Torrens Creek
After hours on the road on a dusty outback track
Returning to Townsville from a trip to Broome and back
We came across this outback town of Torrens Creek
On the Flinders Highway 88 ks from Hughenden to the west
About 150 ks from Charters Towers to the east
Saw the Exchange Hotel and thought wed take a peek
We were weary and looking for somewhere to stay the night
And noticed the pub had a mini van park on the site
Two caravans and a tent took up the space
A couple in a four wheel drive with a large caravan in place
Our poptop van with legs down to stop the sway
Two backpackers on bicycles not long arrived
On weary legs once tent erected
Hoping to rest muscles and keeping cramps at bay
A walk around the town was needed
If those idle legs were heeded
Not much to see of course
A railway station opposite us
A wheelie bin enclosed in the foot of a dinosaurus
In a paddock not so far away, a horse
Come sundown we headed for the pub
Looking forward to some tasty grub
A cool beer to quench the thirst
And a night off for the cook
any excuse will do in my book
On our trip this pub was not the first
Mine host the publican was on hand
Waiter, barman, cook, an all-round one man band
His partner was off in Townsville leaving him to cope alone
A few regulars, all locals, wandered in for a beer or two or three
And a drink or two thrown in for free
while I consumed a humungous hamburger, my partner a rare T-bone
One could not wish for better entertainment
Than to listen to the tales of local bushmens attainment
And soak up the atmosphere of a pub outback
More than we imagined goes on in this small town
A local golf tournament brings entrants from far aroun
As witnessed by the trophies on the wall behind our back
So used to green golf courses our curiosity was roused,
where do you play golf in this barren countryside we asked
Why not far from here they said with a twinkle in their eye
Would you like to play at sunrise in the morning?
It had been awhile since wed seen a sunrise dawning
And sensing a country challenge Wed love to play was our reply
Our local guide was the manager on a cattle station nearby
A round of golf before work was by the by
A hundred kms to and fro was nothing in his day
And the golf course was only ten minutes drive away
While waiting for our host next morning,
Our attention was drawn to a helicopter landing
Not more than a few metres away,
Provoked thoughts of an emergency
But no, he was picking up and delivering mail to the agency
Reminding us city dwellers this was the outback way.
The golf course, nine holes in all, looked like an overgrown paddock,
Grass waist high the colour of yellow sand much paler than a haddock
The tees were bare patches of rust coloured clay
Place the ball, take one almighty swing,
Your lucky if It lands near where youre aiming
From tee to green you hit the ball more times than on a normal day
For on this course your lucky to locate the ball
After playing hide and seek in grass so tall
Another obstacle on the course were crows
Who love to dive and snatch the ball to drop it on the dung of cows
Eventually you reach the Green made of sand the colour of tar
And a hole in the centre containing an old jam jar
With your trusty putter at the hole you take aim
Over sand as smooth as glass, a few times you hit and miss, oh what a challenging game.
Enjoying it immensely around six holes we laughed and played
Eventually retreating in defeat
Having not had a more fun game before or since
Well not forget our sojourn in Torrens Creek
