MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum
General => General Discussion => Topic started by: swallowtail on November 16, 2014, 09:12:56 PM
-
I realise that this may open a complete can of worms of everyone's own wonderful experiences etc. but here goes ;D
We are looking for somewhere to go camping in mid-December for 10 days up to Christmas, not too far from Brisbane. Ideal requirements:
1. We like peace and quiet. No freight trains or sites next to Cunningham Hwy.
2. We like peace and quiet in the site, which is why we go when we do - typically most places are almost empty up to 24th / 25th.
3. We have a medium-duty off-road-ish Camper trailer towed by an AWD SUV (BMW X3), not a Landcruiser, so we need to be able to get there... 8)
4. We like places where we can pull up, look around, and pick where looks nice under a nice tree etc., not be told - "That is your 3m by 3m space there".
5. We have shower capability, and was thinking about getting up portable loo capability this year, so are open to places that don't have them, but will need to top up water occasionally from a tap. Having said that if somewhere has toilets, then that could work ok.
6. Looking for somewhere ideally within 2 hrs of Bris. If it was perfect, maybe a little further.
7. Need room for some other families to join us for a few days.
So bring on the suggestions.
Places we have enjoyed in the past have been Bigriggen and Kenilworth (main drawcard for both of those was the open fields, just select a spot), but open to somewhere a little more remote as long as we can get there.
Suggestions?
-
Jump in the car and go for a drive. You'll find somewhere..or there is a tonne of trip reports on this forum with heaps of spots mentioned
My thoughts are , to find that type of place you describe you need to drive more then 2 hours from Brisbane.
-
Found this place online http://www.fernhillpk.com/ (http://www.fernhillpk.com/)
I did a search but no one on here appears to have had much to say about it. Looks OK though...
Unfortunately I don't have the luxury of enough time to spend hours driving around to by chance stumble on somewhere perfect... 8)
-
Peacock creek west of Toonumbar dam out of Kyogle, dirt road can be a bit rough at times .. Honesty box payment footy field flat area fire pits weather shed drop toilets and the creek isnt far of the side ..Aprox 1hr 30 from Tweed Heads..
Usualy no one else around https://plus.google.com/102347410715352945011/about?gl=au&hl=en (https://plus.google.com/102347410715352945011/about?gl=au&hl=en) or stay at the dam
www.visitkyogle.com.au/index.php/accommodation/category/camping/ (http://www.visitkyogle.com.au/index.php/accommodation/category/camping/)]
-
Here is a list of some of the camping locations on the southern Darling Downs.
Warwick is about 2 hours from the Brisbane CBD. Stanthorpe area another 40 minutes.
http://www.bestbrook.com.au/ (http://www.bestbrook.com.au/)
http://www.goomburravalleycampground.com.au/ (http://www.goomburravalleycampground.com.au/)
http://www.gordoncountry.com.au/ (http://www.gordoncountry.com.au/)
http://janowenhills.com.au/ (http://janowenhills.com.au/)
www.goomburraforestretreat.com.au (http://www.goomburraforestretreat.com.au)
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/main-range/about.html (http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/main-range/about.html)
http://www.glendoncamping.com.au/ (http://www.glendoncamping.com.au/)
http://www.thesprings4x4.com.au/ (http://www.thesprings4x4.com.au/)
http://www.lakeleslietouristpark.com.au/ (http://www.lakeleslietouristpark.com.au/)
http://washpoolcampingreserve.com.au/ (http://washpoolcampingreserve.com.au/)
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/girraween/index.html (http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/girraween/index.html)
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/sundown/index.html (http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/sundown/index.html)
Two excellent van parks:
http://killarneyview.com.au/ (http://killarneyview.com.au/)
http://www.queenmaryfallscaravanpark.com.au/ (http://www.queenmaryfallscaravanpark.com.au/)
And a NP across in NSW:
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/nationalparks/parkhome.aspx?id=N0001 (http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/nationalparks/parkhome.aspx?id=N0001)
Happy camping
KB
-
Found this place online http://www.fernhillpk.com/ (http://www.fernhillpk.com/)
I did a search but no one on here appears to have had much to say about it. Looks OK though...
Unfortunately I don't have the luxury of enough time to spend hours driving around to by chance stumble on somewhere perfect... 8)
Place seems ok. I've never been there. Any of the places kb has put up are fine also, and you will find info on a few of them on this forum
Getting there is sometimes the adventure itself. ;D
Here is a great blog from the blog section on this forum with heaps of spots to go.
http://guthriefamilyadventures.blogspot.com.au/ (http://guthriefamilyadventures.blogspot.com.au/)
And mine although not much in it yet
http://ultimateadventuresblog.wordpress.com/ (http://ultimateadventuresblog.wordpress.com/)
Under trip/track section you can find members blogs with heaps of info.
-
Levuka looks interesting... Are the camping spots nice and quiet?
-
It is a big area but on some weekends it can also be very busy. Lots of four wheel drive clubs go there. It is nothing fancy but I enjoyed it. Need to take all supplies as the nearest shop and pub are not close
KB
-
Liking the look of some of these areas. Darlington park looks nice. Thinking us swaggers should do a trip around this area soon..
-
Liking the look of some of these areas. Darlington park looks nice. Thinking us swaggers should do a trip around this area soon..
we did a MySwag trip there several months back, was a good weekend 8) I went past Darlington on the weekend just gone heading to camp on a private property just up the road from there, the place was like a refugee camp with the Brisbane G20 long weekend
-
we did a MySwag trip there several months back, was a good weekend 8) I went past Darlington on the weekend just gone heading to camp on a private property just up the road from there, the place was like a refugee camp with the Brisbane G20 long weekend
Bugger.. That was BC (before camper).
-
Levuka looks interesting... Are the camping spots nice and quiet?
Yes levuka is a great spot, but don't tell anyone.. Lol. We go here all the time by ourselves.
-
Yes levuka is a great spot, but don't tell anyone.. Lol. We go here all the time by ourselves.
you mean you have no friends Olly? >:D
-
you mean you have no friends Olly? >:D
Best way to be I reckon. ;D
-
Best way to be I reckon. ;D
its must be long overdue for a camping trip down this way Olly? when we going to catch up again mate? :cheers:
-
Brooloo Park. https://www.facebook.com/BroolooPark (https://www.facebook.com/BroolooPark)
:cheers:
-
its must be long overdue for a camping trip down this way Olly? when we going to catch up again mate? :cheers:
Yep for sure. We will be down northern nsw over Xmas, but not coastal. We leave on Thursday to go to the mt victoria/lithgow for a wedding ( my bro) on Saturday then spending a few nights coming home.
Will have to organise something soon, maybe Aussie day somewhere?
-
Yep for sure. We will be down northern nsw over Xmas, but not coastal. We leave on Thursday to go to the mt victoria/lithgow for a wedding ( my bro) on Saturday then spending a few nights coming home.
Will have to organise something soon, maybe Aussie day somewhere?
we will be at Brooms Head from 21st Dec. cold beer aplenty for a weary traveller 8)
-
we will be at Brooms Head from 21st Dec. cold beer aplenty for a weary traveller 8)
Mmmmm. May just drop over. Will see which way we decide to go
-
I like the look of Levuka.
Current alternates are Fernhill, but it's further. http://www.fernhillpk.com/ (http://www.fernhillpk.com/)
Or Mt Barney Lodge - http://www.mtbarneylodge.com.au/ (http://www.mtbarneylodge.com.au/)
I was looking at Murphys Creek Escape but am a bit put off by the idea of half-hourly trains all through the night ???
-
Bigriggen's alright for your type of camping. 5 mins west of Rathdowney
1. They don't like crowding out the campground (tick)
2. Has amenities (tick)
3. family oriented (tick)
4. Not on a noisy highway (tick)
5. can get to with a normal car (tick)
6. under 21's can't go in solo (tick)
7. good base for day trips or for lazing in the river (tick)
better book now because they stick to item one big time
-
I like the look of Levuka.
Current alternates are Fernhill, but it's further. http://www.fernhillpk.com/ (http://www.fernhillpk.com/)
Or Mt Barney Lodge - http://www.mtbarneylodge.com.au/ (http://www.mtbarneylodge.com.au/)
I was looking at Murphys Creek Escape but am a bit put off by the idea of half-hourly trains all through the night ???
I've stayed at murphy's and never noticed trains??
For my Barney I would stay here, although I have never been to the lodge
http://www.mtbarneyretreat.com.au/bartopia.html (http://www.mtbarneyretreat.com.au/bartopia.html)
Bens a great bloke.
-
Bigriggen's alright for your type of camping. 5 mins west of Rathdowney
1. They don't like crowding out the campground (tick) Yet they jam in 1500 people at Easer
2. Has amenities (tick) 3 showers, even when there are 15oo people at Easter
3. family oriented (tick) agreed
4. Not on a noisy highway (tick)unless you count all the people that continualy drive back and forth to the only ameneties block
5. can get to with a normal car (tick)that's true
6. under 21's can't go in solo (tick) under 18's are not permitted unless accompanied by an "adult", yet they charge adult rates if your over 15
7. good base for day trips or for lazing in the river (tick) and it is a nice creek to laze in
better book now because they stick to item one big time but don't try and make a group booking, it's all too hard. You cant book for a group under one name, every one must book individually. They wont take your booking over the phone, it has to be on line. You must pay in full in advance. For a lot of popular week-ends you have to pay for Friday night, even if you cant get there on Friday, but if you can get there on Friday, your not allowed to arrive after 8pm
Sorry for the rant. I like this place, it's a nice spot that is close to home. My regular group of 7 families used to go there quite a lot for over the years, until we tried to make our regular group booking a few years ago and the new Gestapo management became too hard to do business with :'( Anyway, try Bigriggen. It is a nice place, I've just been left with a sour taste from their recent change of management and have a biased view.
OK, perhaps this info is more inline with the original post, here is my list of local (and near local)spots.
Many have already been mentioned and no doubt people will have strong views on some of the places (like I do with Bigriggen), but it's half the fun to find out for yourself if you like a place or not.
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/daguilar/index.html (http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/daguilar/index.html)
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/imbil/index.html (http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/imbil/index.html)
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/crows-nest/index.html (http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/crows-nest/index.html)
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/glen-rock/index.html (http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/glen-rock/index.html)
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/main-range/about.html (http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/main-range/about.html)
http://www.gordoncountry.com.au/ (http://www.gordoncountry.com.au/)
http://www.ncbr.com.au/ (http://www.ncbr.com.au/)
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/jimna/index.html (http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/jimna/index.html)
http://springgullystays.com.au/caravan-and-tent-sites/ (http://springgullystays.com.au/caravan-and-tent-sites/)
http://www.barambahbush.com.au/ (http://www.barambahbush.com.au/)
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/benarkin/index.html (http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/benarkin/index.html)
http://www.sandycreekcampin.com.au/sandy-creek-camping.php (http://www.sandycreekcampin.com.au/sandy-creek-camping.php)
http://www.yarramalongcamping.com.au/14.html (http://www.yarramalongcamping.com.au/14.html)
http://www.borumbadeerpark.com/index.html (http://www.borumbadeerpark.com/index.html)
http://www.brooloopark.com/brooloo/pages/home.php (http://www.brooloopark.com/brooloo/pages/home.php)
http://www.yandillacampingandfarmstay.com.au/ (http://www.yandillacampingandfarmstay.com.au/)
http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/nationalparks/parkhome.aspx?id=N0001 (http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/nationalparks/parkhome.aspx?id=N0001)
http://www.bestbrook.com.au/camping.htm (http://www.bestbrook.com.au/camping.htm)
[urlhttp://fordsdalefarmstay.com/camping/][/url]
http://www.murphyscreekescape.com.au/accommadation/index.html (http://www.murphyscreekescape.com.au/accommadation/index.html)
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/girraween/index.html (http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/girraween/index.html)
http://www.goomburravalleycampground.com.au/ (http://www.goomburravalleycampground.com.au/)
http://www.lakeleslietouristpark.com.au/ (http://www.lakeleslietouristpark.com.au/)
http://www.queenmaryfallscaravanpark.com.au/ (http://www.queenmaryfallscaravanpark.com.au/)
http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/sundown/index.html (http://www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/sundown/index.html)
http://washpoolcampingreserve.com.au/ (http://washpoolcampingreserve.com.au/)
-
Hey Spada,
Sorry to hear your Bigriggen experience was different to mine
Did the October labour day weekend there and they were booked out but seriously could have gotten plenty more campers in there.
In comparison, Flannigans up the road looked absolutely packed and every time we drove past there was a pall of dust over the whole thing. I know a bunch of swaggers were there that weekend, what's their feedback?
Back to Bigriggen...Don't know how long the current management have been there but they were very organized with our access passes,they had a pile of extra portable loos on hand and they were very active with keeping it all clean.
Agreed about the booking thing but I actually prefer this because we've booked friends acquaintances people we don't associate with any more...under our name in the past only to have them no show so blow that anyway.
As for the showers, they are coin op, 4 mins max so the turnaround is quite good, but I do get the problems some families might have with a rush hour and sorting out small kids etc. I did notice quite a few campers had their own shower ensuites and the management had no problem with that
We treat amenities as a bit of a luxury, we are used to showering with 5 lts water each in camp so that 3 min shower I had was an indulgence, I thought it was alright and I'm pretty picky.
The princesses who are too lazy to walk to the amenities, lets be honest that crap happens in lots of parks with 2WD access
Yes they are not all that cheap but I value my right to "peaceful enjoyment' of my camping above all else and for a long weekend so close and accessible to a capital city I thought it was alright.
-
Lots of very interesting responses... :)
Firstly thanks to all for all of the hints - incredibly useful.
We've tried some of the places mentioned before - I have had less than pleasant experiences at Bigriggen with a bunch of yobbos, so won't be back there in a hurry. ;D
We are looking through the lists given, will hopefully make a call soon! Again thanks all.
-
I have sent a message to Levuka asking if they are able to accommodate us, so will see what they say. Thanks all, some great advice, and some great suggestions for future trips too!
-
They will, and you'll like it. ;)
-
if they get some rain then personally i'd give the place a miss for a few weeks though, the tracks become very slippery and if wet enough are almost undrivable without getting bogged, and last time i was there (about 2 years back now i'll admit) the leeches were pretty full on due to how wet it was there. It won't be like that now though, they'd had heaps of rain leading up to when i last went there, was still a nice spot to just sit back at camp doing nothing though.
-
We're planning on doing a lot of sitting around and doing not much, so as long as we can get in, get out for shops occasionally, and get out and go home time that's all we need! :) We're only in an AWD SUV, so we'll be fairly conservative about finding somewhere to set up camp!
-
We're planning on doing a lot of sitting around and doing not much, so as long as we can get in, get out for shops occasionally, and get out and go home time that's all we need! :) We're only in an AWD SUV, so we'll be fairly conservative about finding somewhere to set up camp!
Shops are not close. Be warned
KB
-
Yep - general store at Urbanville I believe, but that's about it? We're pretty self-sufficient (110L EvaKool lol) so we should be good.
-
We're planning on doing a lot of sitting around and doing not much, so as long as we can get in, get out for shops occasionally, and get out and go home time that's all we need! :) We're only in an AWD SUV, so we'll be fairly conservative about finding somewhere to set up camp!
you'll be fine then... the main track into the property and to the camp ground weren't an issue, even when vehicles running 35" muddies and big lifts were getting bogged on the tracks whilst we were there.
Shops are not close. Be warned
KB
as KB said....it's about 16klms back to Woodenbong which i think is the closest town though Urbeville may be closer but is smaller still? I'm not sure what sort of shops they have there exactly, it's a small town that should atleast have the basics available though
-
you'll be fine then... the main track into the property and to the camp ground weren't an issue, even when vehicles running 35" muddies and big lifts were getting bogged on the tracks whilst we were there.
as KB said....it's about 16klms back to Woodenbong which i think is the closest town though Urbeville may be closer but is smaller still? I'm not sure what sort of shops they have there exactly, it's a small town that should atleast have the basics available though
Cool - we'll manage! :-D
-
you'll be fine then... the main track into the property and to the camp ground weren't an issue, even when vehicles running 35" muddies and big lifts were getting bogged on the tracks whilst we were there.
as KB said....it's about 16klms back to Woodenbong which i think is the closest town though Urbeville may be closer but is smaller still? I'm not sure what sort of shops they have there exactly, it's a small town that should atleast have the basics available though
its just as quick to turn right out the main gate Mal & head to Urbanville. they have from memory an IGA, butchers and servo. they have a few more shops but cant think what they were now.Woodenbong has a hardware store with a reasonable camping supply section.the convenience store has a modest grocery line and they also have a butchers there in town.
-
its just as quick to turn right out the main gate Mal & head to Urbanville. they have from memory an IGA, butchers and servo. they have a few more shops but cant think what they were now.Woodenbong has a hardware store with a reasonable camping supply section.the convenience store has a modest grocery line and they also have a butchers there in town.
Never been to urbenville from Levuka, so will take your word for it mate, and yeah it's an IGA across the road from the pub. The Urbenville Hotel does a nice counter meal, have had a few there over the years...think it's Ollies mate that runs the place from memory also?
-
Never been to urbenville from Levuka, so will take your word for it mate, and yeah it's an IGA across the road from the pub. The Urbenville Hotel does a nice counter meal, have had a few there over the years...think it's Ollies mate that runs the place from memory also?
Ollie has mates??
well i'l be................................
-
Cool - we'll manage! :-D
when you get to the homestead, make sure you tell them your a my swagger. i have been holding meet up's there for my swag for a few years now.We go at Easter. say hello to Robert for me,cheers.
-
its just as quick to turn right out the main gate Mal & head to Urbanville. they have from memory an IGA, butchers and servo. they have a few more shops but cant think what they were now.Woodenbong has a hardware store with a reasonable camping supply section.the convenience store has a modest grocery line and they also have a butchers there in town.
Having driven Nissans all his life, Mark is very up to date with all the emergency services/shops around our great country!!!!
-
Having driven Nissans all his life, Mark is very up to date with all the emergency services/shops around our great country!!!!
food,grog & fuel.
what else?
oh,and a reliable 12 volt power supply ;D
-
Having driven Nissans all his life, Mark is very up to date with all the emergency services/shops around our great country!!!!
i thought he turned right because he could hear the banjos playing loudest from that direction, turning left takes you closer towards Qld direction instead ;D ;D
-
i thought he turned right because he could hear the banjos playing loudest from that direction, turning left takes you closer towards Qld direction instead ;D ;D
yeah the right heads that way to the pub and left into the waste lands,easy decision :cup:
-
Never been to urbenville from Levuka, so will take your word for it mate, and yeah it's an IGA across the road from the pub. The Urbenville Hotel does a nice counter meal, have had a few there over the years...think it's Ollies mate that runs the place from memory also?
Lucky7 is the store across the rd from the pub in urbanville. It has very basic supplies, take away food, is the servo also. The pub does a good feed as mal said, tell daz, Olly sent you, actually best not mention it, he may charge double. There is also a news agent just up from the pub.
Woodenbong has a better shop for groceries. The servo in woodenbong across from the pub is also 24hr for fuel.
-
Levuka is great, especially after some rain as it is then nice and green. A bit if mud makes it great 4wding there...
Owners are lovely and laid back.
Re the shops, We normally stop for a feed at Woodenbong pub on the way home.
Cheers
Robert
-
Another thing to be aware of is grass Ticks especialy on youngesters .. A mate recently had to go to emergency to get two removed after a weekend trip ..