Big4 Maroochy River

We have just come back from a long weekend at Big 4 Maroochy River. There's so much to do at all Big4 Parks, you don't have to leave the park at all!  The kids were entertained with the pool, jumping pillow, putt-putt golf, playground and their favourite activity - feeding the ducks, water hens and eels (shudder) at the pond. There were even baby chicks to see!

We went straight from school on Friday, so we were set up around 5.30pm.  We were setup on site 41 directly adjacent to the pond, which turned out to be a perfect location - the kids happily fed the ducks and explored the pond area while we set up and we could see them the whole time.

The amenities were great too - nice hot showers, nice wide cubicles and nice and clean! They also have a shop at the front for any emergency supplies plus they have a little cafe where you can get fish and chips, sandwiches, burgers, breakfasts etc.(eat in or delivered to your campsite or cabin).

Check in is from 2pm and Check out is at 10am. The Maroochy River and a Boat Ramp are located immediately across the road from the entry, plus there is a walking path beside the river.  We saw plenty of people fishing from the shore, there were BBQ boats and catamarans for hire along the river, there are markets on Fisherman Ave on Sunday mornings (about 1km walk) and it is about a 10 minute drive to Cottontree and the beach.

Noosa North Shore Beach Campground

We spent the first week of the September School holidays at the Noosa North Shore Beachfront Campground which is a Sunshine Coast Holiday Park (Council managed)

Weather was great, albeit for the Tuesday afternoon storm which destroyed a couple of gazebos and a tent or two. We camped with friends Sharon & Paul, Roger & Anita, Martina & Eddie, Chris & Sally (and all their respective children)

Access to Noosa North Shore requires a short ferry ride (5 minutes), driving to the campground is just 15 minutes along a now fully-sealed road

Due to it's location, the facilities at this campground are basic but everything is available including a limited number of powered sites. Sites are numbered (on their maps), but, are not marked throughout the park, and may be booked by management as 'shared' sites. This is worth remembering during busy times

It's not too tough as the local pub is very popular and very accommodating for the Campers and their families - you pass it on the way to the campground, so, you can't miss it

There are actually two campgrounds - the second (located adjacent to the pub), is generally only used during the School Holidays as the 'over flow'. Please be wary of this when booking if you particularly want the 'Beach' camping experience

There is a lot of wildlife within the park with goanna, wallaby, bush turkey and snakes (not that we saw snakes!). Permits are required to access the beach from Noosa through to Rainbow Beach. These can be purchased prior to catching the ferry across the river, at the Park shop or on-line prior to arrival - National Parks regularly patrol the beach, so, permits are a must

Big4 Tallebudgera Creek, Gold Coast

Just returned from a long weekend at Tallebudgera Creek. This was the first trip for us in our 'New' Jayco Swan Outback ('Our Camper' is now updated with some photographs). I've already got a list of modifications before our next trip!

Being right on Tallebudgera Creek, this would be a fantastic spot in Summer. Fishing is also popular and yabbies can be pumped from the beach between the tides right in front of the park.

Tallebudgera Creek is a Gold Coast Tourist Park, so, facilities are of the highest standard. There are lots of different accommodation types available so if travelling with friends or families who want a little more comfort, there's something for everyone.

Both photographs were taken at the park. It was very windy with the 'Westerlies' coming through the park but otherwise, the weather was perfect.

  

Big4 North Star, Hastings Point

For the past few years, we've spent the Anzac Day Weekend at Big 4 North Star (Hastings Point).  Just south of Kingscliff it is another lovely beach location.  The Big 4 isn't on the Beach like Cottontree, it is about a short 5 min stroll away (there is a Tweed Coast Holiday Park which backs onto the river and just across the road from the beach and a park.)  The Big 4 boasts its own Water Park and Pool, Restaurant, Kids Club, Playground and Games Room.

 

You really don't need to leave the premises if you don't want to! This trip we chose to have a private bathroom (so we could bath Lauren) We have stayed there in the past and used the general amenities and have found them to be lovely and clean.  The kids enjoyed using the water park - it was a little too cold for the adults.  We didn't use the Kids Club this trip but it is like an indoor play centre.  They do sessions for different ages at different times of the day (you sign your child in and out).  Great opportunity if you just need a bit of time kid free! And it's included in the price!

 

We had a lovely coffee & cake at the Restaurant which had a great gluten free selection (love it when there is a choice for GF cake!).  We also ventured to Cabarita Sports Club for a scrumptious Chinese dinner one night (and they happily catered for the gluten free too).  On Sunday there are markets on at Pottsville or Kingscliff.  We have been to both... A nice morning out looking at all the handmade goods, vintage wot nots and other bits and bobs!

Cotton Tree Caravan Park

Our most recent trip has been our longest yet - 10 nights

Cotton Tree is one of our favourite camping destinations. We 'camped' in one of the grassy sites with nine other families over the Easter period which included the School Holidays. This was Lauren's 3rd Camp, she loves the attention of all the new faces

Thanks to Cathy, Mike, Amy, Danny, Jo, Todd, Charlotte, Rob, Rebecca, Mick and other Parents and families for making this another memorable holiday.With a borrowed kayak, Noel spent hours fishing the Maroochy River

We had the freshest whiting for Dinner on Good Friday. All the kids enjoyed an Easter Egg Hunt on Sunday. Local Markets operate in the main street on the third Sunday of each month, but, the Caloundra Markets run each Sunday which are only 15 minutes away. Weather was perfect and we all spent hours in the water each day

Please note that the park now requires 50% deposit on bookings and final payment three months in advance during School Holidays

Big4 Hibiscus Holiday Park, Caloundra

  

We've just returned from a weekend at the newest Caravan Park on the Sunshine Coast - Big4 Caloundra. The newly renovated 'Hacienda Holdiay Park' re-opened in December, so, we were able to book 'Prime' Sites directly adjacent to the pool, jumping pillow and beach. It's right at the bottom of Bullcock Street, so, close to everything

We were joined by Steve and his Kids along with Scott, Pia and Ava who recently invested in a camper trailer of their own

The park has all the 'usual' luxuries - power, excellent amenities block, pool and plenty for the kids as it has been completely renovated. With so much to do within the park, we suggest staying an extra day to visit the local attractions. Site sizes vary throughout the park but are all sites are grass.

As we were by the beach, kayaks and fishing were popular with a decent 'Muddie' caught by Scott in a 'secret' spot in the Bribie Passage. Big4 Caloundra also has it's own small craft ramp, right into the water!

General consensus is that Big4 Caloundra is definitely on the radar for a future visit.

Happy New Year

We have updated our trip list for this year and have a few new locations to try... We are heading to Kingscliff later this month and although not on our list, there is a new Big 4 at Caloundra I am keen to try. We will be returning to a couple of favourites that we seem to go to every year and also go to a couple of campgrounds that we haven't been to since starting our blog.  We have eleven trips planned this year... Bring it on!!!