There's something truly magical about eastern sunrises, and this morning delivered in spades. Watching the sky transform through shades of gold and orange from the caravan window, framed by the silhouettes of gum trees and fence lines stretching across the dry pastures—it's moments like these that remind me why we're doing the Big Lap. The light was absolutely stunning, painting the Queensland countryside in those warm hues that photographers dream about.
Our journey brought us into Roma, a charming historical town that warranted more than just a quick fuel stop. The main attraction here is Roma's Largest Bottle Tree, and it truly lives up to its billing. These remarkable trees, with their distinctive swollen trunks that store water—an ingenious adaptation to Australia's harsh climate—are fascinating specimens. Standing beside this giant with Lisa, reading the informational plaque while the characteristic bulbous trunk towered above us, I couldn't help but marvel at nature's engineering. The tree is beautifully presented in a parkland setting, complete with protective fencing and clear signage that makes it easy for travelers to find.
Roma itself proved to be a treasure trove of heritage architecture. The town's Gothic Revival stone church, with its prominent bell tower and red terracotta tiles, stands as a testament to the craftsmanship of early settlers. But it was the magnificent 1918 School of Arts Hotel that really caught my eye—a stunning Federation-era building with its distinctive tower and wraparound verandahs. These old country town buildings, lovingly maintained and still serving their communities, tell stories of Queensland's pastoral heritage.
As the day drew to a close, we found ourselves at a rodeo oval in Injune—an unexpected but perfectly quintessential Australian camping spot. Setting up among the tall eucalyptus trees, with the dry golden grass crunching underfoot, we arranged our camp chairs and settled in for the evening. There's something wonderfully authentic about camping at a local rodeo ground—these spaces are woven into the fabric of rural Australian life, and spending the night here feels like a genuine connection to country culture.
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