We are exploring the Balonne River region between Surat and St George, working from a property as our base camp.

The season appears to have been kind to the region, though very hot at times there is healthy green grass as far as the eye can see, the country is a mix of Popular Box, Eucalyptus populnea, Ironbark, Casuarina, False Sandalwood and many other tall shrubs. There are numerous flowering plants.

The birdlife and insects, particularly cicadas are prolific, as we travelled between Tara and Surat many of the melon holes were full of water, typical for Brigalow country, there was even water over the highway at one creek crossing. At our base the soil is sand, red sandy soil, silt and some gravel.

We hope to visit the big smoke each week, today we went into St George, about an hour away with a population of around 3,000. If you ever visit St George the parkland along the Balonne River is a great spot to rest in the shade of the big old gums and Bottletrees. If you are hungry and would also like to taste some great wines, visit the Riversands Wines, about 2km out of town, it too is bordered by the Balonne.