: As you wear/use each item in your suitcase while you’re on your holiday, mark it off the list. Review the list when you get home to see what you did and didn’t use. You might be surprised at how many things never left the depths of your suitcase, which could encourage you to pack more lightly in future.
Remember to also make protect the contents of your suitcase by taking out a travel insurance policy before you go.
