Gibraltar Range National Park in Winter: Cold Hands, Warm Fires and Waterfalls

Mulligans Hut, a reminder of the area's timber-getting history and an abandoned hydro-electric scheme.

Camping at Camp Blackman: Stargazing, Scenic Trails, and Warrumbungle Views

After an inspiring day at the Siding Spring Observatory open day, we set off on a short drive, just 30 minutes or so, to our next stop—Camp Blackman. We rolled in, set up, and enjoyed a quick lunch, eager to get out and explore.

First up was a wander to the Information Centre, where we picked up a few trail tips before heading out on a long loop around the area. And wow—is it beautiful here. The landscapes are simply breathtaking, with picture-perfect views at every turn.

The camp itself is well-equipped: a newly built shower block offers free hot showers (such a luxury!) and flushing toilets—a definite bonus. The sites are a bit snug, though, and since the ground is bitumen, pegging down awnings or tents can be a bit tricky. But for those scenic walks? Worth every bit of setup effort!

Day 1 local walk

Mount Kaputar Camping at Bark Hut: Windy Nights, Scenic Hikes, and Alpine Views

 After sawn rocks and Narrabri coffee was a pleasure to head up the mountain to our site at Bark Hut. Unfortunately the NPWS renovations to the site appear to be designed by people who have never had to peg down an awning or tent. First night was extremely windy and found me up at 3:00 am to take down the remnants of our annexe tent because it could not be tied down and storm proofed.

So three nights and many great walks.

From Myall Creek to Kaputar: A Powerful Journey Through History and Landscape

No rain at Bingara so quick pack up and leave. Next stop Myall Creek Memorial for a rather moving walk along the track, learning more of the story until we reached the monument.

How to enjoy a two night getaway at Boorkoom, Diggers Camp.

Boorkoom campground is a clifftop camping site in Yuraygir National Park, near Wooli in New South Wales. It has 11 campsites that are suitable for tents, caravans and camper trailers. It is a great place to enjoy beach activities, fishing, surfing whale watching and walking tracks.

Almost a resort. Site 2 is awesome.

Grassy Head for 2 Nights in the New Tow Vehicle

Hello, fellow campers and travellers! We’re excited to share with you our recent adventure with our new Nissan Xtrail, a hybrid electric car that is perfect for exploring the great outdoors. It’s very fuel-efficient and smooth to drive, and it has plenty of space for both of us and pulls (Wottie) the teardrop camper trailer as if it were not there.

The (dry) site and showing off the shiny new car.

Home via Beowa

We bid farewell to the enchanting Gippsland lakes region and hit the road with our cozy teardrop camper. Our destination was Beowa, a hidden gem of a national park, where we booked a spot at the Bittangabee Campground. The drive was bumpy and slow, but it was worth it when we arrived at our beautiful campsite. We had a stunning view of the inlet, which was only a short walk away. We also had easy access to the somewhat challenging 32 km light to light walk, a trail that follows the coast and offers breathtaking scenery. We spent three nights here, exploring the north and south sections of the trail on different days.

Arrival,: setup, dust off, and charge up

Returning home the long way: Surat, Nindigully and Stanthorpe

We completed the walk to Boolimba, returned to the teardrop at Sandstone, hooked up, and commenced returning home the long way. We first drove south to Roma, where we enjoyed a much welcomed espresso in the sun, and a free shower at the sportsground. We also did some restocking at the supermarket, and then continued south to the historic and beutiful town of Surat, where we enjoyed a quiet free camp on the river.

A quiet evening by the river at the free campground at Surat

Misty Ethereal Walk: the unmissable Moss Garden and Wards Canyon

Carnarvon Gorge, a hidden gem in Queensland, Australia, where ancient sandstone cliffs meet lush rainforests, creating a haven for nature enthusiasts and hikers alike. In this post, we’ll take you on an unforgettable journey as we embark on a morning walk in the mist, discovering the enchanting Moss Garden and venturing deeper into the past at Wards Canyon.

Silence: An Early Morning Trek to The Amphitheatre.

Sunday dawned, coffee sipped, we ventured on a 24-kilometer return to Big Bend—an unmissable sojourn.

As coffee brewed, the sky lightened, awaiting our walk.

Departing at first light had bestowed upon us the privilege of experiencing this natural marvel in blissful solitude.

Trail of Splendors: Revelations in Carnarvon Gorge

Our trajectory then took us to the majestic Carnarvon Gorge, where we had thoughtfully secured a campsite at the splendid Sandstone facility. I wholeheartedly endorse this haven of tranquility. Once settled and satiated by a leisurely lunch, we embarked on a short five-kilometre drive to the trailhead, eager to acquaint ourselves with the park’s wonders.

Sheepstation Creek: Camping in the Ancient Border Ranges Rainforest!

Trip #13

Booked site Friday, Saturday. Take Wotty to work Fri AM, leave for Sheepstation Creek before dark. 2 hour trip, leave 15:15, sun sets 17:15. Tight.

Thu AM, pull Wotty from rear of shed, charge Lion battery, fill water tank, chill fridge. Thu PM, load fridge, pack gear, run checklist. Always fill car with fuel on way home.

Fri AM, hook up car, park for solar power. 15:15, drive, arrive, setup, eat, sleep. Sat AM, walk. Maps pre-downloaded, Garmin fr945 on wrist.

• More on Border Ranges National Park here
• Sheepstation Creek camping
• Alltrails: Walks in Border Ranges

Arriving under the cloak of night, with descending Venus as our only witness. we made camp in obscurity for a duet of nights

As we strolled through the forest in the early hours of Saturday, a spectrum of vividly colored fungi caught our eye.

Beneath the canopy of the rainforest lies a world bursting with brightly coloured fungal life, from intricate mycelial networks to towering mushrooms, a testament to the incredible diversity of this unique ecosystem.

Water falling, unceasing, like life itself: Brushbox Falls, Border Ranges

Looking Eastward from “the pinnacle”, to the coast

Jane Austin said “Home is not a place, but a feeling”. For us, that feeling comes wherever we park the Wotty.

As Saturn ascended into the night sky, we watched as the clouds hinted at an impending cool change, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the moon.

The roots of the Antarctic beech endure, gnarled and unyielding, a testament to the centuries that have passed.

Westward, the Collins Creek Valley stretches towards Woodenbong, with Mt. Lindsay and Mt. Barney in the distance.

Beneath the cloak of the rainforest, amidst the emerald hue, a sudden burst of vibrant fungi

Despite the scarce sunlight that penetrated the forest’s canopy, our battery remained charged, which kept our refrigerator cold. However, I learned the hard way that encountering the giant stinging tree wasn’t worth it. I suspect that the lack of maintenance and subsequent closure on the Booyung Trail was due to the proliferation of these trees, which were flourishing in a sunny gap created by a fallen tree. I noticed that the track clearing stopped at the point where I stopped… at the stinging trees.

On Sunday morning, we took the loop back home. Although the route was shorter, the duration was much longer. Our journey led us to Bar Mountain and then down to Uki, where we savoured great coffee at “The Village and Co.” From there, we made our way to Stokers Siding, and finally to our humble abode.

total of 40 nights.

Rising to New Heights: Exploring Glasshouse Mountains National Park

Trip #12

Forecast shifted. Cold and wet now dry, warmer, but windy. We hopped in the Wotpod, headed North for Caboolture, gateway to Glasshouse Mountains trails.

Mountain peaks spring abruptly from the ground, towering with awe-inspiring height

• Caboolture Showground
• Starry Night
• Glasshouse Mountains
• Steep Climb to lookouts
• Markets
• Rail Trail

A simple setup at the showground. The portable fireplace came out at dusk.

Camping at Caboolture Showground. Tents pitched, fires crackling. Night sky, a blanket of stars. Smell of smoke and nature. But then, the sound of trains, roaring through the night, piercing the stillness. Sleep interrupted, but only briefly. Morning, birds singing, a new day of adventure ahead.

Each evening, my night sky photography improves, capturing the raw beauty of the stars with growing proficiency. A view of the galactic centre, between Scorpius and Sagitta, also known as “The Dark Emu”

At Caboolture Showground, people gathered for more than just camping. Horse people arrived with their equine companions, ready for competition. The sounds of hooves echoed through the grounds, as riders put their horses through their paces. Tension and excitement filled the air as they prepared for the show. Even at night, the horses remained restless, snorting and neighing, their energy palpable. The horse people, a tight-knit community, shared their passion for these magnificent animals, forming bonds that extended far beyond the showground.

View north from Jack Ferris Lookout.

Glasshouse Mountains, rising high, a natural wonder. Rocks, jagged and imposing, jutting out from the earth. Shadows, cast by the sun, danced across the peaks.

Trails, winding and treacherous, leading to the summit. The air, crisp and clean, filling the lungs with each breath. From atop, a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape, stretching out to the horizon.

For those brave enough to climb, a sense of accomplishment and freedom, for few sights can match the beauty of the Glasshouse Mountains.

From higher up, a new view of the Glasshouse Mountains reveals itself, this time from the East, casting a new light on their rugged beauty.

The showground in Caboolture comes alive on Sunday mornings, with a lively and eclectic mix of vendors and visitors. Amidst the hustle and bustle, you’ll find hardworking farmers and passionate horse lovers sharing their expertise and products. However, it’s unfortunate that the coffee falls short of expectations, leaving visitors disappointed. (Not as disappointed as coffee from the lookout cafe, but almost). Despite this setback, the showground remains a unique and enjoyable experience, offering an abundance of plants, fresh produce, homemade baked goods, and horse gear to explore. It’s a place where the community comes together to celebrate their shared interests, with locals proudly displaying their big cars, from pickup trucks to SUVs. While the lack of a good cup of coffee may leave some feeling let down, the lively atmosphere and sense of community make the Sunday morning markets in Caboolture worth the visit.

Unleashing Adventure in Oxley Wild Rivers National Park

Trip #11

Oxley Wild Rivers National Park is a protected area in New South Wales, Australia, covering over 3,500 square kilometres of rugged wilderness. The park features stunning waterfalls and gorges, including Apsley Falls, Wollomombi Falls, and the deep gorges of the Macleay River, offering breathtaking views and hiking opportunities.

In Easter 2023, we journeyed to Dangar Gorge campground and surrounds. Coffee, trout hatchery, farmers market, campfire, stars; the perfect start to an incredible adventure.

• Dangar Gorge Falls
• Sarum Hill and the storm
• Metz, Gara, Threfall Trail and Armidale Farmers Market
• Gas refill and swim
• Uralla
• Apsley Falls
• Tia Falls
• Starry Skys
• Swim at Wauchope and Lunch at Nambucca
• Home again

Dangars Gorge is located near Armidale, New South Wales, and includes several waterfalls, including Dangars Gorge Falls, which is approximately 120 meters (393 feet) tall. The falls offer breathtaking views of the gorge and the surrounding landscape and are a popular spot for hiking, picnicking, and photography. I took so many great photos, but I’ve had to limit myself to just one for this post.

Dangars Gorge Falls 260m

We started our day with a cup of stovetop espresso before heading out on the relatively flat trail around Dangars Gorge Falls to reach Sarum Hill Lookout. The aroma of the espresso blended with the fresh air and added to the lovely ambiance of the outdoors. The cool breeze was refreshing and calming, making our hike more enjoyable.