Coastal Camping Adventure: Trails, Beaches, and Battery Woes at Grassy Head.

 Its Wednesday as I begin to write this. 

We are leaving after work on Friday and will undoubtedly arrive at camp well after dark. Work to Grassy is almost a four hour trip. At this time of year the sun set at 17:35 and will be dark by 18:00

We need to run through pre trip checklists and not assume that all is where we think it is. First coffee. Can we wake and make a brew. Then clothing and food. Are all the kitchen requisites in the drawer? Do I have my favourite cup? 

Monday morning walk to Scott's head

The Ultimate Mid-Summer Guide to Stanthorpe, Manna Gum and Noosa Heads

Let me tell you about Stanthorpe, a gem nestled in the heart of Queensland's stunning Granite Belt. This charming town is a treasure trove of experiences just waiting to be discovered.

Our adventure began early Saturday morning when we hitched up our trusty teardrop camper and hit the road. The drive up the range was scenic, setting the tone for our weekend getaway.

Holiday begins at Stanthorpe

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.

From the Stunning South Coast to Emerald Beach: Back on the North Coast again

Our return trip with the teardrop trailer was a simple but satisfying adventure. We followed a basic routine: wake, swim, drive, coffee, sleep. Repeat. Along the way, we enjoyed some of the best scenery, food and coffee that the NSW coast has to offer.

First up, a swim in the lake.

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

Loch Sport Adventure: East Gippsland Lakes, 90 Mile Beach, and Seals in 3 Days

We reached Loch Sport and took refuge in a sturdy house—complete with a crackling fireplace, a functional kitchen, great company, and expansive views. Situated just a short 2 km jaunt from 90 Mile Beach, we decided to make it our first-day destination, stumbling upon a seal peacefully dozing in the misty afternoon.

An afternoon walk along famous 90 mile beach.

Canberra to Loch Sport: A 2-Day Road Trip of Heat, Wind, and Beauty.

Canberra to Loch Sport: A 2-Day Road Trip of Heat, Wind, and Beauty

A long drive of about 650 km was ahead of us. We left our camp in Canberra early on a warm Tuesday morning, and drove north to the Gungahlin Aquatic Centre to stretch out, relax and get the blood moving before a day of sitting in the car. We always try to get to a fitness centre every few days when travel through a town, this way we can avail ourselves of the showers and at the same time keep actively working on our fitness. The local pool is also a fantastic way to meet locals.

Marlow Riverside free camp

A long trip begins with a stay in Canberra

Our long trip begins with a stay in Canberra.

A late lunch and a full tank at the South Kempsey service centre.

As the clock struck 11:15 am, we bid farewell to our workday routines, ready to embark on an epic journey. Our trusty teardrop trailer, meticulously packed and fully charged, awaited our adventure.

Two nights in Byron Bay: Three unforgettable things you have to do.

We left after work on Friday for two nights in Byron Bay. It was a birthday trip. We at tinycamper.blog live only 20 mins from “The Bay” So it was a quick 20 minute trip down from work. We didn’t need to pack much. No fires allowed at the park, and we planned on eating at the restaurants in town, in fact the reason we decided to camp out only 20 mins from our abode, was that we enjoy a few refreshments and to not have to drive home, well a quick walk along the beautiful beachfront would lead us straight to the teardrop, as well as boost our step count a little bit more that normal.

Setup at Clarkes Beach Caravan Park. Now called Reflections Byron Bay

.All setup before sunset. A rarity this time of year.

A Weekend Getaway to Grassy Head: The Perfect Camping Spot for Nature Lovers

A Weekend Getaway to Grassy Head means leaving early as possible on friday because of the 300 km 3.5 hour drive south. So everything needs to be packed and ready Thursday night which will enable a timely departure for work on Friday morning.

Not the Greek Islands. Grassy Head on a calm day

A short stay in Yamba

Things to do on a short stay in Yamba NSW

Friday morning, and it’s holiday time. There is no need to leave home early as we can’t park the teardrop at the campground until 11:00am and we are not there for long anyway. Breakfast, pack some clothes and swimwear and running gear into the teardrop and drive 90 mins south to the Calypso Caravan Park where we check in and unpack the teardrop for our short stay in Yamba. First up on arrival is to always check our orientation using our excellent sun locator app. The app helps show us where shade may be an issue, especially when relying on solar to keep the battery charged and the fridge cold. we then put out the awnings and annexe, unfold the chairs, get the kitchen sorted and walk into town for a coffee at Yum Yum Cafe at about midday.

Whispers of Noosa: A Journey Orchestrated, Adventures Unveiled

In the realm of travel, meticulous planning is an essential art. It is the compass that guides us through the labyrinth of unexpected twists and turns. A journey to Noosa, a coastal gem nestled on the Northern East Coast of Australia, beckoned us with promises of sandy beaches, delectable cuisine, and serene camping under the starlit sky. With our wits sharpened and spirits high, we embarked on a meticulously orchestrated expedition.

Under the veil of darkness, we arrived at the Noosa Sea Scouts camping area, stumbling to set up camp in the shadowed depths of the night.

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.

Big Bend Return: Boowinda Gorge & Reflection Pool

Having reached the halfway point and after a healthy hikers lunch of fruit and nuts at Bigbend, we returned via Boowinda Gorge and the Reflection Pool

Boowinda gorge was stunning. Sheer sandstone cliffs rising a few hundred metres above us, separated by only a few meters. The clouds had begun to form, so we missed the experience of the sun shining into the gorge at about midday. It felt like rain was on the way so we turned back after about 1500 meters and made our way towards the Reflection pool.

Feeling strong: Hiking the Main Gorge Track, Carnarvon Gorge Day 2

Feeling strong, we pressed on from the previous stop , forging our path to Big Bend along the main gorge track, extending beyond the amphitheater’s embrace, and eventually arrived at the Art Gallery. Words fall short when trying to describe the profound sensation of witnessing this timeless, yet ever-living culture.

We felt the resonance of time in ochre stencils, engravings, and freehand paintings gracing the rugged sandstone walls.

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.

Carnarvon Gorge: A Northbound Adventure in Nature's Splendour

Heading to work before heading North

The toil of the workday behind us, we embarked on a northbound drive. Our initial plan was to make a two-hour journey to Toowoomba, but a sense of adventure compelled us to push forward into the darkness. After refuelling at Dalby, we found ourselves pressing on to Chinchilla.