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Focus on Five

Alice Springs to Uluru – from $15.95

Westprint Heritage Maps are designed to help travellers discover the history, landscape and environment of the outback as they explore its remote tracks and roads. Central Australia is home to some of the most unusual and spectacular landforms in the world, and while much of the region has only been accessible to visitors for around 30 years, today’s travellers can explore it using roads and facilities suited to the modern adventurer. Each Westprint Heritage Map combines practical travel information with fascinating details about the region. Along with clear mapping and road distances, the maps include information about explorers, history, points of interest, flora and fauna, as well as photographs of significant landmarks. Rest areas, caravan parks and fuel outlets are also clearly marked, while symbols on the map link to further information on the reverse. This map covers Alice Springs, Uluru (Ayers Rock), the MacDonnell Ranges, Kings Canyon, Docker River, Giles and surrounding areas.

https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/alice-springs-to-uluru/

Flinders Ranges –from $12.95

The front of the map covers the Flinders Ranges from Yunta, Orroroo and Wilmington in the south to Farina, Mount Freeling and Arkaroola in the north, at a scale of 1:350,000. It shows the full road and public track network, National, Conservation and private parks, as well as the Heysen and Mawson Trails, all set against an attractive hill-shaded backdrop with extensive geographical feature names. The reverse side features more detailed topographic-style maps of some of the region’s most popular areas. Wilpena Pound is shown at a detailed 1:50,000 scale, making it suitable for walkers and visitors exploring this iconic destination, while the Quorn, Pichi Richi, Dutchmans Stern and Mount Brown area, along with the Flinders Ranges National Park, are covered at 1:100,000 scale. Vulkathuna-Gammon Ranges National Park and the Arkaroola Protected Area are shown together at 1:200,000 scale. The detailed maps include roads and tracks, contours and hill shading, walking trails, campgrounds and significant features. The map also includes useful information for planning your trip, including fuel availability, distance charts and station stays and drives. Measuring 690mm x 1000mm when open and folding down to a convenient 140mm x 250mm, this is a comprehensive guide to exploring the Flinders Ranges.

https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/flinders-ranges-map/

Australia’s Great Thermal Way – $34.95

Discover more than 67 hot springs, bore baths and natural springs scattered across Australia with Australia’s Great Thermal Way. From the peaceful Hastings Caves and Thermal Springs in Tasmania to the warm waters of Innot Hot Springs in Far North Queensland, this comprehensive guide takes you on a journey to some of Australia’s most fascinating thermal destinations. Whether you’re travelling west to Perth, Monkey Mia and El Questro, or exploring destinations across the south and east including Moree, Lightning Ridge, Boomi and the Mornington Peninsula, you’ll find plenty of places to discover and information to help plan your journey. The 7th edition also explores the fascinating history behind Australia’s thermal springs, including the pioneering work and drilling techniques used to access this remarkable natural resource. With an easy-to-use layout, colour-coded sections and numerical references, the guide makes it simple to find each destination and plan your travels. Australia’s Great Thermal Way is the perfect companion for discovering the many natural hot springs and thermal waters found across the country.

https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/great-thermal-way/

Grand Strzelecki Track Pack –$32.95

Step into a lost world of ancient temperate rainforest, where the only sounds may be the call of lyrebirds and the rustle of the forest around you. The Grand Strzelecki Track takes you through a rare and beautiful part of Victoria that remains relatively unknown, offering a wonderful opportunity to experience the rainforest in peace and solitude. Stretching for 110 km, the track comprises a series of one- and two-day hiking loops, along with a two-day one-way hike linking Tarra Bulga and Morwell National Parks. Individual hikes range from approximately 18 km to 27 km, with a choice of free and paid camping areas along the way. Choose one hike or combine several for up to five days of walking, serenity and beautiful distant vistas. The map set includes five detailed topographic maps plus a planning map, providing everything you need to plan your journey through this unique part of Victoria.

https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/grand-strzelecki-track-pack/

4WD + Camping Escapes Perth & South West –RRP$29.95Sale $20.95

Discover some of the best four-wheel-driving and camping destinations in picturesque South West Western Australia. The guide covers 15 4WD tracks, with detailed inset maps showing each route, ranging from trips suitable for first-time four-wheel drivers to more challenging adventures for experienced travellers. Colour coding makes it easy to identify tracks suited to different types of vehicles, while handy symbols indicate towing suitability. With almost 300 camping areas featured, the guide makes it easy to find a campsite to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a 2WD-accessible site with toilets and showers that can accommodate a caravan, or a remote 4WD-only bush camp with no facilities, you’ll find plenty of options to choose from, including sites where pets are permitted. The atlas includes Hema’s South West Western Australia map, showing 24-hour fuel, information centres, rest areas and points of interest, and is fully indexed for easy reference. There is also useful pre-trip information covering terrain, permits, environmental considerations, fishing and bushwalking. Written by outdoor enthusiasts and experienced travel writers Michael and Jane Pelusey, this guide is a practical companion for planning your next 4WD and camping adventure in South West WA.

https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/4wd-escapes-wa/

Meridian Musings

We hope everyone had an enjoyable Father’s Day last weekend. For us, it was a lovely, low-key day spent with family. We met at a local park for a picnic, where we could simply relax, enjoy each other’s company and, of course, chase our toddler granddaughter around the playground! It was a simple day, but a perfect one.

What’s New to the Website

River Murray Charts – Renmark to Yarrawonga - $30.00

The 8th edition of River Murray Charts – Renmark to Yarrawonga was updated in 2022 by Maureen Wright and contains the latest information and navigation charts for exploring the river. This edition also features colour pages, historical photographs and Aboriginal legends, adding even more interest to this much-loved guide. First published in 1975,River Murray Chartshas become something of a bible for navigating the Murray between Yarrawonga in Victoria and Renmark in South Australia, as well as 60 km of the Darling River in New South Wales. The 47-page book contains navigation charts designed very much in the style of those used during the days of the Murray paddle steamers. Whether you're planning an extended river journey or simply enjoy discovering the history and stories of the Murray, this is a fascinating book to have on hand. Everything you need for a trip along the river – and plenty to enjoy even if you're staying on dry land!

https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/river-murray-charts/

Central Coast Queensland from Bundaberg to Ingham – from $15.95

Explore Central Queensland with the Central Coast Queensland Map, featuring major highways, regional roads and key transport routes throughout the region. Important centres including Rockhampton, Gladstone, Emerald, Yeppoon and surrounding communities are clearly marked, making it easy to plan your journey from coast to country. The double-sided map has a clear, uncluttered layout that makes it easy to read and quickly find your way. National parks, tourist information, camping and rest areas are clearly shown, while the index and distance charts make planning your journey even easier. Whether you're exploring the Capricorn Coast, heading inland towards the Central Highlands or planning a longer Queensland road trip, this map is a practical companion for discovering the diverse landscapes, towns and attractions of Central Queensland.

Silo Art – Ultimate Guide with bonus 2027 Wall Calendar - $69.95

We’ve just received a new shipment of the Silo Art – The Ultimate Guide, along with the new Silo Art 2027 Wall Calendar. To celebrate, we’re offering a free 2027 Silo Art Wall Calendar with each of the first five orders of Silo Art – The Ultimate Guide — so be quick! Start your journey around Australia with the 2026 Silo Art – The Ultimate Guide, featuring 60 silos and 150 water towers beautifully illustrated in this premium coffee table book. Filled with high-quality photographs, the book showcases the incredible talent of artists who have transformed these enormous structures into breathtaking works of art, taking readers on a colourful journey through Australia’s ever-growing silo art trail.

https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/silo-art-ultimate-guide-6th-edition/

Australia Wall Map -Great Map – Great Price

Flat Laminated – NQR – Normally $42.95 – only $32.95

Our popularAustralia Wall Mapis available at aspecial clearance pricedue to a small laminating mishap during production.

A few copies have minor creases in the lamination along the edge of the map, in the ocean areas. These do not affect the information displayed on the map or its use as a wall map, but rather than let these copies go to waste, we’re offering them at a great reduced price.

At a detailed 1:4,750,000 scale, this impressive wall map clearly shows Australia’s major roads, cities and towns, rivers, mountains, national parks, tourist attractions and points of interest. It also includes inset maps of Australia’s Territories, a fascinating Australia–Europe size comparison, distance grids, time-zone clocks and weather charts for all capital cities.

Whether you're planning your next Australian adventure, tracking your travels, displaying your business interests, or simply enjoying a bird’s-eye view of our great country, this map is both practical and informative.

Each map is supplied rolled in a strong cardboard tube to ensure it arrives safely.

A fantastic Australian wall map at a fantastic price — while stocks last!

https://meridianmaps.com.au/product/australia-map-4th-edition-meridian-nqr/

Seasonal Updates

Please be aware that road and park closures are constantly changing and it is always best to check for changes before you set out.

For more regular updates on closures, please check our Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/MeridianWestprintMapsas we try to include warnings and advice as we become aware of them.Thelatest Desert Parks Bulletin has been uploaded to our website. For this and other Desert Pass updates, please go tohttps://meridianmaps.com.au/deserts-pass-update/

Victoria Pass is currently closed on the Great Western Highway between Mount Victoria and Little Hartley. All highway traffic between Mount Victoria and Lithgow is detoured via the Darling Causeway and Chifley Road. Road is expected to reopen in the second quarter of next year.

Kati Than­da-Lake Eyre Nation­al Park:

Pub­lic Access Route 13 Hal­li­gan Bay Point – open

Pub­lic Access Route 2 Lev­el Post Bay–Closed for safe­ty pur­pos­es due to flood dam­age

Tal­laringa Con­ser­va­tion Park: Pub­lic Access Route 6 Tal­laringa– Open to 4WD.

Innamincka Regional Reserve and Malkumba-Coongie Lakes National Park closed due to flooding.

Witjira National Park Open: Witji­ra Nation­al Park – Open

Dal­housie Camp­ground – Open

Three O’ClockCreek Camp­ground –Open

Dal­housie Camp­ground to Purni Bore – Open

The Dal­housie airstrip – Closed

Pedir­ka Track (on park) — Closed

Bloods Creek Ruin to Fed­er­al Water­hole Track – Closed

Binns Track – Open

Pub­lic Access Route Num­ber 8 Pedir­ka – Open to 4WD

Munga-Thirri – Simpson Desert National Park Open.

Birdsville Inside track, Birdsville Track – Cooper Creek Causeways, Birdsville Track – Cooper Creek to Maree, Birdsville Track – Mungaranie to Cooper Creek, Birdsville Track – SA border to Mungaranie – all closed.

Strzelecki Track – Innamincka to Della/Dullingari Rd Junction, Merty Merty to Mt Hopeless, Moomba to Merty Merty, Mt Hopeless to Talc Mine Rd, Talc Mine Rd to Lyndhurst - open to 4WD/HV only.

Strzelecki Track - Della/Dullingari Rd junction to Moomba – closed

Oodnadatta Track – Bopeechee to Marree, Marla to Oodnadatta, Oodnadatta to William Creek, William Creek to Bopeechee – currently open to 4WD.

William Creek Rd - Coober Pedy to William Creek – open to 4wd.

What’s On

September 23 – 26: Clare Valley Festival of the Lamb in South Australia. A spring festival celebrating the region’s new-season lamb, local produce and rich farming heritage. Enjoy long lunches, cooking demonstrations, food experiences, art and fashion exhibitions and other events showcasing the best of the region.

https://cvfol.au/

September 26: Curryfest Woolgoolga in NSW.A vibrant celebration of the town’s rich Punjabi heritage and multicultural community. Enjoy an array of delicious food, cultural performances, cooking demonstrations, dance and family-friendly entertainment.

https://curryfest.com.au/

October 2 – 3: Deni Ute Muster in NSW.A celebration of utes, country music and all things Australian. With live entertainment, ute competitions, family activities and plenty of action across the two-day event, there’s something for Musterers of all ages.

https://www.deniutemuster.com.au/

October 2 – 4: Boorowa Irish Woolfest in NSW.Celebrating the town’s rich wool-growing heritage and Irish connections. The highlight is the famous running of the Sheep, along with a street parade, live entertainment, market stalls, shearing displays, food and plenty of family-friendly fun.

https://irishwoolfest.com.au/

October 2 – 4: Good Old Days Festival in Barellan NSW.Unique event which authentically recreates and celebrates our nation’s pioneer heritage. The Festival is also the largest gathering of harnessed draught animals – horses, bullocks, camels, donkeys, mules and goats – in Australia.

https://barellanclydesdales.com.au/

October 3: Corryong Show in Victoria.A much-loved Upper Murray tradition bringing the community together for a fun-filled family day. Enjoy dog jumps, pet shows, an animal nursery, market and trade stalls, live entertainment and plenty of country show fun, with fireworks rounding out the day.

https://www.corryongshow.com.au/

October 3: Mandurah Country Music Festival in Western Australia.A day of live country music, featuring some of Australia’s favourite country artists alongside emerging talent. With food trucks, family-friendly entertainment and a great festival atmosphere, it’s a celebration of country music with something for everyone.

https://www.regfest.com.au/mandurah-event-info.html

October 3 – 4: Ceduna Oysterfest in South Australia.A celebration of the region’s famous oysters, seafood and coastal lifestyle. Featuring live entertainment, food, carnival rides, competitions and family-friendly activities.

https://www.cedunaoysterfest.com.au/

October 3 – 4: Alexandra Timber Tramway Heritage Machinery Festival in Victoria. With a focus on machinery and transport from days gone by, with steam train rides, working stationary engines, vintage cars, blacksmith demonstrations and Clydesdale horses. There will also be historic displays, museum exhibits and activities for the kids.

https://alexandratramway.org.au/attractions/machinery-festival

October 4: Dean Sheepdog Trials in Victoria.Watch some of the country’s finest working dogs and handlers put their skills to the test, manoeuvring three sheep around a course under the watchful eye of the judges. With competitors travelling from across Australia, plus country cooking and a vintage machinery display, it’s a great day out for lovers of traditional country events.

https://www.atdw.com.au/marketplace/5d97f691e4a0c6fb12540c33

October 10: Wynyard Tulip Festival in Tasmania.On the banks of the Inglis River a festival of spring and the region’s famous tulips. Enjoy live music, local food, family activities, rides and entertainment throughout the day, with fireworks bringing the festival to a spectacular close.

https://www.wynyardtulipfestival.com.au/

October 10: Canberra Highland Gathering in ACT.A celebration of Scottish culture, with pipe bands, Highland dancing, traditional Scottish games, displays, stalls and plenty of food.

https://www.facebook.com/canberrahighlandgathering

October 10: Malanda Bull Ride in Queensland.Action-packed day of professional bull riding, with riders taking on some seriously impressive bulls. With junior and mini-bull events, food, entertainment and plenty of country atmosphere, it’s a great event for the whole family.

https://malandabullride.com.au/

Do you have a story?

If you’ve got a trip or tips to share, we’d love to hear from you -rochelle@meridianmaps.com.au.

Thank you to Laura for this fascinating story about the Emu Wars. I have to admit, I had never heard of them before! It got me wondering — are there any other unusual or little-known “wars” around the world that have an equally unique story? If you know of one, we’d love to hear about it!

The Great Emu War - When the Australian Army went to war with birds — and the birds won

In the long and colourful history of Australia, there have been some unusual battles. Few can match the bizarre events of 1932, when the Australian Government sent soldiers armed with machine guns into the Western Australian Wheatbelt to deal with an enemy that could not fly, had no weapons and had no intention of surrendering.

The enemy was the emu.

What became known as the Great Emu War was not really a war in the conventional sense. There was no declaration of war, no organised emu army and certainly no peace treaty. Instead, it was a military operation intended to help struggling farmers deal with thousands of emus that had descended on their crops. Rather embarrassingly, the Australian military discovered that the emus were remarkably good at avoiding machine-gun fire.

In the years following the First World War the Australian Government had encouraged thousands of returned servicemen to take up farming, particularly in Western Australia's developing Wheatbelt. These soldier settlers were expected to establish farms and grow wheat in what was often difficult country. By the early 1930s, however, farmers were facing a formidable combination of problems. The Great Depression had driven wheat prices down, while drought and difficult growing conditions were making farming even harder, then came the emus. Following their breeding season, large numbers of emus moved into the Wheatbelt in search of food and water. Estimates suggested that around 20,000 birds had entered farming country as the freshly planted wheat provided an attractive food source.

The emus didn't simply eat the crops, their sheer numbers meant they could damage fences and other farm infrastructure as they moved through the district. Broken fences also created another problem: rabbits could enter farming areas that had previously been protected. For farmers already struggling to make a living, the birds were more than an annoyance, they represented a serious threat to their crops. The farmers turned to the Australian Government for help.

The Minister for Defence, Sir George Pearce, agreed to provide military assistance. In November 1932, a small detachment from the Royal Australian Artillery was sent to the Wheatbelt under the command of Major G.P.W. Meredith. They were armed with two Lewis light machine guns and approximately 10,000 rounds of ammunition. The plan seemed simple enough - find the emus, get close, and shoot them. Problem solved.

Unfortunately for the military planners, nobody had explained the plan to the emus. The operation began near Campion on 2 November 1932. The soldiers soon encountered a group of approximately 50 birds. The farmers attempted to drive the emus towards the waiting machine guns but instead of obligingly forming a nice compact target, the emus scattered into smaller groups and ran. This was to become a recurring theme and the first attempts produced disappointing results. The emus were surprisingly difficult targets, and the soldiers quickly discovered that the birds were fast, agile and capable of changing direction rapidly.

The soldiers' next major opportunity came on 4 November. More than 1,000 emus were reported to be gathered near a dam. At last, it appeared that the military had found exactly the sort of target it had been looking for. The soldiers waited until the birds were within range and opened fire. For a brief moment, everything seemed to be going according to plan but then the machine gun jammed. Only about a dozen birds had been killed before the remaining emus scattered. It was becoming increasingly clear that this was not going to be the easy victory that had been anticipated.

Major Meredith was reportedly impressed — and somewhat exasperated — by the birds' ability to survive and escape. His later description of the emus compared them to soldiers and even tanks, remarking on their ability to withstand gunfire and keep moving. The Australian public and newspapers were even less charitable. What had begun as a serious attempt to protect farmers was rapidly becoming a national embarrassment.

The Army tried another tactic of putting a machine gun on a truck. Their theory was that if the emus could outrun stationary soldiers, perhaps the soldiers could chase the birds down, but it didn't work. The rough Wheatbelt terrain made accurate firing from the moving vehicle extremely difficult, while the emus proved remarkably capable of maintaining their speed across uneven country.

After several days, the ammunition expenditure was attracting attention, while the number of emus killed was nowhere near the numbers originally anticipated. The first operation was withdrawn on 8 November. Contemporary reports suggested that around 2,500 rounds had been fired for relatively few confirmed kills. Unfortunately for the soldiers, the emus were still eating crops. Farmers continued to demand assistance, and the military operation was restarted later in November.

This second attempt achieved considerably greater results. Major Meredith's final report claimed 986 confirmed kills, with another 2,500 birds believed to have died from wounds. Historians have questioned the accuracy of these figures, and the actual number killed remains uncertain. The operation eventually ended in December 1932.

The Army had not been completely defeated, of course. It had killed substantial numbers of emus and the military campaign was eventually able to reduce the immediate agricultural problem, but it had certainly not achieved the quick and decisive victory that had been expected. The emus had scattered, adapted and simply moved away from the soldiers.

In the eyes of the Australian public, there was only one possible conclusion: the emus had won. Nearly 100 years later, the Great Emu War of 1932 remains a story that Australians can tell with a mixture of embarrassment, amusement and perhaps a little admiration for the birds.

Meridian Mirth

To share your jokes, please send them torochelle@meridianmaps.com.au.Many thanks to Vince, Paul and Rob for the contributions!

A sign in a shoe repair store: “We will heel you, we will save your sole, we will even dye for you!”

At an eye clinic: “If you don’t see what you’re looking for, you’ve come to the right place”

On a plumbers truck: “We repair what your husband fixed”

In a restaurant window: “Don’t stand there and be hungry, come on in and get fed up”

In the front yard of a funeral home: “Drive carefully, we’ll wait”

Sigh on the back of a septic tank truck: “Caution – this truck if full of political promises”

When one door closes another one opens. Other than that it’s a pretty good car.

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Disclaimer

Please note that the opinions and articles expressed in The Meridian Line are not necessarily those of The Meridian team. Also, we do not endorse any products (other than our own), or tours listed in my contributed articles.