Just Keep on travelling: Where we stayed

Stage One

Canberra Motor Village Excellent facilities Drive through Site $34.00 per night
Poplars Caravan Park Dubbo (NSW), Older Style Camp very Friendly clean and tidy $22.00 per night
Mitchell Park Burke (NSW) very tired big sites but not value for money although managers had only just taken over so may improve in time - just like a good wine $26.00 per night
Evening Star Charleville caravan park QLD) - excellent facilities would recomend and would return, entertainment at dusk around campfire fantastic facilities $28.00 per night
Longreach - Free camping at Longreach Water Hole - Toilets tidy and clean site dusty very popular we arrived at 16:30 would have already been 100 here ahead of us, we will stay for a couple of days and slowly upgrade the site selection as others move on! Max stay 4 days.
Pentland rest area - quite a large grassy area on the banks of the Campapse River with very good toilet facilities. The area provides freecamping for quite a number of caravans, campers etc. Quite a number camping when we arrived around 8 pm - they were sitting around camp fires having an enjoyable evening. Next morning as groups pulled out further campers arrived so quite popular. Near the road but the noise was quite acceptable.
Fletcher Creek north of Charters Towers. A very large camping facility including both sides of the road and both sides of the river. There are at least two walking bridges across the river to provide access to the toilet and cold shower facilities. There were about 300 camping when we visited. The maximum period is one month and again free camping.
Bushy "Parker" Park, Rollingstone was our next stop. About 100 kms north of Townsville just off the Bruce Highway. A lovely park setting with very good toilet facilities and an outside cold shower. There are ample taps in the park to refill tanks. A very pleasant place to stay. Maximum stay 48 hours and there were about 30-40 camping groups. Again, free camping.
The Boulders, Babinda was the next stop. Babinda is 60 kms south of Cairns and the camping area is 6 kms west off the Bruce Highway. Takes only ten camping groups of up to five people. Good toilet facilities and cold showers. Tap water on site not suitable for drinking. Adjacent to the very well maintained Boulders Creek.
Coconut Resort, Cairns. A five star camping ground with every facility a camper could want with excellent facilities for children. All sites have power, sullage and water with a concrete pad for the annex. Peak season rate for two adults $47 per night and extra adults and children $15 each per night.
Glengarry Big 4 Caravan Park, Port Douglas. A four star camping ground with new facilities and an excellent outdoor kitchen and eating area. New family style toilet facilities have been built. Site had power, sullage and water and some have concrete pad and some grassed. We paid $37 per night for two adults.
Peninsula Caravan Park, Cooktown. This is a three star camping ground and as we only had the tent we took an unpowered site @ $25 per night for two adults. Although the online reviews were not good for this camping ground we found it to be fine, with good bathroom facilities and hot water.
Musgrave Roadhouse Campsite, enroute to Cape York. This is a large grassed paddock facility which is well patronised. There was no power and but there was water and good bathroom and laundry facilities. We stayed only one night and paid $20.
Archer River Roadhouse Campsite, enroute to Cape York. This is a reasonably well set out camping area with lots of trees behind the roadhouse. There was no power but plenty of taps and reasonable bathroom and laundry facilities. Again we only stayed one night and paid $20.
Chilli Beach, Iron Range National Park. The camping sites are divided into a number of separate areas which take about 8-10 camping groups. There are environmental toilets and no water or showers. The cost for all Queensland National Parks is $5.15 per adult per night.
Bramwell Junction Station, enroute to Cape York. This is a privately owned and operating cattle station with camping facilities. The area is large and there are plenty of trees. There are good ensuite type facilities (individual rooms with shower and toilet) and laundry facilities. There is also an outdoor restaurant serving country style food - basic but good.
Eliot Falls, Jardine National Park. The individual camping sites are well set out and have fire pits for camp fires. There are environmental toilets but no showers. There is excellent drinking water. Cost $5.15 per night per adult.
Punsand Bay Resort, Cape York. This is quite a basic camping ground with sandy sites on the beach front. The bathrooms are quite basic but adequate although they have no lights at night. There is an outdoor restaurant. There are laundry facilities and a swimming pool as it is recommended not to swim in the ocean because of crocodiles. Cost $10 per adult per night.
Moreton Telegraph Station, Cape York. Very disappointed with this camping facility as the amenities (two toilets and two showers) were very run down and in poor condition. There was no washing facilities. The generator (which was unfortunately near our campsite) was very loud. We would not stay here again. Cost $10 per adult per night.
Mt Carbine Caravan Park, Mt Carbine. The owner/operators of this camp are very friendly and well informed about the local area. The camping ground has, in our opinion, the best kept amenities of any camping ground we have visited. They were spotless and there were two blocks of amenities and laundry facilities. Campfires allowed and firewood provided. Cost $14 in an unpowered site for two and $18 for a powered site. Free storage of caravans etc is available while travelling to the Cape.
Cairns Villa and Leisure Park. This camping ground is mainly set up for permanents. We chose to stay as it was convenient. We stayed in the caravan area to the left and behind the office and the amenities area including showers, toilets, laundry and camp kitchen were always clean and were of a good standard. We cannot comment on the second section of the park. Cost $25 per night for two with a powered site.

Stage Two

Rocky Creek War Memorial Park, Tolga near Atherton. Excellent large free camping area with limit of three days. There are toilets but placed a short distance away from campers. Many groups stayed each night.
Atherton. This is a low cost camping area with limited facilities (toilets, water and rubbish collection). There are no showers or power. A gold coin donation is requested per night. On average there were about 20 groups staying at the park each of the four nights we stayed.
Railco Memorial Park, Ravenshoe. This is also a low cost camping area adjacent to the shopping centre in Ravenshoe. There are toilets and hot showers for a gold coin donation. No power. The night we stayed there were 10-12 other groups staying.
Planet Earth Adventures, Mt Surprise. A small camping ground (we were the only people camping) adjacent to the snake centre and cafe. The toilets and showers were very keen, power site and we were offered the chance to fill our caravan tank with rain water. Cost $17 double for a power site and friendly manager.
Leichhardt Lagoon Camping Park, 24 kms south east of Normanton. This is a bush camping ground, no power but excellent toilet, shower and laundry facilities. There is plenty of room and loads of shade. Cost $14 double per night and very friendly caretakers on site. Invited to go to Station homestead for three course meal for $5 per person - normally available on a Saturday night.
Cowan Downs rest area, 28 kms north of the Burke and Wills Roadhouse on the Matilda Way. Pull off on side of road, no facilities. We were the only campers and it felt very safe and we had no problems. Very little road noise. Free camping.
Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park. Excellent facilities including flush toilets, cold showers, running water. There are twenty sites available, all fenced, and bookings are essential (phone 13 74 68).
Fountain Springs Rest Area, 60 kms west of Cloncurry and 60 kms east of Mt Isa. Very busy rest area with toilet facilities - twenty groups free camping when we stayed overnight.
Copper City Caravan Park, Mt Isa. Powered site adjacent to the riverside, but no water in river. Site was beside bathroom amenities which were clean and plenty of hot water. Laundry facilities within camping ground. Cost $26 per night for double on powered site.
Camooweal Billabong - free camping spot. Cross the Georgina River 750 m west of the town and turn south on to the dirt road. Follow tracks to the various camping spots next to the river. The only facility is rubbish bins. Very large area, with shade and fire pits. No amenitites.
The Pebbles, 19 kms south of Three Ways or 17 kms north of Tennant Creek (6 km of dirt road). Various free camping areas with one set of environmental toilets.
Devils Marbles - A conservation reserve managed like a National Park. Large camping area with environmental toilets and shelters. Ranger visited during stay and empties rubbish bins and checks area. Cost $6.60 per person.
Tropic of Capricorn rest area - new environmental toilets and shelter. Free camping.
Trepina Gorge National Park - three camping areas with environmental toilets, drinking water, free gas BBQ's, tables and swag rests. $3.30 per night per person.
Glen Helen Resort - we took an unpowered site as we were using the tent. Grassed sites with fire pits. Excellent flushing toilets and plenty of hot water in the showers. There is a bar and restaurant and one night we stayed there was live music.
Finke Gorge National Park - the best National Park camping area that we have stayed in. Flushing toilets, solar heated showers, free gas BBQ's, shelters, tables and swag rests. $6.60 per person and the area we camped was on the grass by the lagoon.
Stuart Caravan Park, Alice Springs. Apparently this caravan park is the closest to the centre of Alice Springs. $31 per night for a drive through powered site, with water and sullage. The facilities were excellent and always clean.
Mt Polhill Reserve - a road side area about 50 kms south of Alice Springs. It has new toilets and shelter although we didn't use the shelter or have a fire as it was extremely windy. The area is sheltered from the road with shubbery.
Finke River Reserve - another roadside area adjacent to the nearly dry river. A large area with plenty of parking and large trees for shelter. Has toilets and shelter area with fire pits and BBQ's.
Mt Kernot Reserve - on the Stuart Highway to Uluru Highway. A very large sandy area with some trees. There are no toilets but there is a shelter with fire pits.
Kings Canyon Resort - we had a powered drive through site with water and sullage. There are lots of facilities but the cleanliness isn't A1. It was nice to have some grass near the caravan! Cost $42 per night for two adults.
Salt Creek Reserve - large roadside area with lots of trees. There is a shelter and fires allowed but no toilets.
Curtin Springs Station - there are eight powered sites @ $25 per night. In addition there is unpowered free camping which we did. There are flush toilets and showers with hot water. The showers have an honesty system of $3 per shower. There is a shop and restaurant. Great camping spot.
Ayers Rock Resort - as expected, one of the top of the range camping grounds. We had a large powered site with sullage and water @ $41 per night for two adults. Excellent BBQ's, toilet and shower facilities. This is a very large park with separate areas for unpowered, powered, buses etc.
NT/SA border rest area - a purpose built facility for overnight stop overs. Excellent toilet facilities. The parking area is marked for caravans and is sheltered from the road by shubbery and information boards.
Hutchinson Memorial Coober Pedy - very large rest area approximately 10 kms south of Coober Pedy. Behind the memorial take the tracks to the back and it is very quiet with no road noise. No facilities.
Bonn Bonn Rest Area - on the Stuart Highway enroute to Port Augusta. Good size area with tables and shelter and environmental toilets.
Port Augusta Motorpark - adjacent to the Port Augusta Football Club. Large ashphalt area with adjacent car park available for use as well. Vehicles must be fully self contained. There are no toilets or showers but there is water and a dump point. The toilets in the Football Club rooms are available when the facility is open. Visitors are welcome to visit the club rooms for meals, drinks etc. Cost $5 per night or $25 for seven nights. Maximum stay 14 nights.
Wilpena Pound Resort - large camping ground with 44 powered sites and around 300 unpowered. Powered sites get booked out each day so need to pre-book. We took an unpowered site @ $21 per night for two adults. Excellent facilities.
Beautiful Valley Caravan Park, Wilmington. Basic small town caravan park with clean toilet and laundry facilities. We took a powered site @ $25 per night for two adults.
The Gap, near Balgowan, Yorke Peninsula. This is free camping at an isolated beach on the west coast of Yorke Peninsula. There are environmental toilets but no other facilities. Camp spots are on the car park by the beach front and also amongst the sand dunes.
Stansbury Caravan Park, Stansbury, Yorke Peninsula. An excellent well run caravan park with very clean facilities and a wonderful kitchen with full size oven. We took a powered site @ $25 per night for two adults discounted $2.50 for family parks membership. Highly recommended.
Shoreline Caravan Park, Port Augusta. Top tourist camp which has excellent clean facilities. Choice of sites. The gate is closed each night at 9 am and if you want to exit or access after this time a key must be obtained from the office prior. Paid $24.30 per night after Top Tourist discount.
Hilton Motel, Port Lincoln. Booked into double motel unit. There are no cooking facilities but motels are on the foreshore with beach access. Very clean and tidy. Paid $100 per night. Motel is not part of the "Hilton" group.
Scottys Motel, Comfort Inn Group, Adelaide. Booked double unit @ $105 per night. Okay for overnight only as very small and a little tired. There was a pool but BBQ facilities looked as though they hadn't been used for a long time. No cooking facilities.
Robe Haven Motel, Robe. Booked double unit which was quite large and very comfortable. No cooking facilities. Stayed overnight only so did not use any other motel facilities including restaurant. Paid $105 per night.
Victoria Motor Inn, Portland. On the foreshore and very comfortable double unit, again with no cooking facilities. Paid $100 for the night.

Stage Three

Sandors Motor Lodge, Mildura. A good quality motel where we stayed overnight - cost $87. No cooking facilities.
Outback Villas, Broken Hill. Very good individual two bedroomed (although small) villas which excellent facilities. We used the disabled unit as it was the only available. Had full cooking facilities with excellent equipment and utensils. Highly recommended. Paid $95 night.
Comfort Inn, Renmark. Very small double unit with no cooking facilities but cost of $95 did include continental breakfast for two. Only okay for overnight.
Shoreline Caravan Park, Port Augusta. Powered site - we have stayed here previously in Stage Two. $24.30 per night after Top Tourist discount. Excellent camping ground.
Minnipa camping area - free camping at the "Concrete Crappa". There were about seven groups in the area but plenty of space and good trees for shade. Toilets were clean. No other facilities.
Haslam Caravan Park - close to Streaky Bay and two kilometres of the highway. $5 per night per group. There were about twelve groups in overnight - maximum stay of ten days. On a rocky coastline. There were toilets but they were quite a walk from the camping area.
Ceduna Waters. There was no formal free camping or caravan park. We stayed on the foreshore at the end of the coastal road through the subdivision. Was just lovely!
Great Australian Bight Marine Park - heading west across the Nullabor. Just west of the Nullabor Roadhouse. We were one of two groups staying overnight. No facilities but the area was large and just delightful to stay in.
Caiguna Rest Area - further west on the Nullabor about 20 kms east of Caiguna. This is a truck parking area essentially with tracks leading off to camping areas. We followed the tracks as we could see all the caravans parked up and stayed overnight. We were far enough off the road not to hear any of the road trains throughout the night. No facilities but very safe.
Lake Douglas Recreation Reserve, 12 kms south west of Kalgoorlie. There is a dirt road from the highway which becomes a little corrugated. We pulled into a layby on the way into the Reserve overlooking the working mine - some mining noise overnight. We did not stay where the toilets and other facilities were. Good internet and mobile coverage. Only campers in this area although others further down the dirt road.
Kalgoorlie Discovery Caravan Park, Burt Street, Kalgoorlie. This caravan park caters for both the traveller and also the many workers living in temporary accommodation. The areas are both quite separate and as a traveller we didn't feel that we were intruding in a permanent park. Sites are completely sand. Facilities were very good and clean and the pool although quite small was great. Cost $30.60 per night after 10% discount (Top Tourist).
Mt Thirsty parking area, 23 km north of Norseman - free camping. Very large area with many tracks leading off the rest area suitable for camping. Popular area with a number of other campers staying. No facilities but plenty of shelter.
Pink Lake Tourist Park, Esperance. This park is about two kilometres from the township and esplanade. The sites were grassed and in good condition. Facilities were in good condition and very clean. Cost $28.80 per night after 10% discount (Family Parks).
Bremer Bay rest area - free camping on the Jerramungup to Bremer Bay road. Small area beside forest area with good shelter but no facilities.
Emu Beach Holiday Park, 8 Medcalf Parade, Emu Point, Albany. A great caravan park with grassed sites with concrete slabs. Facilities were excellent. Cost $34.20 after Top Tourist 10% discount.
Denmark rest area - after attempting to stay at Parrys Beach (28 kms west of Denmark) which is a small but popular free camping area that was full when we arrived, we stayed overnight at a basic rest area just outside Denmar. This was fine but had no facilities but we were protected from the road with no road noise.
Northcliff rest area - on side road from Western Highway to Pemberton. Small area with pull off behind trees sufficient for two caravans. We were first to arrive and we were joined by a camper van. Side road was quiet overnight with no passing traffic. Felt very safe. No facilities.
Pemberton Caravan Park - a very large caravan park with grassed sites and lots of excellent facilities. There were huge trees providing shelter. There was a supply of tables and shares placed near the kitchen for campers to borrow and use during their stay. This park is highly recommended. Cost $30 per night. Within walking distance of township.
Greenbushes Rest Area - freecamping 8 kilometres wouth of Balingup. Large facility adjacent to the football club grounds. The toilets at the football club were open for the campers to use. We were quite close to the road so some road noise. The night we camped there were eight other groups.
Prevelly Park Beach Camp - on coast about 15 kilometres from Margaret River township. A large caravan park with very good facilities. Cost $30 per night.
Gracetown Caravan Park - caravan park in the midst of the Margaret River tourist area. There is no grass at this park but facilities are very good and clean. Cost $27 per night after Top Tourist discount.
Kookaburra Caravan Park, Busselton. Caravan park is on the esplanade and is owned by the Shire. There are three separate areas all managed by one office. The camp manager accompanies you to your site to give assistance to park caravan on site and ensure you know where the facilities are etc. This is the first time we have had this service and were most impressed. Excellent facilities. Cost $26 per night after senior discount.
Glade Big 4 Caravan Park, Bunbury. We were shocked that this park was nearly empty although it was only a few days before Easter. Very few travellers - most of the park is set up for permanents and they are in a separate area to the travellers. There were two blocks of facilities for travellers and these were very clean. Sites were grassed. Cost $30.10 per night after Big 4 discount.
Pinjarra Heritage Park. Free camping adjacent to the railway station. Large grassed park besides the gardens and opposite the Exchange Hotel. The toilets at the railway station are available for campers. There was also a dump point. There were a few goods trains during the night which were quite noisy but other than that the facility is excellent. Easy walking distance to shoppng centre and parks. Beautiful place to stay and explore.
Perth Central Caravan Park - we were very disappointed in this park. The site was sandy and in very poor condition. The site had a lot of old carpet amongst the sand where efforts had been made to try and flatten the site. It was the worse site we have been given and although we complained to the office there were no other sites. Facilities were clean. Cost $37 per night after Top Tourist discount. We only stayed one night and certainly not a good example of a Top Tourist park. We would say "do not stay at this park".
Through the website www.happyhousesitters.com.au we housesat for eight days in Carine, north Perth. This was a great way to have accommodations close to central Perth over a holiday period.
Perth Discovery Big 4 Caravan Park - an excellent park in Forrestfield, Perth. Park is very well set out with travellers at the front of the park and permanents at the rare. The park is beautifully maintained and facilities are excellent. Cost $33.40 per night after Big 4 discount. Highly recommend this park.

Stage Four

Wilbinga Grove rest area, Lancelin Road. This is a free camping area. We pulled off the highway and followed one of the tracks a short distance and camped, along with about five other groups, for the night. There are no toilet facilities but there are rubbish bins. The sandy tracks apparently lead to the coast (we didn't go that far) and I understand is a popular place for camping and is used regularly by large numbers.
Cervantes Caravan Park. This caravan park is right on the foreshore in Cervantes. We only stayed overnight. It is well set out and very popular with those keen to fish. The facilities were clean and tidy. Cost $35 per night - a little expensive we thought.
Sandy Cape Recreation Area - this is a Jurien Bay Shire camping facility. It is well sign posted off the Indian Ocean Highway just north of Jurien Bay and there is approximately six kilometers of good dirt road to the camping area. This area is large and the sites are well set out with fencing. The area is surrounded by sand dunes and is adjacent to a good swimming beach and walks. There are environmental toilets and there is a dump spot and rubbish collection. Cost $15 per night collected by the resident caretaker.
Coronation Beach - this is again a shire camping facility north of Geraldton and is sign posted from the North Coast Highway. Very similar to Sandy Cape Recreation Area with fenced camping spots and environmental toilets and BBQ's. Resident caretaker and cost $15 per night.
Murchison River Caravan Park, Kalbarri. A lovely caravan park right on the foreshore in Kalbarri Township. We paid the Top Tourist discounted rate of $30.60 per night and if we had stayed for seven nights (which was very tempting) this rate would have been discounted by a further 10%. There are excellent facilities with each shower, toilet and handbasin set up like an ensuite in a separate room. The sites are quite small and it is necessary to ensure that the site allocated will fit your rig. We had to ask for a bigger site.
Fowlers Bay free camping - this is one of the four areas in the World Heritage Park run by the rangers from Denham. It is necessary to obtain a permit (either by telephoning the Denham Visitors Centre office or visiting there) before camping. We understand that the areas are limited to four camping groups at each site although this is not signposted. There are no facilities whatsoever but beautiful spots. The ranger visits to check that permits are held. There is no cost involved and a time limit of twenty four hours only.
Shark Bay Caravan Park, Denham. This caravan park is "tired" and needs to have some money spent on it. The facilities are reasonable and as there were few campers staying didn't get dirty but we didn't see them cleaned at all. The rubbish bins needed emptying. We only stayed two nights and moved on. Cost $30 per night discounted to $27 for seniors.
Whale Bay free camping - another of the World Heritage Park facilities run by the rangers from Denham. Beautiful spot. Same comments as Fowlers Bay (33 above).
Edaggee Rest Area, North Coast Highway north of the Wooramel Roadhouse. This is a large rest area with many tracks and positions for overnight stops. There were about ten groups staying. There is a dump spot and also an environmental toilet but no water. There was a lot of litter around the area and the flies were terrible.
Outback Oasis Caravan Park, Carnarvon. A small caravan park on a side road which has recently had new owners who are spending a lot of time and money upgrading the park. There is excellent grass sites, some with concrete slabs. There are very good facilities which are very clean. Although the road to the park is commercial the park is set back with housing on all borders. Do not be put off by this. We planned to stay for seven nights and the cost was $165.
Osprey Camping Area, Cape Range Park. This is a National Park camping area and it is necessary to book on line prior to arrival. There are approximately ninety camp sites within the park in various areas. Osprey had twenty sites, some for use with a generator and some not. Environmental toilets were the only facilities. Cost $12 per night for us. Camp sites are on the beach front and can be windy. Just beautiful - we stayed for seven nights. Limited flies.
Exmouth Big 4 Caravan Park - an expensive park @ $47 per night for two but good facilities and grass which is nice. Park is within walking distance of the town shops and restaurants.
Yannarie Rest Area - on the Warlu Way between Nanutarra Roadhouse and Pardoburdoo. Large rest area down by the river and away from the noise of passing traffic. Environmental toilell set ets and fire surrounds. The flies were terrible! Free camping.
Tom Price Caravan Park - well set out camp with a lot of permanents working in the mines in a separate area to the casuals. Very clean facilities and nice pool area. Cost $38 per night for two.
Dales Camp Ground, Karijini National Park. Very basic national park camping with environmental toilets, occasional table and gas BBQ. Cost $12 per night. Excellent access to the various walks within the national park.
Cooke Point Big 4 Holiday Park, Port Hedland. Very nice caravan park but sites are quite small and a little difficult to get into with a large van. Casuals are kept separate from the permanent mine staff. Clean facilities and nice pool. Cost $47 a night after Big 4 discount.
Cape Keraudren Reserve - this is a coastal reserve and is managed by a ranger. A number of camping areas alongside the rocky beaches. There are environmental toilets only and no showers or water. Drinking water can be obtained at Pardoo Roadhouse, nine kilometres back on the main road. Cost $10 visitors permit plus $4.50 per day per adult to camp.
Eighty Mile Beach Caravan Park - well set out camp with lots of grass which is hard to find in the desert. Excellent facilities and adjacent to a good swimming beach. Fishing and 4wdriving on the beach popular activities. Eighteen kilometres of soft dusty road leading into caravan park. Cost $34 per night for two adults.
Gold Wire Rest Area - recently redevloped 24 hour rest area with new environmental toilets. Well set out and very popular as about forty units staying the night we did. Free camping.
Cable Beach Resort Caravan Park, Broome. We only stayed one night as we arrived one day prior to our booking at Palm Grove Caravan Park. Cost $43 for night (but in May and prices increase for June, July and August which is the peak period). Large caravan park, with grassed sites and numerous facility blocks which are a little tired and could do with a paint but clean. Walking distance to Cable Beach.
Palm Grove Caravan Park, Cable Beach, Broome. We stayed for nearly three weeks. Well set out camp however sites are quite tight to get into. Good facilities. Cost $46.50 per night for two adults in peak season. Walking distance to Cable Beach.
Middle Lagoon, Cape Leveque. This is a camping area catering for both powered and non powered sites and there are flushing toilets and solar powered hot showers. We stayed on the ridge in the unpowered area with our tent and it was great. Short scramble down the sand dunes to the beach which is good for swimming and fishing. Great sunsets! Camp fires are allowed and wood is available in the surrounding area. Forty kilometres of soft sandy road from the bitumen section of the highway. Cost $30 per night for two adults.
Beach shelter at Kooljaman Resort, Cape Leveque. The resort offers tent sites but these were fully booked. We stayed in a beach shelter $101 for four people and we erected our two small tents inside the shelter. Cold water shower and drinking water tap in shelter plus picnic table. Communal flushing toilets and solar heated showers. Very soft sand track to shelters.

Stage Five

Nillibubbica Rest Area - twenty four hour stop over area. Older style environmental toilets. Large area which filled up during the afternoon early evening. Camp fires were allowed and wood available in the surrounding area.
Kimberley Entrance Caravan Park, Derby. Well set out caravan park and good facilities and lots of trees. Cost $38 per night.
Tarunda Caravan Park, Fitzroy Crossing. A small caravan park on the main road to Geikie Gorge, next door to IGA. Clean facilities and grassed sites. Cost $29 per night for two adults.
Mary Pool Rest Area. One of the most popular free camping areas we have stayed in to date. Cross the concrete causeway and sites are adjacent to the river bank. Environmental toilets. Lots of shade.
Spring Creek Rest Area. This is the closest free camping area to The Bungle Bungles National Park. There are two areas available for camping and there are environmental toilets.
Cockburn Rest Area. Another freecamping area with environmental toilets. Rest area is on the a major corner and the road trains continued throughout the night so quite noisy.
Wyndham Caravan Park, Wyndham. A nicely treed caravan park with older toilet facilities but very clean. Very good manager who gave us a choice of sites. Cost $30 per night for two adults.
Parrys Creek Tourist Park. This area is approximately 25 kilometres from Wyndham. A beautiful caravan park which lots of grass and excellent facilities. There is a restaurant within the park. Cost $38 per night for a couple.
Ivanhoe Caravan Park, Kununurra. The caravan park was booked out and the sites were quite close together but we were lucky to have one of the biggest sites in the park. Excellent facilities and lovely pool area. Cost $38 per night for a couple.
Sullivans Campground, Gregory National Park. Freecamping area near a river but no swimming as there was a crocodile sign. Older style environmental toilet. Lovely grassed area with circular driveway.
Shady Lane Tourist Park, Katherine. One of the nicest caravan parks we have stayed in. Our site had lots of lovely palms and there were lots of trees for shade. Excellent pool and new bathroom facilities. Top Tourist camp and we paid $34.50 after 10% discount.
Edith Falls, Katherine National Park. Very nice national park camp ground with flushing toilets and solar heated showers plus free BBQ's. Good swimming. Cost $9 per adult.
Douglas Hot Springs. Another national park camp with flushing toilets and cold water showers. Lots of grass and large area. Cost $6.60 per adult.
Howard Springs Big 4, Darwin. A very large caravan park which is well set out but unfortunately the toilets and pool area is looking tired and could do with painting etc. Cost $36.00 per night for two adults.
Merle Camp Ground, Kakadu National Park. Excellent national park camping area with large sites. There are flushing toilets and solar heated showers but the water was only warm. Fire pits at each campsite. Cost $10 per adult.
Muirella Camp Ground, Kakadu National Park. Another very good national park camping area with lots of room but not divided into individual sites. There are flushing toilets and solar heated showers. Cost $10 per adult.
Madugal Camp Ground, Kakadu National Park. Very similar to Merle and Muirella with flushing toilets and solar heated showers. Cost $10 per adult.
Adelaide River Inn Tourist Park. A small caravan park behind the BP service station and adjacent to the hotel. Surprisingly not noisy. Very good facilities and nice pool area. Cost $25 for a powered site for a couple.
Wangi Falls, Litchfield National Park. One of the best national park camping areas we have stayed in. Excellent sites but be early to get one. Free gas BBQ's. Cost $6.60 per adult.
Free spirit Caravan Park, Darwin. Large camping ground which lots of villas and units, and quite a few permanents. Casuals seem to be kept in a separate area. A number of amenity blocks - we only used one which was in excellent condition and always clean. There are three swimming pools within the park, plus restaurant bar area. We paid $40 per night and felt that this was worth it.
Tumbling Waters Holiday Park, Berry Springs near Darwin. We particularly went to this park because of the photos of the springs as shown on the park website. We were disappointed to find that the photo was actually of the public springs at Berry Springs Recreational Park and wasn't within the caravan park. However, we enjoyed our few days stay. There are new facilities which are separate ensuite facilities. The pool was a bit of a let down as it was quite small. Cost $29 per night.
Mataranka Cabins and Camping Park, Mataranka. Very basic facility but adjacent to the lovely Mataranka Springs. We only stayed one night and felt the cost of $30 was excessive for the facilities provided - clean but very old and basic.
WW II Memorial rest area between Camooweal and Mt Isa. This is a very large free camping area - pull well off the road to get as far away as possible from road noise. It was not excessive. New flushing roadside toilets and dump spot.
Richmond Caravan Park. This is a small town with a very nice camping area overlooking the lake. Drive through sites and lots of trees. Facilities were very clean. Cost $25 per night.
Reid Park Rest Area, between Charters Towers and Townsville. This is a large circular area which has been fenced and new asphalt laid. There are flushing toilets and cold showers and picnic tables and shelters. Can hear road noise but there didn't appear to be many road trains so did not disturb. Free camping.
Big 4 Walkabout Palms, Townsville. This camping ground is behind a busy roadhouse on the outskirts of Townsville yet only about four kilometres from the city centre. Nice sites with concrete slabs. Very good facilities. Cost $38 per night.

Stage Six

Seabreeze Tourist Park, Airlie Beach. This park is currently under renovation with new owners and they are doing very lots of work. New concrete slabs and very nice new ensuite facilities which had only been opened six weeks. Management escort new arrivals to their sites and assist with directions to park on site. Very impressed with the improvements they are obviously making. Cost $35 per night with discount and cheap storage if bookings to islands are made through camp office.
Reef Hotel, Hamilton Island. Obviously not camping but great to be staying in a resort! When checking the catamaran price for a return visit to Hamilton Island we found that it was cheaper to book a night's accommodation at the resort as the catamaran fare is included. Excellent hotel and facilities - highly recommended.
St Lawrence Recreation Area. This is a free camping area south of Mackay. We were absolutely surprised there was no fee - great facilities with hot showers ($1 in the slot for showers), cleaner came each day, dump spot, grassed area adjacent to local horse club facilities. Highly recommended.
Gin Gin Rest Area. This is a very large free camping area on the Bruce Highway. There were 57 rigs staying the night we stayed. Several flushing toilet blocks with cold showers, picnic tables and shelters. Cleaners came around 9 am to clean and empty rubbish bins. Try and stay near the back of the grassed area to avoid the road noise.
Apple Tree Creek Rest Area, near Childers. The main free camping area is close to the road however drive down the road and there is a large grassed area opposite the rodeo club. This is much quieter. Toilets are near the main road but not too far to walk.
Tiaro Memorial Park, Tiaro. This is a smallish free camping area behind the information centre and hotel in Tiaro. The park is not particularly flat however we pulled onto the grassed area on the roadside and had no issues. Park was full the night we stayed. It has an excellent toilet and hot shower facility and children's playground.
Six Mile Creek Park, Gympie. This free camping area is very close to the town boundary. There are flushing toilets and BBQ's with picnic facilities and shelters.
Forest Glen Big 4, Buderim. This was the most expensive caravan park we have stayed at during our fifteen months on the road and did not have the facilities to support the cost - we felt it was a rip off at $58.50 per night after our Big 4 10% discount. We cannot recommend.
Alex Cabin and Caravan Park, Alexandra Headland. This Sunshine Coast park has very few caravan sites as it mainly provides villas and cabins. It is within close walking distance of the beach and shopping areas and situated between the ever popular Mooloolaba and Maroochydore. Most sites have individual ensuites (the first we have had, and we were impressed) and cost $40.50 per night after the 10% Top Tourist discount. Highly recommend.
Brisbane Northside Big 4 Caravan Park. This is a large park and had plenty of vacancies when we stayed although it was school holidays. Concrete slabs for each site. Good facilities and very clean. Cost $36 per night after Big 4 10% discount.

Melbourne to Townsville via the Simpson Desert

1. Golden River Holiday Park, part of the Big 4 group, Mildura. We booked a cabin for our first night as we knew it would be cold and we would be arriving late in the day. A very good choice and the receptionist was very friendly. Cost for night was $99 so very reasonable for cabin with queen bed in lounge, four bunks in the bedroom, all linen provided and bathroom and kitchen facilities. Very impressed. The camp is on the banks of the river so able to take a walk before travelling on. Highly recommended although not in the centre of Mildura if that is important.

2. Paxton Square Cottages, Burra, South Australia. We pre-booked this accommodation through the helpful Burra Information Centre. The receptionist at the accommodation is not on site but after telephoning it didn't take long for her to arrive, however, she severely lacks customer service skills. Opened the door to the office, stood behind the counter and the only words she said was the cottage number we were to stay in. The cost was $145 and included linen. Queen bed and one single bed in separate bedroom, two single beds in the lounge. Fireplace, which was the only heating, and one small box of firewood and kindling provided. Kitchen with very minimal equipment and bathroom facilities provided. It was extremely cold and could have done with additional heating. Advantage was that it was within walking distance of Burra shopping centre and some tourist places.

3. Leigh Creek Caravan Park, Leigh Creek, South Australia. We had not pre-booked and had planned on setting up tents but on arrival cabin was available so took this option. Double bed and one set of bunks in open plan cabin, and additional mattress provided. Linen included and tea and coffee making facilities. Bathroom in cabin. We were able to use the outdoor BBQ facilities for dinner preparation and managed with our own equipment for dinner and breakfast. Cost $130.

4. William Creek camping, South Australia. Register and pay at the William Creek hotel and set up camp. The showers and toilets were very clean and plenty of hot water. Cost $30 for tent site. The camping area has no grass (but what do you expect really) and was gravel and sand but more than adequate. Washing machines were available. The water is not drinkable.

5. Hamilton Station camping area, north of Oodnadatta. This is a new camping area set up by the station owners. The cost per night is $10 per vehicle so very reasonable. The area has been graded to make a flat camping area, has two new long drop toilets, toilet paper provided, a covered table and seating area, fire surrounds with BBQ plate. We were the only campers and the station owner came and introduced herself and offered any assistance and we paid her. She was very friendly. The site could be difficult on the off chance that rain settled in but apparently they only had three periods of rain in the last twelve months so not highly likely. A great night in the outback.

6. Dalhousie Springs National Park camping area. This area is very well set out with individual camping areas and each has a covered area - they could do with picnic tables and seating. There are very good composting toilet facilities, cold showers and cold water over washing areas. The water is not drinking quality. This camping area is adjacent to the hot springs. The cost for camping was included in our SA Desert Pass ($150).

7. Camping on the Simpson Desert. Again the cost of camping is included in the SA Desert pass cost. We stayed three nights on the actual desert. Camping can be set up in any area as there are no formal camping areas but must be within 50 metres of the track. There are no facilities of course. Watch for windy areas.

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Where we stayed