Look no further than Gordon Country, an area in Goomburra and part of the Southern Downs Region (near Warwick and the Cunninghams Gap) – all less than two hours south-west of Brisbane.

Look no further than Gordon Country for your next camping getaway.

There is only one road in and out of Gordon Country, which travels past the Goomburra township and onto Inverramsay Road. Follow this road for at least 10-15 minutes and you will reach Gordon Country with plentiful camping areas, mainly next to Dalrymple Creek. It’s best to book all camping beforehand, as sometimes they can book out entirely.

Just before Gordon Country there is also the pleasant Goomburra Valley Campground where we stayed, owned and run by a lovely couple. It is also located directly across from Long Neck Farm Café where you can get a bite to eat, as well as feed some alpacas and ostriches. Just check the opening times on their website, as we walked up there only to find that they were closed. On some days they also serve wood fired pizzas!

Goomburra Valley Campground.

Gordon Country is a private property, so there is a large sign indicating not to enter unless you have notified reception. The road at this point is also not sealed; many (if not all) cars who drive through have either a large, heavy-duty vehicle and/or 4WD. There are also cows everywhere, most likely on the road, so it is advised to drive slowly.

Drive slowly on the roads!

We spotted many cows, mostly on the road.

Once you reach the very end of the road, you will end up at Main Range National Park, Goomburra Section. For those who want to camp on a budget, the QLD government has cheap camping options at Poplar Flat camping area (which is at the entrance of the National Park). Poplar (not ‘popular’) refers to a type of plant found in this area. There are toilet facilities and tap water available there, but from memory it is otherwise fairly remote with limited reception.

Main Range National Park, Goomburra Section.

Entrance to Main Range National Park, Goomburra Section.

Entrance to Poplar Flat camping area.

Poplar Flat camping area.

There are two main hiking sections here. One requires you to cross a creek crossing, where you drive further along a road to reach some lookouts, including Sylvesters Lookout (940m from the trailhead) and Mount Castle Lookout (960m from the trailhead). Other hikes include the Winder Track (12km), North Branch Track (7km), and Araucaria Falls Track (3.6km).

As we couldn’t cross the river with our car at the time (there was a lot of rain leading up to our camping trip), we remained on the side of the campground and picnic area, and completed the Dalrymple Circuit (1.2km). This was a loop track, sometimes single file, which wrapped along the creek and back down the service track to the car park. It was very doable with a 1- and 3-year-old! If you want to extend the hike, you can also continue to complete Cascade Circuit (6.5km return). For those up for a bigger challenge, there’s the option to tie in the Cascade Circuit with the Ridge Track, as these two trails connect.

We remained on the side of the campground and picnic area, and completed the Dalrymple Circuit (1.2km).

Picnic area in Gordon Country.

Wildlife of Gordon Country.

Wildlife of Gordon Country.

If you have extra time and are looking to hike some more, I would strongly recommend driving 40 minutes to the Cunninghams Gap. Here, you can climb Mt Cordeaux and Mt Mitchell. I have seen snakes in this area, and heard of people being bitten – so please be careful! This is one of my favourite areas to hike, as there is a subtropical feel with dense rainforest near the carpark area. If you are lucky, you will hear whip birds here too.

It is recommended to camp at Goomburra is when it’s neither too hot nor cold. As with any camping in QLD, I always recommend Spring and Autumn as ‘camping season’. It might also be good to explore other events in the Southern Downs region, such as the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (usually in September), the Tenterfield Autumn Festival (over Easter), and apple picking in Applethorpe (January through to June).

As with any camping in QLD, I always recommend Spring and Autumn as ‘camping season’.

Goomburra delivers beautiful sunsets!

We love camping at Goomburra. It is a real hidden gem, very relaxing, and – given reception is limited – encourages visitors to switch off from internet. Its camping area is perfect for stargazing, with beautiful sunsets and great swimming options too. Overall, it’s a relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of city life!

Got the getaway planned, but not the gear? Check out our range of camping and hiking gear – perfect as gifts for the outdoorsy Mums too (just like Sabrina)!

Have you ever been to Gordon Country? What did you think? If not, would you go? Let us know in the comments below.

The post Camping & Hiking in Gordon Country appeared first on Snowys Blog.

This walk typically takes five days to complete, starting at Tewantin and ending at Rainbow Beach. You can see the map here.

The Cooloola Great Walk had been calling me for months.

Planning the Adventure:

Timing:

The dry season, from April to October, is the ideal time to walk, with cooler temperatures and less rain. Although, June surprised me with stunning sunshine! Maybe a little too stunning, with those high 20s temperatures. But hey, who complains when lake swims feel like heaven after a day of trekking?

Logistics:

This is a one-way hike, meaning transport is key. My friend and I decided to start our hike from Tewantin in Noosa North Shore and finish in Rainbow Beach. I strongly recommend completing the hike in this direction, this way you’ll end at the iconic Carlo Sandblow instead of a dusty road.

We left one car at the Rainbow Beach trailhead, and one at the QPWS Great Sandy information centre just before the Noosa North Shore ferry terminal. Greyhound buses also run from Noosa to Rainbow and vice versa; prices and times vary, so check their website.

Permits:

You need to book each campsite separately at Queensland Parks and Wildlife. Camping is $7 a night, and spots are limited. You can book your site and find out more information about available facilities here.

Supplies:

Be self-sufficient, as there are no shops on the trail.

Hitting the Trail:

Let me walk you through my itinerary…

June surprised me with stunning sunshine!

Day 0: Organisation Day!

We drove to Rainbow Beach, dropped a car, and zipped back to Noosa. The Villa Noosa hotel, conveniently located next to a supermarket, became our home base. We popped over to Woolworths to grab all our meals. Both Coles and Woolworths offer a surprisingly delicious range of dehydrated meals, perfect for an easy weekend getaway. Some of my favourites are mac and cheese, mie goreng, and microwave rice sachets.

With an “unlawful” amount of chocolate bars and complimentary hotel wine, we packed our bags.

Day 1: Noosa North Shore to Brahminy Walkers’ Camp

17.3 km, 6 hours

Starting at the QPWS Great Sandy information centre, we ditched one car and strolled to the Tewantin ferry (gold coin donation). After a short walk from the ferry terminal to the trailhead (30-45 minutes), the official hike began. Day one includes a stroll along the beach. This section is also popular with 4×4 enthusiasts.

Day One includes a stroll along the beach.

Our lightweight camp setup.

Day 2: Brahminy Walker’s Camp to Dutgee Walkers Camp

20.3 km, 7 hours

Day two is the toughest. After a challenging day one, you get the joy of backing it up with another big day. However, today you will cross the Cooloola Sand Patch. Although not an easy walk, it was an otherworldly experience; we felt like we were on the set of Dune.

Dutgee is located on the Noosa River, so you can enjoy an afternoon swim. However, it’s important to be aware that sharks have been spotted in the area. Always swim at your own risk and heed any posted warnings or safety guidelines.

Day Two is the toughest!

Cooloola Sand Patch.

Cooloola Sand Patch.

The river nearby our campsite.

Day 3: Dutgee Walkers’ Camp to Litoria Walkers’ Camp

14.8 km, 5.5 hours

I always find day three is where things start to get easier. By this point, you realise ‘I’ve got this!’. In high spirits, we strolled through the forest, excited for what lay ahead.

Day 4: Litoria Walkers’ Camp to Kauri Walkers’ Camp

20.5 km, 7 hours

Day four is the longest distance-wise, so make sure you save some lollipops. You’ll walk through the rainforest; its cooler climate is a treat after trudging through the open, exposed landscapes of the previous days.

The cooler climate through the rainforest was a real treat after trudging through open landscapes.

Day 5: Kauri Walkers’ Camp to Carlo Car Park Track Entrance

15.2 km, 5 hours

Today was the shortest day, and it’s always nice to finish on a half-day. We stopped at Lake Poona for a little break, where we finally got mobile phone reception. Perfect timing, as my final Uni grades were set to be released! I sat there thinking, ‘if there’s any place to find out I’ve failed, it’s here.’

Good news – I passed! With a spring in my step and a massive weight off my shoulders, we continued on. Just before the end, we reached the Carlo Sandblow. It was incredible! We ran down the sandy hill in awe of the sight before us. What a great way to end our trip!

Carlos Sand Blow.

Other Helpful Information:

Water: 

All the walker camps have water tanks – but the water is untreated, so we filtered all our water each morning.

Toilets: 

All the walker camps have basic drop toilets.

Walking on Sand: 

This may sound funny coming from a seasoned hiker (or at least I thought I was!), but walking on sand is a whole different beast. Start early, pace yourself, and befriend your hiking poles.

Brahminys Walker’s Camp: 

This camp often gets busy over the weekend, as it’s a popular one-night walk.

Animal Cages: 

Each campsite has dingo cages to store your gear overnight and prevent wild animals from stealing food.

Our last campsite!

Pricing Breakdown:

Remember:

It’s a holiday, not bootcamp! Sleep in, birdwatch, and indulge in that chocolate.

See you on the trail!

XO Caito

Celebrating at Rainbow Beach, post hike!

Ever tackled the Cooloola Great Walk? What was your experience?

Got the idea, but not all the gear? Hit the trails this hiking season with our range of low-priced hiking gear here!

The post Sunshine, Sand, & Sweat: The Cooloola Great Walk appeared first on Snowys Blog.

For those with a day or two to spare, the Hampton Visitor Centre offers a gateway to exploration with its self-drive tours. Armed with navigation sheets and a sense of adventure, we set out on an enjoyable, leisurely back roads trip from Hampton to Blackbutt.

Hampton, a quaint hamlet 30 kilometres from Toowoomba, may seem unassuming, but the bustling visitor centre is a treasure trove of information. The friendly staff eagerly shared insights into the Crows Nest – Highfields District’s Ravensbourne and Crows Nest National Parks – along with tips about the surrounding waterfalls, lakes, and attractions.

For those with a day or two to spare, the Hampton Visitor Centre offers a gateway to exploration with its self-drive tours.

Our day unfolded with options for side trips, the first leading us across the Perseverance Dam wall. The view across the water from the picnic tables was captivating, making us ponder a leisurely rest day in the area.

Another enticing option took us to the Koonin Lookout, a hidden gem that offers breathtaking panoramic views and a serene connection with nature.

The view across the water from the picnic tables was captivating.

Perseverance Dam is a pleasant well serviced spot with guaranteed water views.

Tucked away in the Ravensbourne National Park, reaching the lookout involves a journey along an uneven path that winds through the native bushland.

As you ascend, the air becomes crisp, and the surrounding forest comes alive with the sounds of birdlife. Upon arriving at the lookout, you are rewarded with a spectacular vista that unfolds over the valleys and treetops below.

The walk to Koonin lookout is steep and on uneven paths.

Crows Nest Falls Lookout.

Explore the captivating beauty of Crows Nest Falls along the Crows Nest Falls Lookout track, where cascading waters gracefully plunge 20 meters over steep granite cliffs. Travellers Tip: think on the weather, we could only imagine cascading waters’ soundtrack of Crows Nest Falls along Falls Lookout track. There had not been enough rain for a reward after the uneven paths and steep climbs.

The Crows Nest National Park picnic spot was perfect for a peaceful stretch before and after our waterfall wonder.

Back on the road, we navigated through Crows Nest township, grabbing a quick lunch for the journey ahead. The drive to Blackbutt, although devoid of promised water crossings due to recent dry conditions, unfolded a diverse landscape. Starting in Forrest Plantations, the scenery transitioned with undulating roadways, settler farmhouses, and glimpses of cattle roaming freely.

The roads are good, and on the optional side trips tarmac all the way.

Starting in Forrest Plantations, the scenery transitioned with undulating roadways, settler farmhouses, and glimpses of cattle roaming freely.

This route takes you through farmland, so watch out for cows on the road.

As we ascended through the hills, you pass through gates, a testament to the rural character and farm responsibilities accepted with a side trip through private land.

Fortunately, none required our attention, sparing us the usual gate open-and-close duties. Peering through the trees, the valleys below beckoned, tempting us to pause and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty surrounding us.

Blackbutt, renowned for its timber and railway history, welcomed us with a park and mural depicting its early settlement. The town radiated a rustic charm, weaving together the threads of its past and present.

The town is also known as a haven for bird enthusiasts. The region’s diverse countryside, including forests, hills, and waterways, attract a wide variety of bird species.

Blackbutt, renowned for its timber and railway history, welcomed us with a mural depicting its early settlement.

Bird watchers can spot native Australian birds such as lorikeets, kookaburras, and parrots, along with the opportunity to observe rarer species. The abundance of natural habitats makes Blackbutt a perfect destination for those seeking a birdwatching adventure in a tranquil and scenic setting.

The return journey to Crows Nest via a more urban back route, winding through Esk, provided a scenic contrast, allowing us to savour the landscape while avoiding the monotony of the highway.

Taking the long way round revealed the wonder of this pretty region. From the rural tranquillity of Hampton to the timber-rich history of Blackbutt, every turn offered a glimpse into the heart of Queensland’s Darling Downs.

The region around Crows Nest has been a treasure trove for fossil enthusiasts. Fossilized remains of prehistoric marine creatures, including ammonites and belemnites, have been found in the geological formations of the Crows Nest area.

If you take the time to pull over, look carefully – there is always something you could miss if you don’t!

These fossils offer a fascinating glimpse into the ancient marine life that once inhabited the region, providing a unique perspective on the area’s geological history.

If you are lucky enough to be there overnight on a clear moonless sky, look up. Crows Nest’s rural location, away from major city lights, makes it an ideal spot for stargazing.

The night sky above Crows Nest can offer breathtaking views of stars, planets, and celestial phenomena. Some local initiatives focus on preserving the darkness of the night sky to enhance the stargazing experience, making Crows Nest a potential destination for astronomy enthusiasts.

This scenic road trip captured not just the destinations but the spirit of the journey itself—an unforgettable exploration of nature, history, and the winding roads that connect them.

Have you ever been to the Queensland Darling Downs region?

The post Darling Time in the Queensland Downs appeared first on Snowys Blog.

It is estimated that some of the Bunya Pines are up to 600 years old. They grow cone-shaped nuts, which can grow bigger than coconuts. Inside the Bunya cone are smaller, edible nuts which taste similar to pine nuts. Bunya cones do fall (just like coconuts, but bigger) – so be careful when you are walking through the rainforest! They are known to fall mainly between December and March.

Follow Sabrina on her family-friendly adventure to Bunya Mountains! Pictured: the beginning of the Westcliff Lookout

Bunya Mountain also has an abundance of wildlife. During our four-day visit we ended up seeing lots of wallabies, a satin bowerbird and its nest (where it collected lots of blue objects), male and female king parrots, crimson rosellas, kookaburras and sulphur-crested cockatoos, two pythons, lots of blue fairy wrens, and even a bandicoot at night! We also saw (and heard!) a green catbird, which has a very distinctive sound – like a screeching cat! People have also seen koalas and echidnas here too.

Bunya trees near the cafe at Dandabah

Dandabah. Left to right: the tavern, walking tacks, and the cafe

It can get quite chilly during the evenings – and in October, the temperature dropped to single digits at night (around 8-9 degrees). During the day, it was fairly hot (up to 25-30 degrees). For this reason, I would recommend checking the temperature when you plan to go, so you are well equipped!

Walking with the carrier

A Blue Fairy Wren

A cockatoo

This carpet python was 4 metres long!

Our favourite activity at Bunya Mountain was exploring the rainforest and heading off on many walks. This is a great place for walking, as it’s well-shaded – especially the tracks starting a Dandabah, e.g. Barker Creek circuit, and those going to Festoon Falls, Paradise Falls, and Little Falls. Some of the walks we completed (with two kids!) were:

1. Dandabah campground to Paradise parking area, and back: approx. 6km
2. Dandabah to Festoon Falls, and back: approx. 1.5km
   If you want to do a longer walk, you can do the Scenic circuit. This is a 4km loop track, starting and ending at Dandabah. The Scenic circuit includes Festoon Falls, as well as Pine Gorge Lookout.
3. Paradise carpark to Little Falls via Paradise Falls, and back: approx. 1.8km
   This is a beautiful walk with some elevation. The track can become narrow (single-file) at some points.
4. Paradise carpark to Westcliff Lookout: approx. 3km return
   This is a nice walk, recommended when the sun isn’t out in full force as it can become quite sunny at some points. Along the way, you will find many prickly pear cacti and other plants – a contrast to the lush, green rainforest found around Dandabah. The Westcliff Lookout is beautiful; you can see the surrounding farm area. There’s a bench where you can sit and enjoy the view too.

Exploring the walking tracks

The beautiful flora

Exploring the walking tracks

The lush, green rainforest

For the more adventurous, I would recommend the circuit track: Barker Creek circuit, which is 10km return from Dandabah. By doing the circuit track, you will go via Barker Creek lookout, Big Falls Lookout, Big Falls, Little Falls, and Paradise Falls. Another option (if you have two cars) is to park one car at Burtons Well and the other car at Paradise car park.
From Paradise car park to Burstons, it is approximately 14km. You’ll go via Westcliff Lookout, Koondaii Lookout, Cherry Plain Lookout, Bottle Tree Bluff, and Ghinghion Lookout!

Another highlight of Bunya Mountain is the affordability of camping. As it is managed by the Queensland Government, camping prices are subsided and made affordable, compared to many other campgrounds. Currently, at the time of writing this article, the price of an adult per night is $7.25, while family rates can be found on the Queensland Parks website. I would recommend booking well in advance (we booked approximately 6 months ahead).

Our camp setup at the Dandabah campground

Our camp setup, with Bunya trees nearby

You can choose from three camping areas, namely: Dandabah, Burtons Well, and Westcot campground. These are non-powered, as are all campgrounds managed by the Queensland Parks. We chose to stay at Dandabah, as it is in a more established area with a nearby Tavern and café, a small visitor information centre, other accommodation options, and activities such as novelty horse-drawn tours. There were hot showers and flush toilets available too. There is water, but untreated – so we brought our own from home.

Finally, last but not least – another favourite moment was seeing the beautiful night sky. Living in Brisbane, it is rare to see hundreds of stars at night! We had a lot of fun trying to work out the star constellations and spotting satellites.

On our way to Festoon Falls!

Watching the water at Little Falls

Little Falls

Little Falls

The Bunya Mountains National Park is a must-do trip! It is family-friendly, and both walking and camping is very achievable with kids!

If you have any questions around camping with young children (two under 4 years old) please leave a comment!

The post Camping with Kids at Bunya Mountains appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The Eastern Colour apple orchard in Applethorpe, QLD

Day 1: Apple Picking Pit-Stop!

We left Brisbane around 10:30am and took our time to reach the campsite, stopping every hour or so to allow the kids to stretch and play before continuing on. A nice place to pull up is the Cunninghams Gap Rest Area, where you can hike up to the top of Mount Cordeaux and Mount Mitchell if time allows. The rainforest there is beautiful and already varies in temperature to Brisbane, given the Cunninghams Gap is nearly 800 metres above sea level. If you don’t end up stopping at the Cunningham’s Gap (sometimes it can be a bit tricky due to limited parking), there is also the Gladfield Driver Reviver Rest Area with toilet facilities, located between the Cunninghams Gap and Warwick.

Our next stop was at an apple orchard in Applethorpe, QLD’s apple capital and home to over one million apple trees. The apple orchard we went to was called ‘Eastern Colour‘, where I ate the best Pink Lady apple I’ve ever had. It was so flavoursome, crisp, and juicy! As with most apple orchards in this area, you will need to head to their website to double-check when they are offering apple-picking to the public. Sometimes you may need to register.

As with most apple orchards in this area, head to their website to double-check when apple-picking is offered to the public.

If you have more time, there are many more places to explore in and around Stanthorpe. This place is also famous for its wineries (Balancing Heart Vineyard, near Girraween NP, is highly recommended), as well as cheeses, chocolate, and even truffles!

We arrived at Castle Rock campground at Girraween NP just after 2:00pm. A lot had changed since we last visited Girraween, as there was a huge bushfire that swept through the area and destroyed the camping areas. Now, there are three main areas: namely Castle Rock, Kambuwal, and Terrwambella. They are very popular so I suggest to book well in advance, especially if you plan to visit Girraween in the hips of Summer and Winter. This can be done through the QLD Government’s Parks and Forests website, found here.  

There is an abundance of wildlife here!

After setting up our camp, we explored Bald Rock Creek (near the ‘day use’ area). From Castle Rock campground, it’s only a short walk to get there. You can also do the Wyberba Loop, which is a 280m walk both starting and ending at the ‘day use’ area. On our walk, we saw a beautiful sunset, lots of kangaroos, and even rabbits! If you are lucky enough, you may even see wombats, lyrebirds, and echidnas. There is an abundance of wildlife here!

In the evening, we created a fire (you must bring your own firepit and firewood) and cooked up a BBQ.

The beautiful sunset on our walk, exploring Bald Rock Creek.

Day 2: Hikes Tracks, Granite Rocks, and Crossing Creeks

Today, we set off for some hiking. In the morning, we explored the Northern Walking Tracks, first walking to the base of the Pyramid. We didn’t end up going up, as the rock was a little slippery from the early morning showers. If you do though, you will see the famous ‘Balancing Rock’ – a very Insta-worthy rock!

We then walked to the Granite Arch, before heading back to the campsite. If time allows, you can also explore ‘The Junction’; a 5.2km return walk along the granite rock, leading to an intersection where two creeks meet. From the Bald Rock Creek ‘day use’ area, the walk to the Pyramid is 3.6km return and can easily be combined with a visit to the Granite Arch.

In the afternoon, after our kids had a nap and the sun wasn’t in full force, we decided to explore the Southern Walking Tracks. We set off to walk to Castle Rock, which is a 5.2km return walk from the Main Road and approximately 200m shorter if you are starting from Castle Rock campground. It was lovely, and very well-maintained. For the more adventurous, continue walking to Turtle Rock, The Sphinx, and Mount Norman.

It was a long day of hiking for us, so in the evening we sat around the campfire and enjoyed another delicious BBQ with warm soup.

Our campsite, where we sat around the campfire after a long day of hiking.

Day 3: With More Time, There’s More to See

It was our last day at Girraween, so we spent the morning packing up. For those who are able to stay longer, there are two other walking tracks that start a very short drive from Bald Rock Creek ‘day use’ area at the Dr Roberts carpark: the Dr Roberts Waterhole (1.2km return) and Underground Creek (2.8km return).

Girraween is one of my favourite places to camp and explore. The scenery is beautiful and the tracks are very well-maintained.

Have you ever visited Girraween? What did you think? If not, would you visit? Let us know in the comments.

The post A Family-Friendly Adventure at Girraween National Park appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The camping ground accommodates all types of campers, from tents to RVs.  The amenities are nice and include flush toilets, hot showers, laundry facilities, and a cooking area with a fridge, kettle, microwave, and seating.

The beach usually fully shaded in the late afternoon.

Those who visit Boreen Point are attracted to the water activities, such as stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, and kitesurfing. Others enjoy lying in a floaty on the water! The beach is also ideal for building sandcastles; there are lots of sheltered spots, and it’s usually fully shaded in the late afternoon.

Here’s how we spent our days at Boreen Point!

The camping ground accommodates all types of campers.

Day 1

We arrived shortly after check-in at around 2pm, checked in at the office, and found our campsite. After setting up camp, it was straight to the water for a swim and paddle on the kayak! Later that evening, we made Spaghetti Bolognese on our little cooker.

Day 2

In the morning, we did a lot of swimming, kayaking, and relaxing by the water at the beach. Later in the day, we decided to drive into Noosaville (approximately 20-30 minutes away) to have dinner and walk along the foreshore. A great place for fish and chips is at the Boathouse, close to the Big Pelican (there’s an episode of Bluey where you can see the Pelican and other parts of this area!). That evening, we travelled back and sat by the beach to stargaze! It was beautiful to see so many stars – we don’t tend to see that many living in the heart of Brisbane.

The beautiful sunrise.

Day 3

Today we explored the campground, and discovered BMX jumps, a basketball hoop, and a wide green field – great for kicking a ball around! There are also some short paths travelling through the bush at the campsite, which were nice for the kids to explore. At the entrance of the campground, there’s a fantastic playground where our toddler had a lot of fun! Very close by too is a beautiful place called the Apollonian Hotel, offering a selection of food from salads and steaks, to chicken parmesan, burgers, and fish and chips. 

Our camping setup!

Day 4

On our last day, we spent the morning packing up for a 10am checkout. Our drive back to Brisbane took about 3 hours, and luckily the kids slept for part of the way!

Those who visit Boreen Point are attracted to the water activities, such as stand-up paddleboarding.

If you’re tempted to holiday at Boreen Point, try kayaking along the Upper Noosa River too (perhaps when the kids are a bit older). Before having kids, my husband and I kayaked from Harry’s Hut campground all the way to Campsite 3, then walked all the way to the Cooloola Sandpatch. It was an amazing adventure. On that same camping trip, we also had some mountain bikes, and explored the trail network in this area. There is an endless number of trails, and it was a lot of fun!

To learn more about the Upper Noosa River waterway, I recommend going to the Queensland Government Parks and Forests website found here.

Boreen Point is a popular getaway for many ‘Brisbanites’ with kids!

Have you ever holidayed at Boreen Point? What did you think? If you haven’t been, would you go? Let us know in the comments!

The post A Family-Friendly Adventure at Boreen Point appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Binna Burra is home to beautiful rainforests with an abundance of wildlife, waterfalls, and great walks!

Getting There

The drive from Brisbane to Binna Burra takes approximately 1.5 hours. We took the back route through Jimboomba and Canungra. The Outpost Café at Canungra – famous for its pies – is a great place to stop to grab food before heading uphill (for over 800m!) towards Binna Burra. There are also nice parks at Canungra for the kids to play.  

If you’re up for an adventure with the kids, Binna Burra is a great place to stay!

Our Camping/Glamping Setup

When visiting Binna Burra, the Binna Burra Lodge is the place to stay. They offer a range of options from tent and RV sites, to Safari Tents and cabins. We stayed in a Safari Tent and would highly recommend this option with young children (ours are 2.5 years and 7 months old). It’s beautiful, and a much easier option when you have your hands full with the little ones!

Binna Burra offer a range of accommodation options, from tent and RV sites to Safari Tents and cabins.

Binna Burra Lodge has been rebuilt and renovated after the 2019 bushfires, and all amenities and facilities are both clean and in great condition. There are also EV stations available to charge your car. For all visitors (including day visitors), there is a café called the Teahouse which serves a range of delicious food. There is also another building called the Groom’s Cottage which offers drinks and snacks, overlooking the beautiful Hinze dam and Gold Coast.  

Binna Burra Lodge has been rebuilt and renovated after the 2019 bushfires.

Our Safari Tent had beautiful views overlooking this too; at night, you could see the lights from the Gold Coast. We could cook outside our tent with our cooker, and there was a firepit close by too. All amenities were easily accessible from our tent. The toilets were flush toilets, the showers had both good pressure and adequate heat, and the clean communal kitchen area had two BBQ areas, firepits, seating, and a fridge to store your food (remember to label it!). Everything was in close walking distance – including the Teahouse Café, the Groom’s Cottage, and camping areas – yet still very quiet and peaceful. There were also wheelchair accessible amenities and a First Aid room.

The clean communal kitchen area has two BBQ areas, firepits, seating, and a fridge to store your food.

When staying at Binna Burra, it can get chilly so I would recommend bringing warm clothes. We were pleasantly surprised by the nice, fresh, crisp temperatures when we came over from 30-plus degree heat in Brisbane! You will also need to bring a padlock if you stay in the Safari Tents, and your own linen (including the fitted sheet). You can drink the water at Binna Burra, but if you prefer the taste of your own you can always bring extra from home.

We were pleasantly surprised by the crisp temperatures coming over from 30-plus degree heat in Brisbane!

Food

We decided to do a combination of eating at the Teahouse Café and cooking ourselves. When camping with kids, I find that it’s best to be well prepared with food as it can be hard to juggle cooking while watching the kids! I ended up pre-cooking all the dinners at home and storing them in the fridge. All we needed to do then was heat them up. For our first night we had spaghetti Bolognaise (a favourite with our 2.5-year-old!) and on the second night we had a hearty beef and vegetable stew (which was devoured by all! Even our 7-month-old had a little taste of the sauce, and we could mash the potato and carrot for her).

For our breakfasts, we decided to eat at the Teahouse Café; this was a very good decision, as the food was to die for! The café also sells a lot of locally sourced food like Canungra mushrooms, cheese, and jam. There is a nice ambience, with a fire burning on the cooler mornings and evenings.

The Teahouse Café has a nice ambience, with a fire burning on the cooler mornings and evenings.

Hiking

There are 13 hiking tracks at Binna Burra ranging from 1.2km (Rainforest Circuit) all the way to 21.4km (Border Track). For all hikes, it is best to check the Queensland National Parks website, as well as the board at the top of the track, to check for updates. Sometimes, due to severe weather, tracks can close.

There are 13 hiking tracks ranging from 1.2km to 21.4km (Border Track).

We arrived at Binna Burra in the mid-afternoon, so opted to do a small hike. We ended up doing the Rainforest Circuit and saw a range of wildlife, including King Parrots (featured on the logo of Binna Burra Lodge)! The King Parrots were eating pink berries, close to the entrance of the track. We also saw pademelons and heard a catbird (which has a very distinct sound)! I would recommend hiking Rainforest Circuit in an anticlockwise direction, as the track on the way back is a lot smoother and wider (therefore a little easier).

With kids, we are used to getting up early – so early the next day we went on a longer hike, Tullawallal Circuit (5km). This is an extension from the Rainforest Circuit. Our 2-year-old had lots of fun walking along the track. At Tullawallal, we saw lots of Antarctic Beech Trees – these can reach over thousands of years old.

Our 2-year-old had lots of fun!

After the kids had their midday sleep (we were lucky that day!), we decided to do the Caves Track (7km). There are a couple options with this, as part of the track requires you to walk along the road (if you decide to do it as a loop). One option is to park at the lower part of the track, walk to Kweebani Cave from there, and go back the same way – this is the quickest and easiest way. The other option is to start from the upper trail head and walk downwards to the cave, which involves lots of switchbacks. We took the second option, and regretted not walking from the other direction; we ran out of time to get to the cave, so had to turn around.

I also recommend keeping your kids close, as this place is known for snakes sunning themselves along the path. Yes – we saw a red-bellied black snake! The path can also be fairly steep, so best to keep your kids in their carriers. The forest here is different to that of the Rainforest Circuit and Tullawallal, as it’s drier with eucalypt. You can also see remnants of the 2019 bushfire along the track and, if you’re lucky, a koala!

Keep your kids close, as this place is known for snakes sunning themselves along the path!

If you have older children and/or are up for more of an adventure, another favourite of mine is Dave’s Creek Circuit (12km). We did this one a while back with our first born in the Ergopouch, and it was great – she slept for a good portion of it! I also hiked this while pregnant with my second child, which was also manageable! For an even longer hike, and perhaps with older children, I would recommend the Coomera Circuit (17.4km). For those who want to have a bigger adventure still, there is always the Border Track (21.4km one way) where you can walk to O’Reilly’s, camp there overnight, then walk back (or, there’s the option to organise pick-up through Binna Burra Lodge).

One take away from Binna Burra is from a sign I saw outside the Teahouse:

‘Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.’

(Lao Tzu)

What a great camping and hiking experience!

What a great camping and hiking experience!

The post A Family-Friendly Adventure in Binna Burra appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Millaa Millaa, one of the most iconic waterfalls in the Atherton Tablelands

Getting to Atherton Tablelands

The Atherton Tablelands are in tropical North Queensland, one to two hours south-west of Cairns, where every new spot seems just a short drive away.

There are a couple of ways to reach the Tablelands – including Palmerston Highway from Innisfail, and Kennedy Highway north of Cairns (definitely my favourite). The latter takes you up Kuranda Range Road and passes through Kuranda, another awesome little town with some amazing spots.

The final way is via Gillies Highway. I don’t have too much to say about this road, other than that I am so glad it’s 2400 kilometres away from me. It’s an abomination of never-ending turns and a steep climb of 800 metres over 19 kilometres. Only one attempt on this road with a caravan and a car that doesn’t perform very well on slopes was enough to now leave me with horrific flashbacks at every hill I face. That said – definitely check it out, just to say you’ve done Gillies (or don’t).

Overhead shot from Millaa Millaa Lookout

What to Do and See in the Atherton Tablelands

Now that you know how to make your way there, it’s time to learn about all the magnificent spots you’ll be visiting in the Tablelands.

Note: these may not be in directional order, as I experienced them in the most sporadic way possible – but just chuck them into Google Maps to establish which way suits you best.

Millaa Millaa Falls

The most picturesque waterfall my eyeballs have ever seen. You’ve probably seen photos, as it may just be the most photographed waterfall in all of Australia – but in person, I can guarantee that you’ll still be in awe of how stunning it is.

As you make your way down the driveway, the tropical rainforest begins to part to reveal a scene that could be mistaken for a painting. Every tree, plant, and rock is arranged in a way that you’d have no problem convincing someone was handmade. You could easily find yourself staring at this spot for hours, taking it all in and wondering if you’ll ever see anything like it again. I’ll tell you what, it’s a hard one to beat. I found myself going back four times…

Millaa Millaa Falls from the carpark

Tully Falls

Please do not confuse this with Tully Gorge National Park!

Okay – so Tully Falls and Tully Gorge are two completely different places, with a vast distance between them. I’m telling you this because I don’t want you making the same mistake I did: going to Tully Gorge by accident, then driving another two and a half hours to get to Tully Falls (pictured)! I couldn’t imagine making this mistake now, given how expensive fuel is.

While there’s a bit of a walk down to this spot, the reward at the end considerably outweighs that. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes, as it can be jagged, wet, and slippery.

Lake Eacham

Lake Eacham is the definition of ‘serene’… unless you have Thalassophobia (a fear of deep bodies of water). This could be a great place to help fight off that fear.

Lake Eacham

The lake is a volcanic crater which, overtime, has filled with water – some parts reaching 65 metres deep. At least that eliminates the worry of hitting the bottom when jumping off the jetty!

Of all the places we visited, this was one of the most relaxing. Such a great place to slow down, spend the day, have a BBQ, and chill out.

Lake Eacham Jetty – we spent a couple of hours jumping off!

Davies Creek

I have a thing for natural infinity pools… so here’s another for you to visit. It’s only a short walk from the carpark, where you can either view the waterfall or continue down to sit at the top of the very waterfall you were just gazing at.

If you stay for the sunset, the valley turns golden, and the sky shows off its last colours of the day while you float in your own personal infinity pool.

Josephine Falls

Located just 75 kilometres south of Cairns, tucked away in dense rainforest, is Joesphine Falls. After a 700 metre walk with trees towering overhead, you will reach three viewing platforms, a swimming hole… and even a natural water slide!

Be careful and wary here, though – after heavy rain on Mt Bartle Frere, water can rise rapidly which presents a great deal of danger. Keep an eye out for signage and lights indicating water levels.

After a big rainfall at Josephine Falls

Nandroya Falls

This was one of the most unexpected waterfalls of our trip. We had no intention of going to this place, mainly because we didn’t know it existed. When you hear about Atherton Tablelands, Nandroya Falls isn’t a spot that pops up too frequently. We’re very thankful that our friends (whom we met on the road) convinced us to come with them and check it out.

Once you reach the carpark, there are two routes you can take to reach the Falls – the short way (two kilometres) or the long way (three and a half kilometres). We went the short way to the Falls and returned home the long way. In all honesty, there isn’t much more to see via the longer route.

Nandroya Falls from above

Whichever way, you will still reach Nandroya – and this has to be one of my favourite waterfalls in tropical North Queensland, simply because it is not what you’d expect. Initially, you’re a little thrown in wondering how this could be tucked away in the rainforest! Absolute heaven.

Nandroya Falls – an amazing spot for a swim

Paronella Park

This was one of the only areas we paid for on our whole trip, and it was certainly worth it. There’s a lot of history here at Paronella Park, and the beauty throughout will have you questioning why we ever changed building styles; the architecture is gorgeous.

If you are interested in making the trip out to Paronella, make sure you book ahead – it can book out for a while.

Where Else Can I Go?

A few more places that are worthy of a visit:

• Ellinjaa and Zillie Falls: These are right next to Millaa Millaa Falls, and part of the waterfall circuit.

• Windin Falls: A spot we wish we made it to, but never got the chance.

• Herberton Historic Village: A village full of history, with an open-air museum located in the town of Herberton

• Curtain Fig Tree: A tree that looks like it was pulled from an Avatar scene.

• Coffee Works in Mareeba: If you love your coffee, there is a massive range of flavours available – plus a chocolate shop for your sweet tooth!

• Hot air Ballooning in Mareeba: For those wanting to watch the sunrise from the deck of a hot air balloon

• Mungalli Creek Dairy Café: Stop here to enjoy some delicious scones and coffee before venturing out for the day

• Innot Hot Springs

• Mt Uncle Distillery

Curtain Fig Tree, located in Yungaburra

I hope this helps you make the most of your time in the Atherton Tablelands. Personally, I wish we planned a little better before driving around aimlessly, wasting fuel by taking wrong turns!

Be prepared to spend a little longer in some places though – it’s very easy to get stuck, with no desire to leave the beauty of Tropical North Queensland.

‘In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.’

Thinking of exploring the Atherton Tablelands on your next adventure?

The post The Atherton Tablelands appeared first on Snowys Blog.

In some parts of this big land, you can get sub-zero temperatures during the winter months, while in other areas the mercury can tip 50 degrees Celsius in the middle of the day. Then there are the arid and dry regions and some that are humid and muggy.

If you are touring and on the move, doing the big lap or even a half lap, with a little planning, you can have a good chance of avoiding the rain and cold temperatures for as long as you like. It’s all about being in the right part of Australia at the right time.

When touring with a tent, you are much more exposed to the weather.

Why does the weather matter?

Life on the road exposes you to the elements much more compared to when you are at home. More time is spent outdoors, and you often have less gear for managing inclement weather. Your travel setup will determine how vulnerable you are to changes in the weather and to what degree this influences when and where you go.

With a tent for shelter, you can’t simply shut the door, turn on the heater and kick back to see out the storm as you can at home. Even a caravan or motorhome is far more comfortable and accommodating in bad weather than a tent or swag, especially if your caravan is equipped with air conditioning and an onboard kitchen, toilet and shower.

Ultimately, the weather affects what you can do and how comfortable you are when doing it. Adverse weather needs to be managed differently so it’s important to plan the direction and timing of your trip.

The southwest of WA has plenty of rain in winter.

What do you have to think about?

There are 4 main weather conditions to be aware of when touring Australia:

• Temperature – there’s a big difference between 25 degrees and sub-zero, and if you aren’t prepared with appropriate gear, at best you’ll be uncomfortable but at worst, you can put yourself in significant danger.
• Wind – this is not entirely unpredictable as the wind tends to follow patterns related to the different seasons. However, if you are coastal camping or somewhere equally exposed and the wind blows its head off for several days straight, your trip is going to be really unpleasant.
• Rain and Snow – I like rain and snow, but only when I’m prepared for it. Some parts of Australia experience torrential downpours and no matter how well you’ve planned things, rainfall is hard to predict. On the other hand, snowy conditions are usually only during the winter months and designated to the alpine regions. If visiting during this time, it’s essential to stay informed on the current conditions and be properly equipped.
• Humidity – some folks love it while others struggle and if you’re exploring the northern parts of Australia all year round, some humidity is unavoidable. These conditions are at their peak during the wet season from November to April and can make a big difference to your comfort levels, especially if you are not used to it.

Swimming in Moore River, WA.

What does the weather affect?

Not only are your comfort and safety a concern, but the weather can affect everything from seasonal closures on roads and station camping to boating, fishing and other activities. We have had some nasty weather events in Australia over the last year which have only highlighted the importance of staying informed and being as prepared and safe as possible.

When it’s warm, everyone loves a swim to cool off but there are some areas where the beaches, creeks and rivers are unsafe. If you’re exploring the northern regions, that swim could go horribly wrong if crocodiles inhabit the water. In parts of the Murray River, the water on the surface looks inviting and calm but beneath lurks a frightening current that can potentially sweep you under. Planning your trip so that you can make the most of the weather and your environment will hopefully mean you can avoid being caught out in the middle of summer with nowhere safe to cool off!

A caravan makes for a much more comfortable trip.

What travel setup do you have?

We briefly mentioned above that different travel setups will suit different scenarios. If you have a caravan or motorhome and your plan is to hop between caravan parks through the wet season up north, it’s entirely possible to be comfortable at night with an air conditioner and use the onsite swimming pool to keep cool during the day.

Try it in a tent and you’ll probably have a hard time sleeping at night. Then when the build-up breaks into torrential rain, trying to cook a meal or stop your tent from floating away with the runoff will be a serious struggle.

Likewise, tent camping during cold weather is certainly doable with the right setup. An insulated mat and decent sleeping bag can make all the difference and if you are touring with a caravan or motorhome, chances are you’ll have heating.

Ultimately, you can travel and camp in most weather conditions, but it’s the gear that will determine your level of comfort.

The Duke of Orleans Bay in Esperance on the southwest coast of WA.

How to check the weather

The Bureau of Meteorology is the best place to visit when you’re planning your lap. The website might be a bit clunky and contains more data than you would ever need. But, you can literally look at years and years of weather history, including average monthly rainfall, temperature, humidity and wind.

For example, if we are planning a long beach camping trip we will always look at the winds for the previous year, and the averages for the time we want to go. Western Australia is well known for horrendous winds along the western coastline, especially during the ‘r‘ months – September, November, December, January, February, March and April.

Of course, history isn’t a guarantee that things are going to be perfect, but it gives you a much greater probability for what to expect and when so that you can plan for the weather you want.

The BOM website is great for pre-planning but once you are on the road, the app might be more user-friendly. We use this to keep an eye on the weather and adjust our plans accordingly. If a big storm front is coming in, it’s best to head away from the coast and seek some protection elsewhere. Consider that much of the northern part of Australia experiences cyclones and those conditions are not suitable for being on the road. You will need to seek appropriate shelter. Likewise, if you are travelling through a bushfire risk area during the warmer months, download the necessary state or territory apps and stay informed.

Other apps that are handy to have on your phone can be found here.

Crossing Manning Gorge northwest of Broome.

What is the ‘best’ weather?

This is where things get interesting! If you listen to the Snowys Podcast, you would have heard the two hosts discussing how people like travelling and camping in different weather. For some, kicking back around a campfire on a freezing winter’s night is as good as it gets. Yet others have had enough if the temperature drops below 15 degrees.

At the end of the day, it’s about matching your gear, activities and climatic preferences to the location that’s going to give you the best chance for an ideal experience. If you head along the south coast of Australia during June, July and August, you are not likely to get warm, sunny days and idyllic beach weather. If you’re wanting warmth, clear skies and sunshine, at that time of year you’re better off heading the other way and going north as far as you can!

There are 5 main climatic zones – tropical, sub-tropical, arid, Mediterranean and temperate. Although still regarded as temperate, the Australian Alps are more as the name suggests, alpine.

With the right gear, winter camping and kicking back around the campfire is a great experience.

During the southern winter, the areas north of the Tropic of Capricorn boast sunny and warm conditions. But when the south is experiencing its hot and dry summer, the north goes into its wet season with extreme humidity and torrential rain. It’s during this time that many places become inaccessible due to flooding and road closures, so to avoid disappointment and stay safe from cyclonic patterns, it’s best to tour the north from May through to October and head south from November to April.

There’s a reason why in summer, people head south for the cooler weather and in winter, everyone flocks north for their tropical getaways! The mass grey nomad migration in the wintertime is evidence of hundreds of thousands of people who don’t want to endure another cold and wet winter.

But each to their own. To get your perfect weather, just head in the direction that has the temperature and conditions you desire. If warm, sunny days for 365 days of the year is want you dream of, then you can plan you lap of Australia and for the most part, live your dream.

Your initial point of departure and the time of year in which you depart will determine the direction in which you first head off. So, here’s a 12-month guide to help kick-start your lap based on warm temperatures and minimal wind, rain/snow and humidity:

• November/December/January/February/March – follow the coastline south of the Tropic of Capricorn.
• April/May/September/October – start heading north and inland.
• June/July/August – anywhere north of the Tropic of Capricorn (coastal and inland).

Bear in mind there is some leeway and crossover between the ‘shoulder’ months what you want to avoid is the Red Centre during the peak of summer and the far tropical regions during the height of the Wet. If you love snow sports, it’s likely you’ll want to hit the Australian Alps during ski season so of course, there is some flexibility here, but you get the gist.

Perfect nights in the Kimberley.

In 2018, we left Perth in May and spent 3-months in a camper trailer. The only bad weather we had was the first, and last part of the trip when we were close to Perth. Once you hit the Shark Bay region on Australia’s Coral Coast, there is a distinct increase in temperature and a decrease in the chance of rain.

That is our perfect weather, and we often try and escape the Perth winter. However, we also love camping down south during the colder months but we do so with the right gear and are ready if the weather turns.

What’s your perfect weather for touring?

The post How to Get the Best Weather for Your Lap of Australia appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Here are a few of my favourites:

Beree Badalla Reserve is pram and dog friendly.

Palm Beach Parklands

Palm Beach Parklands is an ideal destination for a family day out. With easy access to the surf beach, there is also a great swimming location that is sheltered from the waves, making it perfect for smaller children. A pirate playground called Treasure Island is also on offer as are BBQ facilities with picnic tables and toilets. Plus there’s a café with takeaway coffee, an off-leash dog beach that is close by and of course, walking tracks with wide pathways that are well maintained to make them easily traversed with a stroller or pram.

My favourite walking track in this area is the boardwalk that goes through Beree Badalla Reserve. Starting at Palm Beach Parklands, walk through Tarrabora Reserve and onward through Beree Badalla Reserve.

Cyclists must dismount and walk their bikes along the boardwalk.

The boardwalk is amongst the mangroves and follows Currumbin Creek. I would allow for approximately 1 hour to complete the walk from Palm Beach Parklands to the end of the boardwalk and return. There’s the option to extend it by continuing until you get to the old railway bridge where you cross over Currumbin Creek and walk up the other side until you get to the Gold Coast Highway. From there, the bridge will bring you back to Palm Beach Parklands. This loop track is 4km and I would allow 1.5- 2 hours to complete the walk.

The metropolis of Surfers Paradise is about a 10-minute drive up the coast from Burleigh Heads.

Burleigh Head National Park

Down the coast and with the skyscrapers of Surfers Paradise creating beautiful evening views to the north, Burleigh Heads is another family favourite. Known for its trendy cafe scene and great surf, the area also boasts a small national park of 27ha, which starts just next to Burleigh Hill and wraps around the headland to Tallebudgera Creek.

Burleigh Hill is a great place to sit with a picnic and watch the waves while soaking up the idyllic surroundings. There are public toilets, water fountains where you can refill your bottle as well as parking nearby, plus a handful of short walking tracks within Burleigh Head National Park. Tallebudgera Creek means ‘good fish’ in the Yugambeh dialect of the Kombumerri Tribe, who are the traditional landowners of this region. The creek provides a welcome cool off for visitors and families particularly enjoy the calm, kid-friendly waters.

Tumgun lookout in Burleigh Head National Park offers a spectacular view across the inlet to Tallebudgera Creek.

My favourite is the Oceanview walk at just over 1km one-way with the trail starting at Burleigh Hill and leading around the headland to Tallebudgera Creek. Instead of returning along the same track, we like to take the Rainforest circuit via Tumgun lookout which offers a delightful vantage for admiring humpback whales off the coast throughout winter and spring.

Being aptly named, this circuit is within the rainforest and although the trail is narrow and fairly steep, you will be rewarded with magnificent views up the top. I would allow a minimum of 1 hour to walk the loop of both tracks – the Oceanview and returning via the Rainforest circuit.  

If your watch is prompting you to up your step count then an extended option is to walk north of Burleigh Head National Park all the way to Lores Bonney lookout. This is approximately another 3km and can also be done on its own if little legs have had enough. The stairs up to the lookout may be tricky to navigate with a pram but the climb is worth it for the long stretches of beach and ocean views, as well as seasonal whale watching. 

This walk is great for families with toilet facilities and picnic tables along the way.

Federation Walk Coastal Reserve

The Federation Walk is part of a peaceful network of trails that include Philip Park and Doug Jennings Park. Starting at Philip Park, the walk is 8km return and heads north at Main Beach, meandering through native vegetation all the way to The Spit. The path is gravel and wide, making it ideal for riding especially with a cruiser or mountain bike. For walking, however, it is best to avoid during the middle of the day as there is very little shade, so bring a hat and other sun protection.

The Spit is the northernmost section of Main Beach on the Gold Coast.

The Spit is popular for surfing, fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving, and being an off-lead beach, it is also a favourite for dog owners. There are public toilets available and a café for coffee or a bite to eat.

This is an easy walk to tailor to your needs and time allowance with the option to continue south of Philip Park and onward from Hollindale Park if you wish. This southern area is busier than the northern end but the path is paved and there are public toilets and water taps along the way.

This area is home to 274 species of animals, including migratory water birds.

Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area

Coombabah Lakelands Conservation Area is an area of approximately 1200 hectares and is dense with eucalypt and melaleuca trees, plus the wetland, salt marsh and mangrove habitat make it ideal for spotting native wildlife. There is a small airport nearby which can occasionally interrupt the peaceful surrounds when planes or helicopters are taking off or landing, but birdlife, kangaroos, wallabies and koalas seem unperturbed and a visit to enjoy these surroundings will delight both young and old. Gates are open between 6am and 6pm and it is best to go in the early morning or at dusk to increase your chances of spotting animals.

There are several trails within the reserve and gates are open between 6am and 6pm daily.

The two main walking trails are the Melaleuca track which at 1.2km also includes a boardwalk and the Koala track that is approximately 6km return from the Shelter Road carpark at the southern end. Jabiru circuit and Myola Court boardwalk trail are both shorter tracks that can be added into other walks if you wish for something longer. The area is well signed to make the level tracks easy to navigate and being designated for conservation, dogs are not permitted. Whether you are cycling or walking, it’s recommended to pack some mosquito repellent as these pesky insects love the mangrove as much as the wildlife. Parking is available along Shelter Road but there are no toilets or drinking water so it is best to arrive prepared with a full pack of essentials.

You can easily spend over an hour wandering through the gardens.

Gold Coast Regional Botanical Gardens

The Gold Coast Regional Botanical Gardens is located just 10 minutes from Surfers Paradise and is open from 5am till 7pm every day. The Botanical Gardens is free to enter and includes a rose garden, boardwalks across the lakes, a playground, toilets, a café, and BBQ facilities with picnic tables. In one section of the gardens (near the playground) is an off-leash dog area offering plenty of space for dogs to run around. The tranquil setting makes it easy to spend at least an hour walking through the gardens and it is a great place to relax from the hustle and bustle of Surfers Paradise. Black swans, ducks, turtles, lizards, cormorants, dusky moorhens and butterflies all inhabit the gardens and make it a terrific place to visit with children.

Do you have any favourite family-friendly walks?

The post Family Friendly Walks on the Gold Coast appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Prior to being declared a National Park in 1915, the two main sections of the park were privately owned but are now known as Green Mountains, home to O’Reilly’s, the local rainforest retreat and campground, and Binna Burra, which is where Binna Burra Lodge and campground are located. Being approximately 46km southwest of the Gold Coast, it takes about an hour and a half travelling from Brisbane.

Open for both day-use and camping within O’Reilly’s Retreat, the Green Mountains Section offers a variety of trails.

Both sections of the park provide day-use areas and offer trails of varying lengths and undulation for a range of fitness levels. Temperatures can be much cooler within the National Park so it’s a good idea to bring an extra layer of clothing and parking can be tricky, especially on weekends so leave early to be one of the first in.

Morans Falls track is a Grade 4 hike that is approximately 1.5hrs return.

Here are some of my favourite hikes within each section but check out the park maps here and here for all the trails that you can explore.

Green Mountains Section

Morans Falls track, 4.4km return

The start of Morans Falls track is approximately 900 metres from the Green Mountains car park and is close to the camping area. The Morans Falls track goes down a ridge and has a lot of switchbacks. You will first come across a lookout point where you will see the falls and if you continue you will arrive at the top of the waterfall where there is another great vantage point. This hike is very popular with families as it is a relatively short walk compared to some of the others in this section, plus you may also come across a land mullet which is one of the largest members of the skink family! 

Lush and green, the Albert River circuit is full of views and waterfalls.

Albert River circuit, 21.8km

To start the Albert River circuit, you will need to walk 5km along the Border track. The actual circuit is approximately 12km and is filled with many waterfalls and lush, green vegetation. It is recommended to walk the Albert River circuit in an anticlockwise direction and allow 7 hours to complete the hike. Some highlights include Echo Falls, Alcheringa Falls, Echo Point lookout, and Cominan lookout. Get an early start and bring along plenty of high energy food, as well as water, bug repellent and a first aid kit.

Follow the creek until reaching the secret waterhole of Yerralahla.

West Canungra Creek circuit, 13.9km

Starting at the Border track, in 600m you will need to turn left at the signpost of the West Canungra Creek circuit. Once you turn off it is approximately 4km until you reach Yerralahla – also referred to as the blue pool. This waterhole is a highlight with the tranquil waters surrounded by dense rainforest. From here, the trail connects with the Box Forest circuit and passes a number of waterfalls including the Kalgamahla Falls, Yanbacoochie Falls and Box Log Falls.

Wanungara lookout offers spectacular views down into Limpinwood Valley.

Toolona Creek circuit, 17.4km

Toolona Creek circuit starts along the Border track for about 1.8km until a signpost directs the trail to merge left along the Toolona Creek circuit and through the gorge. The highlight of this circuit is the countless waterfalls and lookouts, including Wanungara lookout which offers views down into the valley, out to Stradbroke Island and south towards Byron Bay. You also pass some ancient Antarctic beech trees and flowering rainforest plants.

Although maintained by O’Reilly’s Retreat, the Tree Top Walk is open to the public.

Other hikes that you can do within the Green Mountains section include the Box Forest circuit (10.9km) and Python Rock track (3.1km). Plus, the Tree Top Walk, which is maintained by O’Reilly’s Retreat is not to be missed. Designed to encourage a fully immersive experience for visitors, the Tree Top walk is an 800m return distance made up of 9 suspension bridges which are up to 16 metres above the ground.

For an unrestricted time, it is best to park near this sign – 200-300m from the upper day-use area.

Binna Burra Section

The Binna Burra section of Lamington NP was impacted by the 2019 bushfires and was reopened on the 8^th of September 2020 – the date marking the one year anniversary of when the bushfires burnt the lodge.

Parking at Binna Burra has now changed to include a two-hour carpark right at the end of the road which is reserved for teahouse customers only. If you are planning on doing a hike longer than 2 hours and aren’t planning on visiting the teahouse, it is best to park 200-300 metres from the top.

The views from Molongolee Caves along the Daves Creek Circuit.

Daves Creek circuit, 12km

Regarded by some as being one of the best walks in the park, the Daves Creek circuit begins along the Border track and is approximately 4-5 hours return. When you reach the fork about 2.3km in, follow the signs for the Daves Creek circuit. October is when the wildflowers are in full bloom and is my favourite month for enjoying this walk. Other highlights are the beautiful vantage points from Molongolee Cave all the way to Numinbah Lookout. Surprise Rock is also a great spot for a picnic and rest break.

The Coomera circuit takes approximately 7-hours return and involves river crossings through the rainforest.

Coomera Circuit, 17.4km

The Coomera circuit is one of the most beautiful walks at Binna Burra. As with many of the walks, you begin on the Border track and continue for 1.9km before the turnoff for the Coomera circuit. This circuit is all within the rainforest and includes waterfalls such as the Coomera Falls, Yarrabilgong Falls, and Bahnamboola Falls. it also offers views of the 160m deep gorge and several river crossings. The return trip reconnects with the Border track and takes approximately 7 hours to complete.

There are many great walks within the Binna Burra section.

Other walks that you can do include the Ships Stern circuit (21km) and the Rainforest circuit (1.2km) with the 5km optional extension of the Tullawallal circuit. The Araucaria Lookout track (17.8km), Wagawn track (18km one way), and Mount Hobwee circuit (18.2km) are trails which all include the Border track for most of the way.

Lamington National Park, QLD covers 21,176 hectares along the McPherson Range.

Please note that at the time of writing this article, some tracks were still closed due to the bushfires that occurred in 2019. These include the Illinbah circuit (16.6km), Gwongoorool track (6km), a portion of the Lower Bellbird circuit (12km), and the road access of the Caves circuit (5km). Other areas are affected by seasonal closure, so it is best to check here for updates before you plan your trip.

Which hike are you adding to your bucket list?

The post Hiking in Lamington National Park, Queensland appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Whether you are in the mood for coastal views or a mountainous rainforest canopy, this area offers a spoil of great walks and hikes, many of which can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Mt. Coolum is a steep 208-metre ascent and descent.

Mount Coolum, Coolum (1.6km return)

Mount Coolum is approximately 35km from the popular tourist destination of Noosa and about 6.5km from the central hub of Coolum. It is an isolated volcanic dome, and at 208 metres high, the hike to the top gives you 360-degree views of the Sunshine Coast. The most impressive angle overlooks the coastline from Double Island Point to Caloundra.

The track itself is 800 metres to the top and although not a great distance, it is recommended to allow for 1.5 – 2 hours return due to the steep climb. The path is beautiful, and large rocks create a staircase along the trail. It’s proximity to the coast and popular beach towns make it a favourite hike for visitors, but most especially it is frequented by locals engaging in their exercise routine. It is best to avoid this hike when it has been raining as the wet path becomes slippery and hazardous.

The Boardwalk Boulevard offers a stunning view of Mount Coolum.

Boardwalk Boulevard is another walk close to Mount Coolum that meanders through mangroves until you reach the point overlooking Coolum Beach. This walk offers a spectacular backdrop of the volcanic dome mountain, and the gentle undulation makes it easy for prams and little legs.

The Wilkinson Park to Peregian Beach is 7km long.

Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway (96km)

The Sunshine Coast Coastal Pathway is a 96km path that wraps along the local coastline. It starts from Bells Creek, South of Caloundra near Pelican Waters, and goes all the way up to Tewantin, approximately 10km from Noosa. The Coastal Pathway consists of 11 sections: Pumicestone, Caloundra, Currimundi, Kawana, Mooloolaba, Maroochydore, Maroochy River, Marcoola, Coolum, Peregian, and Noosa.

One of my favourite sections on the pathway is between Marcoola and Coolum. There are many beautiful lookout points, including Point Perry, the Coolum Boardwalk, and Point Arkwright. At Point Arkwright, you may even be able to spot a sea turtle in the water!

Just outside the resorts near the Sunshine Coast Airport (e.g., the Ramada Marcoola Beach), you may be able to see Yellow-Tailed Black Cockatoos. The Coastal Pathway is a shared path and cycling is another popular way to appreciate the area.

The Coastal Walk through Noosa National Park offers views of secluded bays and coves.

Coastal Walk and Tanglewood Walk loop (7.1km), Noosa National Park

Another favourite for your ‘must-do’ list, is Noosa National Park, which offers multiple tracks along the coast with ocean views and also inland through native scrub and rainforest.

The Coastal Walk is a 10.8km return, with magnificent views of Tea Tree Bay, Granite Bay, Winch Cove, and Picnic Cove. You may also get lucky with spotting dolphins and koalas along this track and halfway on the return, there are wheelchair-accessible toilets and drinking water. There are more toilets at the car park entrance as well as picnic tables and BBQ facilities. However, these get rather busy during peak holiday times and weekends.

Another option for the Coastal Walk is to start from the southern end at Sunshine Beach. This walk goes all the way up to Hell’s Gate with the return via the same trail, or you can choose to continue along another track.

The southern section of Noosa’s Coastal Walk starts at Sunshine Beach.

The 4km loop of Tanglewood Walk follows a fairly well-shaded track through the forest to Hell’s Gate – arguably the best lookout in Noosa National Park. The return of this walk joins with part of the Coastal Walk, for approximately 3.1km.

The summit of Mount Cooroora is a steep climb, but the view over Noosa’s Hinterland is worth it.

Mount Cooroora, Pomona (2.3km)

Mt. Cooroora is located in Tuchekoi National Park, just outside the Hinterland township of Pomona. It is a steep 439m climb on very uneven ground with metal chain in some sections to assist your footing. It is challenging and only recommended for older children who have experience with hiking, but the sweeping views from the summit make the effort worthwhile. Allow around 1.5 – 2 hours for the 2.3km return trip and wear sturdy shoes, plus a hat and carry a water bottle or hydration backpack as it can get quite hot.

If you’re keen for some competition, the famous King of the Mountain Festival is an annual race from the Pomona town centre, up to the summit and back to the start/finish line. The race began over 40 years ago in 1979 when two mates made a bet over beers at the pub! Nowadays, it has grown to an event that overtakes the local area and attracts participants from across Australia and sometimes overseas.

The spectacular view from the 253m summit of Mount Ngungun.

Mount Ngungun (2.8km), Glasshouse Mountains National Park

Mt. Ngungun, pronounced ‘noo noo’ but known as ‘gun gun’, is not as steep as Tibrogargan or Beerwah and makes a good entry-level hike. The Glass House Mountains is a collection of 13 peaks with Ngungun being the sixth tallest. Other taller mountains in this area are Mount Beerwah (556m), Mount Coonowrin (377m), Mount Tibrogargan (364m), Mount Tunbududla (338m), Mount Beerburrum (278m), and Mount Coochin (235m).

This family-friendly hike takes approximately 1.5 – 2hrs and is 2.8km in length. Once at the top, there are 360-degree views and a marvellous vantage point over to the other volcanic mountains.

The partially shaded walk wraps around the eastern side of the dam.

Ewen Maddock Dam Main Track (8.1km one-way)

Ewen Maddock Dam is perfect for parents with younger children and offers a wide partially shaded path, and the views across the water make it a lovely day out. The most convenient parking place is at the Maddock Park car park. Depending on your point of access, the one-way track varies between 8.1km to 9.3km with the option to turn around at any stage. Dogs on leashes are allowed and being a shared trail, it’s a good idea to remain mindful of horse riders and cyclists.

Extend the Tunnel Track hike by exploring some of the intercepting trails.

Tunnel track (6.2km return), Dularcha National Park

Dularcha National Park is near Landsborough, which is approximately 80km north of Brisbane and 20km west of Caloundra. Famous for the historic railway tunnel which was built in 1891 and is 94 metres long. The tunnel is now a popular roost for bats and although you can quietly walk through it, there is also the option to go over the top.

The Tunnel Track is a 6.2km multi-use trail for walking, cycling and horse-riding, and while it is wide with a gentle incline, it does have intermittent uneven and rocky terrain. In Dularcha National Park there are many other walking trails, including the Roses circuit and intercepting side-tracks such as the Ridge track, Gully track, Myla track and Connection track. It’s best to avoid the area after heavy rain due to potentially impassable muddy patches.

The Sunshine Coast has always lured visitors with its sub-tropical climate and sandy beaches, but the many walks, hikes and outdoor activities on offer make it irresistible for locals and tourists alike!

Have you ever been to the Sunshine Coast and if so, which trails did you explore?

The post Best Walks on the Sunshine Coast appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The drive towards Mount Moffatt is impressive from the air.

The road in

Mount Moffatt is 220km northwest of Roma with travel for the last 100km being along unsealed roads. Most all-terrain caravans would be capable of traversing the track but a word of caution – it can be rough for those not accustomed to outback travel! We dropped our tyre pressure, and at a low speed, we had no issues towing into the park, slowing down even more for some rough washouts and wildlife. Deeper into the park and closer towards the mountain, the road turns from lightly corrugated to a dusty track with sandy patches. But, still allows plenty of room to navigate any oncoming traffic. 

We love any opportunity to show the kids a bit of history and just in case you’re the same, it’s worth noting that there’s an old cattle farm shack at the park boundary which gave us a good excuse to jump out and explore. The hut offers a little taste of how the early settlers lived, and with so much character, it is well worth a look inside. 

It’s best to have a completely self-sufficient setup for a trip to Mount Moffatt.

Amenities

The campgrounds in this section of Carnarvon National Park do offer drop toilets, and 3 of the 4 have rainwater tanks for drinking and cooking; however, you should boil the water first. You will need to bring extra water for showers or in case the tanks are empty, and no public rubbish bins are available so bag all your waste and take it out. We run a dirt gear bag on the spare wheel and it’s the perfect solution to stop smells getting into the car or camper. For more details on each campsite, check the Queensland Government’s Parks website here. 

With Injune being about 160km south, yet still, the closest town for supplies, save yourself a long slow drive back and pack everything you need including firewood, food and water. 

Even the most seasoned of adventurers learn something new with every trip.

Live and learn

Being seasoned overland veterans, we decided to calculate our fuel requirements 50km after town, only to discover we underestimated the distances and would not have enough fuel to make it back to town if we kept pushing into the park. Having to turn around was still a better result than running out of diesel and being at the mercy of strangers. Live and learn! 

It was great to break up the drive and explore The Chimneys and Cathedral Rock.

The Chimneys and Cathedral Rock

Not long after entering the north-eastern section of the park, we came across The Chimneys and Cathedral Rock day-use area. Showcasing many overhangs and little caves, this spectacular rocky outcrop is only a short walk from the 4WD track. It made the perfect spot to stretch our legs after the long drive, especially for the kids who, after being cooped up in the car for a couple of hours, needed a morale booster and a release of energy before finding camp and settling in for our first night. 

We loved discovering the creek behind our campsite.

Dargonelly Rock Hole

Surrounded by woodland, the spacious Dargonelly Rock Hole campground boasts plenty of grass for roos to graze and kids to play. Behind our camp, we discovered a picturesque creek with enough water to attract plenty of birds. The park is also home to numerous kangaroo and wallaby species, emus, koalas, quolls, echidnas, sugar gliders and over 150 species of birds. We didn’t spot any of the less welcome locals like snakes and spiders, but no doubt they too are in abundance. For any remote travel, it‘s a good idea to pay attention to the kids and be up to date with your emergency knowledge. Make sure you’ve got a good first-aid kit should the worst happen. 

Wind and rain erosion have formed the natural sandstone arch. 

Marlong Arch

The next day we stumbled across Marlong Arch. This impressive sandstone arch would have to be the most enormous natural arch I’ve seen, and being able to get up close was fantastic! This country was home to the Bidjara and Nuri people. Although it was wonderful to discover some of their art along the back sandstone wall, sadly much of the work had been degraded or irreparably damaged by the early European settlers. 

The Shelter Shed lookout offers a stunning backdrop with views over the surrounding countryside.

Rotary Shelter Shed

With a night pre-booked at the Rotary Shelter Shed, we continued from the Arch with our fingers crossed that our vehicle and camper would summit Mount Moffat without trouble. The track, though steep and probably very slippery in the wet, was relatively easy. Sticking with low range, first and second gear was required, with momentum and adequate ground clearance. I wouldn’t advise tackling the summit track with a caravan or soft-roader as it’s really no place for such vehicles and you’d likely get into a bind. Those with a little off-road experience, however, and a bit of recovery gear on board just in case, will find the track thrilling. It’s not rutted out or too technical, just a little steep in places. 

While the view from Rotary Shelter is impressive, the ice-cold wind that blasts relentlessly at the mountain top makes a winter stay very uncomfortable. Ascending further, we had lunch at the Shelter Shed Lookout, which was the perfect spot to enjoy the warmth of the sun penetrating through the eucalyptus. Aside from sweeping, dramatic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, the lookout also offers an undercover picnic table, fire pit and drop toilet. 

There’s enough space at West Branch camping area to pitch away from other campers.

West Branch

A couple of nights at West Branch camping area was just what we needed. Plenty of shade, but large and open enough to find a quiet corner, plus nice grass and clean drop-hole toilets. West Branch is the midpoint for the Great Walk Circuit from Carnarvon Gorge and is an 87km multiday class 5 walk that is well worth doing for experienced hikers. 

The ‘ancient robot from Outerspace’.

Lot’s Wife

Not far down the dusty track from camp is Lot’s Wife. This towering sandstone monolith is a short walk from the track, making it perfect for little legs. The kid’s imagination kicked into overdrive once they saw it and suddenly, ‘an ancient robot from space‘ was ready to chase them back to the car and follow them to our next stop. 

Rock art by the Bidjara and Nuri Aboriginal groups who lived in this area.

Kookaburra Cave

We were keen to see more Aboriginal art, so a short drive to Kookaburra Cave was next on our list. The artwork here is fenced off with a timber walkway to prevent any more unnecessary damage. Teaching our kids to look with their eyes and not their hands and talking with them about the importance of protecting our history is at the forefront when we find places like this, especially if there are no physical barriers. 

We keep our setup simple so moving to a new camp each night is hassle-free.

Camp setup

With our trailer, we can carry enough gear and supplies to be completely off-grid and comfortable for 7 to 10 days with a full setup time of about 10 minutes. We take everything for the 4 of us including 160L of water, gas hot water system and 320 watts of solar to power the freezer, lights, water pumps or charge camera batteries. 

Keeping our setup simple means we can explore a new camp each day.

Keeping it simple

Having a setup that suits your lifestyle is the only way to enjoy your adventures. Everyone has individual preferences when camping, some would rather sit in one place for multiple days and others, like us, enjoy packing up and finding new camps every day. The point is to find a camper that enhances, not hinders, your experience and ability to enjoy the outdoors. 

Sharing these experiences with our kids turns the adventure into something more.

Family travel

Travelling with kids always has its challenges, whether it’s the long kilometres while transiting to remote areas, getting to camp at a reasonable time – ideally when it’s still daylight, or carrying enough to entertain them. Cricket, soccer, or an old camera will keep them busy around camp, and activity books, travel games or guessing games distract them during long drives. 

Sharing these experiences with our kids turns the expedition into something more. We teach and learn simultaneously, and reminisce over the unique places our trips have taken us, long after we are home. 

Exploring somewhere new always opens up fresh experiences.

It’s the journey, not the destination

Exploring somewhere new always opens a unique perspective and invites exciting experiences. Adventures lie in the journey, not just the destination and Mount Moffat turned out to be a fantastic example of this. Being able to travel through the park, discover new wonders and see our kids appreciate the great outdoors just as much as we do, is priceless.

So, who’s tempted to book some time off work and head off on an adventure?

The post Adventuring Around Mount Moffatt, Queensland appeared first on Snowys Blog.

1. Bunyaville Track (1.65km), Bunyaville Conservation Park

Approximately 15km northwest of the Brisbane CBD and just a hop, skip and jump south of the Snowys Brendale store, is Bunyaville Conservation Park where several short walks are on offer to cater for all ages and fitness levels. The longest is the Bunyaville Track which is a 1.65km loop and ideal for energetic kids. The Tree Discovery Circuit peels off approximately 200m along the Bunyaville Track and offers a shorter alternative at 650m. If you’re uncertain just how much oomph your youngster has on the day, or you’re seeking a quick stretch of the legs while lunch is getting prepped, then the Powerful Owl Track at 560m one way makes a good option, as does the Education Centre Track (241m return) and the Classroom Track (337m one way). 

Bunyaville Conservation Park offers a choice of short walks for the family.

With a picnic area, toilet facilities and wood-fire barbecues available, plus a wide range of plants including spotted gums, ironbarks, forest red gums, grey gums and bunya trees, Bunyaville makes for a great morning or afternoon out. The gate to the park is usually open between 7:00 am and 5:30 pm each day so make sure you’ve finished your walk and packed up your gear in time. 

The Bunyaville Picnic Area offers plenty of space for kids to run around.

2. Crebra Circuit (700m), Samford Conservation Park

The picturesque and hilly area of Samford is home to Samford Conservation Park and the well-shaded Ironbark Gully Picnic Area, which is approximately 20km north of the Brisbane CBD. There are toilet facilities as well as access to Crebra Circuit – the 900m walking track which loops around Ironbark Gully. Crebra Circuit is well maintained and includes wooden bridges and flights of stairs to keep the terrain interesting. It’s worth noting that this is a shared trail with horse riders and mountain bikers, and although dogs on a leash are permitted within the park, they are not allowed in the picnic area. If you’re keen for something longer you can extend the walk by exploring the network of fire trails within the park (unless signed as restricted access and always find out about the risk if its fire season), or there is a flat and paved track alongside Samford Road which is also partly shaded. 

The Crebra Circuit begins at the Ironbark Gully picnic area.

3. Bullocky Rest to Forgan Park (up to 7km), Lake Samsonvale

Lake Samsonvale is located approximately 33km north of the city and includes the North Pine Dam which supplies water to the Moreton Bay region as well as North Brisbane. The area boasts a range of outdoor activities, and despite its popularity, it never feels crowded. 

The grass at Bullocky Rest is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the Lake views.

The walk is approximately 3.5km one-way and an absolute favourite of mine with its beautiful views of the water. As you follow the track from Bullocky Rest to Forgan Park, there’s an option to loop back about 2km along if a shorter distance is preferred. The path itself is wide, mostly shaded and flat, however, there is some gentle undulation in parts. It’s also well-maintained, making it easy for strollers. Little ones will get a thrill trying to spot koalas high up in the trees and water birds on the Lake, especially the pelicans. Bullocky Rest is also an excellent place for a picnic with lots of benches, BBQs and toilet facilities available. 

The 3.5km walk from Bullocky Rest to Forgan Park is shaded and well maintained.

4. Bancroft Park to Northey Street (approx. 6km return), Enoggera Bikeway

The Enoggera Bikeway follows Breakfast Creek from the Gap to Northey Street in Windsor. It’s paved, flat and a full distance of 13km one way, however, you can choose to break it up into sections. One of my favourite parts of the Bikeway is from Bancroft Park to Northey Street, which is approximately 6km return and is very suitable for a stroller. It is a beautiful walk and passes many parks along the way. 

The Bikeway is fully paved and stroller friendly.

5. Bancroft Park to Banks Street Reserve (approx. 5km return), Enoggera Bikeway

Another favourite section of Enoggera Bikeway is the 2.5km (approx.) stretch from Bancroft Park to Banks Street Reserve (approx. 5km return). This track also wraps Breakfast Creek and offers many lovely parks along the way, several of which have playgrounds for the children. A point worth noting, however, is that there are limited toilet facilities, as is also the case with other parts of the Enoggera Bikeway. 

It’s a beautiful walk through many parks alongside Breakfast Creek. 

6. Roma Street Parkland

Located an easy walking distance north of the Roma Street Station next to the Brisbane CBD is the Roma Street Parkland. The parkland offers nearly 40 acres of green space with walking tracks, barbeque facilities, toilets and playgrounds. You can easily spend an hour walking through the gardens exploring an array of plants including bottle trees, pandanus, ferns, fig-trees, palm trees, frangipani, and many different types of flowers in the Spectacle Garden.

Enjoying a twilight walk through the Parkland gardens.

7. Shaw Park to Amelia Park (approx. 5km return), Kedron Brook Bikeway

Kedron Brook Bikeway is a paved and flat track extending about 20km between Mitchelton and Toombul, and is perfect for not only cyclists and joggers, but is also ideal for walking. The stretch between Shaw Park and Amelia Park is a favourite of mine and is approximately 5km return with many small bridge crossings. 

Dogs can have a cheeky swim and enjoy the off-leash dog parks along Kedron Brook.

Several dog parks are also dotted throughout the route, making it a trendy spot to take your pet pooch. Plus, it’s also a favourite area for young families, although toilet facilities are scarce. 

Kedron Brook bikeway is flat and paved making it perfect for cyclists and walking with a stroller.

8. Raven Street Reserve

Approximately 10km north of Brisbane City is Raven Street Reserve, one in the cluster of 3 reserves making up the Chermside Hills Reserves. Each area – the third being Milne Hill Reserve – offers a choice of interconnecting walking tracks  with Raven Street Reserve boasting the popular Senses Trail – a 400m circuit dedicated to nature-based activities which are an ideal experience for kids. 

It is easy to spend an hour along the trails, some of which include the Grass Tree Track (1.7km), the Giwadha Track (2km) and the Xanthorrhoea Track (1.5km). Or even longer with the playground, picnic area and BBQ facilities all available near the Downfall Creek Bushland Centre  located at the Raven Street Reserve. 

The Downfall Creek Bushland Centre offers nature-based activities including the Senses Trail.

9. Banks Street Reserve

Located just 5km from the city is Banks Street Reserve where several walking tracks weave throughout the 30-hectare area. They are unpaved, so if you are bringing a stroller, it’s best to be sure the wheels are suitable for the terrain. The trails can be steep in parts and are all surrounded by bushland so sturdy footwear is also recommended. Bear in mind, there are no toilets available at this reserve, but if the kiddos can hold on, the flora and fauna are more than worth it.

There are 6 entrances to Banks Street Reserve and a choice of interweaving trails.

10. Billai Dha-gun Circuit (2km), Boondall Wetlands Reserve

Boondall Wetlands Reserve is one of my absolute favourite places to walk on the northside of Brisbane. The wetlands are located 15km from the Brisbane CBD, and the most common walking track is Billai Dha-gun which is a 2km circuit starting at the Environment Centre. An additional 200m leads you to a lookout over the water where, if you are lucky, you may be able to see fish jumping out from the surface. 

The path and boardwalks are wide and flat making them easy for parents with children.

The Billai Dha-gun Track has boardwalks over mangroves, and the wide, flat path is well maintained, making it easy to push a stroller. For those who want to go a bit further, you can extend the walk by going along the Boondall Wetlands Bikeway (13km return). The Boondall Wetlands has a picnic area and toilet facilities when the Environment Centre is open. 

The boardwalks make it easy to enjoy the mangroves.

When visiting the Wetlands, it is a good idea to wear mosquito repellent but don’t let that deter you from appreciating the many birds and animals around. Migratory shorebirds, ducks, herons, cormorants and ospreys, as well as frogs, possums, squirrel gliders and butterflies, can all be spotted. 

Have you got any favourite local walks?

The post 10 Family Friendly Walks Under 10ks – North Brisbane appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Away from the crowds, Lonesome is well worth a visit.

With the uncertainty of travel restrictions and border closures, we decided not to venture too far from home or book somewhere too early. Carnarvon Gorge is on our bucket list but with camping in the National Park restricted to school holidays, bookings need to be made 12 months in advance. Our best alternative was to base camp at Lonesome which allowed for last-minute arrangements and meant we could explore both the area around our camp and take a day trip(s) into Carnarvon Gorge.

The road into Expedition National Park, Lonesome section.

Getting there

Getting to the campground is relatively straight-forward and is easy enough for a standard 4WD and an off-road caravan. Head north from Roma for about 1.5hrs, turn east for a short drive and then it’s less than a 1km from the black top along a dirt track.

The campground is relatively small and surrounded by brigalow scrub and tall open forest.

The campground

Surrounded by brigalow scrub and towering open forest, the campground is relatively small but with the lack of popularity even during school holidays, it wasn’t a problem.

With no facilities at the National Park, you need to be completely self-sufficient, bringing absolutely everything you need and taking it all out with you, especially your rubbish. Leave no trace! The area is clean and offers soft grass which makes it very agreeable for tents, swags or soft floor campers. There’s ample room for the kids to run and play too, although next time we’ll be sure to bring their bikes!

Playing at camp, there’s loads of room for kids to run and ride their bikes.

Self-sufficiency

Along with enough food for a week, we took 160 litres of water to fully cater for our family of 4 – that includes drinking, washing and cooking. We also brought a chemical toilet with us and milled firewood which is a requirement of Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service. Bringing your own milled wood is also much less disruptive to the surrounding natural environment.

As with any trip always carry a comprehensive first aid kit, fire extinguisher and let someone know your travel itinerary. While it’s not difficult to access or get around the park, the lack of visitors and no phone reception means you cannot rely on others if something goes wrong. This is where a satellite phone or satellite messenger device can offer some peace of mind.

This area is remote and you need to be completely self-sufficient.

Lonesome’s secret aces

The Dawson River is a short walk from camp but given it is not a permanent water source and due to the extreme lack of rainfall, it was unfortunately completely dry during our stay. Towering above the campground is an ancient sandstone peak with a lookout that is accessible from the main road. The view into the valley and surrounding sandstone cliffs is spectacular and provides a little hint into the secrets held within this section.

The lookout atop an ancient sandstone peak offers stunning views.

Heading deeper into the scrub are numerous small tracks and as our GPS steered us down one, we came across an awesome rock formation that the kids dubbed the “monkeys scratching rocks”. Officially known as The Candlesticks, this natural formation completely blew us away and was a real gem to stumble across. It’s great to appreciate a site like this without swarms of people, but it is a pity for it not to be acknowledged with signage or more detailed information at the campsite. We’ve spoken with other travellers who have visited the area, and they were unfamiliar with The Candlesticks and had no idea such a gem was hidden in this section!

The Candlesticks are relatively unknown but well worth seeking out when exploring the Lonesome section.

This track continues beyond The Candlesticks, becoming even more remote and turning into terrain best suited for a 4WD. It climbs further up into the hills with steep drop-offs either side and invites a slow journey with even more ancient stone formations to stop and investigate. While not difficult it is steep and narrow and best managed in low range, but with good views into the valley below, it was definitely worth the drive.

The track begins gently and then becomes steep as it climbs up into the hills.

A nod to the past

Returning to the main track where the sandstone cliffs continue to induce wonder and awe, it was fun to explore more of the smaller tracks forking in other directions and one such track unearthed an old hut which looked to be nearly 100-years-old. Inside it showcased a life from a bygone era with an old wood stove, ice boxes and even a small cupboard housing some vintage staples. With no information to tell us otherwise, we assume it was once used as a Drover’s hut when there was a cattle station in the area, but the fact that nothing was vandalised or stolen is a true testament to the secrecy of this place.

Furnishings from yesteryear when the now historical hut was possibly used for a drover’s hut.

When to visit

Our stay was during the middle of winter and the nights were freezing! If you plan a visit during the cooler months, make sure your sleeping setup is adequate – bring insulated mats, rated sleeping bags with a decent R-value, warm clothes plus a thermal base layer, and hot water bottles. This blog post offers some great tips on how to keep warmer at night when camping during winter.

Despite the cold nights, the days were glorious and made a rest day lazing about camp very enjoyable. During the summer months, the park would be hot, dry and not very appealing. The amount of water you would need to bring would be greatly increased, as would the risk of snakes and bushfires.

The sunny winter days were perfect.

Day trips

With Carnarvon Gorge an hour’s drive north we made a day trip to see what all the fuss was about. While the walks reward with fantastic natural rock formations, the long distances are less than ideal for young kids. Lonesome park spoiled us with solitude and in contrast, the Gorge felt cramped and a little too busy. It made us appreciate our quiet, private camp and after spending the day north, we were eager to get back and marvel as another amazing night sky revealed itself.

There is no light pollution interfering with these skies after dark.

Wildlife and safety

As with any remote area in Australia, respect and awareness are paramount. It pays to be conscious of snakes, spiders and other things that bite and while we didn’t see any in the area during our stay, regardless of the season, we always teach our kids not to leave clothing and shoes on the ground outside the tent.

With no other campers to scare off the wildlife, we spotted plenty of roos, a couple of hawks and heard a few possums at night. We also identified the sound of dingo pups in the distance, excitedly howling when their mother no doubt returned after a night of hunting and scavenging.

There were no other campers around and we loved exploring and seeing the rock formations up close.

Worth it

I know it may be a cliche’ to say that Lonesome felt like taking a step back in time, but it really did. Not back to the time of dinosaurs, no, but it felt like it could have been at least 30 to 40 years ago to a time before technology took hold.

A perfect place to step back, unplug and get away from it all.

Lonesome is probably what most of the national parks used to be like before camping got as popular and comfortable as it is now. There are no people, services and very little information available. But it’s quiet, you can explore and discover things for yourself, and you might just find even more hidden gems.

We completely underestimated Lonesome, but what an unexpected treat it turned out to be. Our trip was a good reminder to get out there, explore and create new experiences for yourself.

Have you stumbled across any hidden secrets in nature lately?

The post Exploring Lonesome in Expedition National Park, QLD appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The following walks are perfect for young children as they have relatively flat paths that are easy to navigate. They are also a short distance from the CBD and therefore not too long for a young child to sit in the car.

The path is fully paved and right next to the beach.

Clifton Beach to Palm Cove

The best place to park is at Deadman’s Gully in the suburb of Clifton Beach as there tends to be more available parking and a playground conveniently next door. Begin by going along the boardwalk in Deadman’s Gully and follow the paved path towards Palm Cove. The track is next to the beach and takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes to reach Palm Cove. Once there, you have the option to extend the walk by continuing along William’s Esplanade finishing with the jetty at the northern end.

Clifton Beach Views.

Palm Cove is also a great tourist destination with lots of cafes, restaurants, and accommodation. The path is flat and smooth, making it ideal for a stroller and about halfway along the Esplanade, there is another playground – perfect for parents to grab a takeaway coffee while watching the little ones burn off some restless energy.

The wetlands are known to have a range of wildlife and plants.

Cattana Wetlands

The Cattana Wetlands was previously owned by Franco Cattana who used the land for sand mining as well as growing sugar cane. Over the years since, the 80-hectare area has been rehabilitated into a nature conservation park, encompassing two main lakes and two ponds, and is known for a variety of plants and wildlife.

A relaxing spot to sit and enjoy the Wetlands.

Four paved walking trails range from 400m to 1.25km and are all very stroller-friendly. These walks include the Jabiru Lake Circuit, Cuckoo Lake and Crake Pond Circuit, Kingfisher Pool Circuit, and Feather Palm Boardwalk. The Wetlands offer many viewing decks and picnic areas with BBQ facilities, all making for a relaxing family day out.

It is a good idea to remember the mosquito repellent, especially after it has rained, and crocodiles are known to be in the Wetlands, making swimming prohibited.

Cairns Esplanade path is paved, wide, and flat with great ocean views.

Cairns Esplanade Boardwalk

The Cairns Esplanade is 2.5km in length (one way) and has beautiful views of the ocean. The paved path is wide and flat, and it’s best to park towards the northern end of the Esplanade where there are ample free spaces available. Approximately halfway along is a fantastic range of recreation facilities including a beach volleyball area, a skate park, a basketball court/multiuse area as well as a bouldering park.

The Esplanade offers a range of recreational facilities for kids, teens and adults.

There are also tennis courts available, and for younger children, there is a huge play area, called Muddy’s Playground. Mums and Dads will appreciate the café located here, which is of the same name and makes a great place to meet up with other parents. If you continue walking you will end up at the Cairns Lagoon, which is regarded as a ‘must-do’ for visitors.

Little ones will have so much fun at Muddy’s Playground.

Earl Hill Summit/ Little Earl Hill

There are two excellent walking tracks at Trinity Park and to enjoy either one, it is best to park at Reed Road where there are signs to indicate the entrance to both tracks. Follow these signs through to Roberts Drive to get to the trailhead.

The more frequently used track out of the two is the Earl Hill Summit which is 2km return and takes approximately 1-2 hours to complete. The Earl Hill Summit track is relatively steep; however, has a lot of switchbacks and has just recently been upgraded to create a more gradual incline and loop option for users. Mornings and evenings can be fairly busy with many locals enjoying their daily exercise, and dogs are permitted on both tracks.

The track is reasonably steep, but the views are worth it.

The other track, Little Earl Hill, begins at the same location. Start by following the path that goes to the Earl Hill Summit but about halfway up you will come to a sign and instead of continuing along the Summit track, the sign will direct you towards Little Earl Hill. From this turn-off, it will take approximately another 30 minutes to reach Little Earl Hill. Cairns City Council is still in the process of implementing the upgrade, but they are due to have it completed soon, and the changes include an extension to this walk.

Both tracks are unpaved and as it can be somewhat strenuous, it is recommended for older children.

A saltwater lake and a freshwater lake are an ideal habitat for many types of birds.

Centenary Lakes

Centenary Lakes is located at Edge Hill and is part of the Cairns Botanic Gardens, making it a great place to take the family for a walk and picnic. There are two lakes – a freshwater and saltwater lake. Both are home to many different types of birds, including storks, cormorants, geese, and ducks. Plus, there is an abundance of tropical flora such as palms, orchids, bamboo, flowers, and mangroves.

With an abundance of tropical flora, Centenary Lakes is a great place for a family walk and picnic.

Centenary Lakes has a playground called Nature Play which encourages children to learn, explore and interact with nature through a variety of offerings like logs for balancing, natural tunnels, digging, climbing and a fairy garden.

Kids can dig, climb, balance and visit the fairy garden at the Nature Play playground.

There are also toilets and baby change facilities available, and the best place to park is either on Greenslopes Street or Collins Avenue. From Collins Avenue, it is also possible to explore the Botanic Gardens and the Red Blue and Green Arrow Tracks.

The Ivan Evans Walk is just 15 minutes from the CBD and is accessible year-round.

Ivan Evans

The Ivan Evans track is in Bayview Heights, just 15 minutes from the CBD. From Ellen Close, it will take approximately 30 minutes to reach the lookout, where there is the option to extend the walk by following the track to Morris Road at the top of the ridge.

A spectacular view through the trees from the lookout.

Alternatively, from the lookout, it is also possible to walk to Toogood Road however you will need to double-back either the same way or along to road to get to Ellen Close.

The 2.4km track is unpaved and very shady amongst the rainforest.

The track is unpaved and very shady as it winds through beneath the rainforest canopy. It’s worth bearing in mind that if doing this track with little ones, it may be better to use a baby carrier or have older children walk themselves as the terrain can be uneven and tricky to navigate with a pram.

Which family-friendly walks have you enjoyed lately?

The post Best Walks for Young Families in Cairns appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Whatever your needs, there is something for everyone so here’s a summary of the walks I would recommend for parents with young children that are all within a 30-minute drive south of the Brisbane CBD.

1. John Oxley River Walk, University of Queensland (UQ), St. Lucia

The John Oxley River Walk at the University of Queensland (UQ) is an ideal place to take a stroller. Whilst the path is unpaved, it is relatively smooth and firm which makes it gentle on the wheels of your stroller. It’s also flat, wide and shady so it’s perfect for those warmer days.

The John Oxley River Walk hugs the Brisbane River and you can easily spend one or two hours walking alongside the water. The University also features the lakes at St. Lucia which are easily accessible with a stroller from the John Oxley River Walk.

For those wishing to park at UQ, I recommend checking out the University’s website for parking information as they offer a live feed showing availability. If you are travelling from east of the city, it may be easier to park at Dutton Park and walk across the Eleanor Schonell Bridge. For a map of UQ, head over here.

This walk takes you along the Brisbane River. 

2. Yeronga Memorial Park, Yeronga

Yeronga Memorial Park is located south of the CBD and is approximately 8km by car. It is heritage listed and became a Memorial Park over a century ago in 1917. This park offers generously wide paths which are well maintained and mostly shady, so it is easy to spend a pleasant hour wandering along.

There are benches at which to sit as well as wide-open grassy spaces for spreading out your picnic rug. Other facilities include playgrounds, public toilets, a public swimming pool, as well as a dog park.

As the park is near to two schools, it is recommended to avoid visiting during school drop-off and pick-up times as it can get quite busy.

Explore Yeronga Memorial Park on this maintained path. 

3. Greater Wetland Walk (2.8km), Berrinba Wetlands

Berrinba Wetlands is situated in Browns Plains and is around 30 minutes south of the Brisbane CBD. The Wetlands are known for having an abundance of native birds and plants, with the main walking track, The Greater Wetland Walk (2.8km), being a shaded circuit around the area.

It is also the longest walk on this list and is fully paved and flat – so it’s an ideal place to take a stroller. Parking is free and there are a number of benches and BBQ facilities here if you’d prefer to make a day of it.

Walk your way around the wetlands while checking out the birds and plants.

4. Toohey Ridge Track (to Ring Road, Nathan Campus) (4.55km), Toohey Forest

One of my favourite tracks to do with a stroller is the Toohey Forest Ridge Track. This walk is best started at the Toohey Picnic Area which has a number of parking spaces available. At the carpark, there are toilet facilities (and also a change table) as well as benches and gas BBQs. Look out for a sign that says Toohey Ridge Track –  Nathan Campus – 2275m.

The track is paved, relatively wide and although there are some small inclines, they are very manageable with a stroller. It’s important to bear in mind that this path is shared with bicycles so it’s best to keep your eyes peeled for cyclists.

Toohey Forest Ridge Track is one of my favourite places for a walk with a stroller.

Renown for its wildlife, Toohey Forest provides ample opportunity for spotting koalas and various birds – always a thrill for the little ones! The Toohey Ridge Track walk can be extended a further 625m (one way) by adding in the Western Outlook path. Approximately 300m from the outset of the Toohey Ridge Track, the Western Outlook is well signed and similar to the main track, it’s paved and easy for a stroller. There are a number of other tracks within Toohey Forest, however many are not paved and therefore, may not be suitable for a stroller.

The lookout at the Sandstone Circuit. 

5. Brisbane Botanic Gardens, Toowong

Another great place to visit with little ones is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens (do not confuse this spot with the Botanic Gardens in the CBD). The Brisbane Botanic Gardens offer an abundance of paved and shaded walking tracks and whilst some paths are a bit steep, it is still very manageable with a stroller.

The view from the lookout gives you a glimpse of the city. 

During the week, it is possible to drive into the Botanic Gardens however on weekends you will need to park at the entrance. Parking is free and it is recommended to visit on weekdays as the weekends can get busy. The Botanic Gardens span 56 hectares so I recommend visiting the information centre when you arrive and picking up the Botanic Gardens map to help navigate your way around.

Some highlights include: the Botanic Gardens Lookout, the Japanese Garden, Cacti section, Australian Rainforest section (great shaded walking tracks), and the Lagoon. This spot makes for a terrific family outing but it’s important to check the website here for any changes to opening times.

The gorgeous Japanese Garden at the Brissie Botanic Gardens. 

6. Rocks Riverside Park, Seventeen Mile Rocks

Rocks Riverside Park is a family-friendly park with many playgrounds, a walking track along the river, lots of parking, and toilet facilities too. The track wraps along the river and offers at least 1-2 hours of walking. It is paved and flat, however, it is less shaded and is also a shared path with cyclists so keep that in mind.

There are water taps and benches along the path and it is close to Mt. Ommaney which offers a range of stores, as well as a DFO for a bit of shopping later!

This a nice family-friendly park for walks.

7. Daisy Hill Conservation Park, Daisy Hill

Daisy Hill Conservation Park is located approximately 25 minutes south of the Brisbane CBD. It is known for their Koala Centre, which features an outdoor koala enclosure and gives the public information about their conservation, which you can learn more about here.

Daisy Hill has a Koala Centre that you can also visit. 

There are a number of trails at Daisy Hill, however many are unpaved and shared with cyclists. If you’re with your little ones in a stroller, you may wish to stay near the Koala Centre where the paved paths offer at least an hour of stroller-friendly walking. Nearby are toilets with baby change facilities available plus picnic areas and BBQs.

Walking around the trails in Daisy Hill. 

That’s all the best walks I’ve found for young kids in Brisbane, are there any that I’ve missed? Let me know in the comments.

What’s your favourite walk or hike to do with your children?

The post Walking Tracks for Young Kids Near Brisbane appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Home to year-round warm weather, lush ancient rain forests, pure white-sand beaches, the Great Barrier Reef, and the more cosmopolitan Gold and Sunshine coasts – Queensland will have you covered no matter what kind of adventurous activities tickle your fancy.

In this article, we’ve wrapped up the crème de la crème of camping, sightseeing, hiking, 4WDing, and road trips that you can do in Queensland.

If you just want to skip ahead to check out certain activities, then click the links below:

• Camping & sightseeing
• 4WDing & road trips
• Hiking & walking

Camping & sightseeing 

K’gari/Fraser Island

Located off the coast of Queensland, K’gari (commonly known as Fraser Island) is one of the most popular and idyllic destinations to go 4WDing and camping in Australia. This heritage listed area is the world’s largest sand island and is home to the purest dingo population in the country.

Access to the island is by barge with the Manta Ray Barge running daily from Inskip Point, around a 3-hour drive north from Brisbane. Permits are required, both vehicle and camping, and you will need to pre-book to secure your spot. With a plethora of campsites available you’ll easily find an option to suit based on your personal needs and setup. If camping with kids, it’s recommended to choose a fenced site as against one of the more wild camping options but check out this link here for all the sites on offer.

No matter how long you stay, you won’t be lost for things to do. Lake McKenzie, Eli Creek, the Champagne Rock Pools, Sandy Cape Lighthouse, the Maheno Shipwreck and Indian Head Lookout will satisfy even the most dilegent explorer. Or if kicking back and chillaxing is more your mood then the open stretches of white sand won’t disappoint.

The pristine beaches and crystal clear water of K’gari. Image: Amie Duncan

Carnarvon Gorge – camping

Featuring a stunning array of rugged ranges and gorges, an abundance of aboriginal artworks, and unique flora and fauna – the Carnarvon Gorge section of Carnarvon National Park is rich in cultural history and significance.

Located 720km northwest of Brisbane, you have a few options for accommodation such as Sandstone Park which is 5km out of the park, Wallaroo Outback Retreat for a glamping experience as well as some other seasonal camping sites near the visitors centre. With so many breathtaking walks to do including the Art Gallery, Wards Canyon, the Amphitheatre, the Moss Garden, Boolimba Bluff, the Rock Pool, and Baloon Cave – you won’t want to forget those hiking boots.

Of course, there is also the Great Carnarvon Walk which is an 87km long journey through the wilderness, making it an ideal trip for the experienced hiker. You read read more about this hike towards the end but to get updates on exactly what is open, head to the official website here.

Camping at Carnarvon Gorge. Image: Bob West 

Boodjamulla Lawn Hill National Park

Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park is located in the north west of Qld near the NT border, and is a large area of sandstone ranges cut by gorges and rivers.

For the Waanyi traditional landowners, they have a rich and diverse variety of connections to the land. You should allow yourself a minimum of 4 days to truly experience everything the park has to offer and access is via unsealed roads in various conditions – smooth, freshly graded, rough and some corrugated with patches of bulldust – so keep that in mind. In terms of accommodation, there are limited camping areas that must be booked online in advance to secure your spot.

One way to truly appreciate the area and immerse yourself in all it has to offer is by kayaking through the upper and middle gorges. Kayaks are available for hire from the designated launching spot. Alternatively, you can check out the cascading water at Indarri Falls, explore the Island Stack Walk, Wild Dog Dreaming track, or Constance Range walk.

Spend a couple of days enjoying Boodjamulla. Image: Bob West 

4WDing & road trips 

Mulgumpin (Moreton Island)

With pristine beaches, a range of hikes for all fitness levels, stunning creeks and lagoons, 4WD tracks galore and only a ferry ride away from Brisbane – there’s more than a few good reasons why Moreton island is known as the gem of South East Queensland.

To get around the island, you will need a 4WD as there are no sealed roads. The most popular tracks on Moreton Island are the Telegraph Walking Track and the Rous Battery Track, but there are plenty of others to keep you occupied too. Aside from hiking and 4WDing, you can also boat and fish on the island, snorkel or dive, or try and spot some of the local wildlife.

There are quite a few campsite options which can be viewed and booked in advance here, and if you’re planning on exploring the rugged sandy tracks then you’ll need a 4WD permit too. Getting there is via ferry, which you can book through MICAT here, and takes around 90 minutes in total.

Pack up your 4WD and head to Moreton Island. Image: Dan McGee

Landcruiser Mountain Park

Landcruiser Mountain Park is around a 2 hour drive into the hinterland from the Sunshine Coast, or approximately 2 hours northwest of Brisbane. It is a 10,000-acre working cattle property with 200kms of 4WD trails, making it a 4WD lovers dream.

Not only does this cattle property offer 4WDing, but it is also a privately owned wilderness park with plenty more to explore and enjoy. No matter what you’re in the mood for, be it waterfalls and creeks, fishing, swimming, birdwatching, or just relaxing into some quiet downtime, this park caters for everyone.

There are four main camping areas with toilets and hot showers for those who are not self-sufficient, campfires are allowed, and you can bring your pooch along too so you don’t have to leave a family member behind on your getaway.

This Wilderness park is jam-packed with adventure opportunities. Image: Dan Watkins

Cape York

A bucket list destination for all Aussie travellers, not just locals – the journey to Cape York, the northernmost point of Australia, is a must for anyone wanting a fun and challenging experience.

The remote and untouched beauty of this part of the country, plus the elated feeling of being at the very top of Australia is enough to get any adventure lover excited. You’ll need at least two weeks for this journey, as well as a 4WD with high clearance. In terms of accommodation, you can camp or stay at a station, caravan park or resort along the route.

The main road that runs to the tip of Cape York is known as the PDR, short for Peninsula Developmental Road. Alongside this road and occasionally overlapping with the PDR is the Old Telegraph Track, guaranteed to be a highlight for 4WD enthusiasts who will enjoy the challenge of this bush track.

Take a trip to the tip. Image: Todoing Family

Hiking and walking 

(K’gari) Fraser Island Great Walk

The Fraser Island Great Walk is a long distance hike totalling 90kms and takes around 6-8 days to complete. This hike allows you to experience some of the best scenery and sights on the island, and can be cut down into shorter, easier walks to cater for a half or full day activity.

For all the details on the sections of the Great Walk, as well as the shorter walks you can do – check out this factsheet here.

The Great Walk is the perfect challenge for experienced walkers. Image: Fraser Island Hiking 

Carnarvon Gorge Great Walk

Revisiting the Carnarvon Gorge Great Walk that was previously mentioned, this walk is part of the Carnarvon Gorge National Park and covers a total of 87kms so allow 6-7 days to complete.

The best time to do this hike is from March through to October as it’s usually closed from November until February due to the heat and possibility of bush fires. You’ll need to get a camping permit and pay your fees in advance. Some highlights along the hike include the Moss Garden, Amphitheatre, the incredible Aboriginal rock art on the sandstone walls at the Art Gallery and the lookout at Battleship Spur.

If you’ve previously done a few overnight hikes and want to take on a longer trail, the Carnarvon Gorge Great Walk would be ideal to add to your bucket list. Head to the official website here for more information on the trail and for health and safety updates.

Explore Carnarvon Gorge by foot. Image: Sabrina Blaas

Day hikes – Brisbane, Gold Coast Hinterland and Cairns

Can’t get enough of lush greenery and breathtaking views? If you’re a local, then you’ll love exploring some of the tracks in the Gold Coast Hinterland area. Ranging from intermediate to difficult, explore Pages Pinnacle, Mt.Cougal, or Mt.Ernest to get your fix of fresh air and scenery.

If you’re closer to Brisbane there are a range of great walks only a couple of hours from the Brissie CBD. The most popular include Mount Beerwah, Mount Warning, Mount Barney and Mount Coot-tha, all of which are perfect for a Saturday or Sunday arvo.

If you’re not near Brisbane but are up in the Far North towards Cairns and you’re a big fan of chasing waterfalls, then head to Babinda – The Boulders, Barron Falls, Stoney Creek, Hartley’s Creek Falls, Josephine Falls, or Crystal Cascades. Any of these are sure to impress!

Enjoy one of the several waterfall hikes near Cairns. Image: Sabrina Blaas 

Did we miss any top spots in Queensland? Let us know in the comments! 

The post Best of Queensland – Camping, Hiking, and 4WDing appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Enjoy the walks in Tamborine National Park. 

Background and history of Tamborine Mountain

Prior to the European’s arriving to Tamborine Mountain in 1875, the Yugambeh people lived amid the rainforest with its abundance of resources providing food, water and shelter. However, when Europeans arrived large areas of forest were felled, making way for farms and it was not until 1908 that the first section of Tamborine Mountain was declared a National Park. In fact, the Witches Falls section at Tamborine Mountain was the first National Park in Queensland.

There is a wide range of flora and fauna to see at Tamborine Mountain including the lyrebird as well as glow worms (at night), snakes, pademelons, and Eastern whipbirds. If you are lucky, you may also see a short-beaked echidna or sooty owl. Some plants that you would see at Tamborine National Park include the flooded, spotted and scribbly gums, bloodwoods, iron barks, piccabeen palms, ferns, and strangler figs.

Tamborine Mountain is divided into 14 sections of land. There are six main sections for hiking which include Joalah, Knoll, Palm Grove, Witches Falls, MacDonald, and Cedar Creek. For the latest health and safety updates on this park including what is open and closed, check out this link here.

Explore the plants and animals native to the area. 

Staying the night

Camping is not permitted in the National Park however there are a number of private campgrounds available. Alternatively, there are also accommodation options such as hotels or bed and breakfasts.

Places to eat

Tamborine Mountain is very touristy and has a range of cafés, convenience stores, restaurants, bakeries and fudge stores. Tamborine Mountain also has a Woolworths and an information centre.

Other tourist attractions at Tamborine Mountain include the glow worm cave, rainforest skywalk, treetop challenge (zip-lining), wineries, botanical gardens and mountain bike tracks.

Water flowing along the Curtis Falls track. 

Joalah Section – Curtis Falls track / Lower Creek Circuit

Curtis Falls is in the Joalah Section of Tamborine National Park and although the creek itself is called Cedar Creek, the falls are named after one of the early European families who settled in the area.

The Curtis family moved to Tamborine Mountain in the late 1870s and set up a small steam mill which included a 7.3 metre water wheel about 40-60 metres upstream of the falls. Timber such as cedar, beech, bollygum, hoop pine and hardwoods were all processed but due to poor market prices, the mill closed in the mid-1890s.

From the car park, the return walk to Curtis Falls is approximately 1.1km with a slight decline on the way. From the waterfall, you can extend your walk along the creek by doing the “Lower Creek circuit” which is an additional 2.5km. The Joalah section is very popular and therefore is best to do the hike before the crowds turn up.

The falls is a must see on your trip here. Image: Visit Tamborine Mountain

Knoll Section – Sandy Creek Circuit / Cameron Falls

The Knoll section is a great spot for a picnic with BBQ facilities, tables and benches, toilets, and plenty of grassy spaces for kids to play around. There’s also a stunning lookout offering views of Flinders Peak, Mount Perry, Birnam Range and Yarrabilba.

The “Knoll Walking Track” also known as the “Sandy Creek Circuit”, is a 2.6km return walk and follows Sandy Creek towards Cameron Falls. Be sure to have your camera ready as there’s a fabulous view of the falls along the way.

This is a perfect location for a picnic.

Palm Grove Section – Palm Grove Circuit / Jenyns Circuit

The Palm Grove section is named after the piccabeen palms found throughout this area of Tamborine National Park. Piccabeen palms have aerial roots that are exposed above the soil surface which allow them to absorb oxygen and thrive in the waterlogged soils of this area.

There are two hikes in this section. For a shorter hike, it is best to do Palm Grove Circuit which is 2.7km. However, you may wish to complete Jenyns Circuit which is an additional 2.1km and provides a little more exercise with the total distance of 4.8km.

Jenyns circuit leads into drier eucalyptus forest and it is important to stay on the path as the track does tend to go close to steep cliff edges. For the longer hike, it’s recommended you pack water and snacks, and allow yourself plenty of time.

There are two hikes to choose from in this section. 

Witches Falls Section – Witches Falls Circuit / Witches Chase track

It is best to park at Main Western Road for this area. There is a picnic spot with BBQ facilities and toilets if you fancy stopping for lunch before or after hitting the trail.

The more popular hike in the Witches Falls Section is the “Witches Falls Circuit” which is a 3.6km loop track. On this track you will see banksia trees, piccabeen palms, strangler figs and of course, Witches Falls with perfect photo opportunities of the waterfall from the viewing platform.

To extend the hike, you may want to do the “Witches Chase Track” which ends up at Beacon Road. Along the Witches Chase Track, you will pass large red cedar trees and eucalypt forest, then return to the car park by going back to the lookout and linking onto the “Witches Falls Circuit”.

From this track you can find a lookout platform to view the waterfall. Image: Brandan Trudinger

Cedar Creek Section – Cedar Creek Falls track to rock pools

If you plan to go to the Cedar Creek section, please make sure you access the park during permitted hours (please see the QLD National Parks website). The walk to the lookout (500m from the carpark) is wheelchair accessible. However, for a longer walk, there is a 1.1km return track that leads down to the rock pools.

You’ve got a few options to walk in the Cedar Creek Section. Image: National Park Odyssey

Rotary Lookout

One of the best lookouts at Tamborine is the Rotary Lookout. This vantage points allows you to look West of Tamborine where you can see Main Range, the Cunningham’s Gap and Flinders Peak.

Stop for a rest and check out the view. 

MacDonald section – MacDonald rainforest circuit

This loop track is 1.4km return and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. The track meanders through piccabeen palms and strangler figs

The MacDonald Section of the park. Image: My Walkabout Plants, Simon Schubert

What’s your favourite local national park to hike in?

The post Guide to Hikes in Tamborine National Park, QLD appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Explore all the wonders Springbrook National Park has to offer. 

Getting there

You will need a car to go to Springbrook National Park as there is no public transport to this area. From Brisbane, there are a couple of ways to go depending on where you live in Brisbane.

One way is to go the “back way” via Canungra. This is the way you would go if you live in the south-western suburbs of Brisbane such as Jindalee, Browns Plains and Ipswich. The other way is to go along the M1 Southbound via Nerang.

You will need to drive to get to Springbrook. 

I would allow for 1.5 to 2 hours to get to Springbrook from Brisbane. The last stretch of the drive goes uphill along a narrow and windy road. On the way to Springbrook, you will also go past Advancetown Lake, which is the main source of drinking water for the Gold Coast region.

My two favourite hikes at Springbrook are Purlingbrook Falls and Twin Falls. Both are possible to do in a day if your fitness levels are good.

The lush tropical scenery in Springbrook NP.

Purlingbrook Falls

Purlingbrook Falls is a loop track where you start on the top of the falls and walk to the bottom and back up again. In total, it is a 4km hike. It is recommended to walk this track in a clockwise direction. At the bottom of the falls there is a suspension bridge which is quite nice to cross as you are walking above the creek.

An extension on Purlingbrook Falls is to include the Warringa Pool Track. The trailhead for the Warringa Pool Track is at the bottom of Purlingbrook Falls and is an extra 2km (there and back).

The Twin Falls track allows you to walk behind the waterfall. 

Twin Falls

Twin Falls is another popular hike to do while visiting Springbrook National Park. The quickest way to Twin Falls is to park at Tallanbana Carpark. From Tallanbana Carpark, it is approximately 2km (there and back) and takes approximately 1 hour to complete. This track allows you to walk behind the waterfall. The track also has a number of caves and other smaller waterfalls.

To extend the walk, it is possible to complete the “Twin Falls Circuit” which takes 4.2km to walk. There are well-marked signs for the Twin Falls Circuit. The Twin Falls Circuit goes via Canyon Lookout and you will also see Blackfellow Falls.

Check out the caves along your hike. 

Warrie Circuit

Another popular, but longer hike is the Warrie Circuit. It is best to start this hike at either Canyon Lookout or Tallanbana Picnic Area. You will first start by walking part of the Twin Falls Circuit before following the signs for the Warrie Circuit. The Warrie Circuit is a well-marked 17km loop track and it is recommended to allow 6 hours to complete the hike.

As it is a longer hike, it is important that you are well equipped. Snakes have been spotted along this track, so it is advised to wear gaiters. and carry a snake bite kit just in case. “Warrie”, which means “rushing water” in the local Indigenous language, is a word that lives up to its name.

The Warrie Circuit has a number of waterfalls including but not limited to Goomoolahra Falls, Twin Falls, Rainbow Falls, Tamarramai Falls, Gooroolba Falls, and Pooryahra Falls.

You may get a glimpse of Moreton Island from Goomoolahra Falls lookout.

Goomoolahra Lookout

If you drive to the end of Springbrook Road you will come to another lookout point called Goomoolahra Falls lookout track. It is only a very short walk (around 5 minutes) where you will be able to go to two lookout spots.

The lookout spots are looking east of Springbrook and here you will be able to see the Gold Coast and even on a clear day, you can even see out to Stradbroke Island and Moreton Island. The lookout is next to Goomoolahra Falls and there are also some nice picnic spots here to have a BBQ.

This is also the area where The Cream Track ends. It is best to do The Cream Track starting from the Gold Coast and walking up to Springbrook rather than the other way around.

This is one of the most popular lookouts in the park.

Canyon Lookout

Another popular lookout is Canyon Lookout. From the lookout you can see Purlingbrook Falls as well as Twin Falls. In the distance, on a nice day, you will also see the skyscrapers from the Gold Coast. Canyon Lookout is right next to the carpark so little walking is involved. It is also a starting point for the Warrie Circuit and Twin Falls.

This lookout is very close to the carpark.

Best of All Lookout

On the way back from the Goomoolahra Lookout, it might be worth visiting the Best of All Lookout. To get there you need to turn onto Repeater Station Road and drive along this road for approximately five minutes. Once you get to the end there will be limited car spots. From the car park, it is a five-minute walk to the lookout.

The lookout looks out in the southern direction so you can see out towards NSW and mountains including Mt. Cougal and Mt. Warning. On the way to Best of All Lookout, you will also come across ancient Antarctic Beech trees which would be some of the oldest trees in Springbrook (some are about 12000 years old!).

The Best of All Lookout provides views towards NSW.

Packing for your hike

It is important to pack well when going up to Springbrook. There are cafés, however, there are no larger supermarkets to stock up on supplies. Therefore, make sure you pack plenty of water and snacks for your hikes and bring along sun protection and a small first aid kit.

Reception is not the best so keep this in mind if you need to communicate with family and friends. Also, temperatures in Springbrook will be slightly cooler than coastal areas, such as the Gold Coast, so bring along something warm just in case.

Pack well as it’s hard to pick up supplies in the area. 

This article focuses on one particular area of Springbrook. To go to the other area, where the Natural Bridge is, you will need to drive out of Springbrook Road and take a different road along a different mountain range, perpendicular and west of Springbrook Road.

What’s your favourite tropical hiking spot? 

The post Hiking in Springbrook National Park, QLD appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Our family ventured to Cape York as part of a two-week camping adventure. We hope that the following tips assist you with planning your own trip.

1. Research your route

It may seem obvious, but it pays to plan ahead and map out where you want to go. There are many options and more locations to visit than you may first realise. Do you want to go straight up the middle, or venture to the east and west coasts on your way up or down from the tip? No matter where you go, every destination has something unique to offer.

As a general guide, you will need around two weeks to venture to the tip and back, without feeling rushed. If you want to go east and west, you could easily add a few days or more, each side.

The northernmost point of Australia takes your breath away.

Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR)

The main road that runs to the tip of Cape York is known as the PDR, short for Peninsula Developmental Road. This is the main ‘arterial’, although its red dirt has a character of its own. The PDR is under constant development, with almost permanent roadworks making improvements to the ‘worst’ sections of the road.

During our trip, the road was in great condition, but it always pays to check recent updates closer to your time of travel. The rainy season causes havoc with many closures. We, however, visited in the drier spring months.

Remember, drive to conditions, slow down and lower your tyre pressures for any rough sections.

Dropping your tyre pressures and driving to the conditions is essential.

The Old Telegraph Track

Snaking its way alongside and occasionally overlapping with the PDR is the Old Telegraph Track. This is a highlight for 4WD enthusiasts, with many challenging obstacles along what is very much a bush track. Those who dare to take the road less travelled are rewarded with some of the most pristine, untouched landscapes, creeks and waterholes. There is a real sense of camaraderie with other travellers, and friendships are easily formed.

The Old Telegraph Track can be tackled in two sections, North and South, and is best travelled from South to North, as this is the direction most people take, and with narrow roads, it is sometimes difficult to overtake.

The Old Telegraph Track is a unique and fun adventure, access starts from Bramwell Junction Roadhouse.

2. Decide on your mode of transport

Cape York is a remote location but it’s stunning beauty can be equally as rugged and unforgiving. It pays to be prepared and take a vehicle that will take you safely to where you want to go.

 A 4WD is a great option if you’re looking to be adventurous on the Old Telegraph Track.

Most people choose to take a 4WD of some type, as these vehicles are built for off-road and can be the safest and best-equipped vehicles for the conditions. Accessories such as a fridge, UHF radio, tools and an air compressor are all items that will come in handy on a trip like this.

If you choose to tackle all or part of the Old Telegraph Track, you will certainly need a 4WD, preferably with high clearance. Additional accessories such as a snorkel, winch and recovery gear are essential.

Being prepared with the right setup can mean the difference between ending up like the car on the left, or being able to keep on trucking, like on the right!

3. Camping, glamping or room hire?

There are many options for accommodation for a trip to Cape York. Your route and desired destinations will guide your accommodation, or if you have a fixed preference for where and how you want to stay –  vice versa.

Camping is the most flexible option, allowing you to travel and stay almost anywhere. There are some stunning free camps along the Old Telegraph Track that are fairly easily accessed if camping or with a camper trailer. Likewise, heading out to coastal areas is easiest with a tent or small camper.

If glamping is more your style, it is very possible to take a caravan to the tip, and we saw quite a few! Ensure your off-road van is best prepared by protecting cables, pipes and fittings from roads and stones. As with your car, lower the tyre pressures on the van to minimise impact, and be prepared to travel a little slower than you would in a car alone. With careful driving, many campsites are accessible by van, but there may be some spots that are tricky to reach. If you want to tackle the entire Old Telegraph Track, you will need to unhitch and venture off without the van for a day trip.

Finally, if you prefer more luxury, there are rooms available at most station stays, caravan parks and resorts along the way at the tip of Cape York. Planning ahead is key, as you don’t want to be stuck without having somewhere to rest your head at night. Booking prior to arrival is advisable, especially in peak periods.

Camping makes it possible to get off the beaten track and stay in some amazing locations.

4. Plan your meals

When it comes to meals, any remote travel requires planning and organisation. If you are camping, you will need to consider food storage, to both fit in the quantity of food you will need, and to keep it fresh. Remember to pack adequate drinking water, especially if heading into bush camps.

The major towns, including Bamaga, Seisia and Weipa, all have well-stocked supermarkets. Station stays and resorts usually offer restaurants and takeaway food as well.

Food is available for purchase at various locations, including roadside stalls.

5. Yes, there is fuel available!

It is a long way to the tip of Cape York! Whatever your mode of transport, you will require multiple fuel top-ups along the way.

It can be handy to have a jerry can of fuel for unforeseen circumstances or to save a little bit of cash as prices are on the high side, as you would expect. There are plenty of opportunities to fill up along the way, and a good rule for remote travel is to never pass by a service station without filling up. You can also plan ahead using a fuel app to find the next available petrol station.

Planning ahead and taking some time to ensure you have all the supplies you need can save you a lot of time and hassle.

6. The best-hidden gems are off the beaten track

You will be rewarded for taking the road less travelled! A trip to Cape York is all about adventure. Taking the time to venture a bit further is often well worth the effort.

The well-known water holes along the Old Telegraph Track include Twin Falls, Fruit Bat Falls and Elliot Falls. Lesser known but equally amazing locations are the Saucepan and Canal Creek. It takes a bit more research and perhaps some extra hiking time to make it to these destinations, but having this amazing part of the world almost to yourself is a truly unique experience.

There are so many stunning spots to visit, you may well have them all to yourself.

Likewise, after visiting the tip, why not venture east to Five Beaches, where you can navigate the 4WD track along the pristine beach and unforgettable scenery. Up to date, local information is available from The Croc Tent, just before you reach the tip.

Local knowledge (plus lots of souvenirs!) are available at The Croc Tent, close to the tip.

7. Fishing enthusiasts, this one is for you!

Unlike highly populated areas where there is a limited supply of fish, there are many opportunities for fishing enthusiasts to catch something special at Cape York. It is well worth packing a rod or two!

Much of the fishing is off the beach, so suitable tackle and bait will be needed. If you fancy catching something big, you are in luck, with sharks not too far off the shore, make sure you have a suitable rig. Local advice and supplies are available at the tackle shop at Bamaga.

If you fancy a fish, throw in your rod and gear.

8. Remember your recovery gear

If you plan to go off the beaten track, make sure you come prepared. There are a number of water crossings along the Old Telegraph Track including the renowned Nolan’s crossing, plus some steep inclines. Many people need assistance to come through the other side, and there’s always a chance that you might be the one needing help.

There are often plenty of people available to help, but it is good etiquette to have your own gear. Snatch straps, winch and recovery points and max tracks (or similar) and are basic gear that you should consider taking. Make sure that you know how to use it safely, too!

Remember your recovery gear…it might be you that needs to be rescued.

9. Kids are welcome

Children love adventure, and a trip to Cape York is the true adventure of a lifetime. Kids will love seeing the red dirt (and feeling it between their toes!), playing in water holes, exploring the bush and camping under a crystal clear sky full of stars.

School-aged children, in particular, will learn all about the history of the Old Telegraph Track, why it was constructed in the 1800s, and enjoy swinging from ropes at many of the obstacles (giving parents plenty of time to plan their approach!).

There are plenty of families making the trip to Cape York, and kids love getting back to nature and exploring such remote and untouched county.

The water holes are full of pure, freshwater.

10. Take your time

Finally, make sure you allow enough time to fully appreciate and enjoy the wonders of Cape York. It is a long way to the top, and as such, some stops might be overnighters. But many locations warrant longer stays –  2 or 3 nights, or even a week. The more time you have, the more you’ll be able to enjoy the atmosphere of Cape York.

If you don’t have as much time as you would like, perhaps only select a few key locations to visit. This would be a better option than rushing to get everywhere and not feeling like you have experienced anything properly. It’s a great excuse to plan a return trip in the future, there’s always more to see!

Do you plan on visiting the tip of Australia? 

The post 10 Tips for Planning Your Trip to Cape York appeared first on Snowys Blog.

This trip is an experience our family will never forget.

Our plan

We had 16 days to go from Brisbane to the heart of the Simpson Desert (Munga-Thirri) and back. Our travel companions had to cancel, but with 6 months of research, planning and modifying our setup we decided to stick to the plan. We wanted a challenge and travelling solo with our kids and camper trailer was going to be next level.

All ready for our school holiday adventure. 

Breaking up the trip to keep the kids happy

Kids can’t do big days back to back in a car, they go nuts. So, a two-night stay at Cooper Creek early in the trip is a fantastic way to break up the huge kilometres needed to get to the Simpson. You can go kayaking, fishing or catching monster yabbies. Our kids were happy spending most of the day playing on a steep sandbank under the shade of the massive trees next to our camp.

A two-day stay at Cooper Creek was a great way to break up the journey. 

Going the distance

With a full day behind the wheel to get to Big Red, the kids needed to be distracted. Colouring books, scavenger hunts, travel battleship and eye spy are some of the activities we have in the car to keep the “are we there yet” question at bay. A small tub full of healthy snacks and treats is always at reach, as no more than 5 minutes after getting in the car it’s always “I’m hungry, what can I eat”.

One of the best ideas is a book on CD from the library, which provides hours of entertainment. Stop when you see something interesting, even just a 5-minute walk can really break the day up.

To keep the kids happy, stop if you see something interesting. 

Self-reliance in the desert

With 200L of diesel, 150L of water and bread & milk from Birdsville and enough food onboard for 2 weeks, we were completely self-reliant for the next 6 nights in the desert. The plan was to turn around and head back the way we came just before we got through half of our fuel, water or time – whichever came first.

We grabbed some supplies from Birdsville so we could make it halfway. 

The adventure begins

Big Red is the first test, so before you get there, be sure to prepare your 4WD. Attach the sand flag on the front, drop the tyres to 14psi, lock the hubs in, CB on the right channel, check everything on the car and trailer and get mentally prepared for what is coming up.

Sometimes it’s a good idea to get the kids away from the car so nothing is rushed or missed when preparing your vehicle for a trip like this. Being distracted can lead to silly mistakes and when you’re heading somewhere as remote as the Simpson desert, mistakes could be costly.

So, with Lara and the kids halfway up to Big Red, it was time to put our 25-year-old Nissan Patrol to the ultimate test. The cheer from the kids was ecstatic as I drove past, I knew then that this was going to be an awesome adventure.

The famous Big Red. 

Essential safety and recovery gear you need

Towing is the most difficult challenge and is not recommended even for the most experienced off-roaders in the Simpson desert. In terms of recovery gear, it’s a must to bring a minimum of 2 pairs of recovery boards, winch, recovery straps and a shovel. A sand flag and UHF is also required, as having a head-on at a crest is a real possibility.

A sand flag is a requirement for the Simpson. 

That sinking feeling

After successfully crossing some massive dunes we thought it was going to be a walk in the park. We were almost to the top of a pretty ordinary dune when we started bogging down. A quick gear change and we were sinking fast, so it was time for the recovery boards.

So, with the kids placing the boards under the wheels and shovelling sand away, it was a matter of slipping the clutch and gunning the engine and we were crawling to the top of the crest. The kids standing well clear with Lara were having a blast.

Recovery boards are essential for a Simpson trip.

The most amazing camping

Finding a camp is easy, look for a flat clay pan next to the track between the dunes and break out the tent. We are always set up before sunset, so we don’t miss the best part of the day. Our trailer turns into a great tent for the whole family in minutes when everyone pitches in. The kids have folding beds they setup. They wind down the stabilising legs on the trailer and help with the table and chairs before they can play.

We make sure the kids understand to stay in range when playing. 

On our first night, we had a snake bite training exercise, making the kids grab the first aid kit and practice what to do. Keeping an eye on the kids and making sure they stay together and out of the bushes is something we drill into them.

One of the most amazing things in the outback is the night sky. Incredible sunsets, big skies with no city lights or mountains, showing the kids millions of stars, dozens of satellites, shooting stars and meteors is all the entertainment we need.

The sunsets in the desert are incredible. 

Time to turn back

After an amazing 3 and a half days and making it to Attora Knolls, the decision was made to turn around. Crossing massive salt lakes, numerous boggings and the feeling of true isolation, we had achieved what we had set out to do.

Salt lakes are common in the Simpson.

With water down to half already, we had to be super conservative. Wet-wipe cleaning, a spray bottle of water for handwashing and saving every drop was a must. On our last night in the desert with just 1 hour to Birdsville, we had about 10L of water between the 4 of us and we still managed to have 2L when we rolled into town the next morning – 650km and 6 days after departing Birdsville.

Entering Munga-Thirri National Park.

10 essentials for travelling with kids in the Simpson Desert

• Nighttime pull-ups – you will not have water for washing bedding
• Wet wipes – saves water for cleaning anything and everything
• Hot water bottles and warm bedding – night time temperatures can be freezing
• Quality first aid kit – make sure you have some training too
• Toys and games – books, colouring, games and activities
• Fly nets, insect repellent, mozzie coils
• Warm and cold weather clothes, gloves and beanies
• Handheld UHF
• Whistle – so you can always hear the kids even if you can’t see them
• Satphone – at least if the worst were to happen, someone can talk you through it
• Sun smart gear – sun cream, hats, sunglasses, long-sleeved clothing

Our campsite set up for a night in the Simpson Desert. 

An experience we will never forget

Tackling the Simpson with our kids is an adventure we will never forget. We love sharing this lifestyle with them and could not imagine travelling without them.

Seeing the wonder in their eyes, teaching them things like water doesn’t just magically appear out of a tap, or just having a laugh with them trying to get unstuck from a sand dune.

We had the time of our lives on this trip.

It doesn’t matter that you have to travel during peak times and with time constraints, just get out there and explore this beautiful country and show your kids the beauty of the outback.

Have you done an outback trip with kids before? 

The post Travelling the Simpson Desert in the School Holidays appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The start of the hike. 

What: Carnarvon Great Walk

Distance: 87km

Recommended length: 6 days (5 nights) for the hike plus 2-4 days extra on either side of the hike for driving and recovery.

Best time of year to hike: From March till October. This track is usually closed from November till February due to the heat/possible bush fires.

The art on the sandstone walls reflects the rich culture and history of the area. 

Camping spots

Each walking spot requires a permit and these need to be booked and paid for prior to the hike. There are five walkers’ camps on the Great Walk including the Big Bend Walkers’ camp, Gadd’s walkers’ camp, West Branch walkers’ camp, Consuelo camping zone; and Cabbage Tree camping zone. Each camping area has water (untreated) and most camping areas have a toilet.

There are 5 camps available for hikers.

What should I pack for the Great Walk?

Some things that are a must have (this list does not include all items required for the hike):

• A lightweight tent
• Warm sleeping bag
• A (comfortable) hiking pack (at least 60L +)
• A Lifestraw/water purifying tablets
• First aid kit
• Topographic map
• GPS and PLB
• JetBoil (best investment!)
• Warm clothes (the temperatures at night can get very cold)
• Good hiking shoes and socks
• Food/water
• Toiletries
• Pocket knife
• Lightweight utensils
• Protective gear (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)

A water filter is one of the essentials you need to bring. 

What were the highlights of the trip?

My top 5 highlights of the Great Walk include: 1) walking and exploring the gorge (including the Moss Garden, Amphitheatre, and Art Gallery); 2) the lookout at Battleship Spur; 3) camping in the wilderness; 4) seeing all the wildlife (including a platypus, a family of wild pigs, hearing dingoes/wild dogs at night, kangaroos/wallabies, and lots of birds); and 5) of course, being out in nature and exploring new places.

The lookout ar Battleship Spur was a highlight. 

Summary of the Great Walk

Day 1: Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Area to Gadd’s walkers’ camp (24.8km)

We left around 6am to start the Great Walk as we planned to do 24.8km+ of walking on the first day. Right at the start of the hike, we saw a platypus in the river! The first 10km of this walk is by far the most scenic where we explored the Moss Garden, the Amphitheatre, Ward’s Canyon, the Art Gallery, and Cathedral Cave.

We had an early lunch at the Big Bend walkers’ camp (this is another camping area where you can stay too), before moving our way out of the gorge and hiking/climbing up to the ridgeline (500 metres higher than the gorge). Once we made it on the ridge there was a lookout of the gorge that we just walked. This was another good spot for a snack.

We reached Gadd’s walkers’ camp before sunset, put up our tent, and prepared dinner. The stars were incredible and we had the place all to ourselves.

The scenery alongside the walking track at Carnarvon Gorge. 

Day 2: Gadd’s walkers’ camp to West Branch walkers’ camp (15.8km)

The second day of hiking was relatively flat as we moved away from the gorge and stayed on the plateau. The landscape was fairly dry (resulting in a fire ban in this area). We saw lots of Australian native flora and fauna (wild piglets and their mother). The West Branch camp has road access so there were a number of people in cars/campervans as well as hikers (even though it is very far away from everything!).

The amenities were nicer here with more toilets and more water access points. It was a very peaceful spot and had an abundance of Australian birds including budgies, lorikeets and corellas.

Hiking the Carnarvon Gorge Great Walk.

Day 3: West Branch walkers’ camp to Cabbage Tree camping zone (31.1km)

We left early to start this stretch as it was the longest out of all of them. There is the option to stay at Consuelo camping zone which is 17.3km from West Branch. Along this stretch, you walk through the Mahogany Forest where the plants and trees are much greener.

Once we reached Cabbage Tree camping zone (after a solid day of hiking), we set up camp and ate another heated meal (thanks to our JetBoil). The bore water here tasted very metallic (even after using the Lifestraw and boiling the water) so I would recommend bringing plenty of water for this hike.

The Great Walk is one of my favourite overnight hikes.

Day 4: Cabbage Tree Camping Zone to the Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Area (15.3km)

Day four was our final stretch of the hike and for some reason felt like the hardest, possibly because of all the uphill/downhill sections, or possibly because we did a long hike the day before.

Along this stretch, there were sections with palm trees, small river crossings, and we also saw cows/bulls. Once we got back to the Carnarvon Gorge Visitor Centre we were glad to finally take off our packs and shoes and relax by the water. The Visitor Centre is also a great place to learn more about the history of the gorge or relax in the day-use area.

The end of the hike!

Who would I recommend this hike for?

I’d recommend this hike for people who have previously completed overnight hikes and who have the right gear to do these hikes.

If you are an avid hiker, it is definitely a trail that needs to be added to your bucket list!

What’s your favourite walking trail in Queensland?

The post Hiking the Carnarvon Gorge Great Walk, QLD appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Hiking in tropical North Queensland is a rewarding experience especially when there are waterfalls and beautiful, clear swimming holes awaiting at the end!

Before your hike, make sure you prepare by having all the essentials that you need for your trip including hydration, a first aid kit, appropriate footwear, sun protection and snacks to keep your energy levels up.

Once you’ve finished the hike, cool off with a refreshing swim!

Babinda – The Boulders

The Boulders, as the name says, is famous for its big, smooth, granite rocks. It is a very popular swimming location for all. The Boulders is wheelchair accessible and is a great place for lunch with many BBQ facilities, tables and chairs to use. The main swimming hole is located just 200m from the car park.

For further views, there is a 2km track downstream leading to a nice lookout, overlooking unique rock formations. The Boulders is also the starting point for the Goldfield walking track (approximately 19km). Weekends can be fairly busy, so to avoid the crowds go during the week.

The Boulders is a great walk for all, as it’s very accessible. 

Barron Falls

The boardwalk to the Barron Falls is approximately 1km from the car park where you are surrounded by lush rainforest on both sides. To get to the falls, drive to Kuranda which is located on the Tablelands and takes approximately 35 minutes from Cairns City.

The walking track to the falls is wheelchair accessible and there are also some great lookout points along the way.

Barron Falls offers green rainforest all around and nice lookouts. 

It is recommended to check out the falls straight after some heavy rain as this is when it is the most impressive. Kuranda also has some other short walks through rainforest including the Jurum Creek Walk or even the River Walk.

Kuranda is also known for its original and heritage markets which open every day from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

Barron Falls is a pretty spectacular sight after it’s been raining. 

Stoney Creek

Stoney Creek is a local favourite as it is a great place to cool off and enjoy the many rock pools. The track is directly next to the creek and finishes at an old weir (approximately 2-3km from the carpark). However, there are many beautiful rockpools along the way, where the first is only 200metres from the carpark.

For instance, the waterhole in this article is approximately a 5-minute walk from the car park (not too far!). If you decide to walk to the end, wear some sturdy shoes as the track is not paved and very rocky. For those looking for a longer hike near Stoney Creek, try Glacier Rock Lookout.

You can find the trailhead for this hike at Rainforest Estate on Stoney Creek Road, Kamerunga. Glacier Rock Lookout is part of the Douglas Track which leads all the way up to the Tablelands.

Follow the signs to get to Hartley’s Creek Falls. 

Hartley’s Creek Falls via Flat Rock

Hartley’s Creek Falls is a hidden waterfall, which is less known to tourists. To get there you will need to drive approximately 40 minutes north of Cairns City to Hartley’s Creek Retreat. You will find the trailhead on the Southern side of Hartley’s Creek Retreat.

Walk 500m on the track and you will come to a sign. From the sign, Flat Rock is 1.9km away and little further along (3.3km from the sign) is Hartley’s Creek Falls. It is a beautiful and very secluded swimming hole – perfect for a dip so bring along your bathers and towel!

Bring your togs so you can take a dip in the swimming hole at Hartley’s Creek Falls. 

The drive up to Harley’s Creek is very picturesque with the ocean on one side and the rainforest on the other.

On the way back, it is recommended to see Gatz Balancing Rocks, located approximately 5 minutes drive south of Hartley’s Creek Retreat on the beach side.

The scenery on this drive is incredible, as you get views of the beach and the rainforest.

Josephine Falls

Josephine Falls is located at Wooroonooran National Park, just over an hour south from Cairns City. From the carpark, it is a short 700m rainforest walk to the falls lookout. Swimming is permitted and there are many large, flat rocks to sit on and relax. Josephine Falls is also the starting point for hiking Mt. Bartle Frere, the highest mountain (1611m) in Queensland.

This trail is recommended only for very experienced hikers, as it is very strenuous and can take over 10-12 hours to complete. Camping is available and fees apply. It is recommended to go early in the day the avoid the crowds.

This one isn’t for newbies, but if you’re experienced check out Josephine Falls. 

Crystal Cascades

Located just 20 minutes from Cairns City is the beautiful Crystal Cascades. With pristine freshwater, this is another local favourite for swimming and relaxing. There are a number of swimming spots along the track with waterfalls.

Right at the end of the walk (approximately 1.2km), you will see a very large waterfall flowing into a large swimming hole.

Crystal Cascades is also a great place for families or groups to spend the day.

This is another great location for lunch as there are BBQ facilities and amenities for public use. For those more adventurous, take the track to Lake Morris (approximately 200 metres from the car park).

This track goes through the forest and can take 5-6 hours to complete. It is only recommended for experienced hikers as it is fairly strenuous.

So there you have it, those are all of my top recommendations for hikes in and around Cairns. Happy hiking!

Where is your favourite waterfall to visit in tropical North Queensland?

The post Guide to Hikes with Waterfalls around Cairns appeared first on Snowys Blog.

It has been on our bucket list for a while, so we finally took some time off work and made the journey up north to Fraser Island from Sydney. The drive was really long with a sick and restless toddler, so an overnight stop near Macksville made the 14-hour drive much more bearable. Every second of the drive was worth it once we arrived though.

Fraser Island really is an escape from the big smoke. It boasts some of the most beautiful, natural landscapes in the world, with everything from subtropical rainforests to crystal clear perched lakes, it sure lives up to its name K’Gari (meaning paradise).

The island is World Heritage Listed and it is the largest sand island in the world, measuring approximately 123 kilometres in length and 22 kilometres in width. It is also home to the purest dingoes in Australia.

Fraser Island is a world heritage listed destination.

How to get there

You will need to catch a barge to get across to Fraser Island. The Manta Ray Barge runs daily from Inskip Point (which is roughly a 3-hour drive from Brisbane).

Once you are on the barge, it only takes 10-15 minutes to get across to Fraser Island. Don’t forget to reduce your tyre pressures to maintain traction on the soft sand! Inskip Point is notorious for bogged vehicles.

The barge operates daily from 6 am to 5:15 pm and at the time of writing this costs:

• Car/4WD (including passengers) $120 return
• 4WD/car + Trailer (up to 5 metres) $190 return
• Car/4WD + Trailer (5 metres and up) $220 return

You will need to purchase a ticket to get on the barge to Fraser. 

Camping and vehicle permits required

All vehicles must have a vehicle access permit displayed on the windscreen before driving onto the island. At the time we went, the permit cost us approximately $55 for 1 month (or you can pay $250 for an annual permit).

If you intend on camping, you will need to buy a camping permit. The cost of this permit is about $6.35 per person per night, or $25.40 per family per night (1 or 2 parents accompanying children under 18 years). Children under 5 years are free.

During peak times, camp spots fill up quickly, so try to book in advance where possible. Don’t forget to attach a camping tag, with your booking number onto your tent.

Once you purchase your permit, ensure you have it displayed. 

Booking before vs booking as you go

Permits, barge tickets and camping tags can all be purchased online in advance. Due to limited phone reception on Fraser, I would highly recommend booking everything prior to arriving on the island.

We didn’t pre-book anything which meant that we had to stop at the Manta Ray Permit Office to buy a barge ticket. From here, we were able to buy our return barge ticket, as well as all of the other necessary vehicle and camping permits/ tags.

If you haven’t been to Fraser before and aren’t sure where you want to camp, you do have the option to book campsites as you go. That’s what we did, and it worked out great! It allowed us to explore campsites and travel around the island with so much more flexibility! If you are thinking of booking this way, please keep in mind that phone reception is very limited and this can make booking spots quite difficult).

Police and rangers patrol Fraser Island, so it is important to make sure you have the necessary permits for 4WDing and camping. Our campsites were checked frequently by rangers.

Ensure you have all the relevant permits, so you can have a stress-free stay. 

Where to camp?

There is no shortage of choice when it comes to camping on Fraser Island. You can pitch your tent on the edge of the sand dunes or amongst the tranquil rainforests. You can ‘wild’ camp amongst the dingoes or camp within the safety of dingo deterrent fences.

On our first day, we arrived late in the afternoon with absolutely no plans. Since it was getting dark, we decided to spend our first night at Central Station. Central Station is a fenced campsite set amongst the utterly beautiful, tranquil rainforest. Even though we hadn’t intended on camping in any fenced zones, it was nice setting up camp and cooking dinner without having to worry about dingoes. It was also really easy for us to visit the iconic Lake McKenzie the following day.

The rest of our trip was spent camping along the western and eastern coasts. To be honest, all beach camping zones are beautiful in their own way. You can’t really go wrong booking along the coastline.

Refer to the Fraser Island map and Fraser Island beach camping zone map for locations and specific camping areas.

There are so many incredible campsites to stay at on Fraser Island. 

Fenced Camp Sites

Fenced camping is recommended if you have children under the age of 14. Interactions with dingoes can be dangerous and sometimes even fatal. The names of these fenced sites are listed below:

• Central Station
• Dundubara
• Lake Boomanjin
• Waddy Point
• Cornwells
• Cathedrals

These formal campsites provide basic facilities including toilets, tap water, BBQs, bins and waste disposal. Some of them even offering coin-operated hot showers ($2 for 3 minutes).

If you can, book your site in advance to secure it especially during peak season. 

‘Wild’ Camp Sites

Eastern camping (ocean side)

The eastern beach consists of 9 camping zones. These campsites have stunning ocean views and are set up high up on the edge of the sand dunes. From Dilli Village North all the way up to Sandy Cape.

Western camping

The western beach consists of 7 stunning remote camp spots between Moon point and Wathumba Creek. These are very isolated campsites, so make sure you are well prepared with recovery gear and a first aid kit… just in case.

When we stayed on the western side of Fraser we had a sick toddler, this made the isolation feel pretty intimidating. Luckily, we were very well prepared with Panadol and plenty of supplies. If you are planning to camp over on this side, please make sure you have all of the emergency essentials. You are a very long way from help and the tides dictate the times you can come or go.

Southern Inland camping

There are multiple campsites located along Hook Point inland road. These campsites are not beachfront spots but they are ideal for late arrivals or when waiting for the low tide.

There are so many spots to stay along the beach on Fraser. 

Things to do on Fraser Island

We could have easily spent 2-3 weeks exploring Fraser as we struggled to see the whole island in 7 days. We made it to most of the iconic spots though, but there are still plenty of places that we didn’t get to visit. Here are some of our favourites:

Lake McKenzie

A stunning freshwater lake with pure white sand. One of the many ‘perched’ lakes on Fraser Island. You have to see it to believe it! The lake was packed with tourists when we were there in the offseason, so I’d say it gets quite busy during peak seasons.

Eli Creek

We loved strolling along the tranquil boardwalk and floating down this crystal clear, freshwater creek on our inflatable pool toys. This was a highlight for our 2-year-old!

Lake McKenzie is one of the most well-known spots to visit on the island. 

Champagne Rock Pools

This was another highlight for us and is the perfect place for a family swim. The name explains it all! There are large foamy rockpools caused by waves crashing over the walls.

Sandy Cape Lighthouse

Stunning views paired with a very steep hill climb. Closed footwear is recommended and if you have small children, be prepared to carry them for the long uphill climb.

Maheno Shipwreck

Built in 1905, the SS Maheno’s rusty remains have been beached for over 80 years after it was hit by a cyclonic storm in 1935. This beautiful structure is a must-see. It is great fun for the whole family. During low tide is the ideal time to visit, so you can walk around the entire shipwreck and get a really good look.

Visit the Maheno shipwreck at low tide, so you can see everything. 

Indian Head Lookout

This lookout is located at the most easterly point of Fraser Island, and sounds like the perfect place to look for sea life! This was something that we didn’t manage to fit into our trip but we will definitely check out when we return to Fraser Island.

Ngkala Rocks

Drive your vehicle through one of the largest exposures of coffee rock. Try not to get stuck on the way out! Make sure you have low tyre pressures to maintain traction on the soft rocks and the large sand hill afterwards!

Ngkala Rocks is another spot that is notorious for bogged vehicles. In saying that, we didn’t have any trouble getting our heavy Landcruiser through with low tyre pressures.

It’s vital to be careful around the dingoes on the island.

Important Information

Dingoes are wild and unpredictable, so keep your children close to you at all times. Lock for any food and rubbish inside your car at night. I must admit I was a bit paranoid at first (Mum instincts), however, the dingoes stayed away from us most of the time. Our encounters usually happened when we were driving around.

There are a number of dangerous marine animals that could potentially be found around Fraser Island. These include sharks, crocodiles and marine stingers (in the summer months).

It takes a lot of driving to get around and see everything. Fuel is really expensive on the island (we paid $2.20 per litre for diesel), so if you can, try to fill up your tanks before getting on the barge.

There are several supply shops on the east coast, all of which sell basic supplies. However, it is recommended that you bring everything you need as there are limited supplies and no doctors or pharmacies on the island.

Fraser is extremely tidal, so make sure you have a tide table with you in your car. As a general rule, try to make sure you are not beach driving within 2 hours either side of high tide. We planned our travel days in advance around the tides, which allowed us to get around the island much more efficiently.

Ensure you fuel up before your trip as it can be expensive once you’re there. 

Essentials for emergencies

It is important to remember that most campsites on Fraser Island are remote and often extremely isolated, so in an emergency call 000 immediately. I’d recommend that you take the following gear with you for emergencies:

• Map and tide table
• First-aid kit
• Drinking water
• Prescription medicines (if needed)
• Tyre pressure gauge, deflator and inflator
• Spare tyre
• Toolkit
• Snatch strap
• D shackles
• Max Trax
• Shovel

Fraser Island is a picturesque must-see spot.

Fraser Island is wild and rugged, yet beautifully maintained and controlled. It is so easy to fall in love with its picturesque landscapes. But, don’t forget to use common sense and be prepared for all situations.

Have you ever visited Fraser Island? What was the highlight of your trip? 

The post 4WDing and Camping on K’Gari (Fraser Island) appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The extended forecast was unspectacularly average on this particular weekend that we decided to head out, but it wasn’t horrendous by any means. Having said that, a rainforest doesn’t get its name for a lack of rain I suppose.

Deciding to make the most of an ordinary March weekend, our convoy of 3 vehicles headed off, loaded up with gear and supplies. We rallied after work on Friday for a leisurely evening run through D’Aguilar National Park (Mount Mee section) before crossing into Bellthorpe National Park and then onto Conondale National Park.

There were a few mishaps along our trip, but it’s amazing what you can stumble upon on your adventure. 

D’Aguilar by night

As we travelled along Mt Brisbane Rd from Dayboro, it was obvious to us that the recent wet weather had impacted the area. There was dirt and debris washed onto the road, so a keen and careful eye was required when driving. We arrived at the entry to the Mount Mee section and stopped briefly to air down our tyres.

The trails through D’Aguilar National Park are well maintained touring style tracks with a couple of steeper ascents and descents. 25 PSI is probably all you need for your tyres to maintain the correct level of grip as well as comfort for your occupants.

Driving the dirt at night has never really been my thing, but it offers a unique perspective especially when driving along a familiar trail. Wildlife is generally more prevalent at night in the park, so it’s far easier to spot a few animals here or there in the stark contrast that the headlights provide.

Airing down for the evening run, through D’Aguilar national park.

Arriving at the Archer campground

With water over the culverts and light rain falling, the tracks were free of dust, which made them more grippy than slippery. We estimated it would take us around 2 hours to clear Mount Mee before rolling into the Archer camping area around 9 pm. The Archer camping area is beside Neurum Creek and has 9 numbered sites plus modern facilities available.

Having a simple camp set-up can make late night arrivals less far less troublesome, especially after a long drive. Short term accommodation such a swag, can be set up with minimal effort and fuss which was perfect for this trip.

It really is a great time to be a shopper, as the market currently offers so many shelters to choose from whether it be a touring tent, swag or a hybrid of them both.

The lush surrounds of Archer Camping Area.

Beautiful Bellthorpe

Being able to roll out of bed at an inoffensive time surrounded by nature’s highlights is one of the biggest advantages of departing on a Friday afternoon.

Starting off your day with the weekend adventure already underway, really cannot be understated! We began the morning with a cup of coffee and light breakfast and then we were on our way to Bellthorpe National Park, a short 35km away.

Whilst it was overcast, any rain looked like it might hold. The cooler daytime temperatures were a nice change off the back of a typically humid South East Queensland summer.

Beautiful Bellthorpe National Park.

When we entered Bellthorpe National Park, the track climbs immediately which provided fantastic views out both windows of the neighbouring hilltops. Almost on queue, upon arriving at a beautiful pocket of rainforest, the skies opened up and a light misty rain began to fall. As trip-destroying as rain can be, there is something inherently amazing about driving through a rainforest during this type of weather.

The previously stagnating creeks begin to flow with crystal clear water, and the plant life seemed greener and livelier. Though with the rain, finding a safe passage become that little bit more difficult. Did someone say, ”adventure!”

There is just something special about clear running water.

What goes up must come down

Our descent was short and sweet to the creek below, and what a truly amazing sight it was. We could’ve been stopped along the Bloomfield track somewhere within the Daintree, but we weren’t.

We were around 2hrs from Brisbane and surrounded by dense sub-tropical rainforest. Silent admiration was the best we could collectively muster at that view.

If nothing else, a bit of rain will have the creeks flowing.

Logically, after descending into the creek bed, we had to climb back out if it – and it wasn’t pretty! Around 18 degrees of incline isn’t a lot in the dry but add about an hour of light rain to clay-based soil and it becomes something entirely different. A single unsuccessful effort was all it took to acknowledge our responsibility to the environment we were in.

There’s nothing to gain from tearing up tracks in sensitive areas of our country and only serves to paint this past time in a bad light. I paid good money for my winch and associated recovery gear, so intend to get my money’s worth using it!

Don’t be afraid to use the winch if it means preserving the tracks.

The track out of the creek bed was a 2 stage climb of about 40 metres in length. With about 25m of useable rope on each winch drum, an intermediate anchor point was rigged about halfway up with a final anchor point located at the crest.

With the hard work done, it was a simple but time-consuming process to get each vehicle safely to the top. Many see a winch as unnecessary or an over-the-top item of recovery gear. I see it as a ‘get out of jail free’ card when the weather does catch you out.

Next stop, Conondale National Park

After completing our loop of Bellthorpe National Park (albeit a few hours slower than planned) we continued north to the more popular Conondale National Park. With increasingly regular showers passing through the area, we made our way via the blacktop along Maleny-Kenilworth Road.

No less picturesque, the surrounding area of farming land to the west of Maleny is a fantastic little drive. The countryside was almost a fluorescent shade of green due to the recent rains. It is hard to not consider a “tree change” when confronted with scenery like this.

Picturesque dairy country.

Taking the short run down Booloomba Creek Road gave us an opportunity to participate in two of the more photographed South East Queensland creek crossings. It also allowed us to strategically “half” tick off the Conondale National Park from our list.

Arriving at the Charlie Mooreland Camp area

We arrived in the late afternoon at the Charlie Mooreland camp area which allowed just enough sunlight to make camp, re-spool winches and rustle up a campfire before another untimely shower. Tucked on the banks of Little Yabba Creek, Charlie Mooreland is the quintessential National Park campground.

It has large grassy areas, modern amenities, shade and a creek that flows most times of the year. At $6.15 per adult / per night, it’s an absolute bargain by anyone’s standards.

Charlie Mooreland camping area.

Unfortunately, further overnight showers put paid to our plans to tackle some of the Conondale National Park tracks the next day. So after rolling up the swags, it was time for us all to head home.

Conondale creek crossing.

Nice to Know

Where: D’Aguilar National Park, Bellthorpe National Park & Conondale National Park

Nearest Supplies: Despite how it might feel, you are never very far away from civilisation. Fuel and groceries can be purchased easily at the local townships in the area.

Trip Standard: It’s blacktop all the way to D’Aguilar National Park where the road becomes a graded forestry trail. Upon exiting D’Aguilar, it’s a short run on the bitumen to Bellthorpe National Park. It can be tricky in here during the rain, but when dry it’s reasonably straightforward. The terrain within Conondale National Park varies with the weather but is also generally straightforward.

Camping: Standard Queensland National Park rates of $6.15 per adult / per night.

Facilities: There are toilets at the main campsites. Firewood collection is prohibited in Queensland National Parks, so it’s BYO only.

Essentials: You’ll need to bring food, drinking water, and basic recovery gear.

Summary of the adventure

Not everything goes according to plan when it comes to Mother Nature. But, life is what you make of it in these situations. When the weather conditions are not ideal, it can provide a completely new outlook on a place you’ve been to before.

So, the lesson of this adventure is, don’t let the threat of a shower keep you indoors when there are experiences to be had!

Have you ever attempted an ambitious 4WD trip like this? 

The post 3 National Parks in 3 Days, 3 Hours From Brisbane appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Being based in Brisbane, the vast choice of local destinations can make settling on just one a bit difficult. Time honoured traditions of beautifully scenic creek-side camping and seemingly endless touring trails can, at times, prove mutually exclusive but this is certainly far from the case at Landcruiser Mountain Park (LCMP).

There are over 200km of trails across the varying terrain in LCMP.

Where is it?

Landcruiser Mountain Park is a 10,000-acre property specialising in wilderness camping and four-wheel driving, approximately 150kms north of Brisbane via Kilcoy and Jimna.

Set amongst the many state forests that line the Great Dividing Range, this pocket of south-east Queensland is very diverse. It features heavily forested ridgelines that give way to creeks and waterfalls carved into natural rock formations over thousands of years.

As a working cattle property, the park is dotted with grassy creek-side clearings perfect for camping. Though you might have to share it for a moment with a passing herd.

LCMP was foremost a working cattle property.

The start of the adventure

We arrived around 9 am after a leisurely run up the highway. We then set about planning a solid day exploring a section we were yet to visit. From the office, you can immediately immerse yourself in four-wheel drive nirvana. For those happy enough to operate within their comfort zone, there are plenty of opportunities to loop many of the easier tracks together for a solid day of driving. For the more adventurous, you don’t have to look far for challenging ascents, descents, rock beds and mud.

You don’t have to look far to find a challenge.

Working your way along the ‘main drag’, the campsites present themselves one after the other. Each of them has their own unique features which will suit different types of campers. Our plan was to be a little more ‘carpe diem’ and roll out our swags when the timing and location seemed right..after all, home is where you park it!

Trakka is typical of the camping locations on offer at LCMP.

Setting off to explore

After airing the tyres down to 20psi to help with traction, occupant comfort and track preservation, we pointed the vehicles towards a sparsely vegetated ridgeline and set off. I caught some magical glimpses out of the passenger window of the distant ranges. These were a sign of things to come as we dropped down a tricky little section of track.

Having a trusted companion with a handheld UHF radio can be the best thing at various times. I can confidently say I usually travel with a couple of the best! Arrogance often breeds contempt, so don’t be embarrassed to call on the eyes of a spotter outside the vehicle to help with wheel placement if you need it.

We climbed out of the dry creekbed through a densely rainforested section of the park and then through the “Aussie bush”. We stopped at a small clearing around mountaintop dam, which was a great spot for lunch, and to plan for the afternoon ahead.

The benefits of a “spotter” can never be understated in tricky terrain.

Making our way to Cowah Falls

In making our way to Cowah Falls, we climbed higher through several terrain changes and “pinchy” sections of track. It then plateaued out in an amazing little pocket of native Australian grass trees (Xanthorrhoea). Several of the trees were in over 3m in height, indicating that they’re up to 300 years old, which is pretty amazing. These trees tend to photograph well and there are few sights that are more typically Australian.

Beautiful, ancient and hardy – Australian grass trees typify the local Australian bush.

What goes up must come down and after picking our way carefully through a loose, rocky descent we arrived at Cowah Falls. Although not running on this particular day the waterhole below was full and inviting on a warm afternoon. We sat in quiet admiration of the age-old rock formations and plant growth grasping the cliff face for dear life. Then we decided that it was time to make camp for the night.

The rock formation at Cowah Falls. 

We retraced our steps and arrived at a small grassy, creekside area that we chose earlier in the afternoon. It’s easy to limit yourself to a formal camping area especially when camping with a family. However, some of the best camping experiences around are away from the masses. We enjoyed a couple of refreshments over a hastily built fire which was the perfect end to a great day of adventure.

Cowah creek provides a nice place to rest before heading off again. 

What do you need to know?

• Location

Landcruiser Mountain Park is located approximately 150kms from Brisbane. Take the D’Aguilar Highway west to Kilcoy before veering north to Jimna. From here just follow the signs.

• Nearest Supplies

Fuel and groceries can be purchased at the nearby town of Kilcoy. The park office has limited supplies.

Views to the neighbouring ridges are on offer from several locations throughout the park.

• Trip Standard

It’s blacktop all the way to Jimna where the road becomes a graded forestry trail all the way to the park. Within LCMP, tracks vary from easy to extreme. Be aware that changes in weather can turn an easy track dangerous in a matter of minutes.

• Camping

Main camp areas located at Cowah Falls, Trakka Terrace, The Gums and Fig Tree. For the more adventurous, camping is permitted anywhere within the park boundary. Fees are $60 per vehicle per night which are inclusive of driving permits.

You can camp outside of the main campsites if you’re feeling more adventurous.

• Facilities

Hot showers and septic toilets at the main campsites. You can collect firewood around the park. There is also compressed air and a payphone available for use at the park office.

• Essentials

Drinking water, axe/chainsaw & basic recovery gear.

With great scenery and tracks all around, LCMP is a winner in my book. 

Why Landcruiser Mountain Park is a must visit

As an offroad adventure destination, Landcruiser Mountain Park ticks most of the usual boxes. It’s location, open spaces, basic amenities, abundant wildlife and campground accessibility to 2WD or soft road vehicles makes it suitable for families.

While the vast array of terrain, track types and difficulty levels should excite even the most ardent “been there, done that” types. If you are yet to visit Landcruiser Mountain Park, then you should definitely put it on your bucket list for 2018.

What’s your favourite local off-road destination? 

The post A 4WD Adventure at Landcruiser Mountain Park appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Here are all the details of our journey – including where we camped, the sights we saw, the day walks we did, and how we made the most out of our trip.

Trephina Gorge is one of the many sights to see along the way. Photo: Bob West.

Beginning our journey

Our time limits had been changed. We needed to get back to Quorn in the Flinders Ranges sooner than we thought. As we sat in Mt Isa looking at the map we could see there were three ways we could do this. The first one, and least attractive for us was to follow the bitumen east to Threeways in the Northern Territory and then turn south on the Stuart Highway following the bitumen all the way home! Not an option.

The remaining two were of real interest to us. Our choice was the Sandover or the Plenty Highway. They both appealed greatly as they were remote dirt roads across the Barkly Tableland region. Eventually, we settled on the Plenty as towards the southern end of it we could readily divert onto Gardens Road and then the Ross Highway doing a circuit of the East MacDonnell Ranges before arriving in Alice Springs.

With a stretch of road ahead of us, we decided on the scenic route to Alice. Photo: Bob West.

Leaving Mt Isa

We left Mt Isa on the single lane bitumen Diamantina Development Road, heading south towards Boulia. Along the way, we turned southwesterly on a gravel road to Urandangi and then Tobermorey Station, on the Plenty Highway. When we left the bitumen we dropped the tyre pressure on the car and the camper and readily soaked up the odd rough patch of road and of course, the usual corrugations.

Packed up and on the road to Tobermorey. Photo Bob West.

Arriving at Tobermorey

We arrived at Tobermorey at lunchtime so decided not to stay the night despite the inviting green patch the owners had created as a camping area. Fortunately, we were carrying extra fuel as the station could only sell us 30 litres. The week before there had been 40 mm of rain through the area and the road had been closed to all traffic. Cars were now allowed through but it was still closed to trucks, so fuel supplies were starting to run down.

Our vehicle before we set off down the Plenty Highway. Photo: Bob West.

On the Plenty Highway

Out on the Plenty and it was obvious that bulldust wasn’t going to be an issue for us this time. These patches were now muddy holes which were mostly skirted around or straddled. Choosing your path ahead became an enjoyable challenge in itself. The country was flat and full of scrub with the occasional hill or creek to break things up.  Eventually, after a long but enjoyable drive, we found a spot on a rise to pull over for the night. We shared this with a zillion stars and the quiet of the outback night.

The following day gave us more of the same conditions, including a variety of termite mounds. A couple that stood out included one that had a tyre placed over it. The termites had continued to build unimpeded by this. The other was massive, being at a guess between 5 to 6 metres tall.

One of the termite hills we saw along the way. Photo: Bob West.

Jervois Station

Mid-morning we arrived at Jervois Station. Here you can obtain fuel and also camp. Camping options here are either the commercial area provided by the station or the Marshall River Rest Area by the road. The facilities you require will make the decision for you as the Rest Area is only for the fully self-sufficient.

West of Jervois there had been roadworks happening and the rain had made some of the areas a real mess. Usually, there was a simple bypass to get around waterlogged, muddy holes which required care and higher attention whilst driving. At one point though, the bog was so large a rough new track headed off into the scrub to get around this obstacle. It was easy to see why the road was still closed to trucks. The further west we went the more advanced the roadworks got and eventually we were driving on a very solid stable hard-packed road.

Low hills had appeared on our route as well as intriguing closing views of the Harts Range. We camped the night in the scrub on the edge of a popular fossicking area. The road by then had become bitumen.

We could see the Harts Range in the distance. Photo: Bob West.

Stopping in Gemtree

The next morning we quickly drove into Gemtree to top up on fuel and get some information. Numerous caravans and campers were in the camping area and people were heading off on guided or self-driven fossicking activities. A busy area after the quiet and solitude we had experienced for the last two days.

Alatyeye road/The Binns Track

We then turned back east for 8km and took the dirt road south. This is the Alatyeye road that is, in fact, part of the Binns Track. This was a rough and corrugated road that in contrast to the open of the Plenty Highway was a narrow and winding track through the rough hills south to the Gardens Road. The Gardens Road east of this intersection is another part of the Binns Track mosaic. Basically, it’s a good gravel road so was easy driving.

Taking a little detour. Photo: Bob West. 

Hale River Homestead

Just before turning south to join the Ross Highway we stopped to explore the offerings of the Hale River Homestead. This was an unknown but very pleasant surprise for us. It’s a family run enterprise with the husband continuing to run cattle while wife, Lynn has developed a wide range of accommodation facilities for the traveller. This extends from a basic camping area through to a variety of thoughtfully restored old homes and station buildings.

A restored building at the Hale River Homestead. Photo: Bob West.

The Workshop

The focal point for all of this is ‘The Workshop’. Here we were able to enjoy a good coffee and take in the memorabilia that adorns the walls. A bar is to one side of the area while a large kitchen occupies the other. Meals are served here and the family actually eat their meals there as well. As it was only lunchtime we opted to continue on through a narrow track to the Ross Highway.

Continuing along the Ross Highway. Photo: Bob West.

Arltunga Historical Reserve

After a pleasant and straightforward drive, we arrived at the centre point of the amazing Arltunga Historical Reserve. Here a number of tracks split off to take you to a wide number of walks, ruins and cemeteries.  One also leads to the Visitor Information Centre with a detailed display of the life of Arltunga, the first town in Central Australia, supported by an informative film show.

We stopped to have a gander at the Arltunga Historical Reserve. Photo: Bob West.

Trephina Gorge Nature Park

After an all too short stop at Arltunga, we moved on to Trephina Gorge Nature Park to camp. We could have stayed at the Old Arltunga Pub Campground but our time constraints meant we needed to move on. Trephina is a gem. There are a number of well-organised camping areas which were all full while we were there. Being only 85km from Alice Springs and the road bitumen, except for the last 5km, it’s a popular day trip.

Watching the afternoon sun fall over Trephina Gorge. Photo: Bob West.

Gorge Walk/Loop and the Panorama Walk

We managed two great walks during our stay – the Gorge Walk/Loop and the Panorama Walk. The Panorama has a steep approach climb that slowly reveals more of the area as you go, and eventually provides a panoramic view of the gorge and beyond. The Gorge walk starts with an easy climb above the western wall of the gorge before dropping back into the Gorge itself and then returning to the start. Both walks are a bit over 2km in length and take an hour or so to complete.

The walks, the scenery, and the colour changes during the day making this a great place to experience the feel of the East MacDonnells or as the locals say ‘East Macs’. A great finish in our journey to Alice Springs from Mt Isa.

The ascent up the Gorge Walk. Photo: Bob West.

Emily and Jessie Gaps Nature Parks

The next day we explored the small nature parks of Emily and Jessie Gaps. These have informative displays showing the Arrernte peoples connection to the land. Not long after, we headed into the milling maelstrom that is Alice Springs in high season. After the quiet of the previous weeks’ travel, this hustle and bustle needed to be experienced while we restocked supplies for our continuing journey home.

The floor of the gorge at Trephina Nature Park. Photo: Bob West

Driving through Central Australia

The Plenty Highway and the other unsealed roads are all enjoyable drives that take you through a variety of the terrains of Central Australia. However, there are some essentials that you need to tackle these roads.

Your vehicle, and the attendant camper or caravan if you have it, needs to be in good order with sound tyres and essential spares onboard. You should have plenty of water and food with you to tide you over if you break down as it’s going to be quite some time before help can be organised.

Take your time to enjoy the scenery when driving through Central Australia. Photo: Bob West.

Even though you could drive the Plenty in a day, the road conditions constantly change and would make this a seriously hard day’s drive. Better to take your time, drive to the conditions, and enjoy the journey!

What are your must-sees for a road trip from Mt Isa to Alice? 

The post The Plenty Highway: What to do from Mt Isa to Alice Springs appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Many years ago we stayed at Boodjamulla or Lawn Hill National Park with our family. We absolutely loved it and have always had it on the return list.

Where is Boodjamulla National Park?

It is a large area of sandstone ranges cut by gorges and rivers in the far North West of Queensland and the Northern Territory border.

For the Waanyi, the first peoples of this land and the many visiting scientists there is a rich and diverse variety of connections to the land and its treasures. We only get to see a small sliver of what this country contains. This sliver though is an incredible reward for anyone prepared to make the long journey to the region.

These are the kinds of views you can expect at Boodjamulla National Park. Photo: Bob West

How long should you stay for?

Justice to the area can only really be done by allowing a minimum of 4 days to experience the offerings at hand.

Accessing the park

Access to the area is via unsealed roads which vary from freshly graded, to smooth to rough, and also corrugated with patches of bulldust to add further interest to the journey. Most travellers come from the south via Camooweal, Mt Isa or Cloncurry.

Indarri Falls is one of the many sights to see in Boodjamulla National Park. Photo: Bob West

Access for caravanners

Caravanners, in particular, tend to take the road from Cloncurry to Gregory Downs as it is bitumen. Here many leave their vans at the very popular free camping area by the Gregory River and travel in each day. Others opt to drive the final 100km of dirt.

Campsites and booking requirements

National Parks have limited camping areas that must be booked well ahead and online which you can do so here. The main one is at Lawn Hill Gorge with 20 sites while another 6 are at Miyumba about 55km south on the Riversleigh road near the Riversleigh World Heritage site. The only other option, near at hand is at Adels Grove, a large privately run park 10 km from the Gorge.

We settled at Adels and drove in early each morning to the Park to do the walks and paddle before the heat of the day.

If you follow one of the tracks, you can reach the cascades Photo: Bob West

Kayaking in the area

We were really keen to put our kayaks in and head upstream through the Middle and Upper Gorges. You don’t have to bring your own, as canoes are freely available for hire at the launching area. The water is deep and clear, so much so that fish can be easily seen swimming beneath you.

Paddling through Middle Gorge. Photo: Bob West

Indarri Falls

As we paddled between the cliffs of Middle Gorge the changing light caused wonderful displays of colour across the water. Then the cliff line started to drop and we were confronted with a wall of vegetation across the creek and the sound of cascading water.

This is Indarri Falls, a 2-3m high wall formed from Tufa, a type of soft, limestone. We scrambled out onto the landing platforms on the left and slid our kayaks up the ramp. Then we paddled through the wider upper gorge until it narrowed. Then we were forced into a dead end where we were offered the advice about the small unnavigable rocky rapids beyond by another paddler.

We turned and meandered back delighting in the constantly varying scenery and the wildlife we saw. This really is an easy and memorable way to experience the gorges.

The landing platforms at Indarri Falls. Photo: Bob West

Tour boat options

If you prefer there is a tour boat that will take you as far as Indarri Falls. It has an electric motor and glides quietly along without disturbing the nearby wildlife.

What fitness level do you need for the walks?

The walks in this area are well signposted and cater to a wide range of abilities and fitness levels. The longer walks have little shade along the way, I’d recommend that you taken them on in the cool of the morning or late afternoon.

The walks around the area are suitable for lots of different fitness levels. Photo: Bob West

The Island Stack walk

We tackled Island Stack first, as it’s a couple of hours walk and involves a steep climb to access the table top circuit. At the northern corner of the Stack, a lookout provided views of the Lower Gorge. From here we could see a large fruit bat colony camped by the water. There were literally thousands of them hanging in the trees. We had extensive panoramic views of the Gorge as we walked around. This is what made this worth every bit of the effort needed to climb to the top.

At the base of the Island Stack, there are 2 easy walks. As they both are quite shady, we tackled these after the Island Stack. We followed the track along the southern edge of Island Stack until we arrived at the Cascades. There a variety of twisted tufa formations which you can see when the water bubbles through. Walking here gave us a good feel for life by the water in contrast to the dry openness of the Island Stack.

The Island Stack Walk will set you back a couple of hours. Photo: Bob West

Wild Dog Dreaming walking track

The Wild Dog Dreaming track is more exposed than the Cascades and follows the eastern side of the Island Stack. It leads to an area of ancient rock art and engravings which we viewed from platforms on the base of the cliffs.

We then cautiously followed the track alongside the creek past the fruit bat colony before returning to the day use area.

You may see colonies of fruit bats along the track. Photo: Bob West

Constance Range Walk

On the eastern side of the day use areas, a path leads off to the Constance Range Walk. We tackled this in the cool of early morning.  After an easy and steady climb, we crested the ridge and found ourselves with fantastic panoramic views across the adjoining plains. The contrast to the Gorges behind us had us sitting soaking in the views for a long time.

Then on the way back, we stopped to take more photos of the freshwater crocodile we had seen sunning itself on the water’s edge. On the western side, there are 2 walks that provide views of the ranges and into the Gorges below.

The Constance Range walk offers stunning scenery. Photo: Bob West

The Indarri Falls track

We followed the Indarri Falls track in a clockwise direction across the floor of a dry valley before we crossed a ridge down to the busy Falls area. The return was along the ridge back towards the carpark. A lookout provided a great spot to take in the whole Indarri Falls area. Along the ridge, there were places you could view Middle Gorge and see the heights of the cliffs.

Eventually, we made it to the Duwadarri Lookout above the camping area. We sat for a long time taking in the views, which extended to the north and the Constance Range. From here we took the very steep descent to the carpark.

The Upper Gorge walk also provides great views after leaving from the Indarri Falls track. Walked together or individually, these 2 walks provide not only great views but a nice counterbalance to paddling the Gorge.

The lookout spot along the Indarri Falls track. Photo: Bob West

Riversleigh D Site

After a very satisfying stay, we finally headed south to an area called Riversleigh D Site. This unassuming area is the only publicly accessible area to one of the largest fossil deposits known in the world. It is part of the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh/Naracoorte) World Heritage Area.

After a long time in the amazing information shelter, we headed out on the 800m walk. There are information boards along the track which provide details about the amazing fossils that you can see right at your feet. It really was a thought-provoking and enjoyable experience.

Boodjamulla National Park is remote but worth visiting if you love to explore. Photo: Bob West

Is this remote location worth travelling to?

It does take time and effort to get to this remote area. But, Boodjamulla National Park will reward you handsomely if you take a chance on it. Make this a destination for yourself on the way to the Gulf country or as part of the journey along the Savannah Way.

There are so many hidden gems to be discovered in remote Australia. What’s the best out of the way place you’ve found?

The post Exploring Boodjamulla Lawn Hill National Park appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The view from the lookout towards the mouth of the gorge is pretty incredible. Photo: Bob West

Where is Carnarvon Gorge?

Carnarvon Gorge is at the eastern end of the vast sandstone belt of rugged ranges, gorges and plateaus that form the Central Highlands or Rooftop of Queensland. Much of this incredible feature has been dedicated as sections of the Carnarvon National Park with the Carnarvon Gorge section the most well known and the most readily accessed. Drive into the “Gorge” from Roma to the south, or Rolleston to the north. While we were there, the authorities were completing the last short section of dirt road before the park. Within the park itself, much of the last few kilometres of road are dirt with a number of parking bays for short walks before you arrive at the large parking area and the Visitor Centre. This is the jump off point for the magical gorge.

The Visitor Centre

Take your time at the Visitor Centre as there is a lot of information on display that relates to the life and form of the park. As an adjunct to this, I would suggest you take advantage of the Park Presentation at the Discovery Centre just before you enter the park. This multimedia presentation is highly professional and gives you a great feel for the natural and cultural history of the Gorge. This is given daily for a gold coin donation. They also run day and night tours in the park for those who wish to avail themselves of the knowledge and passion for the area these folk have.

The serene crossing at the upper gorge. Photo: Bob West

The Art Gallery

Every side gorge or walk presents you with a unique experience that often takes your breath away. The lower gorge has most of these, so often walkers only go as far as the Art Gallery and then work their way back. Time spent at the Art Gallery and in the Upper Gorge at Cathedral Cave is an inspiring and uplifting experience. There is an amazing number of engravings and stencils at these places that invoke a sense of wonder and awe at the importance of this spiritual place to the Aboriginal people of this area.

Wards Canyon

Wards Canyon was a totally unexpected experience. A short, steep track leads above and beyond a waterfall and transports you to another time and place. Giant king ferns grow in this little side gorge. They are remnants of another age, and other than this little oasis they’re only found much further north in the tropical rainforests. With water tinkling through the little creek, you feel as though you are in a secret little garden all of your own.

A visit to Cathedral Cave is an inspiring experience. Photo: Bob West

The Amphitheatre

When you first get to the sandstone walls of the “Gorge” at the Amphitheatre, man’s impact on the area is far from subtle. A steel ladder extends upwards to a split in the wall. This ladder is actually cleverly designed to allow floodwaters to flow unimpeded from the area hidden behind and above the Amphitheatre. After following a short path and steps through the cleft you are suddenly at the bottom of a gaping hole, with the sky seemingly a million miles away. This is a great place to just sit and contemplate while taking in the colours of the walls and the beauty of the moment.

The Moss Garden

The Moss Garden, besides being a beautiful haven, is also a mind-boggling insight into the workings of Nature. Water has been seeping down through the sandstone rock before hitting an impermeable layer shale and getting forced sideways for thousands of years. The water flows down the wall at the bottom of the “Gorge” and creates the perfect environment for mosses, ferns and liverworts to drape the rock in greenery. A cool and delightful twist to the overall experience.

The cool, damp moss garden is absolutely bursting with life. Photo: Bob West

The Main Walking Track

The main walking track crosses the creek many times on large boulders – strategically placed, well constructed and maintained in the Lower Gorge until the Art Gallery. After this, the path is marked but not maintained so finding the crossing stones can be a challenge. This section leads to Cathedral Cave and then Big Bend Camping Area. This was a great little spot where we lunched before launching our journey into all the side trips mentioned as we worked our way back.

Finding the crossing stones can be a challenge, but it’s well worth it! Photo: Bob West

Climbing to the top of Boolimba Bluff

There are two ways to get a 3D picture of this great place. Helicopter flights are available, although, with respect for the Aboriginal custodians, there are no direct flights over the actual gorge. The other and more physical way is to climb to the top of Boolimba Bluff. The real enthusiast would do this climb of  900 steps in the dark to watch the sunrise over the plains and the “Gorge”.  We opted to go a little later and were able to enjoy time at the top by ourselves soaking in the panorama before the hordes arrived.

The Rock Pool

We finished our visit by exploring the outside short walks on the access road into the Visitor Information Centre. The Rock Pool is the only place where swimming is allowed. The day we visited didn’t encourage this but we were enthralled to spot a platypus swimming and to see numerous turtles sun-baking on the rocky shores.

The Rock Pool is the only place to swim – so bring your togs along! 

Baloon Cave

Baloon Cave is a further connection with Aboriginal culture, with more stencils on display. This was the entry point for Aboriginal people to the “Gorge”. Finally, the Mickey Gorge Creek track meanders through pleasant scrub on a well-made path for 1.5km. It does go beyond for the more adventurous on an off-track adventure, which can include swimming across the pools!

The captivating view of Carnarvon Creek. Photo: Bob West 

The Carnarvon Great Walk

For the really adventurous, experienced and fully self-contained there is also the Carnarvon Great Walk. This is an 87km journey through the wilderness taking 6 or 7 days.

Accommodation at Carnarvon Lodge

There is a number of options accommodation wise in the area. The Parks offer limited camping near the Visitor Information Centre but that is only available in school holidays and Easter.

Cabin and Lodge Accommodation

The Carnarvon Gorge Wilderness Lodge offers cabin accommodation while Takarakka Bush Resort offers a variety from swagging it to cabins.

Our set up at Sandstone Park. Photo: Bob West. 

Camping at Sandstone Park

The option we took and thoroughly enjoyed is the newly opened Sandstone Park, a five minute drive from Carnarvon Gorge. This is for the self-contained camper, be it with swag, tent or camper trailer or caravan. There isn’t power or water available, but there is a number of portaloos on site. The sites are huge, with awesome 360° views of the area.

Would I go back to Carnarvon Gorge?

In the visitor book at the National Park Centre, one couple were back for their 21^st visit! I think this pretty much sums it up for us… we will be going back! So, get your camping gear together and experience the natural wonder of Carnarvon Gorge for yourself!

Have you experienced the wonders at Carnarvon Gorge? What’s your favourite place to visit in Queensland? 

The post The Natural Wonders of Carnarvon Gorge appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Here are my three picks ranging from intermediate to difficult, of the best trails to hike in the Hold Coast Hinterland area.

Hiking in the Gold Coast Hinterland allows you to view spectacular scenes such as this. Image: Sabrina Blaas. 

1. Pages Pinnacle

Duration: 2-3 hours return

Getting there: From the Gold Coast, follow Nerang Murwillumbah road and turn left onto the Gold Coast Springbrook Road. Approximately 2-3 kilometres after the turn-off, there will be a car park which is next to the Scouts Numinbah Camp Site.

The hike: From the carpark, walk around the gate on the right and follow the fire trail. When you come to the first junction turn right. Then turn right again at the next junction, then left. You should be walking uphill for quite some time. When you see the pinnacle on your left, look for a small cairn near a large gum tree. This is where you turn left to follow the track up to the ridge all the way to the pinnacle.

Intensity of hike: Intermediate

Notes: The view at the top of the Pages Pinnacle overlooks Hinze Dam, and is by far one of the most beautiful lookouts on the Gold Coast.

The top of the Pages Pinnacle overlooks the Hinze Dam. Image: Sabrina Blaas. 

2. Mt. Cougal

Duration: 4-5 hours

Getting there: From the Gold Coast, drive along Currumbin Creek Road. Turn left into Tomewin Mountain Road. Turn right into Garden of Eden Road and follow this road along for 4 kilometres. Park at the gate.

The hike: Walk around the locked gate and follow the fence line. The path may be overgrown so it’s best to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and hiking boots. You will need to walk through some sugarcane and after walking further uphill, you will find yourself in the rainforest. After continuing to walk uphill, the path will veer right. It will be another 5 minutes of walking until you reach the first summit (East Cougal). Then, follow the path to walk over to the second summit (West Cougal).

Intensity of hike: Intermediate/ Difficult

Notes: At the top of East Cougal you will look over to West Cougal. This is a good opportunity to take photos. West Cougal has a small opening at the top of the peak where you can see the Gold Coast skyscrapers and ocean.

Check out that spectacular view of Mt Cougal! Image: Sabrina Blaas. 

3. Mt. Ernest

Duration: 7-8 hours

Getting there: From the Gold Coast, head towards Beaudesert. Continue towards Rathdowney and turn off onto Upper Logan Road. Follow this road until you get to Yellowpinch carpark.

The hike: From Yellowpinch carpark, walk along the fire trail. Go through the hiker’s gate and continue to follow the fire trail until you reach campsite 9. From here, cross the river and walk in an eastern direction (downstream) for about a kilometre. From here, you will then head uphill towards Mt. Ernest. This will mainly involve bushbashing but aim to get to the eastern side of Mt. Ernest as this is the easiest way up. Once you reach the top, follow the ridge along until you reach the top of Mt. Ernest. The walk along the ridge may take a couple hours as it’s at least 3-4 km in distance. You will know when you reach the top as there is a cairn there. The viewpoint overlooking Mt. Barney is breathtaking.

Intensity of hike: Difficult

Notes: There isn’t a path up to the top which means you will need to create your own track. However, once you reach the ridge, there is a path which’ll help you get to the peak of Mt. Ernest. It’s best to bring a map, compass and other safety gear, such as a first aid kit. You will need to wear long pants and a long- sleeved shirt. Also be careful not to go onto private property!

After a bit of bushbashing, you get to see this view of Mt Barney from Mt Ernest. Image: Sabrina Blaas. 

So, there you have it! Three amazing places for hikers to visit in the Gold Coast Hinterland area.

Have you explored the Gold Coast Hinterland area? Got any hikes under your belt that you think should have made the cut? 

The post Top 3 Hikes in the Gold Coast Hinterland appeared first on Snowys Blog.

An island that, other than a couple of small townships and a resort, has virtually no infrastructure or sealed roads. A place where long stretches of pristine beaches are often completely deserted.

An island where even if you don’t own a 4WD vehicle, there is sand tobogganing, wreck snorkelling and even a resort offering day use facilities. This includes a bar and dining, and activities like dolphin feeding, kayaking and much more.

All this, conveniently located a short walk from the ferry drop-off point. And, an island with walking and hiking options anywhere from an hour to several days long.

If only there was such a place…

Mulgumpin / Moreton Island is such a place. Visible from virtually anywhere in Brisbane that offers an ocean vantage point, you would assume it to be overrun with Brisbanites and interstate and overseas visitors.

However, with locals and visitors being spoiled for choice with Minjerribah /  Stradbroke Island also nearby and the city being sandwiched between the magnificent beaches, hinterlands and non-stop action of the very popular Sunshine and Gold Coasts, it would seem that Mulgumpin / Moreton Island has been forgotten.

The wrecks near where the MICAT drops off its passengers. This picture was actually taken on the ferry.

Getting there

On boarding the ferry at the Port of Brisbane, it’s evident that Mulgumpin / Moreton Island is a popular 4WD destination. Scores of 4WDs queue up for the 90-minute ferry trip to the pristine beaches that await.

Leaving the Port of Brisbane and with the CBD slowly disappearing behind you, it’s not long before Tangalooma Island Resort on Mulgumpin / Moreton Island becomes visible.

As the ferry glides to a stop on the sand north of the resort, passengers get a bird’s eye view of the wrecks submerged back in 1963, only a short swim from the beach, providing perfect conditions for snorkelling.

Accommodation options

Walking down the beach, you’ll arrive at the Tangalooma Resort offering many accommodation options. There are day-use facilities and a multitude of activities catering for all ages including the very young, the young at heart, and those just wanting to relax in comfort.

Walk further down the beach and a short distance inland and you’re led to ‘The Desert’ – an array of huge sand dunes, tailor-made for sand boarding or sand tobogganing, with one reaching speeds up to 80 km/hr! It’s nature’s own amusement ride, just bring your own board.

Thrill seeker at heart? Got to have a bit of fun at The Desert. 

The history of Moreton Island

Mulgumpin / Moreton Island also presents a fascinating history, starting with the aboriginal history of Quandamooka people – comprised of three distinct tribes, the Nanukul, the Goenpul and the Ngugi peoples – through to the first lighthouse built in 1857, used as a defence base in the world wars.

There’s also the site of Queensland’s only whaling station from 1952 to 1962, the remains of which is now resort facilities. Ironically, large numbers of humpback whales can now be seen from the island as they migrate on their way past.

Mulgumpin / Moreton Island’s pristine and largely undisturbed environments also mean it plays an important role for the fauna and flora that inhabit the island, including nesting turtles and migrating birds.

The Soldier Crab can be found on the island and are one of the only crabs that can walk forwards, “Get in line soldiers!”

Exploring the Island

Exploring Mulgumpin / Moreton Island, especially the southern part of the island, on foot is the ideal way to see the beauty offered by what is the world’s third largest sand island.

Disembarking the ferry, we walked past the front of the resort. We headed south along the beach on the western or bay side of the island.

Despite the headwind, the low tide enables easy walking on the hard sand. This provides endless opportunities to explore the tidal flats and the creatures that inhabit them. This includes the armies of soldier crabs and numerous starfish.

Eventually, we reach an area known as the Big Sandhills, where we cross the island interior to the eastern shoreline. The calm water lapping the western beach is now replaced with loud beach surf whipped up by the high winds.

Hikers walking past the wrecks soon after disembarking the ferry.

Rous Battery Campsite

A short walk north along the beach, whilst keeping an eye out for passing humpbacks, brought us to the Rous Battery campsite. During the course of the day, we were passed on occasion by 4WDs. But they were few in number with the majority preferring the northern end of the island.

The campsite is tucked behind the sand dunes providing shelter from any wind. But it’s close enough to hear the crashing waves which will lull you off to sleep.

Tucked behind the dunes on the east coast of the island is the Rous Battery camp area. The crashing waves will lull you to sleep.

The following morning under clear skies, we enter the sand dunes immediately behind the campsite. Here we found the remains of several concrete bunkers which are well worth exploring and also offer excellent views. They were used by the military during World War II to protect the approaches to the Port of Brisbane.

The 10 km return track back through the wild interior of Mulgumpin / Moreton Island eventually meets the western beach south of Tangalooma Resort. Prior to reaching the beach, the track traverses the aforementioned The Desert. A spot of sand tobogganing down the steep sand dunes here is a great way to cap off the hike.

The mighty east coast of Mulgumpin / Moreton Island.

Returning to the resort

Returning to the resort, we reward our previous 2 days efforts with cold drinks and hot food, whilst awaiting the arrival of the afternoon ferry.

Beautiful beaches and scenery, the choice of tranquillity or an action-packed day, and fascinating history – these are all reasons for you to visit Mulgumpin / Moreton Island. You’ll wonder why you left it so long to make the trip over!

How to get to Moreton Island

The most popular way to get to Mulgumpin / Moreton Island from Brisbane is to catch the MICAT Ferry. It departs from Port of Brisbane and takes roughly 90 minutes to reach Tangalooma on Mulgumpin / Moreton Island. It doesn’t operate seven days a week so be sure to check out the timetable well ahead of time and operates up to 3 services a day in each direction in peak season. The price starts at $28.50 per person (walk on) at the time of writing.

If you’re heading for Kooringal on the southern tip of the island there’s a barge that departs from Victoria Point, south of Brisbane. It runs at most once a day and takes 2 hours, but if you’re wanting to explore the southern part of the island it’s an option. It costs $40 per person (walk on) at the time of writing.

Camping Options

As you can imagine on an island the size of Mulgumpin / Moreton Island, there are a plethora of camping options. These spots are broken up into zones. Sections of beach where you’re free to camp using your common sense – and camping areas which are dedicated camping spots.

Here’s a rough map of the camping options on Moreton Island thanks to the Queensland Government.

Camping areas on Moreton Island include:

• Comboyuro Point
• North Point
• Blue Lagoon
• Rous Battery
• The Wrecks
• Ben-Ewa

Camping zones on Moreton Island include:

• North-West
• Yellow Patch
• North-East
• South-East
• South-West

Other Walks & Hikes

The two most popular dedicated hiking tracks on Mulgumpin / Moreton Island are the Telegraph Walking Track and the Rous Battery Track. That said, Mulgumpin / Moreton Island is very much a plan-your-own-adventure sort of place.

You can stitch together your own route an itinerary to take in all the best views and places. Be mindful, though, that there’s not a lot of infrastructure so you need to be well-prepared.

Supplies

There is a store at the Tangalooma Resort that stocks basic grocery lines. Also at the resort, you’ll find a range of restaurants, bars, and cafes.

Toward the northern tip of the island, in Bulwer, you’ll find the Castaways Store & Cafe. Down south, in Kooringal, there’s The Gutter Bar which does food as well as a small range of groceries, and ice.

Have you visited Moreton Island? Tell us your favourite place to camp.

The post Moreton Island – Brisbane’s Most Underrated Hiking Destination? appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Where is K’Gari / Fraser Island?

Fraser Island is located approximately four hours north of Brisbane. The closest township to the barge which takes you over to Fraser Island is Hervey Bay. The barge departs River Heads and free parking is also available if you want to leave your car on the mainland – advisable if you’re going over to hike.

The gang from QUT Hikers enjoying some beautiful hiking weather.

Travelling from Brisbane

There are a few ways you can travel from Brisbane to Hervey Bay and Fraser Island. Driving is the most common way, but there are also the options of flying or catching a bus.

By Car

If travelling from Brisbane, I suggest you leave the night before and camp at Petrie Rest Area which is one of the most beautiful rest areas I have come across. It is located about 2km away from the highway and is right next to Mary River. This rest area (which is free) is located on Van Doorn Road, Tiaro, and is approximately one hour’s drive from River Heads.

By Plane

Don’t want to drive? Qantas operate around four flights a day between Brisbane and Hervey Bay. From the Hervey Bay Airport, you can then get a taxi, hire a limo with Hervey Bay Limousines for a reasonable price (yep, it’s a serious and affordable option), or make other arrangements to get to River Heads to catch the barge.

By Coach

It’s a long coach ride, almost 7 hours, from Brisbane to Hervey Bay, but if you don’t want to drive or you’re on a budget, it may be your best option. There is one Greyhound coach service per day. Once you have reached Hervey Bay you’ll need to make arrangements to get to River Heads to catch the barge (see under By Plane).

Catching the Barge

It’s recommended you catch the first barge of the day across to Wanggoolba Creek. This will allow you to start the hike early. See Fraser Venture Barge’s website for up-to-date prices and timetable. It takes approximately 30 minutes to get to the island.

The Fraser Venture Barge. There is also a ferry that travels to Fraser Island: the Kingfisher Bay Ferry, which’ll deposit you at the Kingfisher Bay Resort. 

Wanggoolba Creek to Central Station via Lake McKenzie

Distance:  ~16km one way, allow two days if walked as a return trip

One of my favourite hikes on K’Gari is from Wanggoolba Creek to Central Station via Lake McKenzie. From Wanggoolba Creek to Central Station, it is approximately 13km, and an extra 6km return if you decide to go to Lake McKenzie.

The green line on the map indicates the route taken from Wanggoolba Creek to Central Station. The yellow line shows the short side track to Lake McKenzie (Boorangoora). Image credit: Queensland Government.

To begin, you will walk along the gravel road which is relatively flat and offers you views of the mangroves on either side of the road. After about 3kms you will turn left onto the hiker’s track.  Over the next 4km, there’s a few inclines and hills. Keep an eye out for dingoes – we saw dingo footprints on the track on this part of the hike.

Lake McKenzie

Then, after a total of 7km of hiking, you will get to a junction where you can either go left to Lake McKenzie (which was one of the highlights of the hike for me) or turn right toward Central Station. We hid our packs at the junction and walked to Lake McKenzie for a swim in the freshwater lake and had lunch at the designated lunch area (which is fenced).

Look at that sand. Isn’t it beautiful? It looks more like an idyllic tropical beach than a freshwater lake in the middle of an island, doesn’t it? This is Lake McKenzie.

From Lake McKenzie, we walked all the way to Central Station stopping back at the junction to pick up our packs, and also stopped at Basin Lake. Basin Lake is only 200m from the track and is a good spot to rest. The track itself is well-maintained (clean and clearly marked) and you will walk through different types of vegetation.

Central Station Hikers Camp

Arriving at Central Station, you will see signs leading to the hikers camp. All camping spots are surrounded by a fence to stop dingoes from getting in. The campsite itself is clean and has fresh, drinkable water. There are toilets and coin operated ($1 coins) showers for hot water. It has picnic tables to prepare your dinner and overall has a really relaxing vibe.

In the morning, you will be woken up by the sound of kookaburras and other birds which is always a nice touch on a hike. Camping permits cost $6.15 a night per person at the time of writing (October 2016) and can be purchased online.

Our basic but neat campsite at Central Station. For $6.15 per night, it’s good value.

On our recent hike, we returned to Wanggoolba Creek the way we came the next day. However, if you have more time to spare, you can continue on to Lake Boomanjin, with its dark, tannin-stained water, south-east of Central Station. Alternatively head north along the Great Walk towards Happy Valley.

The Great Walk, if done in its entirety, is 90km long and takes 6-8 days to complete. It’s on my bucket list, so I hope to write about it at length in the future.

A simple, overnight hiking set-up is ample for a couple of days on K’Gari / Fraser Island.

What to bring?

For a two day hike, you will need to bring a typical overnight kit of gear. A lightweight hiking tent and sleeping gear, cooking equipment and food, and water of course. Be sure to pack your swimming togs and sunscreen as well as bug repellant, your camping permits, and a few $1 coins if you want to glamp it and have a shower at Central Station.

Overnight hikes are great as they mean relatively light backpacks and plenty of room for delicious food and drinks.

If you want to check out more hiking destinations in Queensland, then check out our top 5 for Brisbane here. What’s your favourite day hike on K’Gari / Fraser Island? Let us know in the comments.

The post A Taste of Hiking on K’Gari / Fraser Island appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Here’s my pick of the 5 best short/day hikes near Brissy:

1. Mount Beerwah (1 Hour North of Brisbane)

Distance from Brisbane: 77km

Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult

Suits: Folks with good fitness and some rock climbing experience.

The beautiful ruggedness of Mt Beerwah, standing tall above the Glass House Mountains. Image credit: Jeff Crisdale

Mt Beerwah is one of the many rugged peaks that form the Glass House Mountains. It is also the highest peak in the group, at 555 metres. Beerwah is considered a spiritual place for indigenous Australians, and there are many ceremonial sites still protected today.

This climb was closed for a number of years before reopening early in 2016. It is not for beginners and rock climbing experience is an advantage as it is a ‘climb’ for the majority of its length. Depending on your climbing skills and speed, the hike takes approximately two hours return.

At the top, there is a 360-degree view of the Sunshine Coast, including the surrounding peaks.

2. Mount Warning (2 Hours South of Brisbane)

Distance from Brisbane: 145km

Difficulty: Moderate

Suits: Someone with good fitness, and a bit of hiking experience behind them. The muggy rainforest and never-ending switchbacks could break some newbies.

Mt Warning is actually located in Northern New South Wales, but it’s still a manageable distance from the big smoke. One of the best times to do the hike, if you don’t mind sharing the summit with a few others, is early morning to watch the sunrise. It’s spectacular on a clear morning.

The hike takes approximately 4-6 hours return and has a lot of switchbacks making it a gradual climb to the top. The last 200 metres of the climb is intense – there is actually a chain to help you up this section. At the top, you’ll enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding forest, and out over the Pacific Ocean. The walk takes you through the lush rainforest which is brimming with birdsong and provides good shade most of the way.

3. Mount Barney (2 Hours South of Brisbane)

Distance from Brisbane: 127km

Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult

Suits: If you’re fit, well-prepared, and up for a challenge, this one’s for you.

Not a walk in the park, that’s for sure. But if you’re wanting a track near Brisbane to challenge you – perhaps you’re preparing for a trip to New Zealand or Kokoda? – then it’s a must. Image credit: Tamyka Bell

The hike up to Mt Barney really is one of my favourites. But it’s long and can be quite challenging. There are a couple tracks to choose from to get to the top. If you’re after a loop, I recommended you start at the South East Ridge and return via the Peasants Ridge track.

Allow yourself a full day to do this hike. Someone in great nick might be able to knock it out in 5-6 hours.

This mountain is the fifth highest in Queensland, standing at 1359 metres. At the top, you’ll get a 360-degree views of the Scenic Rim region.

4. Mount Coot-tha (in Brisbane)

Distance from Brisbane: 8.5km

Difficulty: Easy

Suits: Suitable for people of most fitness levels – a great place to start your hiking career

An easy, 8.5km from Brisbane. Views like this. Why wouldn’t you hike up to Mt Coot-tha? Image credit: Tatters

When time is of the essence, Mt Coot-tha (sometimes called Mt Cootha or Brisbane Lookout) is the best and nearest hike to Brisbane.

There are a number of tracks up to the lookout, so why not try a new one each visit? Understand that Coot-tha is a popular spot with tourists, it’s also a popular place to enjoy the city lights at night.

My favourite route is the Slaughter Falls Track which takes about 1.5 hours return.

5. Morton Island – Desert Track (1-2 Hours East of Brisbane)

Distance from Brisbane: 85km

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Suits: Suitable for someone who’s done a little hiking and has reasonable fitness

The Desert Track is on Morton Island, which surprisingly isn’t that far from Brisbane. Though, it is a ferry trip away! The track starts in Tangalooma and over a couple of hours takes you along the beach, through thick island vegetation, and ends up at a massive sand dune. Take plenty of water.

Morton Island is the largest sand island in the world and is listed in Category II of the World Conservation Union (IUCN) – this means pristine waters, lots of wildlife, and preservation of the natural habitat. The passenger ferry is approximately $50 return, but it is well worth the trip!

Disclaimer: This article is written for people that have some bushwalking and hiking experience. It’s recommended that you research each track further, to ensure it meets your fitness and skill levels. These tracks should only be undertaken if you’re carrying ample gear, safety equipment, and plenty of water and food.

Have you done a bit of hiking around Brisbane? Got any hikes that you think should be on this list? Tell us in the comments below.

The post Top 5 Hikes Near Brisbane appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Key Points Along The Track

The distance shown is from Broken Hill.

0km – Broken Hill

This is a city worth spending a few days in. The sculpture park and numerous art galleries, including those of Pro Hart and Jack Absolom are scattered around the town. The architecture around the main street has been well-maintained with many explanatory signs to ensure a good understanding of the significance of these sites. The Miners Memorial on the top of the town slag heap is a must, not only a poignant reminder of the many who have died in pursuit of the magic ore, but provides a great view over the city.

Just 25km away is the town of Silverton. Spend some time wandering around this old mining area and perhaps have a cooling beverage at the Silverton pub. Just a few kilometres further on is the escarpment overlooking the Mundi Mundi Plains, well worth a look.

The famous Silverton Hotel in outback New South Wales. Mad Max, anyone?

291km – Milparinka

A small gold mining town from the 1800’s, Milparinka has some well-preserved old buildings, thanks to dedicated volunteers. The Albert Hotel, dating from the 1880s, was closed for some time but has been re-opened and is a good spot for some refreshment, as well as a chance to have a look at a very historic building.

For those interested in history, about 18km away is Depot Glen, the site where Sturt and his team were stranded for some time in their quest to find the inland sea. A small cemetery is nearby, site of Poole’s grave, one of Sturt’s men. Also, on top of a hill nearby is Sturt’s Cairn, built by his men to keep them occupied in the time spent there. The track to Depot Glen is signposted at Milparinka.

331km – Tibooburra

Another town set up to support gold mining, it is well known for its historic pubs and the art work on the wall of the Family Hotel, done by Clifton Pugh and others. On the edge of town is a memorial to Charles Sturt and a mining reserve where you can walk around and gain a better understanding of the hardships experienced by miners in the late 1800s.

376km – Fort Grey, Sturt National Park

A good campground with toilets and barbecues, this is also the site of a fort built by Sturt on his trek north.

470km – Cameron Corner

Visit 3 states in 5 seconds as you run around the Cameron Corner marker, have a drink at the Corner Store and even play golf! If you have the need you could visit the “flip-dry” or “drip-dry”. You will understand when you get there!

578km – Merty Merty

Merty Merty is a station homestead but also marks the intersection of the Old Strzelecki Track. This narrow, sandy and winding track follows the Strzelecki Creek and is only recommended for well-prepared 4WD vehicles. It can be boggy in places and treacherous after rain. If you are up for it, it is a very interesting track that passes numerous oil and gas wells. Be aware that mining vehicles travel this route so be especially careful on blind corners. This section of track once again intersects with the new Strzelecki Track after 67km.

588km – Strzelecki Track intersection

At this point head north on the Strzelecki Track.

This is the sort of place you have to put up with when camping in Corner Country. The serenity… 

638km – Moomba Lookout

Moomba is a closed town and only accessible by workers. There is a lookout nearby with a detailed sign explaining the purpose of Moomba and describing the infrastructure you can see.

678km – Old Strzelecki Track

At this point the Old Strzelecki Track intersects once again and continues north to Innamincka. It is important to note that travel on this northern section of the Old Strzelecki Track requires a Desert Parks Permit (see details later).

744km – Innamincka

Check out the “Strzelecki Track Part 2” blog for details.

Accommodation

There are numerous places to bush camp along the way but for those wanting a more structured option, try these:

Broken Hill

Being a major city, all forms of accommodation are available.

Milparinka

There are camping opportunities along the creek that runs through Milparinka, or stay at the historic hotel. Camping is also allowed at Depot Glen.

Tibooburra

A good caravan park with powered and unpowered sites as well as some cabins is a good option. There are several hotels and a motel as well.

Fort Grey

A campground with toilets and barbecues situated in Sturt National Park. This is a large area and bookings are not required. Fees, payable at entry, were $6/person at time of writing.

Cameron Corner

Camping sites, both powered and unpowered are available, together with some air-conditioned rooms with shared facilities.

Innamincka

For most people, coming to Innamincka is about camping along the Cooper and there are many great sites to make this possible. Other than in the Town Common, a Desert Parks Pass is required to camp anywhere in the Innamincka Regional Reserve. Camp areas are well-defined and listed in the material provided with the Pass. Only camp in these defined areas as this country is very fragile and the Park Rangers do their best to protect this environment by enforcing the “camp in designated areas” rule. Permits are available from here or from the Trading Post and visitor information centre in Innamincka.

If camping is not your thing, the Trading Post and hotel have some cabins and there is a motel in town. You should book ahead, especially in the cooler months, if you want this type of accommodation.

It wouldn’t be a four wheel driving adventure in the Australian bush without one river crossing! 

Where To From Here

There are many options for travel once having reached Innamincka. Read the “Strzelecki Track – Part 3” blog for all the details and notes on preparation and safely travelling in the outback.

Services

Fuel: U = Unleaded, D = Diesel, L = LPG

Accommodation: P = Caravan Park,  H = Hotel/Motel, C = Cabin     

Maps

Hema’s Great Desert Tracks Eastern Sheet (Snowys stock this map, give them a call if you would like to buy a copy!)

Is Corner Country on your list of outback adventures to do?

The post Cameron Corner Caper – Part 2 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

The previous articles were:

• Crossing the Simpson Desert (Parts 1, 2, 3)
• Travelling the Oodnadatta Track and Old Ghan Railway (Parts 1, 2, 3).
• The Birdsville Track (Parts 1 & 2)
• The Strzelecki Track (Parts 1, 2, 3)
• Goog’s Track (Parts 1 & 2)

Accessing the area

This area is readily accessible from many different directions. It probably involves at least 1 – 2 days of travel to arrive in the general area. From New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia the most common starting point is Broken Hill, which will be the starting point for this article.

An area steeped in history, synonymous with the names Burke, Wills and Sturt and with the Cooper Creek flowing through the area. There is much to see and some brilliant camping opportunities.

The roads and vehicle suitability

The route taken in this article traverses well-maintained gravel roads suitable for most vehicles. It is certainly accessible to camper trailers and caravans designed for gravel road travel. Just keep in mind that corrugations may be just around the corner. However, for those wanting a more “hard-core” experience, there are many alternative tracks that are definitely 4WD only. These will be mentioned in the article, but not in detail.

As with all dirt roads, rain can be a problem with major downpours. This can potentially put a trip on hold for several days. Once reaching Broken Hill, allow at least a week to get a good feel for the area.

Camping spots

Although the distances aren’t vast there are plenty of great camping spots especially along the Cooper, where several days relaxing or fishing could well beckon. Reading this article together with the Strzelecki Track Parts 2 and 3 will provide a comprehensive coverage of the area.

To keep the rabbits out…

A Little History

The area around Broken Hill was home to the Wiljakali Aboriginal people before being visited by the New South Wales Surveyor-General, Sir Thomas Mitchell in 1841. Soon after explorer Charles Sturt came through the area on the ill-fated expedition to find a great inland sea.

As was often the case, pastoralists soon followed the explorers and took over vast tracts of land for grazing. It was then the miners turn to take riches from the land with Charles Rasp establishing in 1883 what would become one of the world’s biggest mining companies, Broken Hill Propriety, commonly known as BHP.

For the local indigenous peoples, the impact of pastoralism and mining led to the degradation of their way of life. Broken Hill is now a thriving city despite the great reduction in mining activity. It relies on tourism, a vibrant arts scene and as a major service centre for surrounding areas.

Further north the traveller passes through the Milparinka and Tibooburra area, traditional home to the Maliangaapa, Wadigali and Wangkumara peoples. Heavily affected by pastoralism and government policies of the early 1900’s requiring forced removal of aboriginal people to other “more desirable” areas, the populations soon diminished.

Some gained employment on pastoral properties and contributed to the legendary status of many aboriginal stockmen. Near Milparinka is Depot Glen, the spot where Charles Sturt and his team were marooned for many months on their quest to find the inland sea.

This is what camping in the Australian outback is all about. Nights around the campfire sipping something tasty.

Visiting ‘the corner’

A Corner Country trip could not be complete without actually visiting “the corner”. This is the point where the borders of Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales meet. It was surveyed by John Brewer Cameron who placed a post to mark the spot in 1880. That post is now a far more substantial concrete structure and nearby stands the Corner Store, established in 1990.

From this point it is on to the Cooper Creek area in South Australia, covered by the Innamincka Regional Reserve. The history of this area is well documented in a previous blog, Strzelecki Track Part 1 – A History Lesson, where the adventures and misadventures of Charles Sturt, Burke and Wills and Captain Starlight play a central role in the European history of the area.

Travelling the Corner Country

Broken Hill is a large city with all services, so a great place to stock up for the trip. Tibooburra will provide fuel and has a small supermarket where some fresh food is available. Fuel is available at Cameron Corner and the Corner Store has a range of grocery products – just pop in and ask. The next supply point is Innamincka where fuel and a small range of non-perishable food is available from the Trading Post.

From here the next supply point depends on where you are heading. Further north is Birdsville, 410km away, while a trip south along the Strzelecki Track will see you at Lyndhurst, a 470km trip.

Now read Part 2 – Barry goes into detail about travel distances, sights, services, and accommodation in the region.

The post Cameron Corner Caper – Part 1 appeared first on Snowys Blog.

Without a doubt, one of the best parts of driving holidays is meeting good Aussie characters along the way. The area that best typifies this from my travels is the stretch of road between Townsville and Mt Isa in Far North Queensland. I spent about six months straight in this region as a 20-year-old, working for a geophysics company searching for gold and copper.

1. Townsville

Burdekin River in the dry season

I remember the first time I flew into Townsville – I was blown away at how big it was. I had thought it would be a town of only 10,000 people or so, but in reality, it is a bustling metropolis of 185,000 people! There are great hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts along The Strand, a long stretch of road running along the foreshore. The foreshore precinct is very clean and tidy, as are the beaches, but be careful when swimming as there are plenty of stinging jellyfish that inhabit the waters.

The nightlife is pretty wild due to the high student and tourist population, and there are plenty of pubs to quench your thirst. But for me, the real adventure starts when you make your way out of town along the Flinders Highway.

About 115km out of Townsville you will cross the Burdekin River – an amazing site in full flood.

2. Charters Towers

Shortly after crossing the Burdekin, you reach Charters Towers. It really starts to feel like station country now as the main street is dominated by dusty red ‘Cruiser traybacks and hats. Big hats. There is probably not much to explore around the town, but it’s a pleasant place and there are several nice pubs like The Enterprise, situated at the intersection of Gill Street and the train line. Of course, the advantage of being in station country is the steak, glorious steak!

Doyathinktheysauras…?

3. Hughenden

Next stop after Charters Towers is Hughenden. Situated approximately 385km from Townsville, Hughenden is probably a good spot to stop for the night. It’s an interesting town with a nice main street and an interesting history dating back to the time of famous cattleman, Ernest Henry, who is generally considered to have opened up the district after taking the first pastoral lease in the area. Take the time to walk up the main street and check out the dinosaur fossils. Apparently, the most famous was the ‘Doyathinktheysauras’!

Also located on the main street, and something I can personally recommend is FJ Holden’s Cafe. They do a mean burger and have some great 1950s memorabilia.

4. Richmond

Just down the road, and next stop on the tour is Richmond. It’s just 115km away, and now you will start to notice the terrain flatten out a bit and become less scrubby. If you’re feeling sad about leaving behind the dinosaurs at Hughenden, you needn’t worry as Richmond has a statue of its own!

He didn’t eat enough at lunch

Richmond is a great town with some real characters. Spend an afternoon or evening at the Federal Hotel, with its wide sweeping veranda and huge front bar, and meet the locals. Or perhaps wander down to the Mud Hut – another pub oozing character. Both have accommodation and meals, and at genuine 1970s prices too!

If you’re interested in fossicking, there are some areas north of town on the Richmond to Woolgar Road that locals talk about as being prospective.

The sign on the road from Richmond to Woolgar… Confusing, much?

But if you’re heading out that way, make sure you take a GPS or map as this is the sign you are confronted with on your way out of town (pictured left).

The photo looks a bit strange because it’s taken at night, but you can see that there are plenty of places to get lost out there. At the time this photo was taken, I was part of a four-man geophysics team headed to Woolgar Goldmine. I don’t know why we were travelling through the night, but I remember being glad to arrive at the camp.

5. Cloncurry

When you’ve finished exploring Richmond, hit the road for Julia Creek and Cloncurry.

This is an example of the type of country you can find if you want to go exploring the back roads of the region.

Cloncurry is approximately 285km from Richmond with Julia Creek roughly half way in between, however, it’s mainly just an old staging post and today there are only a few shops and a stock and station agent. Cloncurry however, is a different kettle of fish with a nightlife you wouldn’t believe…

The town was founded in 1876 after the discovery of Copper by Ernest Henry and was laid out by the same surveyor who had laid down the plans for Hughenden. The discovery of copper caused a rush of people to the area. Henry described this in a letter to his mother: “When I first made the discovery of copper in this district there was not a white man within a hundred miles and great tracts of country lay in every direction, unpopulated save by a few tribes of savages. At the present moment, it would be difficult to find a patch of available land that has not been secured by squatters.” The exploration work carried out by these early pioneers led to the discovery of the Great Australian Mine and the town thrived. These days the miners still pile into the pubs in the evenings to quench a hard earned thirst, and there are three to choose from. My personal favourite is The Post Office. Good cheap meals with great service and atmosphere. Most pubs seem to have a healthy number of backpackers working behind the bar which seems to add something to the feel of the place.

One of the entrants in the ute muster.

If you are lucky enough to be in town in early August you are in for a treat as the annual Cloncurry Merry Muster is held. There is entertainment for the whole family with concerts, street parades, a ute muster and of course the rodeo action.

Accommodation in the town is abundant, and I would highly recommend the Wagon Wheel Motel, which also has excellent meals. The main street has a Woolworths and a variety of speciality shops to stock up on supplies. Contact the Wagon Wheel Motel on 07 4742 1866 or email them at reception@thewagonwheelmotel.com.au.

From Cloncurry, you can either keep heading west to Mt Isa and beyond or take the road south to Winton and the Stockman’s Hall of Fame at Longreach. The interior of Far North Queensland has some amazing scenery and fantastic stories to tell, all built on a rich history of early pioneering, cattle, copper and gold. The people you meet along the way are truly salt of the earth; I can’t wait to go back!

The post 5 Top Spots on the Road to Mount Isa appeared first on Snowys Blog.