Rocky Creek War Memorial Park is on the Kennedy Highway between Atherton and Mareeba and offers the opportunity to camp in a huge open area to the side of the Memorial Park. No potable water but good flushing toilets are available. Gold coin donation box is provided, 72 hour maximum.
The Memorial Park is situated on the site of an actual camp during WW2, there are signs where the various locations were. Very sobering to realize what happened in those days and the hardships that were endured so that we are free to camp now.
It was only when I arrived here that I realized that it was the weekend and had expected to move on tomorrow to collect the MP3/4 player from the Atherton P. O. Looks like another day here so I have chilled out and will have a relaxing one.
Last night was excellent, John a bushy from way back with all the bush tales, had started a fire in his container. Way bigger than the choofer with holes drilled all round from top to bottom, he used it not for cooking but for social reasons. That didn't stop me from using it to cook jaffles much to the amusement of those gathered around. A couple from an adjacent van joined and many cans of beer were consumed, not by me I was happy with my Kirks lemon squash. I think that some campers nearby may have been disturbed by the loud voices and laughter emanating from our camp but I was home by 9.30pm.
John moved on today so it is likely that tonight will not have the same camaraderie, especially since my wood from the box was used up and there doesn't seem to be a ready supply to replace it. John
We like Rocky Creek John - always lots of people to see and talk to - and as you say, it is an interesting place in itself - the history is well told over the site.
They have a gathering there every year, June or July sometime, and ex service men and women come from all over the place - it is wonderful to see.
We have to thank the people who let us stay there by looking after it, and respecting the history.
__________________
jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
This is a great place to camp,but when we were there they were trying to fix up some of the memorial stones due to some nutter vandalizing some of the Afghanistan memorials.
The other thing was that a lot of people stayed there and never put any money into the honesty box .