Gemtree Caravan Park, NT

http://www.gemtree.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8&Itemid=10

Located in the Eastern MacDonnell Ranges, it is an oasis with the Outback feel. There are several choices of space for caravans in the secluded bush, and visitors may find their own gemstones.

Darwin Boomerang Motel and Caravan Park, Virginia, NT

http://www.darwinboomerang.com.au/6788/Accommodation/Caravan_and_Camping_Sites/

The park has shady, grassed areas or concrete pads with water and good TV reception. The activities in the region are exciting or relaxing depending on the mood of the day. Deep sea fishing, Crocodylus Park, Safari Cruise and much more is available.

Shady Glen Tourist Park, Winnellie, NT

http://www.shadyglen.com.au/

This park is in the heart of Darwin’s leading tourist attractions with safaris to spot crocodiles, jabiru, wild buffalo and many different species of birds. The caravan park is in lush tropical gardens with a pool, internet, convenience store and barbeque.

Lakes Resort Caravan Park, Berry Springs, NT

http://www.lakesresortcaravanpark.com.au/

Set in the middle of wide open spaces, this park has access to the many wildlife activities in the Darwin area. The park is on the shore of Lake Dean with paddleboats or canoes for visitors. There are swimming holes in Berry Springs Nature Park within walking distance and much more.

Victor Harbor Beachfront Caravan Park, SA

http://victorbhp.com.au/home/camping-and-caravans/information

On the Fleurieu Peninsula, this is a family friendly caravan park, and a good place from which to enjoy the local attractions including the golf courses, fishing, whale watching, penguins and the historic Cockle steam train.

Riverbend Caravan Park, Renmark, SA

http://www.riverbendrenmark.com.au/

On the bank of the Murray River, the park has grassy areas for parking and many activities for a fun holiday. Koalas, possums and lots of birds are nearby. There are walking trails, canoeing, knee-boarding, skiing and river cruises that offer a Devonshire tea.

Waikerie Caravan Park, Waikerie, SA

http://www.waikeriecaravanpark.com.au/

This is a good place to rest and enjoy the Banrock Station Wine and Wetland Centre. The food and wine in the region is legendary, and there are the outdoor activities on the Murray River.

Cowes Caravan Park, Philip Island, VIC

http://www.cowescaravanpark.com.au/

Right on the beach and just 10 minutes to the famous Penguin Parade, the site is on the edge of calm, warm water and white sand. Children enjoy rock pool exploring, sail boarding, wind surfing and other water activities.

Mornington Gardens Holiday Village, Mornington, VIC

http://www.morningtoncaravanpark.com.au/camping-sites.html

Near quite, secluded beaches as well as the active shopping in Mornington, this park has access to many activities in the region including diving, golf, fishing, bike and horse riding to name a few. The caravans park in a garden like setting.

Argylla Tourist Park, Mount Isa, QLD

http://argylla-tourist-park.qld.big4.com.au/

After a long journey across the Outback, this is a cool, inviting park set among trees with views of the Selwyn Ranges. There is a shaded saltwater swimming pool and playground. A relaxing break includes free scones and tea during the high season.

Kookaburra Holiday Park, Cardwell, QLD

http://kookaburrahp.weebly.com/caravans–camping.html

The spacious caravan facilities are in beautiful tropical gardens, and the area has many outdoor activities including fishing and water sports. There are wilderness trails to swimming holes, amazing waterfalls including the highest single drop waterfall in Australia and local markets.

Rollingstone Beach Caravan Resort, Rollingstone, QLD

http://www.rollingstonebeach.com.au/

This is the place for spectacular views of the Great Barrier Reef and Palm Island. There is also the Palulma Rainforest, Paronella Park and first class facilities in the park.

Aussie Outback Oasis Cabin and Van Village, Charters Towers, QLD

http://aussie-outback-oasis.qld.big4.com.au/

This is the place for bird watchers and gold diggers. Once the centre of the gold rush, visitors can still pan for gold. The park has spacious areas and ultra-modern amenities.

Barn Hill Station, WA

http://www.barnhill.com.au/

On Kimberley Cattle Station it overlooks the Indian Ocean. There are many activities including fishing, swimming, lawn-bowls, barbeque nights, craft activities, beach walking and more.

Woodman Point Holiday Park, Munster, WA

http://www.aspenparks.com.au/holiday-destinations/western-australia/fremantle/woodman-point-holiday-park/accommodation.aspx

Located in the nature reserve of Woodman Point, it is 25 kilometres from Perth and 10 kilometres from Fremantle. It is has modern facilities in parkland area with a games room, pool and playground for children.

Perth Central Caravan Park, WA

http://www.perthcentral.com.au/

This is a good place for a base while visiting Perth. It has a pool, beautiful surroundings and a bus service from the park to the city every 30 minutes.

Perth Vineyards Holiday Park, Caversham, WA

http://www.aspenparks.com.au/holiday-destinations/western-australia/swan-valley/perth-vineyards-holiday-park/welcome.aspx

Park here for a relaxing holiday in the Swan Valley. There are three golf courses, the Caversham Wildlife Park, walking trails, river, cruises, horse riding and vineyards. Enjoy the wine and chocolate tasting.

Pink Lake Tourist Park, Esperence, WA

http://www.pinklakepark.com.au/accommodation.html

This is the sun-lovers paradise with fishing, sailing, sand boarding and surfing. The caravans have views of the sea and there are several activities just for children.

Ravensthorpe Caravan Park, Ravensthorpe, WA

http://www.ravensthorpecaravanpark.com.au/

This park is a holiday destination in itself. It has views of the ocean and some of the most beautiful countryside in Western Australia. It is also near the Fitzgerald River National Park, the Ravensthorpe Ranges and the Esperance and Hopetoun beaches.

Jindabyne Holiday Park, Jindabyne, NSW

http://www.jindabyneholidaypark.com.au/site/caravans.php

The park is right on the lake with spectacular views from the caravan park. It is just at the entrance to Kosciusko National Park with Australia’s highest mountain. Also a great place for fun during the winter.

Rainbow Pines Tourist Caravan Park, Old Adaminaby, NSW

http://www.rainbowpines.com.au/1771/Accommodation/Caravan_Accommodation/

On the shore of Lake Eucumbene in the Snowy Mountains, this park has beautiful scenery. This is the place for a relaxing weekend of fishing. There is an onsite shop so guests never have to leave the site.

Broken Head Holiday Park, Broken Head, NSW

http://www.brokenheadholidaypark.com.au/accommodation/

This is an inexpensive place from which to enjoy the Byron Bay area. The waves are gentle for beginner surfers. There is also scuba diving at Julian Rocks which is one of the best dive sites in Australia.

Captain James Cook Memorial Caravan Park, Bruny Island Tas

http://www.capcookolkid.com.au/accommodation/camping.php

On the coast of Adventure Bay, this park has historical attractions along with the beach, fine dining and great fishing in the region. The caravans park in grassy woodland with the sea close by.

Barilla Holiday Park, Cambridge, Tas

http://www.barilla.com.au/

Near Hobart, this park is also near local oyster farms and vineyards. The park has a hydrotherapy spa, mini gold and a pizza restaurant that uses wood fires to bake the pizza.

Swansea Holiday Park, Tas

http://www.swansea-holiday.com.au/accomm.htm

Beautiful views across Great Oyster Bay and beachfront powered sites on Schouten Beach are enough to make this place perfect. There is also a seasonal heated pool, playgrounds, internet access and more.

Whether in a camp ground by the river, or under a tree on some idyllic beach, camping in our great outdoors is sure to make your next break a truly memorable one. Australia rates as one of the most camper-friendly countries on earth; it’s bloody huge and most of it is uninhabited (well, compared to European countries it is!) Finding a quiet spot to pitch a tent and build an evening fire is a breeze; so pack the camper and head out next week-end…it may well be the best decision you’ll make today.

Most of us have a favorite camping spot; that quiet nook in the National Park no-one else seems to have discovered, or that glistening sandy beach only you seem ever able to find. For some, it’s the allure of a perfectly maintained camping park which lures them in year after year. Facilities are top-notch and the activities abound, spending a few days in one of Australia’s top-rated camping parks is fun for the whole family. Whatever tickles your fancy, finding the perfect camping spot is but a short (or long) drive away.

Every single one of our wonderful Australian States has a myriad of camping grounds to choose form, both developed and wild. Need convincing? Fine! Here’s our pick of the best gems our gorgeous country has to offer.

Jervis Bay, Booderee National Park, New South Wales

Jervis Bay, Booderee National Park, New South Wales

If stunning white sandy beaches makes you go weak at the knees, then this is the spot for you! Located on the southern Coast of NSW, this amazing NP has three un-powered sights for your camping pleasure. Travel here mid-here and you may even be lucky enough to see whales migrating to warm northern waters.

Mitchell River National Park, Western Australia

Mitchell River National Park, Western Australia

Getting to the Mitchell Falls, a breathtaking tiered waterfall hidden deep within the Kimberly region of WA, may be a bit of a challenge (think 16hr drive from the closest ‘town’), but we guarantee you once you get there you’ll be so glad you put in all that hard work! The falls themselves are about a 5hr walk from the in-house campsite, but the scenery and wilderness you’ll experience along the way will be second to none. Thousands of Australians travel half way around the world to visit world-renowned waterfalls…little do they know of the immense beauty and magnetism of Mitchell Falls in their own country.

Mt Field National Park, Tasmania

Horseshoe Falls, Mt Field National Park, Tasmania

Camping in this NP is a little like stepping into a fantasy world…one I which you mysteriously become dwarfed! The gigantic fern trees in this awesome NP are the main attraction, and are a real sight to behold; bushwalking in this park will give you a taste of what Lilliput must’ve been like! The in-house campground is fully equipped and just perfect for that peaceful week-end getaway.

Camp Tribulation, Queensland

Noah Beach campground

It’s no wonder that this corner of Australia rates as the top camping destination in the whole country. Home to a myriad of outstanding beaches and National Parks, Queensland superlative camping choices are out of this world. Our top pick? That would have to be the Noah Beach campground, which is located under the forest-roof of the Daintree Rainforest. If you’ve ever wanted to play Robinson Crusoe on a week-end camping trip, here’s your chance.

Just be warned…you may never want to return to civilization again!

Hey happy campers!

Wow! what a busy last few months we have had! One of the highlights for us here at MyCamperTrailer.com.au was definitely going to the QLD Caravan and Camping show at the RNA showgrounds in Brisbane this month.

We got to see so many great camper trailers and meet the manufacturers as well and which is great news for you because you will have a QLD based camper trailer manufacturer coming on very soon.

Anyway, there is my little video to introduce you to the QLD Caravan and Camping show for 2012 and now I will share with you some of the great things I learnt and things I saw.

I wasn’t going to miss this!

One of the greatest things about Camping shows is the presentations they have about camping every day! Whether it be about towing or solar power or working around Australia, these shows have all you need to know. The good news is though is that I took tonnes of notes and will be talking to some of the presenters and companies that shared this information and getting it up on our site so if you didn’t make it you won’t miss out.

Fantastic information

As you can see from the video and pictures it was a bit wet while I was there but that didn’t stop the 10’s of thousands of people coming to the show and packing out the seminar room.

The show was heaps of fun and they had a competition that made you travel around the whole event so you would see everything they had on show.

A great way to see the show!

They were like checkpoints and if you got your competition card punched at each checkpoint you would go into the drawer for a prize worth.

The Prizes!

There were almost 20 different camper trailer manufacturers at the show ranging from $3000 to over $100000. There is something for everyone no matter what your taste in camping is.

And this is what I was here for!

It was great to see all the different types of campers from on road to fully off road, from campers that fit to your ute and on top of your 4wd to flip top and of course everything up to your fully decked out caravan.

A nice roof top camper on the right

Look out for new articles soon and of course new manufacturers!

We will keep you up to date with all things camper trailers and this show inspired us here at MyCamperTrailer.com.au to try and bring you the show to your very home everyday through MyCamperTrailer.com.au

Talk to you soon,

Andrew

PS.  Here are some more pictures.. happy camping and happy viewing

The first checkpoint

A trailer car port

A whole room full of places to go in every state!

The show grounds is huge!

Some more campers

Dahican, Mati, Davao Oriental, Philippines

Dahican Sea Shore

We planned to go camping, packed our bags and hoped to have a weekend fun at the beach.  And sure we did…and it’s one great adventure we had.  Our destination: Dahican, Mati, Davao Oriental, Philippines.  The place has become quite a sensation with its beautiful beaches being featured on television and all.  So off we go…

setting up our tents

Our adventure started as we gathered around waiting for the bus to take us to another part of the country – turned out not anyone of us has been to the place before.  The only knowledge we have of the place is that it has enticing beaches with cool waves to make people come, but we don’t have any idea how far it is from home.  We were hoping we’d get to watch the sunset by the oceanfront.  Oh yes, Dahican boasts of pristine waters facing the Pacific Ocean. However it took us six anxiety-filled hours in the bus hoping we’ll arrive there with the clear night sky since sunset was already out of the question.  We travelled many miles with most towns getting  downpour as we neared our destination.  We disembarked from the bus and took a tricycle to get us to the holiday spot.  Six of us were packed in a tricycle, again not knowing where we’re headed – just the name of the resort to get us about.  Roughly thirty minutes in a bumpy ride got us cramped but happy arriving at Dahican Surf Resort grateful for the balmy weather.

our bonfire

We had the resort to ourselves and set up camp although there were cabanas around the place.  After dinner we checked out the beachline only to hear crashing waves and feel the cool breeze from the sea.  We got busy though chasing after crablets that are too nimble but a couple weren’t fast enough.  Well mostly the guys did the hunting and the crablets weren’t harmed, just had fun catching them and set them free, as well.  When they had their fill, we got back to our campsite and was about ready to call it a night.  But wait, camping wouldn’t be a camping without a bonfire, as the youngest among us insisted.  The guys, as usual, gathered dried leaves to get a campfire starting.  We slept past midnight with the soft glowing embers of the fading fire.

good morning world!

We went to check out the beach at the break of dawn and waited for the sun to rise. The view was enchanting with the sun slowly peeking out from our far left while lightining and heavy clouds are visible to our far right over a calm sea.

The sun seem to have risen so fast that at around 0615am we felt it was already 9am back home.

Nonetheless we frolicked in the waters and tried our skills with skim boarding, one of the favorite past times of the people in the area.  And usually early in the year we’ve heard that it’s the surfing season however we were contented with the small waves we encountered.  Skim boarding was kind of tough stuff for me that I was happy swimming along, simply watching my friends

fun.. fun.. fun..

hmmmm, fast learners...

skimming the waves on the board.  We left with our inner kid satisfied with playing along the shore, dancing with the waves and got sun kissed.

the campers

Tokyo camping adventure.

What to do in Tokyo? Camping? ‘No way’, you say. Not only in Tokyo, but also in nature? Believe me, it’s true.

While working for the Board of Education in our local prefecture in Japan, it was part of our job to welcome the new teachers once they arrived and help them acclimatise to life in Japan.  This happened over the summer school break which was between July and August.

We were to welcome a new teacher from Canada and we thought what better way to get to know them than to go camping.  I’d never been camping anywhere in Japan before, but one of my colleagues had been to numerous places and suggested a place not too far from where we were in the Tokyo region called ‘Okutama’.  I must admit, I was a little unexcited about the prospect of camping in ‘Tokyo’, but I was very pleasantly surprised.

Tama River

Okutama is located in Western Tokyo and is the largest municipality in Tokyo.  It is also known for having the highest mountain in the prefecture, Mount Kumotori.

We packed our gear and after about an hour and a half train journey we arrived at Okutama Station.  One of the things I love about Japan is that in one moment you can be smack bang in the middle of a concrete jungle and the next you can be surrounded by greenery.

Tama River from below

We were to set up out camp right next to the 138-kilometre long Tama River, which runs through the entire Tokyo prefecture.  Seeing as we were limited by what we were able to carry, we only brought one tent.  We gave this to the new teacher to use and were happy to be sleeping under the stars as it was the beginning of summer.

John setting up camp

Campsite all set up.

After setting up camp, we decided to have a bit of an explore and made our way around the river seeing what we could find.  It turns out this place is a popular spot for young people, especially university students enjoying their last few days of freedom.

A refreshing break

After all the exploring, we realised that we were quite thirsty and decided to introduce the new teacher to some of the local beer.  It was the least we could do.

By this time the sun had started to go down and we noticed that a couple of people who had been swimming in the river were struggling to get back to the shore from where they way.  Suddenly, our peaceful outdoor beer session turned into a fully-blown rescue.

Rescue in action

Thankfully our camping guide, John, was there to lend a helping hand and due to his rock climbing skills, the two fully-drenched and not-so-happy students were able to be rescued.  As a show of gratitude for saving their friends, we were then invited back to their cabin for a few drinks and a few rounds of the ‘chicken’ drinking game.

Drinking games with our new friends

After a long and exciting day we decided to pack it in for the night and while our new colleague was fast asleep in the relative safety of the one-man tent, we greeted Mr. Sandman underneath the stars.

We would only be staying one night on this occasion , but we decided all together to come back to this wonderful place at another time and spent longer in order to be able to explore more.  After a very brief swim (the river was quite ‘fresh’) we packed up our gear and headed to Okutama station for the journey back to Saitama.

Tama River, Okutama

Okutama is a really special spot and a great place to spend some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle without even leaving Tokyo.  The area itself has a lot to offer in terms of nature walks and scenery.  The next time you are in Tokyo, consider stepping away from the concrete jungle and into a real one just on your doorstep.

Only an approximately 2-hour drive from Brisbane, there is a magical place called ‘Byron Bay’.  Only 165km South of Brisbane and 772km north of Sydney, Byron Bay is a fantastic place for couple, friends of the whole family to go camping.

Broken Head Holiday Park - View from our tent

We regularly go to Byron Bay and this time we decided to set up camp at the Broken Head Holiday Park.  This park offers both powered and unpowered sites as well as onsite accommodation.  Rates start at about $30 for an unpowered site for two people.

Broken Head Beach

After setting up camp, we decided to go an check out the beach which is only a short walk from the campsite.  Broken Head beach is a popular spot for surfers as it tends to get a lot of good waves and is generally not as crowded as some of the other beaches in the area.

Lighthouse - Cape Byron, Byron Bay

One good thing about Byron is that there are a lot of activities to suit people of all ages.  There are some beautiful walks in the area.  One which is a must is the walk up to the Cape Byron lighthouse.  The view from up there is spectacular and on the day we were there, we spotted dolphins surfing in the waves, turtles and a huge Manta Ray.  This is also an excellent spot to go to at sunset as the view is one of a kind.

Grey Nurse Shark, Julian Rocks, Byron Bay

Another plus about Byron is the scuba diving.  There are two main dive operations in Byron; Byron Bay Dive Centre and Sundive.  Both do the majority of their dives at a site called Julian Rocks which is about a 10-minute boat road from shore.  The great thing about this is you can get up early, do a couple of dives and then have the rest of the day to relax and explore without having long boat trips and surface intervals at sea.  As it is a marine reserve, the amount and variety of life out there is world class.

Tallow Beach from Byron Bay Lighthouse

To head into town, it’s probably a bit too far to walk, but if you had bicycles it would be totally doable.  The main town has a lot of great little restaurants and cafes to satisfy your hunger to you could always try the fish and chip takeaway near the pool and sit on the beach and watch the waves roll in.

Sunset at Main Beach, Byron Bay

Byron Bay is a fantastic place to visit and a great camping option for those who want to get back to nature a bit, but still have access to some of the modern things in life.

Sunset from Byron Bay Lighthouse

Sundak Beach

Do you have plans for travel to Indonesia, Yogyakarta in particular? If yes, then you should visit the Sundak beach.

We’re at batik village, Solo

The old car..

After we satisfied in Solo, we took a train again to Yogyakarta. We arrived in Yogyakarta in about 30 minutes by train. From the station, we took a 3 hour drive to Sundak beach. Sundak beach is located in Sidoharjo village, Yogyakarta. The name of Sundak comes from an interesting incident. Around the year 1976, a hungry dog went to a cave and found a hedgehog. The dog tried to eat hedgehog, but the hedgehog fought back. There was a fight that eventually won by the dog. Sundak is an abbreviation of the two animals, dog (asu) and hedgehog (landak).

Yans setting up the tent

We arrived at the beach when the sun was almost set. Fortunately, I still have a chance to take a picture of it. Then we set up the tent. It’s not a big tent, but more than enough for the two girls in our group. The rest were sleeping outside. We were very tired and hungry. So, we were just lying down and had some chat while waiting for dinner. Actually, we wanted to have a barbeque, but we forgot to bring the barbeque equipment.

Waiting for dinner

It was a good experience to sleep ‘under the sky’. The sky was full of stars, and I can see them clearly. I tried to figure out some constellations until I fell asleep.

Morning talks

Next morning, I was the last one up. Some of my friends were already ‘playing’ with the waves. The view was so beautiful. We were having a chat and drinking some tea while enjoying that beautiful scenery. Sea breeze, white sand, and blue ocean. That’s what you always expect from a beach, don’t you?

Here we are...

We have plenty of time to play in the beach. We swam, snorkeling, taking some photos, and playing sand-man. I was the one buried in the sand. My friends transformed me to many characters. A small man, turtle, also a character from Spongebob Squarepants – Patrick star.

Patrick star..

After all we had a blast, as you can see

My wife and I had only recently moved back to Australia after spending a number of years overseas and it wasn’t long before we needed to get outdoors and spend some time ‘under the sky’.

As we are living in Brisbane we decided to head to a relatively close spot called the “Glasshouse Mountains.”  The Glasshouse mountains is a range of mountains situated about 7km north (or about an hour’s drive) of Brisbane.  The area is a popular spot for walkers and climbers as there are a number of walking tracks and lookouts which can be accessed most times of the year.

View from Wild Horse Fire Lookout

As we had been away we needed to equip ourselves for this trip and future ones.  We wanted to be as self sufficient as possible so we bought a 3-person tent, a couple of sleeping bags,  camping chairs, a gas cooker and a huge esky as we all know that camping without a cold one (or two) just wouldn’t be camping.

Now we decided to make this trip in July, which in Australia is pretty much the middle of winter.  Queensland being a warm state, though, we weren’t really concerned about the temperatures.

Glasshouse Mountain Camping Ground

 We packed the car up and headed off late on Friday evening as by the time we had finished work and got everything organised the sun had well gone.

 We chose the Glasshouse Mountains Camping Ground as our base for the next few days and were very happy we did.  It was very reasonable at $10/person per night and had all the facilities we needed, including a big fire pit where we could sit around and chat.  The campsite is also centrally located so you can access all the tracks and mountains within short driving distances.

When we arrived we found that there were only a few people staying in the camping area that weekend so we pretty much had the place to ourselves.  We chose a good spot and set up camp.

Our Glasshouse Mountain home

It wasn’t until we turned off all our torches and lanterns did we realise how special a place we were in.  The sky was full of stars.  I mean no more space, keep moving kind of full.  I think we counted about six shooting stars within the first 20 minutes of us being there.  We sat in our chairs with beers in hand and gazed at the sky for what seemed like forever.

Finally, we decided to turn in for the night, especially as the temperature had dropped and the wind had picked up somewhat since we had arrived.

It turned out we had chosen the coldest weekend on record for a long time, so thankfully we had brought some extra clothes.

View of Mt Coonowrin and Mt Beerwah from Mt Ngungan

We spent the next couple of days exploring the various walks around the area.  These vary from basic walks to the more advanced.  There is something suitable for everyone. Upon climbing Mt Ngungan (253m) we could see some absolutely spectacular views as well.

View of Mt Coonowrin and Mt Beerwah from Mt Ngungan

The Glasshouse Mountains is a great area to get away for the weekend, but you could spend a lot more time in the area exploring all the different walks, climbs and scenery.

Well, Moreton Island is a perfect weekend escape for anyone living or visiting Brisbane or any other locations in South East Queensland.

It is about 58km northeast of Brisbane and it takes about 75 minutes on the the Micat cruise departing at the port of Brisbane. It is so close to Brisbane and a great example of how cool Queensland is. Less then 60 km away from the beautiful metropolitan Brisbane, you find yourself in a paradise.

Cruise terminal for the Micat Cruise to the Moreton Island

The cruise is fun and you have great chances to see sea turtles, dolphins or even whales if you are lucky. We saw a couple of sea turtles in our recent trip. It was absolutely awesome, however approaching the island is a stunning experience on it’s own, as the ship wracks are providing an incredible scene. There are 15 sunken shipwrecks in the turquoise waters as a welcoming scenery of arriving to this magnificent place.

I have took some pictures as we approached the island, so you can also see the beautiful turquoise water with the wracks.

Approaching Moreton Island...

As we were getting closer the wrecks got even cooler

It got better as we got closer...

Moreton Island is one of the biggest sand islands on earth. 95% of the island is National Park and it is a very popular destination for four wheel driving and

Camping ground on Moreton island at the Ship Wrecks

camping and snorkeling.

After we arrived we set up our tents real quick on the nominated camping site that is very close to the water and have a great feel to it.

Camping just a few steps away from the Coral Sea

Moreton Island is famous for its massive size sand dunes that are claimed to be the highest stabilised sand hills on earth. There are a few big ones and the highest is 280m high. They are a nice walk away from the camp ground at the wrecks. The walk takes you through amazing eucalyptus forest paths and you will most likely come across some tourists with four wheel drives having a great time. There is also a bus service that takes you to the dunes and pretty much around the island, but we did not used that, we choose to walk and it is a really beautiful walk.

The sand dunes are a lot of fun for sure. We had a great time sliding down the dunes and laughing at each other falling off the board

Sliding the sand dunes

However, if you are not up for a long walk to the dunes, you’ll find perfect opportunities to have a go at some dunes right beside the camp ground as well. We had a great time there as well and the advantage is that you can have a swim afterwards getting rid off all the sand you accumulated…

Finding a dune to slide is not difficult on Moreton Island

The scenery is incredibly beautiful all around the island, pretty much everywhere you go… The ocean is beautiful as well as the sand dunes and eucalyptus forests. Below are some pictures I have taken during the time we were there.

A close up of the ship wracks

From the top of the coastal dunes...

The wildlife is very up close, you are basically surrounded by them everywhere you go on the island. I guess by now it is impossible not to fall in love with Queensland.

A pelican walking by...

Fishing is over, let's get dry

The super cool thing about Moreton Island (among all the other cool things) is that you get to see wild bottlenose dolphins at sunset. They get fed at the Tangalooma Resort and if you wish you can join the small crowd and hand feed these amazing creatures.

This is a fantastic experience and you should definitely give it a go while you are there.

Bottlenose dolphins at sunset

We indeed didn’t miss out on this unique opportunity and had a fantastic scenic walk back to the camp ground as the sun was settling… I captured a few shots of the way back…

Good night Moreton Island

Sunset over the ship wracks on Moreton Island

The trip was obviously absolutely awesome and I would highly recommend visiting Moreton Island for anyone. We found the camping very good and even though we went in late autumn, we had a fantastic time and was not cold. Next time we might take the camper trailers and the four wheel drives and stay a little bit longer.

It wasn’t long when the Micat Cruise showed up and it was time to go back to Brisbane.

Time to go home

This magnificent island is so close to Brisbane, so make sure you schedule it in for a visit. You won’t regret it.

It is often reported that Australians are amongst the happiest people on earth.
Some experts claim it is the lack of pollution which keeps people smiling; others quote our booming economy as primary reason for people’s contentment. We, on the other, tend to think that the reason why Australians are so happy and relaxed is because most spend their free-time outdoors.
Australians are renowned outdoor lovers; we love packing the car and heading off, spending a week-end sheltered under blissful waterfalls, or hiking in a national park, or diving and snorkeling on one of our splendid world class beaches.

This great big country of ours seems to be custom built for camping!  Not only is the sheer number, and quality, of natural wonders second to none, but the huge open spaces means that going on an overland trip through Australia necessitates and overnight stay in the middle of nowhere. What may have started as pure necessity has turned into our country’s most beloved past-time.

Camping in Australia has been an integral part of our existence since time immemorial. Crikey, even our most adventurous natives lived as one with nature for thousands of years, well before white man joined the party with ready made tents and trailers! There’s no denying it…pitching a tent and building a log fire is about as Aussie as it gets, and is a sure fire way of promoting a healthy body and a peaceful spirit.

So what is it about camping that makes one so happy?

Well, for one, it’s the connection with the outdoors that automatically lowers one’s stress levels. Getting away from it all (from the stresses of work and paying the bills) allows one mind to truly wind down. The increased intake of Vitamin D, in the form of golden kisses from our Sun, is a fantastic stimulant for the happiness hormones. Moreover, camping is a great way to spend some quality time with family and friends. Harmonious relationships are the true essence of a happy life. It’s easy to neglect our most precious relations when one is too busy with ‘life’; but go out camping in the great outdoors and you’ll have all the time in the world to chat over a cuppa and reconnect.

Something must also be said for our actual physical reconnection with Mother Earth. Sound too esoteric for your liking? Fine, we’ll tone it down! Just consider this: spending even just one night under the stars, falling asleep to crashing waves, or the sound of crickets chirping, is one of the most relaxing things you could do. There’s a certain vitality one feels when waking up outdoors, that is completely lost to those who only ever experience life behind four concrete walls.

Camping is also one of the most socially active things you can do. Making new friends and reconnecting with old ones is a breeze when you’re away from all

Camping on Moreton Island, Queensland, Australia

external distractions.  Sure, we all go out to dinner or the pub with our mates, but places are usually full of people, and very loud, and all one ends up talking about is work, or the mortgage, or the football. Want to have a truly meaningful discussion with your mates?

Then we suggest you lose yourself into the bosom of Australia’s wilderness; build a fire, share a bottle of wine and you’ll see how much more intense your conversations will be.

Go on, just do it. Take your family camping on your next vacation and experience for yourself this most beautiful way of holidaying.