We drove up the highway and then deviated at Wamuran, heading down Campbell Pocket Road. Alas, there was a detour about 1/2 way along, but we weren't disappointed to find the views along this detour were stunning!
Once we'd entered the park from the south end, we found that the roads were being re-constructed. They were laying down lots of sharp shale along the road, so that you could actually get some grip! Not so good with the Highway Terrain tyres on the Hilux, but putting it into 4WD seemed to help greatly.
Obviously the rains that had blocked our entry to Koreelah had also been up this way. Easy to notice as we crossed the creeks. The debree was very high in the trees.
Archer Campsite's Neurum Creek Crossing
D'Aguilar National Park has 2 campsites, we liked both. The northern one is very grassy and flat. The southern one has trees between each campsite for semi-privacy. Loo is central in both. I was surprised to find the one at Archer was a flush loo just like home and some beautiful flowers covering the pathway in. I will endeavour to find out the species and hopefully can purchase a plant for home.
Booked in for site # 2 on an overnight stay. This campground was so green last time we were here. Actually got a photo in the right site too!
The campground was full when we arrived, with every site being booked. Site # 2 is close to the entry and the communal water tap for the first 4 campsites alas (not for drinking) so everyone that 'dropped by' said hello and told us some info about themselves. We pitched camp and got down to some serious relaxing.
We thought about lighting the fire, but before we could, 2 blokes with kids, had taken over our fireplace. We deemed them campsite # 2.5 as they were between us and camp # 3. I believe they were meant to camp in site # 1 but couldn't wait (or even ask) the day visitors parked there when it would be available. I thought it rude of them to 'steal' our fireplace, but what can you do? Get out your OzPig and show them your prepared for all kinds of imposition!
We were going to stay at Neurum Creek Bush Retreat, but they are having an Expo this weekend and it's $45 per person. Ouch!! We did drop by for a visit on the way to Woodford to grab me some alcohol (1 of the many things I'd forgotten), but we weren't too impressed by the turnout. Would have been a waste of $ in my mind, but as Day Visitors were free, we stopped in. We did pick up a bargain from the Anaconda stand. $10 for a 'wear it on your head' light, down from $35! I got mine for $7.50 as it was the demo model and the last one there. Also said hello to the AS team, and watched the Home Brew judging for a bit.
Once back at camp, we decided to investigate the creek. Entry is passed site # 9 at the far end of the grounds. Kids everywhere, screaming, yelling and having a good time, adults all with drinks in hand, sitting in chairs in a row, watching. The rope on the tree was getting some heavy use. The water was freezing! We also checked out the creek crossing (see picture above) and can attest to the freezing-ness of the water.
Loved the pictorials for this Danger Sign
The creek directly below our campsite.
Anyway, we cooked some lovely steaks on the Pig, heated our water for the shower and washing up too. Well it was sort of a shower. Bucket, cup, soap, privacy cubicle. Yep that's a shower in my standards. I have to say that our little Pig has been rather handy this trip! Glenn once again surprised me and had more than a few drinks than is the norm for him. Wobbly Legs! LOL! But who nearly went arse up in the shower? Not he ...
On my way back from the Loo, I spotted the cutest little Bandicoot. It was happily making it's way through the forest along the roadside. My "headlight" didn't seem to worry it at all either. Another campsite was letting off the occassional "Banger". We hit the sack around 10pm leaving the other campsites to continue with the noise and drinking.
14.11.10:
0730am and awoken by the ear piercing screams of children. Man .. are they loud. Returning to sleep impossible, so not much to do except get out of bed and rejoice in the day. We'd had some rain through the night as well, which had also woken me, as it was rather heavy, however brief. The Pig was still burning (coals anyway) and rather warm. Too hot to pack up, so we'd have to do our pack up after lunch. And hopefully the canvas would be dry as well.
At around 11am, most camps were in the throws of packing things into the car. Glenn and I were casually looking over the sites we'd taken in yesturday, adding The Broadwater picnic area to the list. It's on the opposite side of the creek and road to Archer. Has picnic tables and a loo, but not much else. There is also another large swimming pool near it as well. I found $5 on the track near the loo's on the way back to our camp! What a bonus.
We measured the bollarded area we were camping in and it's 14 size 8 thongs wide and 30 size 8 thongs long. The ute is parked lengthways across the head of the site as well, so we'll have to add that in too. But it shows you the size of them at least. A couple are alot larger and a few are a lot smaller. If you are planning to stay here, you can book over the phone or by net ONLY. No sites can be paid for on the day. Also remember to bring shoes or thongs for getting around. Although it looks lovely and green grass which it is, a fair bit of it is bindi infested (and it's bindi season about now). In site # 9, a centre bollard is removable to allow access for a side fold camper to access the grassy area, all other sites better for rear fold campers.
We decided to have lunch before we left.
We did have an enjoyable time at this campground and would consider it again, as it does have a tranquility about it and is a relatively peaceful place.
4 comments:
Great review I have been hanging out to read it. Sounds like you enjoyed yourselves. When and where next.
2 years later it may be, but today we stopped by to have a look at this campground while taking a drive N to S through the d'Ag Nat Pk. We can't believe you managed to set up the AS in one of those small bollarded areas, most of which are not real flat. Just car parks of course - did any ranger try to tell you that trailers were not to be there, like it now says on the web? Lovely green camping lawns at the moment, and being mid-week there was just one Kombi type van there, so it looked very tempting, but we don't think we'll take our Odyssey in there, sadly - camping in a bollarded car park doesn't appeal Oddy (28 Nov 12).
I must add that we love reading your very well written reviews from the last 2 years of all these camps around Brissie - such a valuable resource, thanks very much indeed. Didn't mean to sound critical above. Just a comment on this Archer site. Oddy
Thanks for the comments Oddy. I have to agree that bollards are for tenters, but in saying that, our camper is just the right fit for a larger bollarded area.
We did do a recy ourselves, knowing what length and width we needed, before we booked one of the only sites to suit us. When we were there however, there was a soft floor on the grassed area. They removed a bollard at the far end so they could get in. Which is fair enough. I don't believe bollards should be a part of our National Parks. It's the few that spoil it for the many and this is a way of keeping things "nice" I guess.
The Odyssey are a nice camper and you shouldn't have any problems getting it in there if you choose your site well. Your awning will be over the bollards though by just a little (yours is 2.4m like ours) ... just think of them as extra seating or drink holders :-)
Glad you've enjoyed my blog! If you see us "out there" come on over and say Hello.
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