Manilla Travel Guide

3 more images

The first settlers rolled in around the 1860s but by the turn of the century there were still less than a thousand in the area.
Without the instant stimulus of a gold rush it eased onto the map rather than exploded. This gave it firm roots, something more substantial than a fly-by-night folly.
It achieved fame in the late 20th century because a well known entrepreneur had a cattle stud in the district but other than that it continues its quiet way without attracting too much attention.
There's a couple of significant bridges here, both road and rail (pic 1). I couldn't help but wonder if a train ever went by while a race was in progress at the local track, also shown in the picture.
The dates on the other buildings indicate that the main growth period was around the turn of the century 19th/20th as many have their dates around that time (pic 2 & 3) though the nicest bit of architecture I came across (pic 4) was in a back street.

1 more image

If liquid refreshment is what you're after, then you'll be well served with a couple of classic Aussie pubs resplendent with wrought iron verandahs.

Here is Manilla's attempt to attract tourists. With a gallery and food it will hopefully flourish, whether as Toot's Cafe or The Big Fish.
If you're coming from the south you can't miss it as you start to get into civilization. The colours alone see to that.

4 more images

I was drifting along this dirt road beside the stream, okay, the locals call it a river, and I noticed this unusual pile of wood beside me.
Couldn't help but think, "What on earth is that doing there?". I also wondered why seemingly good wood would just rot away. Surely it could have been chipped or used for firewood? Apparently not. No, the grass was growing thick around it, which was good, because there wasn't too much growing anywhere else, the countryside still in the grip of one of the worst droughts in history. Perhaps there was a lesson there. Whatever, I didn't digest it, simply racked off half a dozen shots. If nothing else, it was photogenic.

Watch out for killer kangaroos!! :))))

Unique Suggestions: Wear protective clothing at all times and never turn your back on a killer kangaroo :))

Fun Alternatives: Climb the nearest tree - kangaroos dont climb trees :))