Bonus Downs: Mitchell Qld

On the weekend of 22, 23 October 2011, Bonus Downs (located 46 km from Mitchell, and 630 km west of Brisbane) celebrated its centenary -- in style!

Bonus Downs is a cattle property of 13,380 ha that was selected in 1860 and now runs a tourism enterprise as well as cattle. Madonna and Lyle Connolly offer guests the opportunity to see how early pioneers lived and worked. In addition, they share their stand of rare ooline trees: about 80 ha grow at Bonus Downs.

Built in 1911 by innovative pastoralist and philanthropist Sir Samuel McCaughey, the homestead of 60 squares is designed for coolness, comfort and elegance. It's a fine example of Queensland architecture.

The homestead has a long hallway, 14 rooms and wide verandas. There are tasteful furnishings, antiques and memorabilia -- most of which were handed down from Lyle's grandmother.

Restoring the homestead to its original condition was a labour of love for the Connollys. When Lyle and Madonna and their two young children purchased Bonus Downs, in 1990, it was run-down and neglected with peeling paint, rotting stumps and weatherboards, and an overgrown garden. Since then, they've restored the homestead, outbuildings and tennis court, added a pool and created spacious lawns and gardens.

Bonus Downs offers farm stay accommodation in the jackaroo's cottage and shearing shed. Alongside is a large dining hall that is decorated with interesting historical photos, bits and pieces from the past and natural heritage posters. At Bonus Downs, guests receive warm hospitality and a memorable Australian outback experience.

So much happened throughout the weekend of celebrations, that I plan a series of 4 blogs (and lots of photographs) to cover the Centenary Celebrations at Bonus Downs.

PS

The 2 paintings: one is of Bonus Downs and the other is Lyle Connolly.

Opportunity to learn from an artist -- in Mitchell, outback Qld

As part of the annual Landmark Art Show, the judge, Des Rolph, gave a one-day workshop in Mitchell. I was one of the 15 keen participants who attended. One of the loveliest things about the group was that our ages ranged from a baby of five weeks to people in their 80s.

Des, who is well-known for adding a spiritual dimension to her landscape painting, showed us various techniques to improve the way we portrait the Australian landscape. There was a warm energy circulating in the room, an energy created by a group of people enthusiastic about art and keen about learning.

All of us love the splendour of the Australian landscape, so to have a teacher who helped us add strength and energy to our work was a great gift.

Thank you, Des.

The photo is of Des and Lesa.

A place of your own, where there's peace of mind

Everyone needs a place of their own, somewhere that gives you space and freedom of mind. It may be a favourite room in your home, a special place in the garden, a fishing spot by the sea or alongside a river, or beside a special tree, a tree that gives you strength.

For me (living in Mitchell, outback Queensland), my special place is beside the Maranoa River. Over the road from our home is a narrow, winding track that leads me to a special hidden place beside the river. Here, beneath the branches of a giant river red gum and on the banks of the river, I can see upstream and downstream.

Here there is tranquillity.

Here my mind is free to wander at will. In peace.