17.12.11 Lake Atkinson Scout Camp

I’d made a booking here a little while ago, planning to stay for a long weekend for my birthday.  During the time between then and now, the Camp Manager had contacted me, saying that a family always spent this particular weekend out there and were wondering if I’d mind sharing the camp with them.  No worries at all, but we’ll be taking the dogs, so would prefer if they didn’t let any kids approach them, as they would be off lead.  We were hoping to camp right on the lake shore, so would they mind if we chose the first spot as we’d be out there rather early.

I made sure I rang before we left, telling the camp manager that we’d be out there in about an hour or so.  We headed off towards Ipswich and along the Darren Lockyer Way towards Minden

23.07.11 Lake Atkinson Scout Camp

I found this site after a workmate mentioned how they had stayed at a caravanpark on Lake Atkinson.  As you may have already noticed, we aren’t so keen on the whole caravan park thing, preferring the peace and serenity of the natural world … without all the crowds.  When I noticed that this site catered tocampers, well, I was sold.  I contacted them directly via email, and was sad to find the email address was out of date.  I then noted that the website hadn’t been updated since 2005. 

11.06.11 Glen Rock via Centenary (Thornton) Park Laidley and home via Atkinson Dam

Queens birthday long weekend and the weather prediction is rain, rain, and more rain.  Perfect weekend for camping?  Maybe …  We are heading to Centenary Park or Thornton Park as it’s right in Thornton.  It’s in the middle of nowhere, but still manages to have 2 road frontage. 

From Laidley continue south till you reach the Ipswich Rosewood road, and take a  right.  Continue to follow the signs to Mulgowie, specifically the pub which I believe does a great meal, then Thorton.  It’s not hard to find, but comes up on you suddenly none the less.  It’s between the Mt Mistake and Little Liverpool ranges, and Castle Mountain very noticable on the drive down.  My grandfather used to own Mt Mistake and grazed cattle there.  Now it’s a national park.  Dad remembers it being very scrubby and only good for horses to access to gather the wild cattle that it ran.