Our Expedition May 16 -23 is on a couple of adjoining properties approximately thirty kilometers outside of Tambo. Stirling Downs is where we’ll be staying. On Google Earth you will find it here 25°06’34″S 146°03’24”E
Isoroy , off Ward Road heading out SSW from Tambo, is the main homestead. Our most welcoming host is Jenny Skelton, owner, and nerve centre manager, of a number of other properties that the Skelton Family own and operate.
In 2006 a flora and fauna study was undertaken on the property by the EPA , DPI, and Desert Channels Queensland as part of a “Sustainable Grazing in the Rangelands Case Study”. Thanks to Melanie Venz, now at the Herbarium, we have the full reports of those studies, including the birdlist, and GPS coordinates of the locations they used. . So, we have a baseline to build on while having heaps of fun.! I am happy to share these with anyone who would like to see them. Just email me.
To make the effort worthwhile, I propose that the expedition runs for a week, plus travel of two or three days depending on your situation. In 2021 we took three days towing a caravan. Took two comfortable days to get to Charleville, then an easy run to Tambo, getting to Stirling Downs in the afternoon.
Although the specific program won’t be put together until my son and I travel out there for a week long recce starting March 10, you can rest assured it will be a “full immersion” program. We will be mapping “drive” type and “walk” type observation sorties and an all in BBQ or two. At least one acoustic bird call station “ Birdweather” and at least one hide setup near a lagoon. Hope to organize a couple of “trail cameras” as well.My son and I will have a full car, sharing the driving, but if anyone else would like to come along, that would be great.
We are welcome to use the shearer’s quarters, and very basic shower and toilet facilities. Another building has a basic kitchen and a couple more rooms. Some 240 V power available. I assume that some people may wish to stay in Tambo at the motel or caravan park.
More to come after the recce. They will need some “cleaning” prior to use. Jenny and I will be there at least 3 days before hand to get ready. Some help would be appreciated.
