We had checked out Brady’s Lake before, on one of our road trips. As well as a few other lake side camps down the same road. Brady Lake seemed the best for us and our van.
Brady’s Lake Camp
Brady’s Lake is 34km south east of Derwent Bridge right on the lake. Big enough for any size rig. This is a popular spot.
We were hoping to get one of the areas over looking the water by the boat ramp but it was almost full. On the way to it we noticed a spot almost on the water, practically our own piece of paradise. We noticed a fire pit was now in the water so thought it must be high tide. After checking the soil by the van, it was dry! So we relaxed and took in the view.
The temperature at Brady’s Lake was up to 33c for the second day in a row so we thought about going for a swim. We only ended up to our knees, it was so cold.
Local Advice
After a few hours, a local on holiday came over to see us and mentioned the water was up quite high compared to other times he had camped here. And said it was meant to rain quite heavy that night. So much for relaxing in a perfect spot 🙁 To put our minds at rest we moved a little, but not far
New spot
We
moved about 30 meters to our new spot. Not so picture perfect
compared to almost in the water 😉 but still a beautiful spot. The
rain started slowly and we hoped for much more. We do love the rain
😀
Main Camping Area
Brady’s Lake main camp spots were closer to the toilets which has a dump point behind them. Camper trailers parked in an area behind the toilets while larger vans parked in a clearing in front.
Toilets
Main Area
Both
areas are by the big boat ramp. Quite a few people had boats and
kayaks in.
Hamilton Campground was only 30 minutes fromour camp at New Norfolk so we didn’t have to drive far. The camp at Hamilton is 80km north west of Hobart.
Hamilton Campground
This is a largish grass area by a the river Clyde. When we arrived I didn’t think we would fit in as there were around six or so other vans and not much room to park parallel as others were.
Thankfully people were starting to leave and so we parked next to the river. Our spot by the river was a bit hilly but as we have a compressor fridge being super flat is not an issue, we were flat enough.
At the camp are a couple of stone tables and benches as well as a couple of bins and fresh water points.
Fresh Water
Amenities At Hamilton Campground
Toilets and showers as well as a laundry are available at the Campground. We met a couple again from our camp at Kenilworth Showgrounds on the Sunshine Coast. They mentioned you get the key for the laundry from the local council near by.
Toilet & Showers
You
will also find the dump point here, a large playground , park area
and BBQ’s.
Playground
BBQ
Have
A Walk
Hamilton
Inn/Post Office/Cafe
Yep
that’s right all in one except the doors that separate them. At the
top of the camp you will see the inn as well as the councils office.
Hamilton Inn
We started at the cafe when we first arrived so we could get some change. After breakfast we noticed it was also the post office so got some change for the camp.
That evening we had a drink at the pub and got chatting to the barman about the history of the place. If you get the chance do ask!
The
Inn has lots of quirky, old, cool pieces of antiques and memorabilia
to look at as you sit in the window seat.
The next day we had an ice cream from the cafe again as it was 33c, I wasn’t expecting that in Tasmania. As we left with the van we bought a last take away coffee for the journey. This is a great little camp to relax by the water for a few days with a pub and cafe a few steps away.
Willow Wood is a property owned and run by Lex and his dog Angus. It’s overlooking the Derwent river with horses in the next paddock. Lex has some fascinating stories to tell and gives guided tours around his property.
The camp is 36 km west of Hobart and is a great cheap alternative to other camps when checking out the Russell falls area in Mount Field National Park.
NOTE: Please check first if Lex has camping as he may have closed
Willow Wood Camping
We found Willow Wood on Wikicamps and it says to ring and book first. As it is private land, this is a good idea.
On
our arrival there were 4 vans plus once other new arrival (Jane &
Richard) A further fifth-wheeler arrived later. I would say that was
all the area could take comfortably.
Lex has a couple of water points which you can hook up to but not everyone can. That was ok with us as we chose to have the no power and no water option.
Also, you can hook up to power but again not all can. That’s why you should call and book.
Little Extras
By the water is a jetty you can sit on or fish from. Trout are the fish you can catch here as are eel’s 😉
The undercover seating and fireplace area is a great gathering place for happy hour. There is even a pizza oven!
One night a family cooked their dinner over the fire and we enjoyed its warmth. The next we had a laugh and a chat with Ron & Denise who are artists and have named there van “Van Go”, Love it!
FirePizza Oven
Around the camping area is also an old merry go round, playhouse and sandpit for the kids. Angus, (Lex’s dog) is also a little bit of cuteness walking around the camp.
AngusPlay Area
Lex’s
History & TV Career
A few of us gathered on our last night to see Lex’s passions from the past. Being a horse man he has collected all sorts of horse and cart paraphernalia. Some he has been in movies with in the 70s & 80’s. I didn’t get to write them down but would love to watch them now. Just to see them and him in action.
Movie Set Wagon
The old Buick was so amazing and it still goes! It reminded me of the Beverley Hill Billy’s car and was waiting to see Granny May Clampett on top 😀
Have
a Drive
Mount
Field National Park
We walked the two hours, 3 waterfall circuit. Starting at Lady Barron Falls as we were told this is the easiest way to do it. They were right, we however, we are extremely unfit.
The next stop is Horseshoe Falls and lastly the biggest and best Russell Falls.
Walking this way takes you down over 400 steps, rather that than going up them 😀 It is a beautiful walk and well worth doing. You can see the Glow Worm Grotto but I forgot about this by the end and do the tall trees walk.
If
you just want to do Russell Falls it’s a short easy walk from the
information centre. It’s also wheelchair accessible.
Geeveston RSL is 60km south of Hobart and boast a couple of great camps. We chose the RSL as reviews said how nice the hosts were. They were right.
Geeveston RSL Camp
The
camp is a large well maintained grass area by the RSL. Some spots are
by the river where you might spot a platypus, others are under trees
for some shade. The area is big enough for any size rig and as long
as your self-contained you are welcome.
Head in to the RSL after 2pm to pay. At the moment it’s $10 per night or stay 4 pay 3. Once you pay you get the code for the toilets. Water is available.
Geeveston RSL
We
paid for three nights and had a drink at the bar. Returning another
night for dinner, I can recommend the Salmon.. yummy! They serve
meals Thurs to Sun, 4 till 8pm. After a couple of drinks and a laugh
with the locals and staff we headed back to our van, only a few steps
away.
We
had a fire pit one night as the weather had cooled and it was ok to
have one. You can buy a wheel barrow of firewood and loan a fire pot
here which is great value at $10
Have
A Drive
Geeveston Town Centre
Only a minute’s drive or a few minutes walk away from Geeveston RSL is the lovely little town. With life size wood carvings, cafes and an amazing Information centre. The Information centre has a guy carving wood or is that turning wood? you can watch him through a glass window. The centre not only has all the usual but also has wood sculptures and antique wood turning equipment.
Drive To The End Of The Road
The last road at the bottom of the South East ends at a car park. From here you can do a short walk to the South Right Whale Sculpture or do a five hour return walk to the South Cape Lookout. This lookout is possibly the closest you will get to the Antarctic from Tasmania.
Willie Smiths Apple Shed
Wow! I thought this was going to be an old shed that sold apples haha… the jokes on me. Don’t get me wrong, it looks like a big old shed on the outside. But the inside is… cool, warm, inviting, busy, quirky, tasty. Walking in you see the bar, then the cafe part, then the distillery. We had apple pie. When in Rome and all that, or is that Tassie 😉 As you sit having lunch or a taster paddle of cider you spot all the cool old antiques around the place.
Franklin/Dover/ Margate
A few of the the places by the water to see and do boating or just take in the views.
Blackmans Bay
Franklin
Arve
Falls Walk
This
is an easy walk and a nice waterfall. Make sure you pack an extra
layer of clothing though 😀
Geevestone RSL is in a great location to see all the South east coast has to offer. As you can stay a total of two weeks at a low cost it’s worth stopping.
You will find Sorell RV Stop Over 25 minutes from Hobart. Which makes it an ideal spot to stop for a few days, or a couple of weeks, to check out Hobart and the surrounds.
Sorell RV Stop Over
As
you drive in you pass the dump point and fresh water tap. So you can
empty and fill on your way in or out. There are designated parking
spots for self contained vehicles. And most rigs will fit.
Dump & Water Points
Once parked you head to the undercover seating area. Here you will find envelopes and a box to put in your $7.50 a night (per vehicle) or $26 per week, fantastic! You also fill out a form to put in your van window.
Payment Box
As well as undercover seating you will find a BBQ and bins. Sorell RV Stop over is next to a skate park and large off leash dog park.
Have
A Drive
Zoodoo
Wildlife Park
Wow, go and feed the lion, emus and roos. Watch them feed the Tasmania devils and stroke a camel as they feed them from the safari bus tour.
Stroke A Zebra
safari
Feed A Lion
The
Wicked Cheese Company
Do some cheese tasting then buy some of the delicious chesse, chocolate or wine. You can also grab a coffee or have lunch.
Richmond
This
small town has heaps of charm and history as well as places to have a
drink or lunch.
Port
Arthur Area
We decided not to go to Port Arthur itself but had a look at the area around it. You can visit the convict coal mine ruins, the remarkable cave & Lavender farm for free.
Remarkable Cave
Historic sites
Port Arthur Lavender Farm
Hobart
Most people who go to Hobart go to the Salamanca markets on the weekend but we missed them. I (Sue) have been to them many years ago. We did however go on a 1 and half hour boat trip around the harbour.
It was a pleasant trip with a small lunch and the captain giving a commentary on the history of each area we passed. Parking is a bit of a pain as most are two hour parking spots. Not helpful if you have booked something for longer. Apparently they do have a multi story car-park in the area. Worth checking out I think.
Mount Wellington
We did head up to Mount Wellington, trying to dodge the cars that wanted to take up the middle of the road as the road isn’t that wide. The views are far and wide and it’s a popular place to be. NOTE:We wouldn’t advise taking your caravan up here.
Sorell town centre has all your usual’s and is only a walk from Sorell RV Stop Over. This is a perfect camp to see Hobart at a low cost and not have to endure the traffic 😀
The
Buckland Inn is 40km NE of Sorell. An old pub with camping at the
back.
Buckland Inn Camping
We checked this camp out on our road trip a couple of days before. That was at another pub camp at the near bySpring bay hotel. The Buckland Inn was a lot quieter so had more space out the back to park.
Pub – Camp – Toilets
Large Camping Area
The large grassed area will fit any size van. It’s not only next to the pub but also next to new public toilets, BBQ area and playground.
Ye Olde Buckland Inn
After parking we headed to the bar to show our support 😀 We were the only ones in the camp and the only ones in the bar. The girl behind the bar was lovely and as we chatted a few more people came in.
The pub is being sold at the moment and so is going through a transition phase. This means they are not doing food at this time. I’m sure once new management take over this will change. In fact one of the customers actually came purposley as he was interested in purchasing it.
Have
A Walk
Across from the Buckland Inn, is a roadhouse. This also looks like a post office, information centre and small shop and dinner. The prices of meals are great considering it’s location and fuel is high like most location.
The Ye Olde Buckland Inn camp is basic but you can grab a drink at the bar and not need an Uber home 😉 Also, until they start to serve food again you can go over the road to the store for hot food.
Drive time to nearby shops: 2 minutes walk to cafe/servo/shop
Amenities : None
Other : In the park by the camp is – 24/7 Toilets, BBQ, Bins, seating, playground. Walk over the road to the Roadhouse / cafe which is also the Servo and post office. A playground is also here.
The Spring Bay Hotel is in South East Tasmania and is nicely placed opposite the wharf. We decided to stay a couple of days so we could check out the surrounding areas. We did a circle down to Dunally, Sorell, Buckland and back. Checking out other camps in each town.
Spring Bay Hotel Camping
Camping is in a large grassed area behind the pub. Whether your a larger set up like us or a tent there is probably space. It gets full but then the next day people seem to clear out.
This is a 4 day camp for self-contained vans and 2 days for tents. For tenters or anyone else who wants to use the public toilets they are just across the way as are BBQ’s and bins.
Spring Bay Hotel
After returning from our drive on the first day we headed into the bar for a drink and to put some money in the charity donation box. This is such a friendly pub from the staff to the locals.
Charity Donation Box
We ended up having a couple and returning for dinner. The next day one drink turned in to a few more when we got chatting to Sarah and Jason, some other campers. Another good night was had.
Kids Area
Dinner
Triabunna
Wharf
Outside the Spring Bay Hotel you will see all the fishing boats lined up. This is also where you catch the Maria island ferry. A coffee van is parked here during the day and you can’t go past fish & chips at the fish van parked outside the pub. Located in this area is a memorial of fishermen and people lost at sea.
Fish & Chip Van
Coffee Van
Hotel and Wharf
Triabunna
From
the camp you can walk to the IGA, Butchers, take away and pharmacy.
If the Spring Bay Hotel Camp is full there is another donation camp
over the road. A paddock owned by the take away shop.
The Other Camp Opposite The Pub
Triabunna is a nice little fishing town by the water and of all the camps in the area the hotel would be our pic of the bunch. Over the road at the wharf are Toilets & BBQ’s which is great for those in tents. Remember to support those that support us.
Other : Tents are welcome for 2 nights, self-contained 4 night,
Opposite the pub are 24/7 Toilets, BBQ’s, Seating, bins, Coffee Van, Fish & chip van, Information centre, boat to island, A dump point is just over the nearby bridge.
What a great name, “Pondering Frog Cafe” and it’s a good place to sit and ponder where you will visit today. We stayed for a few days and got to see the Wineglass bay area, Campbell Town and Ross.
Camping At The Pondering Frog Cafe
As you drive in you will see the layout of the parking spaces on the board. Pick your spot and set yourself up. I headed into the cafe and spoke to the owner Lester who is a friendly and talkative bloke. If you want information on places to visit he’s your guy.
The camp is big enough for any size rig and you can use one of the water taps around the place as Gary the caretaker told us.
There are goats in the next paddock which was so nice to sit inside and out watching them.
Pondering Frog Cafe
This licensed cafe has everything. Loads of information on the surrounding areas, A Fire for winter, A lounge to relax on, and plenty of meal options. I had the scallop pie (when your in Tassie etc etc) They are also known for their ice cream but we didn’t get to try it.
Out the side of the cafe is the playground and some more goats as well as a alpaca.
Have
A Drive
As Lester will tell you the Pondering Frog Cafe is a great place to base yourself at to see the surrounding areas.
Bicheno Blowhole
A great spot to see the blow hole and some more of those East Coast red rocks. If you don’t get to see bay of fires don’t worry just enjoy these.
Wineglass
Bay Area
Only 35 km away. We had a drive and checked out a couple of lookouts. One of which was the lighthouse looking out from Coles bay to Wineglass Bay. Also, sleepy bay walk with amazing boulders that seem to have the centre cut out.
Campbell Town
This town has some really interesting convict history at your feet. Bricks with the names of convicts and what they were sentenced for. 14 years for stealing a hanky WOW!
Ross
We found Ross a much quainter place and worth a visit. It has a lovely tree lined main street and picturesque church. Ross also has an old female factory with its history pictured on its walls. Your free to walk in and walk around.
Ross also has a beautiful historic bridge and a phone box which you can dial and listen to story’s of memory’s from local residents.
The Pondering Frog Cafe is handy as it’s on the main highway. If you’re heading down the East Coast you’re probably going to pass it anyway. Pop in for a look, lunch or a chat with Lester. Even better stop for a few nights and check out Wineglass Bay and the surrounds.
Iron House Brewery and White Sands Estate is located at Four Mile Creek. It’s on the east coast, next to the ocean. What a great find for those that like to free camp but to dine in style. Or just grab a beer or two 😛
You can camp for 48 hours or just pop in for a meal or a drink with any size rig. They have a huge amount of space for vans to stop and visit for the day.
large Area
Camping Area
Free
Camping
Iron House Brewery have a large area with a few bushes around the place available for self contained campers. You pass free roaming sheep on your way in, separated from the camp by a cattle grid.
We were the only ones here on our first night and over 10 of us on our second night. There was still a huge amount of room for others to park.
This is a 48 hour camp which gives you the chance to either unhook and drive to the surroundings. Or stay hooked up as we did and enjoy this destination in itself.
Iron House Brewery
Support
local businesses that support campers I say, and we did. On our first
day we had lunch in the restaurant. The next afternoon beer and wine
tasting on the deck overlooking the ocean. Followed by dinner which
they serve on a Friday and Saturday.
You can also buy their Beer, Wine, Gin & Whisky If you fancy a tipple as well as other local products to take home.
Bonus
For Campers
As if free camping as well as food and drink at your door wasn’t enough. You can have a swim or stroll along the private beach or for a small fee use the beautify pool. A playground is also by the hotel accommodation as well as a games rooms. Inside you will find another play area.
If
you’re looking for a huge, quiet camp in easy driving distance to
the Bay Of Fire’s, then Pyengana Recreation Ground is for you.
Pyengana
Recreation Ground
The
huge oval at the back of the sports field that has so much room. In
saying that most people seem to gravitate to the area around the
toilets but that’s to be expected.
Heaps of Room
Only one other couple were here when we first arrived and they were half way over the oval. All the others camped near the toilets. Probably because they had tents and camper vans. So if your in a big self contained rig the world/oval is your oyster.
Pyengana Recreation Ground Amenities
Pyengana Recreation Ground has two lots of toilets. One is older and is just toilets and the other is new and has showers. The new toilet/shower combo is wheelchair friendly. A playground and tennis courts are also here if you fancy a game.
New toiletsOld Toilets
Have A Walk Or Short Drive
The Pub In The Paddock – The pub is 450 meters away if you want some food or drink. They also have 72 hr camping at the side of the pub for those that don’t want to walk that far. As long as you’re fully self-contained that is. We had a drink anyway when we realised we were to late for lunch.
Pub In The Paddock
Pyengana Dairy & Holy Cow Cafe – This is a great cafe with free cheese tasting. Watch the cows take themselves in to the milking and watch the cheese makers at work through the large glass windows. You can buy delicious sweet or savoury scones as we did. Or have a cheese tasting plate and a glass or wine. The kids will enjoy watching the cows and the playground.
Automated milking station
The cattle on this dairy farm have sensors around their necks. When their udders feel full they know that they can walk to the milking station. If it’s been over 6 hours since their last milking, the gate will open and let them in. From there the cows get milked automatically and once finished they wander off into the paddock again for at least another 6 hours. There was automation involved so Larry liked this place.
5 Great Places To Drive To
Bay Of Fires – 40 minutes away
Taylors Beech is a beautiful, long, white sandy beach which we took a picnic to. Although a little windy and overcast it was still a lovely spot. You can walk to the some of the orange rocks formations from this spot.
Bay of Fires Rocks – The best view of Bay Of Fire’s we found was at Cosy Corner. Driving in to the small car park you can’t actually see a proper path but a small dirt track takes you through the trees and Wham, there’s heaps of orange rock formations and a beach.
Camping at Bay Of Fires – If you prefer to camp closer to Bay Of Fire’s there are several camps along this stretch. We had a look at one at Cosy Corner North, Bay Of Fire’s Conservation Reserve. This camp is free for up to 4 weeks. This is a beach side camp with toilets and you can bring your dog on a lead.
St
Helens
This seaside town is known for its game fishing and is only 25 minutes from Pyengana Recreation Ground. We stopped for coffee and some new brake pads for the ute. After our trip down to Pyengana, Larry had checked our pads and decided to get some in stock. Ours are still good but with Tassie roads he wanted to be prepared. St Helens is also the place where we made phone calls and checked our internet as our camp had none (not a bad thing)
St Helens RV & Dump Point
On the way back to our camp at Pyengana Recreation Ground we stopped here to see what the dump point and water situation was. We were heading this way to our next camp and would need to top up water and use the dump point. This 24hr camp is on a large gravel area, next to a road. But it’s free, has a dump point and a fresh water tap. Dogs are also OK.
Halls Falls – is 5 km away. This is an easy walk, and coming from me that’s saying something. I’m not the fittest. The walk to the falls is nice with lush trees and bushes. We walked at a pace as we wanted to do this for a bit of exercise as well as see the falls. It took us less than 30 minutes return.
We stopped at the lookout which is the easy bit. The falls were small from this angle but are meant to look better from further down. It was still a nice walk though.
Weldborough Pass Rainforest walk – 20 minutes away You will find this pleasant 15 minute walk. Stroll on flat ground around a sweet forest.
Saint Columba Falls – 15 minutes away. These falls are one of the highest in Tasmania at 90 meters. You walk down hill to this waterfall which means you have to walk back up again. Thankfully it wasn’t as bad as we thought it would be and was worth the 30 minute return walk. This is a busy falls so you might have to get in a queue to take photos.
Pyengana Recreation Ground is a great stop for any size rig or tent. Walking distance to couple of great places and a short drive to so many waterfalls and walk’s.
