Birdsville, 1961- 50 years on !

by Robin Reed
(Melbourne, Victoria.)

Birdsville Pub 2004

Birdsville Pub 2004

Hi Rita.
In 1961 I was on a Bureau of Meteorology survey which involved the location and checking of various artesian bores in this region.
I was in Birdsville not long after they struck water in the town.
The bore was about 3800 feet deep when they struck water and it reached the surface at about 209 degrees Fahrenheit.
It was so hot that it was impossible to have a shower as the water was just too hot.
Prior to this, water was pumped some 40 miles, and from memory, the pump broke down just before they struck water.

During my visit, I stayed at the Birdsville hotel which I loved and am planning to re visit later this year which will be 50 years later.
It will be interesting to see what, if any changes have taken place in that time.

Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures from that trip except one very small photo of the pub, which I don't have with me to upload.
This time, I will be taking lots of photos and if I can, I will get them on here. Cheers .
Robin Reed.

Comments for Birdsville, 1961- 50 years on !

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Jun 26, 2012
 Adventurous
by: Ray Villa

G'day Robin
Hope you like the changes. From the 2004 picture
it looks like a modern pub on the outskirts of
any city, rather than stuck out in the middle of nowhere.
Jun 26, 2012
 See you there
by: Mike (WAX) W

Robin Reed ,I hope to see you there. If your going to the Birdsville Cup we'll see you for sure.
Aug 07, 2011
 The early days
by: Rita

Hi Robin,

Thank you for your story.
I often wonder what it was like to live in the Outback 50, 60, 100 years ago.

I reckon tourism was not so big at that time, not so much traffic along the tracks.

Feel free to add some photos when you come back, and tell us how much the tiny town of Birdsville has changed in 50 years.

Thanks,
Rita

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