Gun Fights, Ghosts and Goannas

A Solo Motorcycle Tour of Queensland

Book by Gary Wood

Gary dreaded the ride to Opalton in central west Queensland; the road was torturous, and there was talk of gunfights over claim jumping in Australian opal mining towns.

Nowhere was more remote than Opalton. But obtaining a boulder opal was high on the bucket list, and after all, it was one of the reasons he was out this far from civilisation.

Gun Fights, Ghosts, and Goannas is a travel memoir by Gary Wood that chronicles his solo motorcycle journey through Queensland, Australia.

Gary rides from Townsville northwest of the State to Opalton, then down to the Gold Coast and back to Townsville via the coast.

He encounters quintessential Australian characters, delves into the origins of the song ‘Waltzing Matilda’ and faces down opal miners, and partakes in the uniquely Australian tradition of betting on flies and chickens.

Told from the perspective of a first-time adventure rider, the book captures the trials and triumphs of mastering the open road.

It provides readers with a glimpse into the heart of Queensland and the essence of Australian life in the outback. Gary camps at rest areas on the side of the road, secretly on the edge of cliffs in National Parks, and on some of the most beautiful beaches in Queensland.

The book has 266 pages of humour, gear discussions, riding observations and history. It was first published on August 16, 2024 and is available in multiple formats, including Kindle and print editions.

Gary Wood is an educator, writer, and adventurer passionate about exploration. His diverse experiences include climbing mountains, skiing glaciers, participating in ocean sailboarding races, and SCUBA diving on the Great Barrier Reef.

His motto is ‘Live an Adventurous Life’, reflecting his commitment to embracing new challenges and experiences.

Gun Fights, Ghosts, and Goannas won a gold award from Literary Titans for outstanding non-fiction literature. It can be purchased at various retailers, including Amazon, Ingram Sparks, Barnes & Noble, and Waterstones.