St George - Day 2

We started our second day in St George by going for a walk.  It was once again a gorgeous day, with the temperature getting up to 26 degrees C. The caravan park we stay in is just near the bridge, so we started at that end.

Let’s start with a little history lesson.

I think that puts it nice and succinctly.

There is a natural land bridge across the river at this point, which was used by the local aboriginals and is still occasionally used to drive mobs of cattle across.  It is located just downstream from the present day road bridge.

A timber bridge was built, but it was washed away during a major flood in 1950.  The current weir and bridge, the Jack Taylor Weir and Andrew Nixon Bridge, were constructed from 1948-1952. Andrew Nixon built the first bridge in 1890 and was from a pioneering family and the largest landholder at that time. Jack Taylor was the local member of parliament.  Notice the men in high vis orange working in the top of the structure.

It is an unusual design.  While we were there a large tractor and implement drove across.  Three trailer road trains also use it and go up the main street.

Looking at it, there is only just enough room for two cars to pass each other.  I suppose in the early 1950s they wouldn’t have predicted the size and volume of traffic that it now carries.

Our next stop was to visit “Murray” the Murray cod sculpture made from various tools and other metal bits and bobs.  On close inspection, Mick was lamenting the use of some of the interesting tools being sacrificed to use is a sculpture.  Other than that, he was rather impressed.

There is beautiful parkland along the river, with a wide path, several picnic spots, playgrounds, exercise equipment, etc.  Park Run is held here each Saturday.

We came across one mural on a pump station.

The flood level indicator was really interesting.  We can’t imagine that much water.

Have a read of the signage.  Most interesting.  The last one is so true.

Back to our walk……

There are not a huge number of old buildings, but these caught my eye.  Apparently, the art deco Australian Hotel was the only Carlton United Brewery in town, when it was built.  All the others were XXXX.  This flash design was meant to go to Gladstone, but there was a mix up and the Australian Hotel built there is the simple single story structure that was meant for St George……..if you believe all the stories.  Anyway, it is a lovely old building.

The former Post Office, now a solicitor’s.

Another nice old commercial building.  

I do like to see some modern architecture included in towns.  It shows that, while respecting the past, they are also looking forward.  This is a cultural centre.

These are all in the street next to the river, which was the original main street, but that has since been moved across one block, to incorporate the main road through town.

Wandering back towards the main commercial area, there is a little makers shop, which unfortunately was closed.  Peering through the window I spied this fantastic lampshade.  Isn’t that a great way to use vintage doilies.  What a pity I don’t need another lampshade.  There were some lovely looking items in the shop.  Obviously, there are some rather talented people out that way.

Of course, we like to pop into an op shop and the Anglican Church have one open a couple of days a week.  It is housed in what was the original church.

No treasures to be found on this occasion, but check out those colourful windows.

By then it was time to get some morning tea, and that is when we received a phone call from home.  Sadly, Mick’s Mum had passed away.  This wasn’t a shock, but not what we quite expected, just the same.  

Therefore, our planned trip was cut short and we packed up the van and started to head home.  That was on Tuesday the 13th May. We have been home for over a week.  Once things settle down we do hope to again head north and resume our travels. We’ll see how it all pans out.