Branxholm Centenary Park is 90 km east of Launceston. We had checked it out the day before on our drive from Scottsdale. I liked that it was across the road from an IGA and a walk to the pub.
This
camp has two lots of toilets. One is older and has the laundry
connected and the other is new and has showers at a cost.
Laundry
Toilet/shower
A large undercover BBQ and seating area is by the new toilets and a couple of water taps are here. A swimming pool, playground and tennis courts are also on site.
BBQ Area
Water Tap
Swimming pool & Toilets
Playground
Have
A Walk
Across the road from Branxholm Centenary Park is the IGA, Pizza Shop and an Italian restaurant.
IGA
Italian restaurant
On the other side of the tennis court is a cafe with Alpacas and the Imperial hotel. We had Sausages and mash which was nice, along with a couple of jugs of beer. We have to support the small local community 😀
Other : Laundry, Tennis court, swimming pool, BBQ’s, Seating, IGA, Pizza, Italian restaurant, pub, Fuel, Playground, Books and jigsaw puzzles in laundry.
Scottsdale Northeast Park is a free camp but has a donation box. The donation box is to help with the maintenance of the park. Please give a donation, you will see it’s well worth it!
Scottsdale is an hour form Launceston. I had heard that Amish lived in the area and that they had a baked goods and veggie stall on the side of the road. That and the fact it had a cheap camp made the decision to stop here easy.
Scottsdale Northeast Park
Wow, this camp is not what I expected. I was expecting basic but this camp has everything but power. They have roughly marked parking areas for people to set up. Most, if not all are next to water taps.
Water Between Sites
Toilets are available 24/7 and also showers for a small cost. A dump point is also on site if you prefer. They also have a BBQ and undercover seating area. A washing line is a available if you need it.
Toilets/showers
Dump Point
Some parking spots looking over a stream form part of the Peoples Park behind it. That’s something else we were not expecting.
You can camp at the Scottsdale Northeast Park whether your a big rig, rooftop tent or a small tent. In fact one guy set up in the back of his ute to sleep in. He and some other people we had happy hour with made our stay more interesting. A few laughs were had.
Tents by the water
All Kinds of Set Up’s
Have
a walk
The Northeast Park is right at your door (literally). This was first constructed as a Peoples Park back in 1930s, with swimming carnivals and such. Now it’s a lovely place to go for a stroll and try and spot a Platypus.
There
are meant to be Platypus here but we didn’t spot any, only ducks. You
can walk around the ponds and streams, the gardens and the walking
tracks.
Have
a game on the large grass areas or a stroll through the lush forest
kind of area.
This
area has a playground as well as a huge undercover BBQ area. It also
has a stage if you fancy getting up and playing air guitar like
Larry did 😀 Keep walking and you will find the bike and dog walking
trails.
Have a drive into Scottsdale
Scottsdale is only 800 meters up the road so you can actually walk to the pub or shops if you wanted to. We headed in for some groceries at Woolies and to one of the cafes for lunch. Its a big, small town, if you know what I mean 😛
Amish
On
the other side of town is the Amish stall I was wanting to see. I
highly recommend a visit here if you are in the area. A 3kg bag of
onions for $3 & 4 beautiful cinnamon scrolls for $3.50 bargains!
Also, to see and hear an Amish person in real life was was a little
bit cool as well. They did say hello then stay away until we were
ready to pay and I didn’t take a photo of them out of respect.
Amish Stall
Other
Drives
Bridport
Bridport is only 20 minutes away from Scottsdale Northeast Park. On a normal day it would be lovely, unfortunately it was a smoky day for us. The bush fire smoke from the mainland or south of us at Fingal was effecting the north east coast. Bridport is a nice little seaside town with cafes and caravan parks. Larry had a haircut and then we headed east to Musselroe Bay
Musselroe Bay Back Beach
Musselroe is 88 km from Scottsdale and is a beautiful white sandy beach that goes on and on. Smoke was blocking the sun but we still had a walk along the beach. On a clear day this would be stunning. You will also find lots of camp along this stretch.
The Little Blue Lake
On
the way back to Scottsdale we stopped by the Little Blue Lake
lookout. Obviously called Blue for a reason, this is a beautiful
Turquoise BLUE. This was once part of the tin mining industry. Now
the water is so blue due to the clay exposed in the tin mining
operations reflecting the sky.
Derby
Any mountain bike enthusiasts out there? If so this is your mecca. If not, you still might want to stop at one of the cafes and feel fat like we did 🙁 No, seriously, I was in awe of these bike riders young and much older. The hills around Derby must be a mountain bikers dream.
There are also two camps right there in town. Both were packed when we passed them. Everything is set up for bikers here, from the cafes and the bike hire places to the bike wash down taps and tours. Derby is only 25 minutes away from Scottsdale so might be worth a visit.
Scottsdale
Northeast Park is a great camp, in a lovely town. Stop for a night or
enjoy checking out the surrounding areas over the two weeks allowed.
We defiantly recommend staying here.
Farm On Franklin is a Hip Camp farm stay. You Camp is a place where farmers & land owners open up there property for campers to enjoy.
Located in the north of Tasmania 28 km from Devonport, camping is along the Franklin Rivulet, a tidal estuary. We chose to spend two weeks here over the Christmas and new year period. Most seem stay for a night or two but as we have a couple of water tanks and solar we were fine for longer.
Lots Of Space For All
Farm
On Franklin
Sarah & Mark have been turning part of there 50 acres of land into a place that others can come and enjoy. While developing their environmentally friendly family farm. They welcome families, pets and respectful campers.
The
Road In
The
road in is about 1.5 km of graded dirt road, 2wd is fine. Narrow in
parts but plenty wide enough for a caravan. We do not have an off
road van and are a total length of 14 meters (Van & Ute) and got
in fine.
Road In To Farm On Franklin
Sarah or Mark messaged before hand, to find out what time you will be arriving. This is a good idea as on some sections of the road you don’t want to be passing anyone.
You emerge by the owners property, then you see the open space of the camp. Surrounded by trees on two sides and the estuary on the other.
Choose A Place To Camp
The
Camp
You can choose a wide open space, tuck yourself in near the trees or over looking the water. We chose to over look the water. You have the choice of shade from the trees but as we wanted to top up our solar when possible we parked in a more sunny spot.
As they themselves say, Farm On Franklin is a natural campsite with no bells and whistles yet. It’s still in the development phase. Consequently you should have your own toilet, shower and leave no trace. It is a little rough around the edges if you were to put a magnifying glass on it. You will see farm machinery & wood etc by the house, but hey, this is a farm, it’s what you expect!
Photo Credit: Farm On Franklin
The land you park on is somewhat undulating with some flat spots. The whole area is a bit dry at the moment. Tasmania seems to have missed the memo that it’s meant to rain a lot.
Fire
Pit
We all love a fire pit and Farm On Franklin have a cracker. Overlooking the estuary is a communal fire pit. Mark and Sarah bring the wood and the twinkly lights. You just sit around, toast marsh mellows and enjoy. For personal fires a wheelbarrow is provided for you to load, at a small cost.
Kayak – Fish – Paddle Board, Oystering?
When the tide is in, the Franklin Rivulet is a lovely place to be. Grab your kayak or paddle board and head for the water. You will find oysters on the opposite bank and we have been told fishing can be good. We had a go at kayaking on Christmas day and had a great time. They hire Kayak’s out if you don’t have your own. By the jetty they also have a rustic old picnic table you can have a picnic at.
Fish Off The Jetty Picnic By The WaterCamp By The Estuary
Pork
On Your Fork
Farm On Franklin sell their own pork sausages which you can buy. As well as other products, so I noticed on their Facebook Page (here). One of which is leg of ham. I can highly recommend it, as we were given one as a Christmas gift and it didn’t last long 😀 You can also get fresh herbs and free range bush chook eggs if they have them.
Farm On Franklin Ham and Herbs
Farm
Animals
Sarah, Mark and their extended family have 3 dogs between them. They might come by for a visit if you are happy to have them over. They wont go inside your van but they might sit by your feet for a short time.
Chooks roam around freely on the extensive property as do the geese. Their 3 dogs leave them alone and if you are bringing your dog, yours should too.
On
the second week we were here, they moved the pigs down to near the
camping area. Now I know these pigs are farm pigs and will one day be
pork on a fork, but, they are great to see, watch and scratch.
Friendly Farm DogsCredit: Farm On FranklinHappy PigsPhoto Credit: Farm On Franklin
Have
A Drive
As withHagley RV Farm Stay, we used Farm On Franklin as our base to see the surrounding areas. You are only fifteen minutes to the beautiful beaches of Port Sorell & Narawutapu National Park, 25 minutes to Devonport and 1hr to Launceston, Oh’ and 1.5 hours to Cradle Mountain.
Here are some of our day trips:
Narawutapu National Park – a short drive to a beautiful long sandy beach and orange lichen covered rocks
White Sandy Beaches
Port Sorell – More beautiful sandy beaches and picnic areas only a fifteen minute drive away
House of Anvers Chocolate – try not to drool as you free taste test the chocolates and fudge. Look through the glass as they make the chocolates and have some lunch in the cafe. Don’t forget to buy some yummy stuff on the way out.
Free Chocolate Tasting Anyone?
Reliquaire Toy Shop in Latrobe – Little and big kids will absolutely love this place. From little games to full size nights armour and books.
Big Toys For Big Kids
Beaconsfield Mine & Museum – Take a step back in time with interactive pieces of history. As well as the more recent history of the mine collapsing due to an earthquake in 2006. Trapping Brant Webb, Todd Russell and sadly killing Larry Night.
You Could Spend Hours here
Grindlwald Swiss village & Mini Golf
A cute little village with a hint of the Swiss. Have a game of mini golf or have a paddle around the lake. Feed the ducks or feed yourself. The restaurant has lovely food or try the bakery.
Cute Village & Fun Mini Golf
George Town & Low Head – See the lighthouse and the views and spot a penguin as you walk around. Pop by and have a look at the wood carvings and silo art at George town on the way through.
Low Head Lighthouse Silo ArtWood SculpturePenguin
Sheffield –
See some, if not all of the 130 wall art paintings around town. The town also has lot’s of cafe’s and quirky antiques shop
Play the PianoWall ArtSheffield An Arty Town
Lookout Over Narawutapu National Park – Drive to the lookout at Griffiths Point and see Narawutapu from above. A great swimming beach is also here.
Our Christmas/New Year At The Farm
Sarah and Mark are generous hosts. Inviting us to Christmas and New Year with there friends, family. Also, Brian and Julie other campers here for New year. If you want to experience a nights or a weeks on a You Camp farm give Farm On Franklin a try.
Price : $11 per person – $3 per child under 16 – PLEASE CHECK PRICE AS THIS MAY HAVE CHANGED SINCE OUR STAY IN 2020
Water ? : No
Power ? : No
Will suit: Most sized vehicles
Is it on Wikicamps ?: Yes
Drive time to nearby shops: 15 minutes to Port Sorell or Latrobe
Amenities : None you should be self-contained
Other : Pigs, dogs, chooks, geese, fishing, kayaking, oystering, estuary, Communal fire-pit, buy wood for your personal fire pit $15 per wheel barrow, buy snags & ham and other pork on your fork
Our caravan hot water system in our Jayco like many caravans, is a Suburban brand gas/electric hot water heater. In general we don’t have any issues with it. However it’s always been reluctant to start first time.
Our heater usually takes at least three restarts before it actually runs as expected. At first, We just thought “oh the wind has blowing the flame out” so I never really looked into it any more. As time goes by it finally annoyed me enough that I thought I’d take a look into what the actual cause was.
The symptoms
Flick the switch on to ignite the flame and heat your water up
You can hear the ignitor sparking and the flame start
It then goes out and tries to auto re ignite shortly after
Again it ignites but almost immediately goes out
It then goes into a failed state and no longer tries to start on it’s own
Flick the switch off then back on again and ta da… the gas ignites , flame continues running and soon you have hot water… all’s good
Sound familiar ?
So whats actually happening here ?
Photo: Electrode probe / ignitor assembly
When you turn on your water heater, the Suburban heater directs a flow of gas down a pipe which comes into contact with a spark from a ignitor like your BBQ does. When the flame starts, it heats up a electrode probe which then sends a very small voltage reading back to a electronic module on the heater.
The voltage tells the heater that ” I have a flame and I’m running”. Knowing that… the heater now continues to supply gas to the flame. Without this signal the heater says ” ok I have no flame therefore I have no need to waste gas and so I’m shutting the gas off”.
Keeping the above in mind, there are 4 common things can cause the issue in my thoughts. ( there is more but lets stick to 4 for now)
The electrode probe has a build up of carbon on the end of it which means it makes it harder to heat up and therefore slower to send a low voltage signal back to the module so that the gas keeps flowing.
The electrode probe is not in the direct flame and therefore takes a while to get hot and send the signal back to the module
The module receives the signal but is faulty so does nothing with the signal.
Some insect/animal has made a nest in your discharge tube which is restricting the flow of gas.
How “we” fixed our caravan hot water issues
Working on a gas hot water system is best done by a certified technician. However in this case it’s a simple mechanical repair and is not dealing with gas regulators etc so all is good.
Photo: Suburban heater gas tube and burner cover
Note: we suggest shutting off the gas bottles just for good practise before proceeding.
Note: This is what Larry did to fix ours. He dose not claim to be a professional. Obviously use commonsense at each stage or see a professional
Open the caravan hot water heater door and you should see something similar to this above photo.
Remove the three screws that attach the burner cover to the heater body.
Remove the electrical connection from the electrode probe
Unbolt the discharge tube so that you have the whole unit in your hand.
Inspect and clean the tube from insect nests etc.
Look at the two pins on the end of the tube. There should be a air gap between the two so that the spark can jump between both rods
Both the rods should also be in direct flow of the flame. If not ( like ours wasn’t) bend both rods so they are over the discharge pipe outlet and therefore in direct line of the flame. Obviously, do not force them!
With light sandpaper give both these rods a light sanding to remove any excess carbon build up.
Reassemble and test.
Photo: Gas Discharge Tube
Photo: Off centre Thermo-couple rods
Photo: Centered Thermo-coupler rods
You should now have a caravan hot water heater that starts up on first attempt. If not then you may have extra issues where you’re probably best to get it checked out by a technician. Modules can have their faults and are quite expensive so best to have someone test it first. Electrode probes aren’t too badly priced but like in our case it was really a case of making sure it was in direct path of the flame.
Again, Please Note: This is what Larry did to fix ours.“Obviously”He is not a professional. See a professional if you don’t want to be responsible for your own DIY
We have been following Hagley RV Farm Stay on Facebook since they opened three months ago. Annette, one of the owners, often post’s about the camp and does a weekly video of what’s happening in the local area. I just love small country town’s that have a big sense of community. Heading to Tasmania, this had to be added to our list.
Hagley is 70km south from Devonport so this could be your first or last camp while in Tasmania.
Welcome To Hagley RV Farm Stay
Hagley RV Farm Stay
Arriving at this Farm Stay is easy as it’s on the main road through Hagley. I say main road in the loosest of terms and for those wondering if it is 2wd accessible, yes it is!
Heading in you will see the self-check in booth as you drive through one field to the next. Besides the paying information, local information and nearest dump point locations, it also instructs you to park behind the house.
Self-Check in
Behind the house is a large block of land with water taps around the outside of the boundary. You do have to be self-contained as no toilets etc are available. Find a free spot in the large field and get set to relax.
Choose A Spot
We
set up at the very back as it has views of fields and mountains in
the distance. Horses and a goat are in the next field which is so
nice to wake up to.
The owners, Annette and Steve, came over for a chat and to introduce themselves. Annette is a nurse and Steve works on the land both are avid caravanners and travellers. They came to let us know they have a book exchange and games for campers to use. Young or old there is something for everyone.
Games
Books & Games
We
had a game or two of Quoits, having a bit of a laugh with a wine or
two.
Quoits Anyone
Camp
Fire & Sunsets
Two
of my favourite things and if there’s not fire restrictions you can
enjoy both 😀
Hagley RV Farm Stay sunset
Local To Hagley RV Farm Stay
The Hagley General Store/Post Office – whether you need milk and bread & a newspaper, post office or souvenirs this is the place. Have a chat with the owner who has some interesting bits of information on the local history.
General Sore/Post Office
Tassie Pickers – Have a step back in time in this shop of antique and quirky treasures.
Giant Cricket Wickets – Obligatory photo anyone? Tick the Giant Wickets of your Big things list. It wasn’t on ours, but hey, it was just down the road so why not 😀
Hazelbrea Hazelnuts – A short drive for a nice coffee and cake if not more.
Westbury Hotel – Don’t let this place fool you. It looks like an ordinary pub but I had the best seafood chowder I have ever had.
We decided to spend the week at Hagley RV Farm Stay. Using it as a base so we could check out more of the surrounding areas. Rather than be on the road with the van and miss those little out of the way places, this worked out well. As a result we got to see over 12 of Tasmania’s sights from one spot.
The Area We Covered From Hagley RV Farm Stay
Have A Drive
Cruizin In The 50’s Diner & Deloraine – 20 km
We had just eaten when we passed this terrific place. You know we had to take a look and some photos anyway.
Launceston Chair lift At Cataract Gorge – 31 km
You can take the chair lift over the gorge and back or just one way and walk back. We had a return trip but had a walk once we got to the top. The gardens are lovely and have peacocks strutting around the place. Keep your eye’s open as they can be in the trees and on roofs. Padymelons hop around without a care also.
This
place also has a huge swimming pool, playground’s BBQ’s and 2
cafe’s to choose from.
Peacock
Liffey
Waterfall – 36 km
The walk to the falls is an easy one although the drive up was a little windy. It was only flowing slightly when we arrived but it was still a nice spot to see.
Walk in
Evendale – 37 km
A picturesque little town with a few shops, cafe and pub but also with a lot of character. This town holds the Penny Farthing championships each year. The next is on 22nd February 2020.
Milita Honey Farm – 37 km
On the way to Mole Creek Caves pop in and have an a taste test, ice cream or stock up on honey products. Check out the live bee hives through the glass.
Taste Test
Bees
Ice Cream
Alum Cliffs – 43 km
Between the caves at Mole Creek and the Honey farm is an easy walk to the cliffs.
Elizabeth Town – 40km
Ashgrove Tasmanian Farm – Free taste testing of cheese, lots of cheese varieties to buy and gifts.
Christmas hills Raspberry Farm – Free taste test their products and have lunch at the cafe.
Van Diemens Creamery – Free taste testing of ice cream and coffee shop. I had the Lavender & White Chocolate ice cream 😀
Ashgrove farm
Ashgrove Farm
Christmas hills
Lavender & White Choc
Marakoopa Caves, Mole Creek – 56 km
These caves are one of 3 in the area. This one is worth a visit even if you have seen caves before. In addition to the Stalagmites & Stalactites they have a underground water system & glow worms. Take your jacket as its only 9 degrees inside.
Ben Lomond National Park (Jacobs ladder) – 86 km
Although we only drove to the bottom of this amazing winding road, the views were spectacular.
The
Belly Button of Tasmania & Great Lake – 112 km
The Geographical Centre of Tasmania (aka the belly button) This one was a bit of a road trip but as we we’re out and about we headed to it.
Geographical Centre Of Tasmania
Depending on which way your GPS takes you, you will pass the Great Lake which has a lookout that often has a coffee van parked up. Stop, take a photo and enjoy a hot drink while you take in the view.
The Great Lake
We headed back on the opposite side of the Great lake, up Waddamana Road. WOW! We spotted five Echidna’s crossing the road, all safe by the way! All along and around the lake you will also see a lot of old, cute, rustic, shack’s, fisherman cottages and homes. They are a point of interest in themselves.
To wrap up – Hagley RV Farm Stay is an understated, peaceful place where you can listen to the birds chirping in the morning & the fire pit crackling in the evening. Along with the hospitable hosts, sensational sunsets & location, this camp is worth stopping at.
This is our first of two post on The Spirit Of Tasmania (SOT) as there is so much information.
In this post I will cover the cost, why’s, wherefores of “Our” trip. Two adults, no children, no pets. The next post will be about the actual SOT journey and what it’s like on board.
Deciding When To Go
We headed over on the The Spirit Of Tasmania in early December 2019 for three months. Booking us on the boat for a Sunday morning. After reading other travellers posts about the Tazzy weather, rough seas and travelling on the SOT we wanted to get it right.
Larry Checking Out The Spirit Of Tasmania
We chose December as this is when the warmer weather is meant to start. The week before we arrived it had been snowing. Luckily, our first week was sunny. It was still a bit windy which had that chill factor but we were expecting that.
Please Note: Since writing this, the Spirit Of Tasmania is now arriving and departing in Geelong! So please disregard instructions on catching the boat below.
Catching the boat on a Sunday morning was a good decision. The streets were empty and we had a perfect run to the boat from our stay at Discovery Park Melbourne, taking around 30 minutes.
Photo: A Quiet Sunday Morning Drive To The Boat (No longer the post used)
On the day before we had done a dry run. Of course the GPS took us down a residential road with multiple speed humps and rundabouts. Not a problem, this is why we did it! On our actual drive to the ship it was a piece of cake.
Booking
We booked our trip on the Spirit Of Tasmania in August. Knowing that the closer we got to our departure date the more expensive it would be. The fact that our mates at Not Grey Nomads had also booked helped our decision. Maybe a little bit stalker’ish 😉
After choosing December to travel (which is a more expensive month to travel to Tasmania) we then had to decide on night or day sail. Then if we wanted to pay for a cabin, a recliner chair or just use the general chairs on the decks. Of course the choice for all of these things are up to the individual and the cost changes depending on your preferences.
The cost also depends on the length of your set up. We have a total length of around 14 meters. So our cost was probably a little more than some.
Cost Of The Spirit Of Tasmania
People have asked how much it cost us to travel on the SOT. As so many factors are involved it was hard to give a blanket statement of cost. It really is an individual thing.
For instance, we chose the day sail going to Tasmania as we didn’t want to be stressed in the busy afternoon Melbourne traffic. Also, as we didn’t know the streets and dock area we booked in to Discovery Parks Melbourne for a couple of nights. That way we could put the SOT into our GPS and drive the route without the van. Also, paying a visit to the boats docking area for a visual on what we were up against.
Photo: Spirit Of Tasmania original dock
Photo: Waiting To Board The Spirit Of Tasmania
Our caravan & Ute is Totalling 14.02m & Over 2.1m High. Our cost for just taking our caravan and ute was $1,795 return. This dose not include our options or lounge chair and cabin.
These are our costs and why we chose these options.
The only way this could have been cheaper for “us” would have been to book in for the winter months. Maybe even booking further in advance could help. If you have only a car or a smaller set up, it will be less for you. If you don’t have a vehicle and are just a foot passenger the cost can be as little as $100 one way.
Booking recliner chairs $39 Each
After choosing a day sail going to Tasmania, we then decided it was worth paying for the recliners. That way one of us didn’t have to stay and watch the chairs if we went for a walk. We also didn’t need to look for another if the boat was full.
If you have anxiety like me they are worth the price. If you’re happy to do as most others do and find a spare chair around the ship then there are some lovely areas and chairs to sit on. Just like a cruise ship.
Photo: Larry Relaxing In Recliner lounge
Recliner Lounge
Entry to the recliner room is by swipe card so only those that have booked can enter. This is great as it’s not full on busy with people as the decks can be. Maybe because we booked early? But we got a window seat which was perfect.
Each chair has a USB port, night light and little table. My USB didn’t work which was not good as I had a heap of movies to watch. Thankfully I used Larry’s USB to charge my phone when he wasn’t using it.
Photo: Card Entry
Photo: Recliner Lounge
At night I believe you get a small pillow and blanket with your chair. There are also toilets in this area so no need to hunt them down. There’s also storage space for cases and trolleys.
Booking A Cabin – $180
On our return trip we are doing a night sail so chose the cabin option. Frannie, from Not Grey Nomads told us that if your doing a night sail you have to have a cabin or a recliner. The recliners are free on a night sail. You can also share a cabin for as little as $30 per bed. That’s for a 4 person share or $70 per bed for 2 in a cabin. It all depends on the time of booking.
Photo: Cabin Corridor
We had decided on a cabin anyway as there is no way I could sleep in a chair and not wake up sore. Either because of my autoimmune disorder or because someone would be hitting me over the head with a pillow for snoring so loud (I wouldn’t blame them) We are yet to travel back so I’ll let you know how the cabin experience goes.
Total cost of “Our” return trip on the Spirit Of Tasmania including 2x recliner chairs going and a cabin on our return trip was = $2.055.46
To find out how much it would cost “You” to travel on the Spirit Of Tasmania follow the link to www.spiritoftasmania.com.au and enter your information as if you were booking. This will give you a more realistic view of what it will cost you specifically.
Seymour free camp is located on the Goulburn River by a National Trust Listed bridge. It was built in 1893 and under reconstruction at the moment.
We stopped here for a few days heading the 105km south to Discovery Parks Melbourne. That park would be our last stop before boarding the Spirit Of Tasmania.
Basic Camp – Best View
Seymour Free Camp
This Free Camp can fit quite a few vans. Several large vans can camp overlooking the river at present, maybe more once the bridge is completed.
Large
grassed areas are also available and both river and grass areas have
some shade with trees.
Grassy Areas
Their is nothing else here such as toilets etc. and as this is a free camp, we don’t expect anything. In saying that, Seymour has a dump point and a separate fresh water tap for you to use.
Dump Point & Water In Town
See The Town
A two minute drive will take you into town. There you will find everything from KFC, Target, The Reject Shop, Secondhand shops to AutoPro. Not to mention you can top up your fuel and get your shopping at Coles.
I
also have to make a special mention to the Ferguson Plarre bakehouse.
There donuts are up there with the best! We had a Nuttela donut and
it was just like a Crispy Cream Donut.
Yummy Donuts
Seymour
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Walk
The remembrance walk is located by the car park and is a nice easy stroll with seating and a water fountain. The walk has the names of the 60.000 Australian service men and woman who served.
The
Old Log Lock-up
At
the end of the walk and near to the Seymour information centre is
this great wooden log structure. It was built in 1853 and
unbelievably last used in 1962. You can’t get into it, but if like
us, you like your ye’old wooden buildings, then you will like this
😀
Albury Showground is 127km south of Wagga Wagga. Not far from the border of Victoria. We headed here after staying at the Jugiong Showground a 7 day donation camp in Jugiong (Read More On the fantastic Jugiong here)
Albury
Showground
Update: 5th July 2022 – We have been contacted by the secretary of the showground and given updated information. I’ll change this post to reflect that, which means this will be a very short post as a lot has changed 😀
This is a large showground that now excepts many campers per night.
Photo: This is a large showground
The camping area is mostly grass and you’ll be sure to find a place to park what ever size your rig.
Amenities
Toilets are available 24/7 and they have showers. The dump point is behind the toilet block.
Update: They are building two new ablution blocks. When they are finished they will convert the existing one into a Laundry.
Toilets Dump point
We didn’t disconnect the van on our stay at the Albury Showground as we were only staying the one night.
Jugiong Showground is in a small, surprising, country town 30 minutes north of Gundagai. I say surprising as it has a population of around 220 people and yet it has a small row of picture boutique shops, in what seems like the middle of nowhere.
This camp location reminds me of the Wizard Of Oz. The showground is the black and white before you go over the road where it’s all technicolor. Larry thinks that sounds like I dislike the showground. On the contrary I like this place a lot!
Jugiong Showground
This small town has a humongous showground with space for a couple of hundred vans if needed. There are lots places to park over looking the Murrumbidgee river. Or you can choose a spot as you drive in under the shade of some trees.
River View
River View
We chose a good spot by the river. Although we had some hot days we wanted the sun to keep our solar topped up.
Have
a drive around when you arrive as it is huge. it’s not just what
you see when you drive in.
Being a 7 day camp it’s handy that they have a dump point on site. Kids might also enjoy the skate ramp. If you;re into walking, this showground is so big people go for walks in the morning and in the evening for exercise.
Skate Park Area
Outside The Gate
Jugiong Showground might not have amenities inside the grounds but literally outside the gate you will find:
Toilet
Swimming pool which has showers
Water tap
Electric BBQ’s
Picnic Tables
Playground
Toilet & Donation Box
Water fountain/ BBQ’s
BBQ/Seating
Playground
Swimming Pool
This is also were you will find the donation box
Over The Road
Over the road from the Jugiong showground, in the small rural village, you will find these Four diamonds.
The
Sir George Pub
Go for a drink, lunch, coffee & cake or dinner. Larry even got some take away beer as he had run out. There onsite bakery means you can always get fresh bread. So if your other half says the’re going to get some bread you might be waiting a while.
Restaurant
Lunch
Bar
The
Sir George is beautiful pub inside and out. With old fashioned
shutters on the outside and classic brick work on the inside. You
will find rooms with modern rustic long tables for a feast and a coat
of arms on the wall. The bar has cosy nooks and window seats as well
as fires to snuggle up to.
Restaurant
The Sir George Courtyard
The restaurant area is light, bright and open to the court yard. The courtyard opens to walkways to the bakery, goats and a herb garden. All the out door area is surrounded by pruned fruit tree plants, and sensational smelling flowers capped of with mood lighting as the light dims.
Goat
The
Long Pantry
Head
over for breakfast or lunch or have a browse through the shop. This
place is gorgeous! Outside the seating areas are wooden and rustic
and the building is draped in grape vines. Tables have large Tic Tac
tow games for you to play as you relax and take it all in.
Lunch
Inside is half cafe, half shop. Think home made country jams, relish’s and cakes. They also have modern home-wares and clothing. If you think this might not be relevant to you travellers think again. I spotted a travellers champagne flute, love it! 😀
Home wears
Lickety
Splits Gelato
Come on now, Gelato in the middle of nowhere, what the? We had to try it out. Larry got the Rocky Road and Honey Crunch and I got the Pistachio. All very tasty.
Jugiong Wine Cellar
If
the pub is not your seen (although I can’t think of anyone who
would not love it!) Have a look at this shop. They sell boutique and
experimental wines as well as liqueurs and port. They have a side
line of art for good measure.
The Gather & Graze Christmas markets were also on while we were in town. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better.
Jugiong Showground is, at the end of the day, a basic one, but it feels good. And just outside the gate is like the teddy bears picnic, you;re sure of a big surprise 😀
Moss Vale Showground is an hour SW of Woolongong and about the same NE of Goulburn.
Moss Vale Showground
This
showground has only 12 sites available but sites are big enough for
any size rig. We booked in advance as is recommended and we are glad
we did. All 12 places were filled on the night we stayed.
Grassy sites
These are large grassy sites so you will have no problem putting out your awning. Power and water is available or they have a few non- powered sites.
Non – Powered Site
You Can Stay Connected
Amenities
Like
most, Moss Vale Showground has showers and toilets. They have a code
to get in, which is the same for the dump point.
You are near to Aldi and the main street if you want a short drive. We arrived late in the day and left early so didn’t get to see much this time. In saying that it had a good feel and we would stay again.
