In early July we are intending to travel from Coffs Harbour to Cairns by car.Last year, we started travelling with a Hi-ace campervan and actually only slept in it on 1ccasions the rest of the time we were house-sitting which we really enjoyed.As our camper was LWB, we found it awkward in parking, turning, etc so we bought ourselves a nice little Hyundai Elantra and are in the process of selling the camper.
Our reasoning for changing vehicles is that the car will take less fuel than the camper and be much easier to manoeuvre although admittedly we will only be able to carry the basics.So far we have made one major trip in the Elantra and stayed in on-site cabins at caravan parks.We really like these types of parks as the campers are far friendlier and the camp kitchen is a great place to meet people.As for costs, the cabins are usually cheaper than motels and often we get a discount for using our own bedding and often the second night is cheaper again.Also, the cabins have cooking facilities.
Our query now is about the best places to visit along the coast of Queensland.We would like to take day trips to some of the Whitsundy Islands and possibly visit a sugar cane mill.Also, can members recommend any exceptional caravan parks that have cabins along the coast?
glassies said
01:33 PM May 24, 2012
Google big four parks if you like caravan parks they are expensive though loads of parks On the coast too many to list suggest a trip to a bookstore where they sell books on where The parks are or local racq shop as well good luck and enjoy :)
Gerty Dancer said
03:15 PM May 24, 2012
We found a few on Qld coast that we wouldnt recommend recently, and the ones we liked were all in NSW. So no help to you. The Qld info centres have a free book listing caravan parks in Qld. Its a handy guide, but incomplete. The NRMA and RACQ etc have brought out a new caravan park guide which is a lot better than their old one, and gives prices. Having said that, you'll find Qld coastal parks all charging above the usual fees during this buzy season. Good luck Anvid!
jimricho said
03:36 PM May 24, 2012
glassies wrote:
Google big four parks if you like caravan parks they are expensive though loads of parks On the coast too many to list suggest a trip to a bookstore where they sell books on where The parks are or local racq shop as well good luck and enjoy :)
The Big4 at Rollingstone Beach (north of Townsville) is a very nice park and has holiday units http://www.rollingstonebeach.com.au/ A "to-do" in this area is a drive up to the Paluma NP.
Regarding a visit to a sugar mill I have an idea that the mill at Mossman in the Port Douglas area (north of Cairns) does tours of the mill, not sure so check this out. Also there's the Sugar Heritage Centre at Mourilyan (near Innisfail) http://www.sugarmuseum.com.au/ I'm unaware whether they do tours of the nearby (South Johnstone) sugar mill.
Fried Rice said
05:44 PM May 24, 2012
Check this anvid..
http://www.tropicalbeachcaravanparkbowen.com.au/
It was very good when we stayed several years ago, certainly a great location.
If you pass Bowen be sure to hop into town see the great view from Flagstaff Hill.
Fried Rice
Nicholstones said
01:33 AM May 25, 2012
The sugar mill at Tully (north of Townsville) does terrific tours, real up close and personal, book at the info centre on the Bruce highway.
Anvid said
01:42 AM May 25, 2012
Thank-you for the great ideas and links that are being sent to us.
We were sent a copy of the Queensland Caravaning magazine which looks very good. About 12-months ago we became members of 'Top Tourist' and have often stayed at their parks.
As for Big 4, we know that they are really good parks with lots of attractions for kids and families as well as substantial charges. But we are fairly simple folk and only want a quiet place for the night(s) and to chat with other 'regenerated nomads' as we have a common interest.
Our reasoning for changing vehicles is that the car will take less fuel than the camper and be much easier to manoeuvre although admittedly we will only be able to carry the basics. So far we have made one major trip in the Elantra and stayed in on-site cabins at caravan parks. We really like these types of parks as the campers are far friendlier and the camp kitchen is a great place to meet people. As for costs, the cabins are usually cheaper than motels and often we get a discount for using our own bedding and often the second night is cheaper again. Also, the cabins have cooking facilities.
Our query now is about the best places to visit along the coast of Queensland. We would like to take day trips to some of the Whitsundy Islands and possibly visit a sugar cane mill. Also, can members recommend any exceptional caravan parks that have cabins along the coast?
On the coast too many to list suggest a trip to a bookstore where they sell books on where
The parks are or local racq shop as well good luck and enjoy :)
The Qld info centres have a free book listing caravan parks in Qld. Its a handy guide, but incomplete. The NRMA and RACQ etc have brought out a new caravan park guide which is a lot better than their old one, and gives prices.
Having said that, you'll find Qld coastal parks all charging above the usual fees during this buzy season. Good luck Anvid!
Likewise the Top Tourist website http://www.toptouristparks.com.au/
A free caravan directory can be obtained at http://www.caravanqld.com.au/parks/caravan-parks-directory.aspx
The TT park at Mission Beach (between Tully and Innisfail, south of Cairns) has cabins http://thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t45287955/mission-beach-hideaway-holiday-village-nth-qld/ and http://www.missionbeachhideaway.com.au/
The Big4 at Rollingstone Beach (north of Townsville) is a very nice park and has holiday units http://www.rollingstonebeach.com.au/ A "to-do" in this area is a drive up to the Paluma NP.
Regarding a visit to a sugar mill I have an idea that the mill at Mossman in the Port Douglas area (north of Cairns) does tours of the mill, not sure so check this out. Also there's the Sugar Heritage Centre at Mourilyan (near Innisfail) http://www.sugarmuseum.com.au/ I'm unaware whether they do tours of the nearby (South Johnstone) sugar mill.
Check this anvid..
http://www.tropicalbeachcaravanparkbowen.com.au/
It was very good when we stayed several years ago, certainly a great location.
If you pass Bowen be sure to hop into town see the great view from Flagstaff Hill.
Fried Rice
We were sent a copy of the Queensland Caravaning magazine which looks very good. About 12-months ago we became members of 'Top Tourist' and have often stayed at their parks.
As for Big 4, we know that they are really good parks with lots of attractions for kids and families as well as substantial charges. But we are fairly simple folk and only want a quiet place for the night(s) and to chat with other 'regenerated nomads' as we have a common interest.
Thank-you once more for everyone's input.