IF YOU’D like to visit Bladensburg National Park but you’re not a hardy and experienced camper, the perfect compromise is to take the Route of the River Gum. A 72km round trip from Winton, the route takes you past 15 places of interest in the Winton Shire and gives you a glimpse of the park as well. A brochure for the Route of the River Gum is available at the Waltzing Matilda Centre, which is the start of the drive.

Take your bird book and look out for emus, Australian bustards, Hall’s babblers, spotted bowerbirds, singing bushlarks and painted firetails as well as wildlife ranging from eastern grey kangaroos to dunnarts. See the restored homestead and do the easy Bladensburg Homestead Walk. While you’re at the old homestead, also pick up a drive guide for the Scrammy Drive if you have more time to spare. It’s a 40km drive (allow two to four hours) and it’s recommended you use a high clearance vehicle. The final part of the trip is via a walking track that leads to the Scrammy Lookout.