The weather lately has been really warm. Really, Really Warm. But Saturday dawned overcast and remained so for the rest of the day, and this took a bit of the edge off the heat we’ve been experiencing. Driving past Browns Plains, we are told by someone unknown to park out rig in Depot 218. We aren’t sure who it is, or where Depot 218 is, but we laugh about it, saying things like “how did they know we were coming?”
26.11.11 Andrew Drynan … The Puppies Big Day Out (again)
We hadn’t actually planned where we would go this weekend, it was a very quick decision and one that we were glad we made.
29.10.11 Heifer Creek Rest Area (with the puppies)
Glenn went to buy a roof rack for his ute as he’s found a shop that has an opening special that would save him $60. Why wouldn’t you give that saving a thumbs up? This means we don’t end up leaving home till 0930, and the day is overcast. Hopefully no rain to come. Bureau says fine, fine, fine … let’s hope so.
Just as we make it to the highway, we pass about a zillion trucks all flashing their lights and driving very slowly ... must be some fund raising event. Wish we knew what for.
01.10.11 Spring Gully Stays - Puppies Big Day Out
So this time Glenn wanted to go somewhere close. I wanted to take the puppies with us. So Spring Gully Stays it is. Mostly because we think River Bend Camping will be completely packed and Flanagan’s is “a bit far” for this weekend.
We hit the road in a timely fashion, some puppies loaded in my car, and the camper in tow with his puppy in his car. I know a bit of overkill, but that’s how you get 3 dogs to said location without much drama. He connected up his CB and I switched on my handheld and away we go. Wish it had been this easy back when I was tailing my parents around the countryside, but instead we used the old light flash for the car behind or the simply pull over for the car in front, ensuring we had a plan prior to leaving. So much easier to chat about things driving along when one has a CB.
17.09.11 Cedar Grove Campground
We left home at 0830 heading north this time. It was a last minute decision to head for the Amamoor State Forest.
As we reached the Bruce Highway, we realised that it must be school holidays as most of Brisbane had also reached the highway and were heading north. I counted 3 camper trailers and many caravans whizzing past us in both directions. School holidays sure bring out the “moronic idiot” in some drivers I must say.
03.09.11 Spicers Gap Camp Ground
Leaving home and heading towards Ipswich, we turn off onto the Cunningham Highway. Passing Willowbank Raceway, we marvel at how beautiful the day is, considering the local forecast is for showers. It is a little overcast with a bit of wind, but the sun is rather warm, when it does appear. Heading through the little towns of the Scenic Rim is always a great drive. Contended cows are everywhere and we are happy it is finally Spring.
Passing through Aratula, we take note of the usual tourists stopping off to grab some cakes and coffee or take advantage of the fruit store in the centre of town. On the outskirts we see blokes in 4wd’s pulling up outside the pub and think it is a bit early for it. Perhaps they are planning to grab some seafood at the mobile fisho
20.08.11 Gheerulla Campground – Mapleton Forest Reserve
If you remember, we almost got to check this place out on our way home from Charlie Moreland. We walked in about 500m that day and we had a bit of a laugh when we discovered we only had about another 400m to go.
The day dawned perfect. So much for the Bureau of Meteorology and their showers prediction so far. It was a little cool and somewhat windy … as is always the case around Ekka (Brisbane Exhibition) time. Those southerlies always appear right in time for the Ekka and usually hang around for 3 days … we are into day 4
06.08.11 Murphys Creek Escape
Finally got in our 30th night in Rover 6 days late. Better late than never I say! One month out of our year camping has to be a good thing. Watching a show on the box last week stated that people who go camping are more relaxed, richer, and less stressed than those that don't. Sweet! :)
We head west along the Warrego Highway to Helidon and then take a couple of rights, a left and another right and we are there.
We head west along the Warrego Highway to Helidon and then take a couple of rights, a left and another right and we are there.
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.
09.07.11 Pardise Valley
Another beautiful clear and crisp Winters day for camping. This weekend we are off to Paradise Valley, a small, privately owned campground along Lions Road and only 18k's from the NSW border. Since we won State of Origin through the week, it's probably a good idea not to venture too far into the losing state.
At 0900 we are on the road and heading towards our destination. Glenn has picked this site for the weekend. The day is cool, clear and we are both wearing jumper and beanies!
At 0900 we are on the road and heading towards our destination. Glenn has picked this site for the weekend. The day is cool, clear and we are both wearing jumper and beanies!
25.06.11 Sheep Station camp Border Ranges NP
Another late start at 0930, but we don’t have far to go, so not a worry for us.
Not so for the Camel Camper family down the street who were pulling out at 0800. I wonder where they were going, swags packed upon the camper top, car brimming with gear and people? It’s school holidays, so perhaps they were off to somewhere for a week or two … maybe doing a few nights here and there. Lucky them! Might nick down the street when they get back and find out what they’ve been up to. A great way to meet the neighbours I guess. That’s if they come back!
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.
28.05.11 Charlie Moreland
Glenn decided on Charlie Moreland some weeks ago, but being Easter, we opted for somewhere a little quieter. Now with Winter days away, we thought it a great idea. Crowds would be down due to the blast of snow in the air ... no we don't get snow, just freezing cold winds that head our way, like they've come straight off the snow ... Barrington Tops has had snow in the last week or two.
So I reckoned 2 hours and we would be there and I wasn't far out thankfully. We made our way over the Gateway Bridge and up the highway, passing Caboolture and turning off on the Steve Irwin Way (formerly the Bruce Highway) towards Landsborough. The day was perfectly crisp and clear
So I reckoned 2 hours and we would be there and I wasn't far out thankfully. We made our way over the Gateway Bridge and up the highway, passing Caboolture and turning off on the Steve Irwin Way (formerly the Bruce Highway) towards Landsborough. The day was perfectly crisp and clear
24.04.11 Glen Rock Regional Park
So it's 145k from home and we were aghast at the changes the council are making to the creek ... right from the start of the Tenthill Valley. Every single crossing has had major works done to it. I'm not really surprised as they had a few weeks where the Tenthill Creek on www.BOM.gov.au was around 6 metres or so before it started falling.
We also passed some soft floor campers and a roof top camper on the way out, so hoped we'd have our favourite spot. So we pulled into the campground, to find our favourite spot vacant!
30.04.11 Butinga - Update: Now Closed
UPDATE: Tried to make another booking here and have been told that this place is closed for good. Unless you are family or a very good friend ... no chance of camping here any longer.
Yes ... we've decided to spend the Labour Day weekend out there in the CT as well! We have decided to go to Butinga. I've made arrangements with the owners to spend 1 night babysitting their cows in their cow paddock! Magic. It'll just be us and the cows.
So we loaded up the camper and headed out on a brisk morning, as you do. The day was crystal clear and beautiful. It didn't take us long to get where we were going either ... which is always nice.
16.04.11 Poplar Flat - Main Range National Park
Booked in here site unseen ... just hoping for the best. We'd heard alot about Gordon Country and Goomburra Valley, and the photo's on their websites looked nice. So we were hoping that alot of walks through the National Park would keep us entertained if all else failed.