JUNDAH is a little town with a laidback pace of life. When you come from Windorah, it’s a comfortable drive as it’s now sealed all the way. (The road from Jundah to Longreach is also totally sealed.)And once you’re there, nowhere is it more laidback than when you’re sitting on the bank of the Thomson River with a fishing rod in your hands.

Some people who like camping holidays find a good spot and stay 10 or 12 days. (Camping is allowed along the riverbank.) Others like to do a bit of fishing but prefer to stay in an air-conditioned room at the Jundah Hotel. (Ask about some of the natural attractions in the surrounding district while you’re visiting the hotel.) Either way, the yellowbelly fishing is usually good. You might also catch a jew or bream.

Jundah Caravan Park Jundah Qld 4736 Phone (07) 4658 6225 Powered sites, laundry and dining room, barbecue facility in adjacent park

For those towing caravans or bringing their own camping equipment, sites are available at the Jundah Caravan Park.

A mural of the outback, painted by the school principal and children in November 1997, adorns the front of a building that was once a general store dating back to the turn of the century.

While in town, visit Stan and Kathy Zelenko at the Jundah Store. Stan is an opal miner and when he’s at the store he is always happy to show people how opal is cut. If he’s not there, Kathy will chat about the opal.

“After about 40 years in opals, I think we know nearly everything there is to know about them,” she said.

Watching Stan grind the opal to see “how it faces” is fun, because Stan likes to do his opal cutting out in the open air.

He also chats as he goes, telling people about the industry, selling opals and – on the mining side – how to read the ground where opal may be found. The finishing and polishing work for the opals is done inside the house.

The Jundah Store is a small shop, but it’s packed full of goods. The store has everything from hot drinks, meals and snacks to meat, fruit and vegetables. People can buy jewellery, souvenirs and knicknacks. Diesel and unleaded fuel are also available. If a coachload is coming, please ring at least a week in advance to make sure Stan is available for a cutting demonstration.

Stan said people could also organise to visit (at their own risk) his mining lease about 280km from Jundah. Mining work is done with excavators and bulldozers but fossicking can be done in some areas if people have a permit. Ask at the store for permission and directions to the property. Camping is allowed.

Jundah itself is at the centre of sheep and cattle grazing land and is the administrative centre for the shire. The Barcoo Shire Museum has been set up so it can be open 24 hours, and you’ll find it a fascinating spot to browse around, with everything from antique mortuary tools to an old RFDS medicine kit.

Cool off in the 25m pool which is situated in landscaped grounds in Miles Street. Then have a picnic in the park right next door.