Aramac

Aramac is 67 km north of Barcaldine via a single lane sealed road. Extensive roadworks are being done to widen the road and improve floodways. The name reputedly came from the name of the late Sir R. R. Mackenzie - Ar Ar Mac became Aramac.

Today the town is barely breathing - there is nowhere to buy coffee or lunch so we headed back to our favourite bakery in Barcaldine.

There is one large bull statue and several smaller ones around town. These relate to a famous cattle duffer named Henry Redford who was the mastermind behind the theft of 600 head of cattle. He and a couple of mates drove the cattle along the Strzelecki Track into South Australia where their brandings would not be recognised. They made the mistake of stealing a white bull that was recognised. Redford was charged but the jury found him not guilty, presumably because of their admiration for his audacious plan.

There is no railway line to Aramac and it is not located along any major highway. In 1912 the shire council decided to build a tramway to Barcaldine. This was completed in 1913 and operated until 1975. There is an unattended Tramway Museum with old trams and other antiques, including a Vauxhall Motors hearse.

There are several old buildings that would be considered "renovator's delights" if located in a capital city. Several are for sale either in situ or for transportation elsewhere.

Blue woke up seeming to be OK. We gave him a very small breakfast, then later a little chicken. He was looking for food so we gave him more, but two hours later he vomited it up in his car crate. We will try him on five very small meals for the next couple of days.







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