Bonus Downs Station

Our longest drive of 450kms was from Jondaryan to Bonus Downs Station. On the first morning I looked out to see why Max and Coco were growling and barking to find this Kelpie pup timidly approaching them. She was shaking and I don't know whether it was from fear, cold or excitement. Other roadies helped me put her back with the other pups before she was kidnapped. The owner said she will become a working dog.

The biggest drawback of this campsite was the prickles all over the ground. Every time Max and Coco stepped off their groundsheet they were at risk of getting some stuck in their paws. I then was at risk of having thorns stuck in my fingers getting them off.

Bonus Downs is a 33,000 acre cattle station. The owners abandonded sheep because of the problem of wild dogs. One of its major attractions for the owners when they bought it in the 1990s was the sealed road right to the gate. They also enjoy wonderful water from the artesian basin but they are very conscious of minimising water use. They have groups like ours visit to raise money for Angel Flight.

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