Unless there is water, we cannot survive.
In 1886, Queensland’s first underground water supply, Back Creek Bore (Cache - GC2TVJV), was sunk, and is still in operation. In Barcaldine itself, in 1887, the town bore was sunk. (107-109 Ash St - S23.33.204, E145.17.126).
The Great Artesian Basin, located within Australia, is the largest and deepest artesian basin in the world, stretching over 1,700,000 square kilometres, with measured temperatures ranging from 30–100 °C. The basin provides the only reliable source of fresh water through much of inland Australia. Most recharge water enters the rock formations from relatively high ground near the eastern edge of the basin (in Queensland and New South Wales) and very gradually flows toward the south and west. (Source: http://is.gd/BQznCi)
The Indigenous tribes that lived on the Great Artesian Basin were the first to make use of that water source. In fact, it was critical to their survival. The springs not only gave them fresh water, they also were a valuable food source. Birds, mammals reptiles, crustaceans and insects all lived at the springs, creating an abundant hunting ground for local tribes. And the plants and trees around the artesian springs were used for food, medicine, materials and shelter.
And the Indigenous tribes were smart about using the Basin. That way, when drought and hard times hit, the wetlands would be full of food and water. Indigenous people should be good at using the Basin. After all, they've been living on it for thousands of years.
(Source: http://is.gd/VJndhj)
Series Notes: Barcaldine lies at the crossroads of major transport routes north-south and east-west; on the major transport routes from Townsville to Adelaide and Rockhampton to Darwin. Road Trains, some of considerable length, travel these roads 24/7. Caravans galore mostly during daytime hours, highlight the significance of the tourist trade to the area.
Along each of these routes is a series of caches highlighting the centrality of Barcaldine as an access hub in Central Western Queensland.
The Eastern Series of twelve caches commences some 22 or so klms from Barcaldine on the Capricorn Highway from Rockhampton. It ends at a rest stop on the outskirts of the town. All caches of this series, except one, are on the left (western) side of the highway, so there is no need to cross the highway in search of a cache. Roadside parking is available at all caches, even for caravans.
If you are travelling out of Barcaldine, please reverse the direction of some aspects in these descriptions. Not all points will be visible when travelling east, as they will be on the opposite side of the road facing away from the direction of travel.