Category Archives: Top 5

Top 5 desert camping areas

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We’ve all heard it before – the best way to really  see Australia is to leave the coastline behind and head for the desert. And what better way to see the desert than by camping there? That’s why we’ve found Australia’s top five desert camping areas, which will show you there’s more to the desert than sand dunes. But be warned: these campsites are hot properties, where temperatures soar and you’re pretty much isolated, so you’ll need to be experienced, self-sufficient and prepared.

Coongie Lake camping area, Malkumba-Coongie Lakes National Park, South Australia

Coongie Lakes is a rare permanent body of water in a corner of the outback more famous for dry rivers and lakes like Cooper Creek and Lake Eyre. More than that, it’s a recognised wetland, with abundant birdlife and shady, overhanging trees. It’s a cool change from the harsh surrounding landscape, and the campsites line the shore of the lake for full-frontal views. There are no facilities apart from toilets, so you’ll need to be entirely self-sufficient. Oh, and access is from the famously rough and tumble 4WD-only Coongie Track. Well, it wouldn’t be the desert if it was easy!

Coongie Lakes National Park by Flickr dracophylla

Dig Tree camping area, Dig Tree Reserve, Queensland

You’ll probably make happier memories at Dig Tree camping area than explorer Burke (of Burke and Wills), who famously met his end underneath the Dig Tree. Apart from the tree itself, which, at a reported 200 years old, is large, shady and unconcerned by its historical significance, you’ll find a pleasant camping area with extremely basic facilities along the Cooper Creek. As a bonus, this section of the creek normally has water. Set up your camp anywhere within the fenced area. Note: you’ll find it much easier to enjoy the view if you bring mosquito netting – this is fly territory.

Dig Tree, Tourism and Events Queensland

Dalhousie Springs camping area, Witjira National Park, South Australia

An oasis away from the dunes and plains of the desert, Dalhousie Springs is one of the more popular camping areas in this neck of the outback, and for good reason – it has a large hot spring that averages around 38 degrees Celsius where you can laze away the cares of the road. And if that’s not enough, Dalhousie also has excellent facilities, with toilets and showers. It’s no wonder this camping area brings in plenty of other campers (and plenty of mosquitoes).

Dalhousie Springs by Citizengastronaut

Palm Valley camping area, Finke Gorge National Park, Northern Territory

The main camping area in Finke Gorge National Park, Palm Valley camping area is found within the desert-meets-tropical beauty of Palm Valley. This valley is particularly remarkable because it protects the last of the red cabbage palms, an ancient species of palm endemic to the desert. The campsites are arrayed along the often-dry Finke River (although you might get some pooled water) and the area has good facilities – including flushing toilets! From the camping area, you can follow walking trails around the valley or head to the Kalaranga Lookout for heart-stopping sunset views.

Finke Gorge National Park by Tripadvisor conatus

Cameron Corner camping area, Queensland

Thousands of travellers make the pilgrimage out to Cameron Corner every year to stand at the place where Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia meet. Look at this geographical crossroads and then head to the pub attached the corner store for a surprisingly good burger and a cool bevvie – reward for surviving the long and bumpy trek out here. Talk to the owners Finn and Cheryl about bush camping in the 240ha at Cameron Corner, and hand over the small camping fee, which will be donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. You’ll need to be experienced and entirely self-sufficient to bush camp in this desert, but if you prefer a few more creature comforts, you can also camp at the corner store.

Cameron Corner marker by Tripadvisor Megan_Chambers

     

Top 5 attractions to stop for along the Hume Highway

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Park next to the Murray River in Albury, Tourism Victoria

Park next to the Murray River in Albury, Tourism Victoria

As anyone who has completed the trip before will tell you, the Hume Highway isn’t the most exciting stretch of road in Australia. It’s a smooth drive that takes you from Melbourne to Sydney alongside stretches of golden countryside, bypassing all of the major towns along the route. But there are plenty of things to see near the Hume Highway – you just have to know where to look. Here are the top five attractions we always stop for when driving between Melbourne and Sydney.

Dog on the Tuckerbox, Gundagai, New South Wales (approx. 3.5 hours from Sydney)

The Dog on the Tuckerbox is an unassuming statue that sits off the Hume Highway to the north of Gundagai. Although it is quite small, travellers have been known to travel across the country to see this famous monument. The Dog on the Tuckerbox, unveiled in 1932, marks the pioneering efforts of teamsters and their dogs. Originally mentioned in the poem Bill the Bullocky by Bowyang Yorke, the dog has firmly taken hold in the Australian imagination. It’s also celebrated in the song ‘Where the Dog Sits on the Tuckerbox’ by Jack O’Hagan. A large complex of eateries has grown up around it and started to overshadow the statue, but it’s still faithfully sitting just off the highway, waiting to greet visitors.

Big Merino, Goulburn, New South Wales (approx. 2 hours from Sydney)

The Big Merino is exactly what is sounds like. It’s a giant statue of a sheep that stands in the town of Goulburn. And out of all of Australia’s Big Things, at 15 metres high and 18 metres long, the Big Merino would have to be one of the biggest. It was built to commemorate Goulburn’s wool industry, and inside it are three floors with information on the history of the wool industry in the town.

HMAS Otway, Holbrook, New South Wales (approx. 4.5 hours from Sydney)

The small town of Holbrook is not where you would normally expect to find a decommissioned navy submarine. But that’s exactly what you’ll find marking the main street in town. A bypass was recently built around Holbrook, which means the highway no longer passes directly by the submarine, but the submarine and related museum are well worth a detour into town. HMAS Otway was once commanded by Norman Holbrook, and the submarine was purchased by the town using funds gifted from his widow. You can run around the inside and see what a proper submarine looks like.

Ned Kelly statue, Glenrowan, Victoria (approx. 2.5 hours from Melbourne)

Just as the spectre of Ned Kelly metaphorically looms over the town of Glenrowan, so the surprisingly large statue of Ned makes its physical presence felt in town. Famous as the place where Ned made his last stand, Glenrowan has embraced this heritage, with multiple museums dedicated to the Kelly gang, as well as the statue. You’ll have to detour into town to see the statue and related Ned attractions. Glenrowan is also well known as a wine-producing district, but that won’t be as much of an attraction for those doing to long haul from Melbourne to Sydney.

The Murray River

Marking the border between Victoria and New South Wales, as well as the divider between the twin towns of Wodonga (in Victoria) and Albury (in New South Wales), the Murray River is the best-known and best-looking state marker in the country. It’s also our favourite place along the Hume Highway to take a break. Substantial parklands along the river provide a great selection of places to stop on either the Albury or Wodonga side.

Check out our list of the top 5 rest areas along the Hume Highway here.

     

Top 5 no-bookings camping areas

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Camping in Tasmania, Tom Simpson

Camping in Tasmania, Tom Simpson

There’s nothing we like better than camping in summer. And a lot of people agree, which means that campsites can get booked up quite quickly over the summer months. Luckily, there are some fantastic no-bookings camping areas around the country that mean even the most unorganised camper can find a last-minute campsite.

Mungo Brush camping area, Myall Lakes, New South Wales

Situated between a lake and a beach, Mungo Brush camping area is the pick of the bunch in Myall Lakes National Park and competition for these sites is fierce at Christmas. Set up your tent or van underneath the paperbark trees and enjoy a sundowner with spectacular lake views. The beach is only a short walk away through the dunes if you prefer an ocean view with your drink.

The camping area has good facilities, including toilets, and proximity to great fishing spots, bushwalks, swimming, as well as access to boat ramps. And at three hours away from Sydney, it’s far enough away to feel like an escape.

Tapanappa camping area, Deep Creek Conservation Park, South Australia

You don’t need to book at any of the campsites at Deep Creek Conservation Park, which means that you can take your pick from camping areas settled in a stringybark forest to campsites with little to no shade overlooking the spectacular coast.

Or there’s Tapanappa, which offers the best of both worlds, being set back from the coast so that jaw-dropping views are just a quick walk away and the campsites offer some shade. With both drinking water and toilets available, this is a popular campsite that fills up quickly. It’s also a staging ground for those preparing to undertake hikes within Deep Creek, including the epic Heysen Trail, which crosses much of South Australia.

Honeymoon Pool camping area, Wellington National Park, Western Australia

Like many campsite names in Western Australia, including Lucky Bay camping area, Honeymoon Pool lives up to its name. That’s not to say that the camping area is full of honeymooning couples – you’re more likely to find families – but rather that it’s an idyllic spot that should give campers some happy memories to take home with them.

The camping area is in a picture-perfect setting next to the Collie River in Wellington National Park. Surrounded by forest, it has toilets, drinking water, picnic tables and limited disabled access. The main activity at the pool is, of course, swimming, but canoeing and bushwalking are also popular.

Billy Goat Bend camping area, Mitchell River National Park, Victoria

The secret is out about our favourite no-bookings campsite, Johanna Beach camping area. But there are still plenty of less-crowded no-bookings sites around Victoria, included this gem in Mitchell River National Park. While not situated directly on Mitchell River, Billy Goat has a spectacular panorama over the river and park. There isn’t much else at this site apart from the view. It’s a favourite with canoeists, but its location above the river means it’s a bit of hike to reach if you are canoeing through the park.

Mt Field Campground, Mt Field National Park, Tasmania

You’ll find this caravan park and campground nestled in Mt Field National Park. Set under giant swamp gums next to the Tyenna River, this campsite is in a charming location, and offers great access to the rest of the national park. From the sweeping alpine regions to the gracefully tiered waterfalls, Mt Field offers a range of environments to explore and activities with which to explore them, including cycling, canoeing, hiking and fishing.

The campsite has fantastic facilities, including toilets, hot showers, drinking water, disabled access and powered sites – all the things you’d expect at a site you’d have to book at.

Other no-bookings campsites worth visiting:

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

Top 5 road trips off the beaten track

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Great Alpine Road, Tourism Victoria

Great Alpine Road, Tourism Victoria

From the Great Ocean Road to the Stuart Highway, Australia’s most spectacular road trips are becoming increasingly well known around the world, so you might find yourself looking for road trips that aren’t on everyone’s radar.

Luckily, there are still a number of trips around the country that are well travelled, but feel more undiscovered, more intrepid, yet are just as incredible. From inland New South Wales to outback of Western Australia, here are our picks for road trips that feel a bit off the beaten track.

Savannah Way from Cairns to Normanton, Queensland

Gulf Savannah Country, Tourism Queensland

Gulf Savannah Country, Tourism Queensland

Starting in Queensland’s tropical capital of Cairns, the Savannah Way meanders through the north of the state to Normanton. This is a drive of spectacular contrast, from the beautiful and lush coast to the rock caves of Undara and beyond.

Although the Savannah Way technically stretches all the way from Cairns to Broome, the road is only consistently bitumen up to Normanton, so it’s recommended that 2WD vehicles turn around at this point. After that outpost, the road occasionally turns into gravel or even dirt. No matter how far you are travelling, this route is best undertaken during the dry season.

There’s plenty to see and do along the route, as well as surprising patches of verdant land, even after you pass through the lush Atherton Tableland. Stop in Undara Volcanic National Park where a lava explosion millions of years ago formed a series of underground tunnels, see the historic buildings from Croydon’s goldmining history, and treat yourself to a meal at the Purple Pub in Normanton before visiting the nearby lakes. You can also detour slightly off the route to visit Karumba on the coast of the Gulf of Carpentaria, to see the sunset.

Darling River Run, New South Wales

Menindee Lakes, Destination NSW

Menindee Lakes, Destination NSW

When visiting New South Wales, most people tend to hug the coast and the scenic driving routes of the Pacific and the Princes highways. But if you want to get away from the crowds, why not head inland and explore the outback on the Darling River Run? This road trip travels through the heart of New South Wales’s outback, passing through famous towns such as Broken Hill and Bourke.

Starting on the border with Victoria in Wentworth (just over the border from Mildura) and travelling 730 kilometres up to Walgett in New South Wales, this route, as the name suggests, follows the meandering path of the Darling River. This means that you’ll take more than just a detour through the outback.

The first detour is taking the Wentworth–Pooncarie Road out of Wentworth instead of the Barrier Highway. Visit Kinchega National Park and the spectacular Menindee Lakes, which break up the dry land with a surprisingly fertile lake system that attracts myriad birdlife. You can also detour into the incredible Mungo National Park to see the weathered sand formations of the Walls of China.

Leaving Menindee, travel on to the outback hub of Broken Hill for a well-deserved drink. Stay overnight in this historic town before heading to Bourke, which regards itself as the gateway to the outback. On this road trip you’ll see both the awe-inspiring outback (with the widest skies you’ve ever seen) and the tenacious outposts where people make their homes in this often harsh land.

The Great Alpine Road, Victoria

While Victoria’s most famous touring route is the Great Ocean Road, the mountainous Great Alpine Road offers a different water view – that of the snowy mountain tops of Victoria’s High Country. At around 300 kilometres, the Great Alpine Road isn’t as long as the Great Ocean Road, but it’s just as scenic.

Starting in Wangaratta, just south of the border with New South Wales, the road was built to connect this town with Gippsland. Completed with no stops, the drive would only take around five hours. But what is a road trip without any stops?

Your first stop out of Wangaratta should be the charming town of Bright. Situated on the Ovens River, this is an enjoyable town to while away a day or two. The next part of the trip starts your trek up into the Victorian Alps, and passes by Mount Hotham where you can either go skiing in winter or walking in summer. You can also take a trip into the spectacular Alpine National Park on this section of the route. Spend the night nestled in the mountain town of Omeo before completing the final leg of the route into Bairnsdale in Gippsland. Bairnsdale is a major regional centre on the Mitchell River. If you want to keep touring, it’s also a fantastic place to start your tour of the scenic Gippsland Lakes region.

Although the Great Alpine Road stays open throughout winter, the best times to drive the route are spring and autumn, when the hills come alive with the changing foliage colours. Travelling in the warmer months also means you can detour to Falls Creek and Mount Beauty along roads that are closed in winter.

Warlu Way, Western Australia

Hamersley Ranges, Tourism Western Australia

Hamersley Ranges, Tourism Western Australia

For a road that captures some of the most incredible scenery in Western Australia, Warlu Way doesn’t get that much press. That’s probably because there are some sections that travel along an unsealed road, which means this road trip is 4WD-accessible only. But what a road!

You’ll start your trip next to Ningaloo Reef in the township of Coral Bay. The road passes through Exmouth and Cape Range National Park before heading inland towards Karijini National Park, an oasis of hidden gorges and waterfalls. Your drive to the national park will be silhouetted against the Hamersley Range, and pass through towns including Wyloo and Paraburdoo.

After visiting Karijini, continue your trip up towards Millsteam–Chichester National Park, where you’ll find some spectacularly beautiful pools to wash off the dirt of the road. Then the road pushes on towards the Dampier Archipelago, where you can take your pick of things to do from lazing on the beach to discovering the fantastic collection of rock art.

The road continues to follow the coast on its way up to Broome. Stop in Marble Bar, the hottest town in Australia, before getting to the final town on this road.

At 2500 kilometres long you’ll want to set your own itinerary for this drive. It’s an epic journey, but there are epic sights that make it worth the trek.

Nature’s Way, Northern Territory

Katherine Gorge, Tourism NT

Katherine Gorge, Tourism NT

A more casual road trip than the intense spectacle that is Warlu Way, Nature’s Way loops its way around the tip of Australia. Starting in Darwin, the road makes a lazy tour of the key sites in the top of the Top End, from Kakadu National Park, then on to Nitmiluk and Litchfield national parks, before completing the journey back in the capital.

It’s a good day when the Adelaide and Mary River wetlands are not the most impressive thing you’ll see on a day’s drive. Pass through these sites on your way to Kakadu National Park, the biggest – and some would say the best – national park in Australia. Spend a few days here exploring. There’s more than enough to see, from ancient rock-art sites to abundant wildlife.

Extend your trip down to Katherine and visit Nitmiluk National Park, where the Katherine River flows through the incredible gorges. Retrace your steps before taking the road towards Litchfield National Park with its famous waterfalls. It’s hard to believe that a national park that feels this wild is so close to a city, but Darwin is an easy hour-and-a-half drive away.

     

Top 5 dog-friendly camping spots in Western Australia

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Home Valley Station, courtesy of Lyndon Sparrow

Home Valley Station, courtesy of Lyndon Sparrow

Dogs are a man’s (and woman’s) best friend, but it often doesn’t feel that way when you go camping, as dogs are banned from many caravan parks and national parks.

But in the wide stretches of Western Australia, you’ll find some truly spectacular camping areas that do welcome dogs.

We’ve picked our top five, but be sure to let us know your picks in the comments.

Alexander Bay camping area

Sandwiched on the stretch of coastline between Cape Le Grand and Cape Arid national parks, Alexander Bay camping area is 85 kilometres east of Esperance.

Nestled in the native bush just behind the beach, this camping area is in an enviable position, with panoramic views of the pristine sand and sparkling ocean for which this region is known.

While Alexander Bay camping area might not have the facilities of nearby Lucky Bay camping area (in Cape Le Grand National Park), campers will feel lucky to stay at this beauty of a spot – and not have to leave their dogs at home.

Of course, there are some compromises. There are limited facilities at this campground, and you’ll need to bring your own firewood and drinking water. Sites cost around $10 a night. But those are compromises we are more than willing to make to stay at this beautiful location with our four-legged friends.

Alexandra Bridge camping area

Alexandra Bridge camping area, courtesy of Paul Smedley

Alexandra Bridge camping area, courtesy of Paul Smedley

While Alexandra Bridge might not have the turquoise water of Alexander Bay, this charming spot just north of Augusta has drawcards of its own.

Situated next to the Blackwood River and ensconced by the Blackwood River forest, Alexandra Bridge is a popular camping area, and not just because dogs are allowed.

Apart from its enchanted setting, there’s drinking water, cold showers, toilets, caravan and camper trailer access, as well as a range of water-based activities. The only thing hairy about camping here will be your dog.

Cosy Corner (east) camping area

Cosy Corner, courtesy of Tourism Western Australia

Cosy Corner, courtesy of Tourism Western Australia

If you’re visiting Western Australia, you’ll probably have Albany on your itinerary. And once you’re in the area, it’s only 30 kilometres further to west to the ten campsites at Cosy Corner.

These free sites are near the foreshore, and peak out from the surrounding trees. As is the case at many dog-friendly camping areas, the only amenities at these sites are the toilets. The sites are also big enough to accommodate camper trailers and caravans, so you can bring some facilities along with you.

Once you are sitting back with your dog beside you, admiring the inspiring view of the Western Australian coastline, the lack of amenities won’t seem like such a hardship. It will feel like the way camping was meant to be.

Ellendale Pool camping area

Ellendale Pool camp area, courtesy of Paul Smedley

Ellendale Pool camp area, courtesy of Paul Smedley

Sometimes when you are camping you really hit the jackpot with a campsite that has a scenic place to set up tent, great facilities, various nearby activities and is dog friendly. At camping areas this good, you find yourself asking – what’s the catch? And we’re pleased to report that with Ellendale Pool camping area, there isn’t one.

You’ll find this fantastic camping area around 47 kilometres east of Geraldton, which is to the north of Perth. It’s pleasantly situated under gum trees, next to an impressive sandstone cliff that overlooks a freshwater pool.

As you’d expect at a waterfront campsite, the activities are mainly water-based, including swimming and canoeing, although you’ll have to bring your own drinking water.

Home Valley Station

Pentecost River, Home Valley Station, courtesy of Tourism Western Australia

Pentecost River, Home Valley Station, courtesy of Tourism Western Australia

The Gibb River Road is often seen as the last frontier in Western Australia. But along with the river crossings, dirt roads and crocodile sightings is something that many visitors forget to pass on in their epic tale of adventure – that the Gibb River Road is lined with working stations that offer some of the best camping facilities this side the Great Dividing Range.

The other fantastic thing about these stations? From El Questro to Ellenbrae to Diggers Rest, all of these stations are dog friendly.

Take Home Valley Station. Spanning three million hectares of the Kimberley region, this working station offers two camping options. You can set up near the homestead, and take advantage of the facilities including hot showers and powered sites, or you can take your tent 4 kilometres down to the Pentecost River and make your camp in the midst of the spectacular wilderness that is the Kimberley.

Check out the top five dog-friendly camping areas on the east coast.