I posted this a while back in the general forum by mistake so, having nothing to do I thought it would be a good idea to post it here where I should have done so in the first place.

We went to Stanage Queensland for a few weeks.   Stanage is north of Rockhampton, go 74 ks north and turn right.  The first 13ks of road is bitumen but the next 90 odd is dirt.   When we went in the dirt was lovely just like driving down a highway albeit a bit slower.  Stanage is absolutely beautiful, situated on Thirsty Sound, so called because Captain Cook could not find water here.   Like Cook you must bring in all your own drinking water.   There is a dam on the way to the Barra Lodge where you can get water good enough for showering, and washing your camping clothes, though you would keep it separate from your van's water system.  We just carried it in buckets etc.  Fishing is supposed to be excellent but was not good when we were there, it was quite blowy.   Camping is free at Endeavour Park though you should make a donation at the shop to the township before you leave.  We had 8 inches of rain in 4 hours and when we left the road was not nearly as good as when we came in.   If anyone is contemplating a visit to Stanage, first ring the shop (07) 4937 3145, and check on the road conditions.   Basics (beer, bread milk etc) are available at the shop, and they do a run to Rocky twice a week for essentials.   Small pub with meals some nights.  All in all we thought excellent and will go back again.  cheers pete

Glad you got the basics in their proper order there Pete.

 Yes , its a lovely place. Did you get to the top of the hill to have a look at all the islands? Its a bit like going to NT , but your still in Qld.The fishing can be good , I landed some big jewies out in the middle of the sound, With squid the best bait.The crabs were also appreciated. Bill

-- Edited by bill12 on Sunday 24th of October 2010 05:41:38 PM

Yes we got up to the top of the hill - lovely view. At the bottom of the hill there is a small creek where you can cast net for poddy mullett. I actually cast netted a small barra in there. Of course he is still swimming around in the creek and growing up for my next trip up there...

The Plum tree pub is great, but the prices can be a little steep, but , hey ,your 70 miles from the nearest pub.Is the camping area across the road still free? It was the opposite weather when I was there- dry as a bone. Thee rainwater tank at the campsite was nearly empty. It pays to take provisions with you.Its a pity the petrol staion back on the Bruce h,way is closed as it had one of the cheapest prices around.Lovely spot. Will definately be going back , one day

Yes the park across from the pub is still free (Endeavour park), however its the done thing to make a donation to the township, which you can make at the pub.  As you say the prices are a bit steep but as you also point out its a long drive over dirt to the nearest pub/supermarket, and in my opinion the people who provide these services in out of the way places deserve to be supported... cheers

I totally agree. The reason I first went there is the Coast guard rescued a lady friend on mine, who collided with an island in here trimaran and was towed back to Stanage, where the boat turned turtle and sank!The flag pole at the coast guard near the ramp is her mast!As I have said , its a lovely place, if you can put up with the bad road in. Its a pity we can,t get into the military training area. Have a look at it on Google earth(is it illegal to look?).Another nice spot is Stockyard piont, which you get to via Yeppoon are Waterpark creek. You have to have a 4wd, though.Bill

-- Edited by bill12 on Tuesday 26th of October 2010 10:25:44 AM