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The Meridian Line - Sunday 26.10.2025   “A change in the weather is sufficient to recreate the world and ourselves.” - Marcel Proust Mornington Peninsula Walks Map Guide – from $10.95 Escape the hustle and bustle of Melbourne and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Mornington Peninsula National Park. Stretching along the wild ocean coastline from Portsea to Flinders, this spectacular park is a favourite destination for both locals and visitors. This detailed, double-sided map covers Mornington Peninsula National Park, Point Nepean, and Arthurs Seat State Park. It features the entire Two Bays Walking Track from Dromana to Cape Schanck, as well as The Coastal Walk from Cape Schanck to Portsea — a breathtaking two-day journey along dramatic cliffs, lush coastal vegetation and stunning ocean views. It’s an adventure you’ll never forget. The map highlights popular tourist sites, wineries, picnic spots and walking trails, with 25 detailed walking track notes to help plan your visit. You’ll also find fascinating information on coastal formations, park history, and local attractions. This latest edition includes updated details for the Two Bays Walk, Bay and Coastal Trails, and current camping and cycling information for Point Nepean National Park. Whether you’re a bushwalker, day-tripper or holidaymaker, it’s the perfect companion for exploring this incredible region. https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/mornington-peninsula-walks-map-guide/ The Beadell Roads – $39.95 Leonard Beadell was a legendary surveyor and road builder who played a pivotal role in opening up some of the most isolated desert regions of central Australia. Responsible for constructing more than 6,500 kilometres of roads, Beadell’s work made vast areas of the outback accessible for the first time. This new spiral-bound edition ofThe Beadell Roads Atlas and Guidefeatures 26 double-page maps and detailed text describing over 60 points of interest. Covering parts of South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory, the atlas includes the Great Victoria, Great Sandy, Little Sandy, and Gibson Deserts, providing comprehensive coverage of this remote region. The guide includes detailed information on road surfaces, fuel availability, and limited supplies at outback roadhouses, as well as fascinating historical background on early European explorers who travelled the region long before Beadell began building roads through it. Road conditions vary widely — from smooth bitumen to rough corrugations, washaways, stones, and soft sand. Travellers are advised to drive with caution and, for safety, to journey with at least two self-sufficient vehicles, carrying ample water, fuel, and food. With clear, easy-to-read maps, the atlas also includes notes on history, explorers, flora, fauna, and points of interest, complemented by photographs of key landmarks. Road distances, rest areas, caravan parks, and fuel outlets are all marked, along with a Lat/Long grid and GPS coordinates. Comprehensive and beautifully presented,The Beadell Roads Atlas and Guideis an essential resource for anyone planning to explore the remote and rugged outback of Australia. https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/beadell-roads/   Travelling with Pets on Australia’s East Coast -$34.95 Travelling with your beloved dog, cat, bird, or even horse? The newly updated 7th edition ofTravelling with Pets on Australia’s East Coastis your ultimate guide to pet-friendly adventures. Covering the coastline from Port Douglas to Port Fairy, this independently researched and collated guide features the best pet-friendly accommodation options — from luxury five-star hotels to relaxed campgrounds. Each listing includes a short, unbiased review with details on pricing and which pets are welcome. This edition also features the best dog-friendly beaches, parks, cafes, pubs, and wineries, so you can enjoy family outings with your furry or feathered companions. No advertising has been accepted, ensuring that every recommendation reflects the author’s genuine selection of the best places to stay with your pet. You’ll also find handy traveller tips for dog-friendly sightseeing and new sections on Destinations and Doggy Days Out. Whether you’re planning a weekend away or an extended road trip, this invaluable guide will help you and your pets travel happily along Australia’s East Coast. https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/travelling-with-pets-7th-edition/   Camps 12 Standard Edition –$82.97 The Camps 12 Soft Cover, Spiral Bound A4 Edition is the ultimate guide for free and low-cost camping across Australia. Featuring verified campsites, it clearly identifies whether a site is free or paid and includes national parks, state forests, showgrounds, pub stays, RV parks, stations and farm stays. Only essential remote caravan parks and outback roadhouses are included, making this a streamlined and practical companion for travellers. This edition places a stronger emphasis on free and budget-friendly sites than ever before, featuring the newest campsites and public dump points, along with over 3,300 pet-friendly locations. It’s also supported with updates and free access to the CAMPS App, ensuring you always have the most up-to-date information at your fingertips. Pet-friendly sites and those with public dump points are clearly marked on both the maps and listings, making trip planning easy and efficient. Known for generations as“The Traveller’s Bible”, CAMPS stands apart through its attention to detail and reliability. Every site is personally checked, and the maps use coloured icons to show site types at a glance. Backed by more than 30 years of research and proudly produced by an Australian family-owned business, the guide includes everything you need to know — from 4WD access, fishing, and swimming opportunities, to whether a site has a boat ramp. Each listing also includes the address and GPS coordinates for convenient navigation. Compact yet comprehensive, Camps 12 is perfect for campers, caravanners, 4WD enthusiasts and road trippers who love the freedom of the open road. It’s the ideal travel companion for those wanting to stretch their budget, explore further, and make the most of every journey. https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/camps-12-standard/   Ultimate Aussie Adventure Map - $27.50 Australia is bursting with incredible nature experiences — and the Ultimate Aussie Adventure Map is your key to discovering them all. Featuring over 700 adventure destinations across the country, this double-sided map (700mm x 1000mm) is packed with ideas for your next wild escape. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, nature lover, or simply keen to explore Australia’s hidden gems, this comprehensive guide highlights everything from breathtaking hikes and coastal trails to remote campsites and wild swimming spots. You’ll also find lists of the Top 10 activities around the country to help you plan your next unforgettable adventure. More than just a map, it’s a fun and inspiring way to track your travels, uncover new favourites, and celebrate the spirit of exploration — making it the perfect gift for adventure lovers everywhere. https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/aussie-adventure-map/ Meridian Musings It’s always exciting when a new map arrives from the printers! Whether it’s a brand-new release or an updated edition, opening that box still gives me a real buzz. This week, that thrill came with the arrival of the updated 9th edition Oodnadatta Track Map, covering one of Australia’s most iconic outback routes. From Lyndhurst to Oodnadatta via Marree, Lake Eyre, William Creek and Algebuckina Bridge, the track traces the path of ancient Aboriginal trade routes, the Overland Telegraph Line and the Old Ghan Railway — adventures waiting to unfold at every turn. The also includes coverage of the Stuart Highway from Woomera (Pimba) to Marla, Lake Eyre, and approaches to Marree via Leigh Creek. Access to Lake Eyre National Park via Halligan Bay (William Creek) or Level Post Bay (Muloorina Station) requires a permit, available as a 24-hour visitor pass or Desert Parks Pass. With detailed mapping, GPS references, new road names, updated reserves and key travel information, this map is the perfect companion for anyone ready to experience the magic, history and sheer vastness of the Oodnadatta Track. https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/oodnadatta-track/   Hard to believe we’re already at the end of October! The last term of school is underway, and summer, the holidays, and Christmas are just around the corner. If you’re keen to get a head start on your plans, we have a fantastic range of maps, books, atlases, and gift vouchers to explore. Buying something as a Christmas gift? Just let us know in the comments, and we’ll gift wrap it, include a card, and send it straight to the lucky recipient!   What’s New to the Website   Crossing the Dead Heart Hardback Edition - $55.00 This beautifully presented limited edition hardback ofCrossing the Dead Heartis a stunning collector’s piece. Bound in a rich brown, leather-like cover, it makes an ideal gift for anyone interested in C.T. Madigan’s 1939 crossing of the Simpson Desert, undertaken to explore a stretch of previously uncharted country in the Northern Territory of Australia. The expedition was financed by A.A. Simpson, after whom the desert was later named. Beginning at Charlotte Waters on the South Australian–Northern Territory border, the team travelled to their first camp beyond Andado Bore, crossed the desert to Birdsville in Queensland, and then turned southwest toward the shores of Lake Eyre, eventually rejoining the railway at Marree.Crossing the Dead Heartis a remarkable account of exploratory determination and scientific curiosity. Though Dr Madigan oversaw the book’s production, he sadly passed away in Adelaide in January 1947, before seeing it published. https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/crossing-the-dead-heart-hardback/ Australian Alps Walking Tracks - $44.95 The fully updated 5th edition of the Australian Alps Walking Track Guide offers complete, in-depth coverage of the trail that spans the highest peaks of Victoria, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory. Venture into remote regions, from dense forests and windswept ridges to deep valleys and majestic mountain tops. This guide is perfect for walkers of all ages and abilities, whether you’re planning a day walk, a weekend adventure, or a full week on the track. Featuring detailed information on multiple access points and written by seasoned walkers John & Monica Chapman and John Siseman, this guide is your essential companion for exploring the Australian Alps. https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/anne-beadell-highway/ https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/canning-stock-route/ https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/australian-alps-walking-track/ Larapinta Trail - $39.95 The 3rd edition of the Larapinta Trail Guide brings you fully updated notes and new details, including additional shelter huts, updated food drop facilities, and the new section through Ellery Creek North. This all-colour guide features full track notes in both directions, with colour-coded topographic maps to make navigation easy and reduce confusion. Gradient profiles are included at the same scale used in all Westprint books. Each chapter covers a section of the trail, including the side trip to Glen Helen. The expanded background section adds four more pages of history, geology, climate, vegetation, and wildlife, while a comprehensive Safety and Trip Planning section helps you prepare for every stage. The guide is now organised into 12 chapters to match the national park sections, while still retaining the 20 one-day sections within the notes — though most walkers complete the trail in 14–18 days. This iconic walk showcases some of Australia’s most striking arid scenery, with water supplied by park management at most regular campsites along the trail. Written by experienced walkers John & Monica Chapman, this guide is an essential companion for anyone tackling the Larapinta Trail. https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/larapinta-trail/   Blue Mountains South Map - $19.95 The 2nd edition of the Blue Mountains National Parks South Map at 1:50,000 from Spatial Vision is the perfect companion for bushwalking, rock climbing, mountain biking, car touring, and camping in this spectacular region. The map includes an inset of the famous Six Foot Track and provides detailed walk descriptions for a variety of day walks, including the Three Sisters, Lawson Waterfalls, Red Hands Cave, and Ruined Castle, as well as overnight hikes such as Mount Solitary, Blue Labyrinth, Wild Dog Mountains, and the Kanangra-Boyd Wilderness. In addition to walking, the map highlights other activities in the area, from cultural and natural heritage sites to car touring, 4WD adventures, mountain biking, rock climbing, canyoning, canoeing, and swimming. Locations of campgrounds and lookouts are clearly marked with GPS references, and walk cross sections are provided for easy planning. This map is available as a Print on Demand edition, making it a convenient and essential tool for exploring the southern Blue Mountains National Parks. https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/blue-mountains-south-map/   Blue Mountains North Map - $19.95 The 2nd edition of the Blue Mountains National Parks North Map at 1:50,000, published by Spatial Vision, covers Yellomundee Regional Park and local towns including Mount Victoria, Blackheath, Medlow Bath, Katoomba, Leura, Wentworth Falls, Lawson, Springwood, and Glenbrook. The map provides detailed walk descriptions for a variety of day walks, such as the Grand Canyon and Prince Henry Cliff Walk, as well as overnight hikes including the Blue Gum Forest Circuit, Mount Victoria to Blue Gum Forest, and Blackheath. In addition to walking, the map highlights opportunities for mountain biking, rock climbing, canyoning, canoeing, and swimming. Campgrounds and lookouts are clearly marked with GPS references, and a 1:25,000 map inset of the Katoomba and Wentworth Falls area is included for extra detail. Walk cross sections are provided to help plan your adventures, and the map is available as a Print on Demand edition, making it a practical and essential tool for exploring the northern Blue Mountains National Parks. https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/blue-mountains-north-map/   Seasonal Updates Please be aware that road and park closures are constantly changing and it is always best to check for changes before you set out. For more regular updates on closures, please check our Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/MeridianWestprintMapsas we try to include warnings and advice as we become aware of them. The latest Desert Parks Bulletin has been uploaded to our website. For this and other Desert Pass updates, please go tohttps://meridianmaps.com.au/deserts-pass-update/3   Mount Buffalo National Park is now partially open to the public. Mt Buffalo sites that will remain open: Eurobin Picnic Area Lady Bath and Eurobin Falls track Rollason’s Falls track Chalet/Gorge precinct and Gorge Heritage walk Underground River and View Point track Monolith track Gorge-Catani track Lakeside Walk Lakeside BBQ area and Lake Catani Lake view track Challwell Galleries Old Galleries Torpedo Rock and Leviathan Cathedral Saddle including the Hump and Le Souef Cresta Valley Dickson’s Falls The Horn The following sites will initially remain closed: The Big Walk Reservoir Road and Ballroom tracks Og Gog Magog Mollison’s Galleries track - including eagle point lookout and linking tracks Rocky Creek and Mt McLeod tracks and campgrounds Mt Dunn Walking track and linking tracks Macs Point Track and linking tracks South Buffalo walking track Back Wall walking track Keatings Tk Please note Lake Catani Campground remains closeduntil Friday the 31st of October 2025. The remainder of the park will reopen progressively as Victoria Police deem it safe to do so.   Birdsville Inside Track and the Birdsville Track – Cooper Creek causeway are closed until further notice. Cooper Creek Ferry Crossing Access crossing site is closed. Access is restricted to construction vehicles only. Strzelecki Track - Merty Merty to Mt Hopeless – Strzelecki Crossing restricted to single lane only. Accessible to vehicles up to 42m long and 91 tonnes. No services at Moomba. Strzelecki Track -Mt Hopeless to Talc Mine Rd and Talc Mine Td to Lyndhurst – 4WD only. Birdsville Track - Mungeranie to Cooper Creek – open to 4WD and heavy vehicles only with caution due to corrugations, bulldust holes and rough sections. There is no access to Marree. Birdsville Track - SA Border to Mungeranie - open to 4WD and heavy vehicles only. Vehicles are required to follow the detour around Moongra flood plan, exercise caution. Caution also at the Moongra Channel due to water flowing at approx. 300mm deep. Innam­inc­ka Region­al Reserve and Malkum­ba-Coongie Lakes Nation­al Park —closed due to flooding. Munga-Thirri – Simp­son Desert Nation­al Park Col­son Track – Open to 4WD Poep­pels Corner – Open to 4WD Pub­lic Access Route 15 K1 War­bur­ton Cross­ing – Closed due to flood­ing.   Witji­ra Nation­al Park Dal­housie Camp­ground – Open to 4WD Three O’Clock Creek Camp­ground –Open to 4WD Dal­housie Camp­ground to Purni Bore – Open to 4WD The Dal­housie airstrip – Closed Bloods Creek Ruin to Fed­er­al Water­hole Track – Open to 4WD Binns Track – Open to 4WD Pub­lic Access Route Num­ber 8 Pedir­ka – Open to 4WD Disclaimer: These events were correct at the timethey were added to the Meridian Line; however, this may have been some time before the actual event. Please make your own enquiries before travelling to an event.   What’s On 31 October – 2 November: Reynoldson Reserve Wildflower Festivalin Wongan Hills, Western Australia. tarts with a Sundowner on the Friday evening with food, drinks, and live entertainment. Then continues on the Saturday with market stalls, wildflower displays, an art exhibition, bus tours to Reynoldson Reserve, a stargazing & astrophotography excursion, botanical talks, books, rides & activities for the kids, plus lots more. https://wongantourism.com.au/reynoldson-reserve-wildflower-festival/   31 October – 2 November: Pemberton Avocado Festivalin Western Australia.Three-day celebration of food, fun, and the flourishing avocado industry at the heart of the Southern Forests & Valleys. Experience the region like never before - from smoky BBQs and avo-inspired gourmet feasts to live music, local produce, wellness, and family friendly fun. https://www.pembyavofest.com/   1 - 2 November: New England Garden Festival and Spring Garden Trailin Armidale NSW. Guest presenters, market stalls, food vendors, workshops, Naturehood Picnic activities for children with Dirtgirl, Scrapboy and Costa the Gnome, live bands and more to keep the whole family having a blooming great time. https://negf.com.au/   1 - 2 November: Horsham Truck Showin Victoria. Family friendly event showcasing an incredible range of working rigs, restored classics, custom trucks, and more. Highlights include the Convoy for the Kids, a full model truck show, remote-controlled truck displays, kids’ entertainment, food stalls, a Saturday night bar and live music. https://visithorsham.com.au/event/horsham-truck-show/   15 November: Bright Make it, Bake it, Grow itin Mansfield Victoria. Looking for something original, something handmade, something special and something local, then pay us a visit. Original artworks, wood work, homewares and skincare, as well as kids fashion and jewellery by local designers, all guided by the philosophy of “make it, bake it, grow it”. https://www.brightmarkets.com.au/   7 – 26 November: The Lakes Festivalon the Central Coast NSW. A 10 day celebration of waterways across the Central Coast to enjoy exciting family-friendly activities, cultural and educational programs hosted by local organisations and businesses. A great opportunity for everyone to get out and about, rediscover places right and celebrate the diverse lakes and waterways. https://www.lovecentralcoast.com/lakesfestival   8 – 9 November: Bundarra Garden Festivalin NSW. Lots to see and do, gorgeous gardens, plenty of food, stalls and good old fashioned country hospitality. https://regionaleventsguide.com.au/event/bundarra-garden-festival/   15 November: Bicheno Food and Wine Festivalin Tasmania. A full-flavour frenzy just metres from the ocean — with world-class Tasmanian wine, bold local brews and spirits, tasty bites from beloved local producers, and a soundtrack of live music that keeps the coastal energy high. https://bichenofestivals.com.au/   15 Field Dayon Kangaroo island in SA. Entertainment for the whole family. Showcasing the best in competition from home cooks to farm produce. Horses in action, shearing competition, animal nursery, show bags & rides https://parndanashow.com/   28 - 29 November: Nindigully Pig Racesin Queensland. Nindigully Pub’s annual Pig Races draw crowds with live music, food, auctions, and camping. The event supports the Royal Flying Doctor Service and offers family fun. This event features pigs racing in a lively and entertaining atmosphere. It’s a delightful blend of humour, excitement, and community spirit that will have everyone cheering for their favourite pig. https://www.stgeorgeregion.com.au/event/nindigully-pig-races/#intro   Do you have a story? If you’ve got a trip or tips to share, we’d love to hear from you -rochelle@meridianmaps.com.au. This week’s story comes from Jo – a familiar face to many who remember Jo and Graeme as the previous owners of Westprint Maps.   Jo Blogs It’s been a while since you heard from me. And I would probably have put it off for a while longer, except for a visit to Wilma the Wonderdog, and her humans, Simon and Rochelle, owners of Meridian Maps incorporating Westprint Maps. Wilma is one of my favourites (who am I kidding – all doggos are my favourites) and has just produced her final litter of exceptional puppies for Australian Border Force and will now live in retirement at the home of Meridian Maps & Westprint Maps. At the time of visiting Simon and Rochelle, Graeme and I were about to head to Milparinka.   Post-Westprint, Graeme and I have not done as much travelling as we imagined. The house renovations took over our lives for way too long and so when Ruth fromVisitcornercountrycontacted us to see if we could fill a late vacancy at theMilparinka Visitor Information Centrewe jumped at the chance. Graeme and I have a range of camping equipment and travel options (caravan, camper trailer, roof top tent etc) but nearly all of them require a 4WD. As Murphy’s Law would have it, our 4WD chose this moment to need new parts that had to be custom made in Qld. And so, in my trusty 1984 Nissan Urvan with my DIY camping conversion, we headed north to Milparinka.   The Nissan has a top speed of about 110kph downhill and the engine noise prohibits listening to the radio and any sort of conversation at less volume than a shout. We encountered plenty of wind, but not the tail wind we hoped for, giving us a top speed of 85kph for most of the day. Our first camp was just out of Wentworth where we found an excellent campsite on the bank of the Darling River. A lovely place to watch the pelicans on the water.   As is often the case when the Ussings head out camping, it wasn’t long before the rain arrived. As we listened to the rain, thinking how nice it was that we weren’t in a swag, we were also studying the weather radar on our phones. It wouldn’t take much rain and we wouldn’t be able to drive out in the morning. The grey clay soil is sticky and then slippery in short order. Fortunately, the storm passed and the wind we had complained about all day, dried everything by morning.   Day two saw us in Broken Hill and Silverton paying a visit to more four legged friends and their humans Lee and Jim atBeyond 39 Dips. We were interested to see how a big event like the Mundi Mundi Bash has changed the little town. And it has certainly changed. At Penrose Park, the large camping area has had many of the small areas of bush cleared, making way for many, many more camp sites but losing the small private areas we were used to. On the other hand, new shower and toilet blocks, plus a new camp kitchen have been built and these are very welcome additions for weary travellers. The pub retains the quirky bar area but now also sports a large function area complete with a stage for bigger crowds. The ever-quirky Beyond 39 Dips.A must-see when in Silverton. Broken Hill is one of my favourite places in Australia and no matter how many times we visit, there is always something more to see. This time a visit toBells Milk Bar, the oldest milk bar in Australia was on the ‘to do’ list. It was well worth the drive off the main street to find it, although trying to decide which of the 39 milkshake flavours to try is tough. Bells Milk Bar – open since 1892, the oldest Milk Bar in Australia.   Heading north again, the next stop isPacksaddle– the van is not very fuel efficient and has a tiny fuel tank. We stopped by the side of the road for a cuppa where my faith in outback travellers was restored. A while ago we stopped south of Alice Springs with a bit of a mechanical ‘issue’ and other travellers sailed on by with not even a glance our way.This time several locals slowed to make sure we were okay. We know they were locals because we caught up with them at the Packsaddle Roadhouse. They were all heading to Milparinka for the annual gymkhana and even though they were all towing horse floats and horses, it wasn’t long before they overtook us again. Packsaddle Roadhouse. One of the many places established to change and spell horses when Cobb & Co began coach services in the bush. After another bush camp where we watched the Big Sky show of sunset, spectacular full-moon rise, and very crisp sunrise, we puttered off to Milparinka, arriving as the Gymkhana was in full swing. I love watching any sort of bush event, but we were so busy in the information centre that we didn’t find time to see it. It was a steep learning curve but at least we learned the ropes quickly. It made the remainder of our stay easy by comparison. Bush Camp and Milparinka Court House (Visitor Information Centre)   To give an idea of the number of people around, Milparinka usually has a population of less than 10. The night before we arrived the pub was booked out, serving 100 meals. Why do people come to Milparinka? To follow in the footsteps of Charles Sturt https://visitcornercountry.com.au/exploration-settlement/sturts-journey/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Sturt To learn about the history of Milparinka https://visitcornercountry.com.au/first-nations/dreamtime/ https://visitcornercountry.com.au/exploration-settlement/ To try to find minerals https://visitcornercountry.com.au/exploration-settlement/gold-mining/ Milparinka Heritage Precinct has a very organised and efficient volunteering system. Volunteers usually stay for two weeks (we had to cut our stay short due to family commitments) and look after either the Heritage Precinct or the Caravan Park. The caravan park volunteers are responsible for cleaning the amenities and cabins and making sure the water supply is adequate. Our accommodation at Milparinka.   Accommodation is provided, the caravan park caretakers have a spacious cabin with all the mod-cons, and ours was the refurbished police barracks, comfortable and full of character. We were rostered onto the Visitor Information Centre where our day began with opening all the buildings and lighting the open fire in the Court House. Duties included booking people into the caravan park and camp area, opening and closing all buildings, sales of merchandise, lighting and keeping the fire stoked in the Court House, keeping things tidy and other jobs as necessary. One evening we drove to Depot Glen, whereCharles Sturtand his party were forced to stop due to lack of water. The waterhole is behind my van. It was the first time we have seen it completely dry. Sturt named the creek Preservation Creek and the waterhole was called The Depot (now Depot Glen). The party camped here from January until July 1845 and during that time Sturt mounted several local expeditions looking for other waterholes but found nothing substantial.Other places worth visiting are Mt Poole, Sturts Cairn and Poole’s grave but we had visited these areas previously. Depot Glen on Preservation Creek.   We live in an area known for stunning sunrises, sunsets and brilliantly starry night skies…but this area takes it to another level. There were a few nights I wrapped myself in a doona and sat outside in the dark watching the stars and listening to the goats devour the shrubs that have been planted in the caravan park. And yes, it was freezing but worth it. The stunning sunsets at Milparinka. The ‘Rock Room’.   The Albert Goldfields Mining Heritage Centre was my favourite area where I could study the gem, rock and fossil collection. This building comes complete with microscope and rock samples to look at. My tip: Don’t look at your own fingertips under the microscope after you have been out bush for a while. Graeme’s favourite area was the Sturt Heritage Room and Kidman Centre. Members of Charles Sturt’s Central Australian Expedition were the first Europeans to visit the Milparinka area, setting up camp at Preservation Creek near Mount Poole when a lack of water halted their expedition. Sir Sydney Kidman was a large landholder in the area and the display includes video of early droving and stock camps. The photo above is part of the old post office. It hasn’t been renovated or restored; I think the best term is preserved. The new roof looks very similar to the original tin roof when you stand outside, and the new flooring makes it safe to walk around. I also enjoyed spending time in the Women’s Heritage room, just trying to contemplate the lives of pioneer women in the area. Particularly all those skirts. Doctor Mary Clementina De Garis didn’t live in Milparinka but travelled from Tibooburra to treat patients. I believe she rode a pushbike from Tibooburra, some 40 kilometres away. Whether it was a pushbike, horse or some sort of wagon, the trip must have been less than comfortable. In 1907 Dr De Garis had been the second woman to be awarded a Doctorate of Medicine in Australia. She studied and worked in Muttaburra, Tibooburra, USA, UK, Macedonia and then back in Australia. Always fighting to promote women’s rights, she wrote five books and had more than 40 medical papers published. What an amazing person! We left Milparinka after 10 days as we needed to be home to host the annual family Christmas in July. We drove south to Merbein and camped on the town common overlooking the Murray River. The morning was so, so cold but the mist on the river with pelicans gliding silently past was lovely to watch. A stock up of fruit and vegetables at the local roadside markets is a must in Mildura (depending on quarantine restrictions), and we bought the biggest and juiciest oranges I’ve ever seen.   We never know what our offspring will be up to at Christmas time or whether I will be rostered on for work and so Christmas in July (also known as Unhinged Christmas) is the one time of the year all the kids come home. Gifts must be either the weirdest thing you can find at an op-shop or something from your house that you don’t want to throw out, but don’t really want either. Being winter a hot Christmas lunch is not out of place, board games are played and many laughs are had while sitting around the fire. Jo   Meridian Mirth To share your jokes, please send them torochelle@meridianmaps.com.au.Many thanks to Vince and Paul for their contributions! Sorry if anyone is offended by the jokes in this edition – I thought they were amusing, but I understand they might not be for everyone. A well endowed man went to a Doctor and said, "I can't live with this big member anymore! It's far too long." The doctor replied. "I can't do anything for you, but if you see the Witch Doctor, down in the Bayou, she can help you." So, he went to the Bayou and saw the Witch Doctor. The Witch Doctor said. "Go into the Swamp and find a Female Frog. Ask her to Marry You. She'll say "NO", and you'll lose 5 inches off your Member immediately". So, he went to the Swamp and found the Female Frog and asked her, "Will you marry me"..?? "NO", she said. And right enough, he lost 5 inches off his Member. The Guy liked the results, and thought, 20 inches is still just a little too much. So he asked the Frog again. "Will You Marry Me"..?? The Frog said. "NO". And the Guy lost another 5 inches. He thought. “Good, 15 inches is great, but 10 inches would just be perfect.” So he asked her again. "Will You Marry Me"..?? And the Frog said. "How many times do I have to tell you... NO..! NO..! NO...!" One day, three men were trekking through a jungle when they came across a violent, raging river. They had no idea how to cross. So the first man decided to pray: 'Please, God, give me the strength to cross this river.' Immediately he grew enormous muscles in his arms and legs, and he managed to swim across the river in a couple of hours, nearly drowning twice. The second man saw this and he prayed 'Please, God, give me the strength AND the tools to cross this river.' A boat appeared from nowhere, and he battled across the river in an hour, nearly capsizing twice. The third man saw this and prayed 'Please, God, give me the strength, the tools AND the intelligence to cross this river.' Immediately he turned into a woman. She looked at the map, walked upstream a hundred yards, and crossed over the bridge to the other side. The Fine Print At The Meridian Line Wherever possible we try to acknowledge the source of all information contained in this newsletter. We offer no guarantees for accuracy, but we do our best. Get the Word Out Feel free to forward this newsletter to any family or friends who you feel might enjoy a good read. If they would like to receive this newsletter on a regular basis they can register at:https://meridianmaps.com.au/newsletter/ Using information from this newsletter You are welcome to use information from this newsletter, but we request that you kindly acknowledge that the information is from The Meridian Line. Meridian Contact information Email:rochelle@meridianmaps.com.au Newsletter Email Address Please do not reply tonewsletter@meridianmaps.net.au. This email is not monitored. Please contactrochelle@meridianmaps.com.au Disclaimer Please note that the opinions and articles expressed in The Meridian Line are not necessarily those of The Meridian team. Also, we do not endorse any products (other than our own), or tours listed in my contributed articles.