Rockhampton
Birdwatcher’s Bar in Rockhampton
9/6/00
Hello, Rocky, Australia’s Beef Capital. And that’s about all there is to say. If you’re not going out to the Keppell Islands, then there isn’t much left to see. However, I haven’t checked out the Quay yet. I’ve only just now gotten here. I’m actually having a beer and sandwich at the Birdwatcher’s Bar. No T-Shirts, though. I’ve spent all morning hitting the pavement. I left the YHA at 8:30 for the Tropic of Capricorn spire. On the way I stopped for brekky at a little snack shop, had a sausage roll and read a paper. Not much news here in Rockhampton: a dog napping, Ansett has lowered fares to Brisbane, and that’s pretty much it.
Now wouldn’t you think a club sandwich in Rockhampton would have more beef and less sprouts?
Spire at Tropic of Capricorn
Tropic of Capricorn
So after my morning meal I made my way to a rather disappointing spire. Whoopie. Snapped some pictures and left. My next stop was the zoo and gardens, free of admission. On the way I walked past an old cemetery, pitifully neglected. Most of the graves were about 90 years old, many were overgrown by banana figs or knocked over. Sad, really. Eventually I hoofed it through the Rocky neighborhoods to the zoo and gardens. The gardens were nice, if not in need of a little work. There was a Japanese garden, a tropical fruit section, and the like. The zoo, however, was another story. After seeing a bit of the town, and knowing there was no admission for revenue, I knew what to expect. It was in sad shape. It could have been worse, but it could have been a lot tebber. Worst of all were the chimps. Horrible. Their quality of life was just terrible. I should have complained. I did, however, snap at some damn German jackass feeding the wallabies through the fence. Ass hole.
Half a dozen empty tables at this bar mind you, and the group of 20 screaming kids has to sit behind me! Why?
So where was I? I don’t know. Anyhow, I eventually left & headed back towards the river. I stopped by the “scenic overlook” of the town, right next to the reservoir. That part of town is very nice: quiet, beautiful homes, many in that Queensland style, and a couple private schools to boot. It reminded me of Mt Adams, only in Queensland and without all the pubs. So after that I made a straight shot for the quay. I just happened upon this bar, and I also just happened upon an American Express, too. I have cash again! Spending it shouldn’t be a problem. I think I’ll finish my sprouts now.