Tag Archives: Queensland

Into the wild (well, just outside Noosa)

Posted on by
No Comments

Noosa North Shore Beach CampgroundNick Atkinson discovered the perfect camping area near Noosa.

Leaving the sanctuary of the Glass House Mountains, my fiancé and I decided to hotfoot it in our campervan up the Bruce Highway to Noosa. It had been 10 years since I last visited the sleeply little holiday town. It turns out that Noosa is not so sleepy anymore.

Noosa is now a vibrant, bustling and invigorated centre, with hipsters, surfies, backpackers, families and grey nomads all hanging out in the numerous cafes, bars and restaurants adorning the main drag.

After cruising the town, we started to hunt for a place to park our camper for a few days, and we decided to check out the various options before committing. The three caravan parks closest to the town were uninspiring, with each resident receiving a square of patchy grass and a slab of concrete, wedged tightly against your neighbour’s patch. This was not the Queensland camping dream we’d hoped for. Surely we could do better?

We did.

Checking our options on the sat nav (and Explore Australia), we saw Noosa North Shore Campground a mere six kilometres from the centre of town. With the instructions stating that we needed to put our camper on a barge to get there, things were already looking up.

As we crossed the water into the Great Sandy National Park, we started to get excited. We meandered through beautiful unspoilt bushland towards the coast and arrived at Noosa North Shore Campground, a charmingly simple place nestled just behind the sand dunes and mere meters from the beach. Space was in abundance, travellers were few and nature surrounded us. Kangaroos joined us for breakfast, goannas accompanied us on strolls to the camp facilities and there wasn’t a single mealtime where we weren’t surrounded by native birds (who mainly wanted to steal our lunch). Couple this stunning proximity to nature with good facilities, beautiful pastel sunrises and seemingly endless wilderness and this campground really is Noosa’s hidden gem.

     

Top 5 winter camping spots

Posted on by
No Comments

Camping in Nitmiluk National Park We’ve picked five of the best winter camping areas. This list is a bit top heavy, but if you’re brave enough to camp around Victoria, Tasmania and even New South Wales in winter, we want to hear about it. Let us know your favourite winter camping spots in the comments section.

Camping in Nitmiluk National Park1. Camping in Nitmiluk National Park, Northern Territory

The majestic Katherine River carves its way through Nitmiluk National Park, making this spot perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Most camping in the national park is based near the river, and some camping areas are only accessible by water. You can also use a canoe to travel between camping areas like Eighth Gorge and Smitt Rocks.

Winter is the best time of year to visit Nitmiluk, as the park can flood in the wet season.

2. Jalmurark Campground, Northern Territory

Situated in the beautiful Elsey National Park, Jalmurark Campground is on the banks of the stunning Roper River. The campground has impressive facilities, including solar hot-water showers. But with close proximity to both Mataranka Springs and Bitter Springs thermal pools, we have a feeling you won’t need to use the showers.

There are plenty of activities for campers to enjoy in Elsey National Park, from cycling, kilometres of walking trails and fishing. Camping by the Roper River3. Platypus Bush Camp, Queensland

Platypus Bush Camp is one of our favourite Queensland camping spots for its beautiful rainforest setting, friendly owner, great facilities and proximity to some of the most stunning parts of the (warm) Queensland Mid Tropics, including being only a few kilometres away from Eungella National Park. Make sure to keep an eye out for the camping areas namesake in the pools and creeks around the site.

It costs $7.50 per adult per night to camp.

Platypus Bush Camp, Queensland4. Red Bluff camping area, Western Australia

Red Bluff camping area is situated at the southern end of Ningaloo Marine Park, which makes this campsite ideal for campers wanting to enjoy the water through sports like surfing (the impressive Bluff Barrel is nearby), swimming and snorkelling. And the night-time star-gazing is truly majestic.

The camping area is situated on Quobba Station, a working station. You can also camp at the homestead or, for the non-camper in the family, choose from a range of other accommodation.

5. Whitehaven Beach camping area, Queensland

We’ve already nominated Whitehaven Beach as one of Australia’s most scenic camping areas, but it’s also a great spot to enjoy in winter. There are seven defined sites only metres away from the pristine sand of the beach. Bookings are essential, as the island has a maximum of 36 campers a night. So while the island may be buzzing with visitors by day, come evening it will feel like your personal paradise.

If you miss out on a spot at Whitehaven Beach, the Whitsunday Islands National Park has a range of other campsites, including Joe’s Beach camping area and Crayfish Beach camping area.

Image credits: Camping in Nitmiluk National Park, Tourism Northern Territory; Camping in Nitmiluk National Park, Tourism Northern Territory; Camping by the Roper River, Tourism Northern Territory; Platypus Bush Camp, Tourism Queensland.

 

     

Australia’s iconic roadhouses

Posted on by
No Comments

Have you ever dreamed of owning a roadhouse? One of Australia’s best-loved roadhouses, the Pink Roadhouse, has just hit the real estate market – so we’re taking a look at some of Australia’s iconic roadhouses.

Pink Roadhouse, Oodnadatta, South Australia
200 kilometres north-east of Coober Pedy, the Pink Roadhouse is a sight for eyes tired from driving.

More than a roadhouse, you’ll also find a post office, caravan park, roadside assistance, a supermarket and a liquor outlet here.

No visit to the roadhouse is complete without an order of the famously delicious Oonaburger, which has been a staple on the menu for more than 12 years.

Fancy staying permanently? The Pink Roadhouse is on the market for a measly million – so you could claim this slice of roadhouse heaven.

Musgrove Roadhouse, Musgrove, Queensland.
Bunk down at the Musgrove Roadhouse, halfway between the Weipa on the tip of Australia and Cairns.

The roadhouse has been in the Shepard family since the 1930s. Steeped in history, the homestead was originally part of a larger piece of property and is the only remaining overland telegraph station on the peninsula.

You can get fuel, food and an even a cold ale in the licensed cafe. There are also basic cabins or camping accommodation, and just in case you decide to visit via private jet, you’ll be pleased to know there is a fly in, fly out airstrip.

Continue reading →