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!!!

Bongaree Caravan Park, Bribie Island

Bribie is an annual trip for us.  We enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and it's a quick easy trip from home on a Friday afternoon when school finishes. Its not real camping... more of a glamping trip... the only thing camping about our trip to Bribie is that we sleep in the camper trailer!

We booked our trip the previous year, before we knew we were having a baby, so we didn't know if we'd actually go until the last minute - Noel was keen as, but I must admit I was a little hesitant about talking a 3 week old baby camping.  Lauren was great! She slept well, fed well and even had her first 8hr sleep!  But I didn't venture too far from the campsite as we didn't have the pram because Noel had his golf clubs and there just wasn't enough room in the car for both! (I told you it wasn't real camping)

Bongaree Caravan park is located on the passage - just the road between you and the water, and mainly local  traffic going past.  I would say the caravan park does lack character, and first impressions aren't great - just a flat grassed area with a few trees and a 1.8m chain fence all the way around.  But you can walk across the road with your fishing rod, or if you have a boat, the ramp is across the road too.  The Bribie Bowls club is next door (recommend the Hot Rock Garlic Prawns -mmmm) or you can easily walk a little further for fish & chips or coffee & cake.

The park is very level, most sites have slabs and power, you will pay more for the "waterfont" sites, and there are cabins available too. The kids can ride their scooters or bikes around the park and still be within eyesite,  and the toilet block is large and clean.

I think we've already booked again for 2012!

Sandy Creek, Kilcoy

We found this little gem while looking on the internet. Their website www.sandycreekcampin.com.au provides simple driving instructions. We'd recommend arriving during the daylight hours, if possible, as the final few kilometres are over unsealed roads. The recent QLD floods have resulted in some crossings requiring repair and caution should be taken when crossing.

We arrived about 4.30pm on the Friday afternoon and Brian (the owner) was already enjoying 'Happy Hour'. Some friends had arrived around lunchtime and secured a number of sites adjacent to the creek. There are no designated sites, so, the best sites are taken on a first-come, first-served basis.

Most sites are very level. Some near the toilets would not be suitable for vans and camper trailers. Fires are permitted and firepits are scattered across the campground. Wood can also be purchased and Brian will deliver and unload for you. Showers and toilets are basic, but, hot showers are always appreciated.

In summer, this would be a great place to cool down as the creek is very shaded and shallow.  Lots of places for the kids to explore. On Sunday, the owners personally delivered the Sunday paper to all campsites! Please note that there are no rubbish facilities, so you need to take everything home with you.

Dogs are allowed (on leash). Overall, a lovely relaxing weekend with our friends.

Neurum Creek, Woodford

Neurum Creek is a great place for a quick getaway as it's just an hour north of Brisbane.

Heading up Friday afternoon straight after School, we setup and spent the coldest night in our campers short history.

Every blanket available including the car cover were taken in our attempt to keep warm. Just over four degrees!

On Saturday some friends joined us for the day. Bush walk with the kids, campfire dinner and sparklers before our guests departed. Cloud cover ensured we spent a much more comfortable night in the camper.

There's a limited number of powered sites which are normally booked by larger caravans with all the modern conveniences. Hot Showers are fantastic but the 'drop' toilets are not a favourite. There's a variety of open grass or more private tree-lined sites. Being winter, we prefer the open sunny sites.

On Sunday the 'Coffee Van' arrived and you can buy the Sunday paper. The bike track has all-but been destroyed by the January floods (see our recent post), but, we could see that the campground (and possibly Main Roads) are undertaking some major reconstruction work between the flood way and the park entry.

Neurum Creek are very organised and their website is constantly updated with their upcoming activities.

 

Island Reach, Imbil

We have just returned from a three night stay at Island Reach Camping Resort, Imbil. Another great weekend away. We had a lovely campsite by the river.  Island Reach is a very relaxing place with the river very popular with all the campers

No need to book (unless Christmas or Easter) and no set campsite boundaries - it's "first in best dressed". The grounds were nice and lush, the camp sites were fairly level, campfires are allowed, lots of big beautiful trees for shade and plenty of sites on the creek.  Definitely want to bring your canoe, togs and a fishing rod. 

Campgrounds are widespread, so, it can be quite a walk to the toilets and showers as all amenities are near the entrance, but, that's the price you pay for a creekside campsite! 

Another plus - Only a 600m (easy ten minute) walk to the quaint township of Imbil. There are a couple of take aways / coffee shops, the "Local" pub, butcher, grocery store, fishing shop etc. On Sunday the Markets run from 8am and the Rattler (Train) arrives around lunch time

Make sure you ask the Owner about the 'floods', it's amazing how far up the creek they come (you could see the watermark on the wall of the Office) We be definitely going back!

Lake Somerset

I have started the countdown for our first official trip for 2011.  Weather permitting of course... fingers crossed the devastating weather and flooding of the last week is finished, and the sunshine will continue to bless our days. I am worried that Somerset Dam will be closed to water sports & activities, but Noel is keen either way, so as long as the camp ground is open, and the weather forecast is promising, we will be going.

I am looking forward to the fishing (at sunset with a glass of wine of course) and enjoying the company of family and good friends. We usually camp with 2-3 other families, but this trip we are expecting a large group of friends and friends of friends, so it will be interesting to see the dynamics of the larger group.

This will be our first camping trip to Somerset so any suggestions are appreciated!

Happy Birthday to our Camper Trailer!

We bought our camper trailer one year ago today!  And I must say we've come along way from our first trip...

Our "Maiden Voyage" in February 2010 was to Nerum Creek Bush Retreat just out of Woodford.  We did a one night "shake down" trial to see how hard the camper was to set up, how long it would take us and what else we needed to get.  Funnily enough it happened to be a VERY wet weekend...

It poured all night (the tent sprung a couple of small leaks and the rain was sooo loud on the canvas) we ate breakfast with an inch of water steadily running thru our annex area and then we had to pack up quickly (in the rain) as the creek was rising fast...

 

By the time we were ready to leave the water was too deep and running way too fast.  It looked like we might have to set up again and spend another night (on rations!!!) Luckily the water came down fast and by about 5pm it was only 20cm deep.  I was freaking out about crossing but after watching dozens of cars go thru, I let Noel persuade me that it was safe to cross.


Surprisingly, we had a good time even with the rain, and I can even laugh about it now!

PS - We have made several trips to Nerum Creek Bush Retreat, it is a great place for a family camping trip - and you can even take your dog!