Note: This camp is closed till further notice. We will leave this post for all to see in case it re opens after covid.
Bulahdelah Lions Park is located a little over an hour north of Newcastle and around 35 minutes east of Seal Rocks.
Bulahdelah
Camps
Bulahdelah Lions Park is one of the many great camps in this town. This is a donation camp by the river but you can also camp at the showground, the golf club or the bowling club. We stayed at the bowling club last time we passed through and would recommend it. It has power and water if you need it(Read our full post on the bowls club camp here)
Bulahdelah Lions Park River Camp
We chose this 72 hour camp as we liked the look of it last time. Also, we had already filled our water tanks at our stop in Kempsey and our solar was topped up.
Park By The River
You
can park parallel to the river here, if there is room (it’s a busy
place!) If you don’t fit by the river you can park in several other
places no mater what size rig you have.
The
area is mostly gravel but has grassed areas around the BBQ and
seating area. There is also also a boat ramp in this area if you want
to put your tinnie in.
Donation Box
BBQ & Picnic Area
Walk
To Shops
Over the bridge from the camp is the main street. As well as public toilets, you will find, the IGA, pub, cafe’s, bakery, butcher, pharmacy, news agent, bottle shop and hair dresser.
Sundowner Caravan Park was not a planned stop but it was nice for the one night we stayed.
After heading to the Kempsey Showground first and noticing it was set up for displaced bush fire residence we continued on. Luckily Sundowner Caravan park had a couple of drive through spots left. Considering they only have 5 spaces I was very relieved as we had arrived late in the day.
Sundowner Caravan Park
The actual caravan park is bigger than 5 spaces but it houses mostly on-site long term vans. It also has motel rooms, which were full with essential services workers helping with the fires.
5 sites before the chain barrier
Sundowner Drive through site
The
five places for camping are at the beginning of the park and are
lovely green sites. Beautiful Jacaranda trees were in bloom when we
stayed and herbs were growing by the van.
Amenities
The
five sites get to use the spotless toilet and shower to themselves
and get a key to the well equipped camp kitchen. A BBQ and pool are
across the way.
Kitchen
BBQ area by pool
Pool area
Sundowner caravan park was a little unusual in the fact it only had 5 sites and the rest was full timers. It’s also on the main road and next to a servo (which could be a bonus to some) In saying all that it actually felt like a nice place for the night.
Nice spot outside the van
Sites kept nice
This is not a destination caravan park by any means but if your passing through Kempsey and they have a space, it might be worth stopping a night or two.
This was our second stay at the Big 4 Gold Coast Holiday Park but the first with our caravan. Our last stay was a few months ago, staying the night in one of their motel rooms. I (Sue) got to visit my mum and checked out the park again.
This time we stayed a couple of nights in one of the large rig river walk sites. Travelling around Australia full time we don’t get to see family often so having a place like this is great.
Mum Visiting Us !
Big
4 Gold Coast Holiday Park Site Options
With options for every kind of traveller, this Big 4 has it all. From non Powered river side camps, mini camper-van sites to premier on-suite sites. They also have large rig sites for a total length of 40ft. Choose a slab site or a river walk site like we did.
Evergreen sites
Non powered sites
Powered Slab Site
Large
Rig River Walk Camping – With
Power
As we have a large set up we chose this site. This is a large open grassed area near the river. Unlike the more central locations this is a bit more rustic and like proper camping. That includes the good old fire pit. Although we unhooked we didn’t need to as the site was so large. When shown to our site on arrival the staff members told us that some of the six resident Koalas had been spotted in the tree next to us.
Our Big Rig Set Up
Communal Fire Pit
Near by is the amazing camp kitchen and BBQ/TV/Fish Tank area. Or you can use the more rustic river BBQ area.
BBQ Area Near River
Camp Kitchen – BBQ – TV – Fishtank
Camp Kitchen
Park
Activities
WOW! What a list of activities the Gold Coast Holiday park has. This Big 4 has so much, it really is a destination in itself. Let’s start with the animal petting zoo. Recently moved to a quieter location in the park the donkey, llama, goat and miniature horse are something different to see at this caravan park. They also have bird cages around the place with some colourful birds.
Have you seen a dog activities area like this before? This off leash area has an obstacle course to keep your mate occupied while making new friends. Water is available for them here (Check out it’s dog friendly page here) They also have a self serve dog wash.
At the time we visited (November 2019) they are building a new water park within the park. Kids are going to love the slides, 40 interactive play features and Mega-huge tipping bucket. This will compliment the resort style pool and cabana area they already have located by the cafe.
Resort Style Pool And Cabana’s
New Water Park Opening 2020
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner & Drinks By The Pool
Other activities include the Jumping Pillow, BMX Bike Track, Monster Peddle Bikes, Games Room and Fishing in the river.
Theme
Parks Less Than 10 Minutes Away
Movie World
Outback Spectacular
Wet’n’Wild
Dream World
Top Golf is five minutes away. Mum took us there for a few hits and some dinner and drinks. If your not into theme parks, or golf for that matter, we would recommend this place. You don’t have to be able to play! Have a game as it gets dark and play as the funky lights flash and music plays.
Bottle Of Wine And A Game Of Golf With Mum
Night Time Golf , music, food and drink
A trip to the Gold Coast wouldn’t be complete without a drive to Mt Tambourine which is a 30 minute drive away. After a short drive, breakfast and a scenic lookout, we went to look at the Glow Worms. Before we headed back to our resort, Oops I mean caravan park. For a drink under our cabana by the pool.
Bavarian grill house plane
Fox & Hound Pub
One of the Lookouts on Mt Tambourine
If you’re planing a trip to the Goldy, whether it’s for the theme parks, or on a business trip, you want a resort style caravan park or your just passing through (it’s on the main highway) the Gold Coast Holiday Park has it all.
Being mainly free and cheap campers, staying in a place like this is not normally on our radar. Ultimately, after staying a night in the motel on our last visit (See our previous Post For This Big 4 HERE) returning with the van to see Mum was a no brainier.
Other :Laundry, coffee shop for breakfast lunch and dinner. Pool with water slide, water park (coming soon), cabanas, daybeds and spa pool. Log fire, electric BBQ’s, large camp kitchen, TV, Fish tanks, go carts, jumping pillow, gas swap/refill, Kayak, Canoe & Paddle Boat Hire, dump point, library, petting zoo, off leash dog activity area, fishing, electric car charging, dog wash, fire pit, Tv, Birds
Queensland’s Sunshine Coast has many free & cheap camps. Over the last few months we have been checking them out. Between House sitting and basing ourselves at the Kenilworth Showgrounds we have seen so much. Don’t think you need to pay through the nose to see the hinterland or the beautiful beaches.
10 FREE AND CHEAP CAMPS ON THE SUNSHINE COAST
5 FREE CAMPS
Obi Obi – Kidman Creek
(Update 8th Feb 2021 – Unfortunately this is NO LONGER A CAMP. We will leave it here as it is still a beautiful rest area for day use only)
Obi Obi Creek is a free camp 7km SW of Kenilworth and 11km west of Mapleton. You will find two camps on either side of the old bridge and river. One smaller dirt area with easy access to the river and the other on a long grassy area. One side has toilets and a seating area, the other has bins.
Photo: Toilets
Photo: Lovely River
Although you can not camp here any more, you can use it as a day rest area heading to other near by camp spots
Toilets
Creek
Dogs OK
Large rigs OK on one side
2wd accessible
Belli Creek Park – Belli Creek
(Update 2nd September 2021 – Unfortunately this is also NO LONGER A CAMP. We will leave it here as it is still a beautiful rest area for day use only)
This free camp is 20 minutes from Kenilworth and 10 minutes from Eumundi. A busy camp with mainly camper vans and a couple of smaller full size vans. A large grass area is available for tents. A two minute drive to Sue’s retro dinner and park
Photo: Picnic Area & Toilets Still Available For Day Use
Photo: Camping No Longer Available 🙁
This is now a day use only place
Bins
Seating
Toilets
Creek
Dogs OK
Close to Dinner
2wd Accessible
Little Yabba Park – Cambroon
This is a 24hr free camp is 5km from Kenilworth next to the river. One side of the road there is a smaller parking area but lots of grass. It also has lots of seating. The other side has more parking and is better for bigger vans.
Photo: Room For Any Size Van
Photo: Toilets At Camp
Photos: Electric BBQ’s
Photo: Heaps Of Room
Cost: Free
Toilets
Electric BBQ’s
Dogs OK
Bins
Seating
Fig tree walking track
River
2wd accessible
Jowarra Park Area – Glenview
This
is a basic 24 hour free camp on the Steve Irwin Way, 15 minutes from
Australia Zoo and Caloundra. It’s even less to Aussie World. At the
moment (Nov 2019) major roadworks are happening on the road at this
location but a couple of campers were still here when we checked it
out. At this time I’m not sure I would fully recommend it unless
you don’t mind roughing it a little
Photo: Grass Areas Around The place
Photo: Bush Turkey At Gravel Parking Area
There are two areas. One large concrete car park area that will fit vans. The second area is more for campers with smaller vehicles or tents. Two bush walks start here. The Mooloolah River Circuit is a 500m return and the Melaleuca Walk which is 1.3km return.
Photo: Toilets Available
Photo: Seating & Benches Around The Camp
Cost: Free
Toilets
Undercover seating
Dogs Ok
Walking tracks
Close to attractions
Cruice Park – Woodford
Ok it’s not actually classed as the Sunshine Coast but it’s on the border so close enough :oP Woodford has two great free & cheap camps.
Cruice Park is a 20 hour free camp that will fit any size rig. Woodford is 30 minutes south of Maleny and 20 minutes NW of Caboolture.
Photo: Large Area To Park Up
Photo: Cruice Park Toilets
Choose between grassed areas or parking spots for smaller vehicles. A playground is here for the kids as is undercover seating and toilets. It looked good for a one night stop. A short drive to the small charming shopping area and showgrounds if you want to stay in town a little longer.
Photo: Cruice Park Playground
Photo: Big Rigs Ok At This 20hr Camp
Cost: Free
Toilets
Undercover seating
Bins
Playground
Dogs OK
DONATION CAMP
Kandanga RV park – Kandanga
This is a 72hr donation camp, 25min south of Gympie and 25min north of Kenilworth. This is large enough for many rigs and all sizes. They have designated gravel spots for your van to park but also a large grass area. Located opposite the shops and walk to the pub or bowling club.
Photos: Lovely Green Space To ParkPhoto: Lots Of Shade
Cost: Donation
Toilets
Electric BBQ’s
Playground
Swimming pool and sports field over the road
Shops at your door
Seating Bins
Fire pit
Dogs OK
4 CHEAP CAMPS (under $20)
Kandanga Country Club (Bowls Club) – Kandanga
This
bowls club is a 4 day maximum stay. 25 minutes south of Gympie and 25
minutes north of Kenilworth.
The
sites are large and grassy and back on to a field with cows on one
side or the green on the on the other. They serve food and have happy
hour. Across the back looks like you can get to the pub and walk to
shops.
Photo: Parking Behind The Bowling Club
Photo: Room For Big Rigs
Photo: Camp & Have A Game Of Bowls
Photo: Head In To The Club For Food & Drinks
Cost: Power for $20 or un-powered for $10
Power/water
Toilet
Shower
Bins
Bowls, beer and food
Cooroy RV Stopover – Cooroy
This cheap camp is in walking distance to a lovely little town and only a 10 minute drive from Eumundi. This basic camp has couple of large grassed areas. You have to be fully self contained and self-sufficient. A dump point is here and so are bins. Gates are locked at 7.30pm and re-open again at 7am. Check out our full post on Cooroy RV stopover here
Photo: Rainbow Over Our Camp
Photo: Room For Big Rigs
Photo: Bins And Dump Point Outside Camp
Photo: Heaps Of Room At cooroy RV Camp
Cost: $12
Dump point
Bins
Walk to town
Drive to near by attractions
Eumundi’s markets and cafe’s are only 8km away
Noosa’s beach and Hastings street is 30 minutes away
Ginger Factory and Nut Factory is 20 minutes away
Mooloolaba’s beach, shops and cafe’s are less than an hour away
Montville and it’s beautiful hinterland surrounds are less than an hour away
Kenilworth Showgrounds
This showground is the best we have stayed at so far. It’s huge, friendly and in a prime location. You will find it at the end of the small stretch of shop’s in this lovely country town.
Photo: Seasonal Water At The Showground
Photo: Kenilworth Showground Has 2 Huge Camping Areas
Photo: Swimming Pool At Kenilworth Showground
Photo: People Often Return To Kenilworth Showgrounds
The large grass sites fit any size rig. One side of the showgrounds has a swimming pool and a skate park. Both sides have a dump point, toilets and showers. Your a short stroll from the river and in driving distance to the beach or the hinterland
Photo: 360 Degree Photo Of Part Of Kenilworth Showground Camping – Scroll Around The Picture
OK I cheated again on this one too but Woodford Showgrounds is only 30 minutes south of Maleny and 20 minutes NW of Caboolture. Well known for its folk festival, this is a lovely little town. With two great free & cheap camps
The Showgrounds are large and in walking distance to the main street and shops. They have power and water sites as well as un-powered sites. Spaces big enough for any size rig and the grass is good for tents or a swag.
Photo: Room For Big Rigs
Photo: Toilet/Showers
Cost: From $10 for a single with no power to $20 for 2 people with power and water
We did two house/farm sits while in the area. One was on a property with cows, chooks, a beautiful cat and dog. And the other with a fun friendly dog that we loved so much we re-visited after our sit ended.
With both sits we got to see the surroundings areas while living rent free. House sitting is a fantastic way of seeing all of our beautiful sprawling country without paying park fees.
We were contacted by “Experience Eumundi“ to let us know Eumundi RV Stopoveris now open. This is not a free camp BUT it is in a fantastic location and I’m happy to add it. Eumundi market is right at your door and what a market it is!
Camping not permitted and limited powered sites are available. All bonafide RVs welcome. FOR SAFETY – NO TENTS
The Stopover provides:
Maximum strictly 2 nights stay
Park in a designated area (or as instructed by car park manager)
10 Powered Sites
RV Dump Point
Free hot showers
Free BBQ
Generators permitted 8am-8pm
Dogs welcome, but must be on a leash and all droppings cleaned up
Management reserves the right to refuse entry and to evict anyone causing a disturbance
RVs: $35 per night (4 People)
Enjoy the RV Friendly Town, its historic charm and trees, its art, music, food, wine, activities and its charming locals.
Camping at Kenilworth Showgrounds is one of the best decisions we have made while travelling. It’s the largest and best we have stayed at so far. With over 200 sites, you will have no problem staying here with a large bus or a small swag, that is unless they have an event on. Best to call first just to be sure, this is a very popular camping spot.
The caretakers Erin & Tony are friendly and exceptionally helpful when needed. It’s in a prime location at the end of the small stretch of shop’s in a lovely country town. A short drive away to so many Sunshine Coast attractions.
Why Kenilworth ?
We chose Kenilworth as one of our farm-sit’s had ended and another was going to be starting soon. Kenilworth was in between the two. Planing at first to stay a couple of days which turned into three weeks. Then returning for a few more weeks as we had a wedding and medical appointments on the coast.
The large grass sites fit any size rig and you have plenty of room for your awning. You have a choice between power and water sites or un-powered.
Power and water siteUn- powered
The showgrounds has two sides. Both have toilets, showers and a dump point.
If you are here when it’s had a good amount of rain you will see the normally dry creek/river in the grounds, fill with water.
This was great for me to have my first go at stand up paddle boarding, even though I did fall in!
Added Showground Bonus’s
One side of the showgrounds also has a swimming pool. At only $4, (less for pensioners) this is perfect in the summer. Next to the pool is a skate park. We stayed on the other side so didn’t actually notice these until we went for a stroll.
On
Your Doorstep
The River
A
short stroll and your at the river, great for those hot days or to
take a picnic and enjoy the bird life.
The Dairy
Across the road is a dairy which sells cheese’s, moose, ice-cream, yoghurt and so much more. The onsite cafe serves coffee, cakes and fresh lunch items. This turned out to be where a few of us travelling ladies would go for lunch once a week for a few weeks ( Thank you Lel)
The Famous Kenilworth Bakery
I donut-think you will be able to stay away from here. The bakery is a two minute walk away and has a 1kg donut challenge. You would need a longer walk home to walk that off. They also sell mouth watering donuts like nuttela & custard, lemon curd, peppermint slice, golden gaytime, they even have vegan donuts to.
The Park
Parallel to the Showgrounds is a large park. As well as the kids play area you have the use of BBQ’s and seating areas.
Main Street Of Kenilworth
The Kenilworth Showgrounds is in walking distance to all the shops. They include cafe’s, grocery store, woman’s clothing, gifts, country clothing. Not forgetting the local doctor, chemist, post office, library, hairdresser, vet, hardware and servo. Last but not least the pub which serves lunch and dinner.
A Short Drive From Kenilworth
Weather you like the greens and browns of the Sunshine Coast hinterland or the Blue’s and white sandy beaches of the coast this is Location, Location, Location.
Fig tree walking track – 5 minutes
Montville – 30 minutes
Eumundi markets – 30 minutes
Maleny – 40 minutes
Ginger factory & Nut factory – 40 minutes
Noosa & Hastings street – 50 minutes
Mooloolaba – 1 hour
Kenilworth Showgrounds is a place we will return to time and time again as many other people seem to do. The price, the people and the location tick all our boxes.
Price : $25 power and water (2 people) – $20 un-powered
Water ? : Yes
Power ? : Yes
Will suit: All sized vehicles
Is it on Wikicamps ?: Yes
Drive time to nearby shops: WALK 1 minute
Amenities : 2x shower and toilet blocks
Other : Loan a fire pit and buy wood, Skip bin, 2x dump points Swimming Pool, Skate Park, Shops at your door, Playground over the road, BBQ over the road, Close to the river, hinterland and beach drives
The Big 4 Helensvale is the park we chose to stay at while visiting my mum for the night (Sue’s Mum). It was only for one night and we didn’t want to take the van to such a busy location.
This Gold Coast Holiday Park is on the doorstep to all of the Gold Coast theme parks. We stayed in one of their motel rooms but was able to check out the rest of the park as well.
Fish Tanks In The Park
Big 4 Motel Room
After heading
to Mum’s place and catching up we went to the park and booked in. The
motel rooms are modern, clean and close to the pool and coffee shop.
This is a great option for travellers who aren’t camping and don’t
want to spend a fortune on hotels.
Motel Room – Life Imitating Art
Caravan Park
Once we settled in we had a wander around the park. The Big 4 Helensvale is so much larger than It looks from the outside. I should have known from the large, hotel lobby type reception that it was going to be a bit different than the norm. It even boasts a great games room.
Games Room
The park has
grass sites as well as fake grass sites. They are large and actually
look quite nice. I’m sure they are also easier to look after with so
many people coming and going. Cabins are also available in various
sizes around the park.
Large Sites
Great Sunsets
Large rigs, tent’s, rental vans and roof top tents all found a good spot.
All Sorts Of Campers
Nice Gardens
Amenities
Lets talk
toilet blocks. Have you ever seen a fish tank in a caravan park
toilet? Any toilet? Nope, neither had we.
Going in to one of the toilets blocks we thought we had taken a wrong turn. Between the male and female toilets you walk in to this big fish tank. It’s full of beautiful and interesting fish. You could pull up a chair and sit for hours watching it. People may find you a little strange so maybe not.
Larry liked the fact that it had one way glass. The fish just see themselves in the reflection rather than get scared when people touch the tank.
The laundry is huge and is as good as any other laundromat you will find.
Laundry
Camp Kitchen
The Big 4
Helensvale has hands down the best camp kitchen we have ever seen.
Calling it a “camp” kitchen seems wrong. It’s modern, clean and
beautiful.
Camp Kitchen BBQ’s
Camp Kitchen
The ovens and
surfaces are sparking as are the BBQ’s.
Again they have
a big fish tank below the TV. With seating to eat at, watch TV or
watch those fish. A great place to gather and meet people.
Camp Kitchen Fish Tank
Poolside Cafe
Fancy a proper coffee when you wake up? maybe breakfast or lunch? How about sitting around the roaring wood fire having dinner and a bottle of wine? This is the place to come.
Licensed Cafe
Cosy Fire With Mum
Mum came to meet us for dinner which was great. We didn’t have to go out and Larry could relax and have a drink for a change. The food and wine were good, as was breakfast in the morning.
Big 4 Helensvale Pool
Wow, did I wish it was summer while we were here! Next to the cafe is the big pool with a slide, spa and a kids pool. Surrounded by cabana’s you can relax with a cold drink from the licensed cafe in this resort style pool.
Cafe and Pool
At night the
columns around the pool light up which takes on a whole new romantic
atmosphere
Beautiful Pool
Big 4 Helensvale, Gold Coast Holiday Park is big, immaculate, friendly and central to the theme parks. If you’re looking for a caravan park on the Goldy or just a different option than a hotel give this place a go.
Other :Laundry, coffee shop for breakfast lunch and dinner. Pool with water slide, cabanas, daybeds and spa. Log fire, electric BBQ’s, large camp kitchen, TV, Fish tanks, go carts, jumping pillow, gas swap/refill, Kayak, Canoe & Paddle Boat Hire, dump point, library
Cooroy RV Stopover is in a lovely little town on the Sunshine Coast and only 8km from Eumundi. This Camp is a fantastic place to base yourself so you can visit both forests and coastal locations.
Cooroy RV Stopover
This is a basic camp. You will find a couple of large grassed areas ether side of the gravel drive way and one by the gate. As we drove in we were greeted by Dylan, the caretaker. As it had been a rainy week the ground was a little wet so he recommended we park near the gate (the gate is not near the road)
You have to be
fully self contained and self-sufficient. A dump point is here and so
are bins which is a bonus. Gates are locked at 7.30pm and re-open
again at 7am. Cooroy main street is a short walk away and well worth
a visit.
Dump Point
Parking up, Dylan took our details and our $10 per night (the price at the time we stayed). This is a 72hr RV stop but we stayed for 48hrs as we had a farm sit to go to.
Chatting to
Dylan, he said that he and his partner Morgan have been volunteer
caretakers for a while and were leaving in July, a new caretaker was
needed. This is a month by month position so you never know when it
will come up again. If your interested, give the council a call and
check if its available.
Rainbows End
Places To Visit
As well as Cooroy’s cafes, shops and boutique’s it has the butter factory. Now, I got exited thinking we could do a factory tour and get some products, no! It’s an art gallery. A good one I might add.
Cooroy Shops
Cooroy Main street
Eumundi and it’s markets are a short drive away. Markets are on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Smaller stalls at the back of the regular markets were open on the day we visited on a Tuesday and a worth a look. We will be going back to check out the full market on another occasion as we are here on the Sunny coast for a couple of months.
Noosa, Mooloolaba and Coolum are less than an hour away if beaches are your thing and want a sea change for the day.
Mooloolaba
Mooloolaba
Noosa
The Gympie Muster is also less than an hour away if you need a camp away from the the hordes when its on.
Cooroy RV Stopover maybe basic but the price and location is right. In the day you may hear a little noise due to working going on in the building behind the camp. We didn’t hear much as we are used free camps in odd places.
Marry Poppins fans will totally understand why this grown woman had to stop and visit Maryborough. This is the birth place of author Pamela Lyndon Travers and home to Marry Poppins traffic lights. Yes, you read that right “Traffic lights” :oD
OK to the camp site…
Cheery Nomads
Cheery Nomads is a small Kui park that has sites with power and water but also a large grass paddock out the back for fully self contained vans.
We chose to
stay in this area as it was only $10 per night and we had everything
we could need. We had so much more room around us compared to the
power and water sites.
The rain made
parts of the park a bit soggy but I’m sure in the summer months the
park would look as lush as our big paddock.
For those like
us who stay in the $10 self contained area you do “not” have use
of toilets, showers or dump point (as you are paying a small fee and
should be self contained) but other things are still available.
Amenities
For those
staying on a site with power and water (also TV connection) You have
use of all the usuals. Toilets and showers, dump point and laundry
Additional
Cheery Nomads has a great little bar, serves food, has pool and ping pong tables, TV and darts as well as a little pond which would be lovely in summer. They also have a large camp kitchen and social area.
They have a small pool, fire pit and pizza oven which were not up and running while we were there. Some times it’s just not the right time, maybe next time.
These are all available to everyone.
Van, boat and car storage is also available for $10 per week should you need it.
A Short Drive
A short drive in to town and you will find a Marry Poppins statue and Marry Poppins Red and Green traffic lights. Lots of cafes and shops are also on the Poppins band wagon. It’s sometimes the small things that amuse us, this is one of those things.
We discovered a few walkways with some great art. Maybe I’m looking more now? or is it becoming more popular? ether way It can be so much fun.
Cheery Nomads is also only a 25 minute drive from Hervey Bay and one of the most popular places to go whale watching. We are here at the wrong time of the year. As we lived on the great Barrier Reef for a number of years we have been lucky enough to see them. If you haven’t, Cheery Nomads might be a great place for you to stay at a very low cost.
Fifty kilometres west of Bundaberg is Gin Gin (I’m sure there’s an alcohol related joke here but I can’t come up with one right now ;o)
Gin Gin Showgrounds
Arriving, we
followed the sign that points you to the caretaker. Booking for one
night then returning later to pay for another so we could head in to
Bundaberg the next day.
The showgrounds is large and grass, all be it a bit dry at the moment. Many vans were here when we arrived and by night it was almost full. This is definitely a popular camp ground. As well as caravans, horse’s came to stop for a night or two in the stables
Amenities
A couple of toilet and shower blocks are available and a large camp kitchen area is in the centre. The dump point is at the back of one of the toilet blocks and bins are out the front.
Dump Point
BBQ
Camp Kitchen
Amenities Block
Have a Drive to Bundaberg
Being close to
Bundy, we went for a drive to check it out. I had visited about 15yrs
ago with my mate Sarah but things have changed. Larry and I aren’t
rum drinkers but had a look around the shop and got a coffee at the
cafe. A good place for people who may want to check it out but not
want to drink and drive.
OK Just a small one
While here we met up with the maker of WiTi. The wireless trailer interface and alarm we use on our caravan. The owner, Tony, has been great with after sales information. Larry was keen to chat to him as we were all in the same area. As you probably know by now, Larry likes his tech so they had a great chat. (See more on WiTi here)
Closer to the showgrounds is Gin Gin’s main street. it’s on the next road so you can have a stroll to the information centre, bakery, shops or pub.
If you like staying at showground, sports and recreation grounds you might like our post on the ones we have stayed at. Updated each time we stay at one. With over 17 in 5 states at this time.You can read them all in one place here
Calliope river has two enormous, 48 hour camps. You will find this 28km out of Gladstone. Camping areas are either side of the river. On the north side, near the Historic Village, it has a large grass area and places to park over looking the river. On the south side it’s more one large flat grass/dirt area with a little bit of beach.
Camping Both Sides
Calliope River North Side
On arriving we
passed the Historic village (we went here the next day) and found the
huge camping area. Most of the river side camps were taken by 11am
but we managed to get one.
The north side
looks down on the river and on to the south side rest area. The
toilets on this side of the river have been broken for the last year
we were told. Not a problem for us as we are fully self contained.
Looking Over the river
Calliope River South Side
If you are
travelling up north you will come to this area first. This is the
side you go to if you want to be closer to the river. It’s a wide
open flatter looking area (not necessarily flat) You can fish from
the shore or from the causeway. Kay, the lady at the Historic Village
said it was salt water one side and fresh on the other. Of course you
can get here from the north side to.
This side has
toilets and seating area at another higher level.
Ice cream, Fire Wood and Eggs
When was the
last time you heard the ice cream van? For us it’s been years. One
came on our first day, he’s a regular. Ice creams all around! A lady
also came to see if we wanted fire wood and eggs. At the Historic
Village Kay said they are going to be opening the old bar on a Friday
evening. Serving drinks and hot food, a two minute walk away, I love
this.
Ice Cream Anyone
Historic Village
Next to the
Calliope River “north side” is the village. You can walk over the
causeway to get to it if your camped on the “south side”.
Causeway
Kay, the
volunteer at the coffee shop took our $5 each entry fee and we had a
stroll around. You are given a folder with all the information about
each building so you can take in the history.
There’s something about old wooden buildings and rusty old machinery that resonates with me. Each building holds something new (or is that old). As well as old singer sewing machines and original cookers. You can see the inside of wooden homes decorated as if they would have been back in the day. And who doesn’t love an old mangle/washing machine.
Again the is
run by volunteers so don’t expect total replication. Do expect the
lady’s that volunteer to be friendly and informative, Oh and they
making good coffee and scones!
Nibbles and drinks
Harry Potter?
Old Police car?
This is a 48hr camp we would recommend and so would many others.
More Information
Location : Calliope River Rest Area at River Ranch
