Easy trip up from Bilyana, gave Tully a miss this year the showgrounds are being used to prepare for the show this weekend. Camped there last year beside the giant Cassowary. Usually drive the round trip to look at Mission Beach but this year went straight on to Innisfail. For the past 2 years have visited Paronella Park and my pass was still current but again kept on going.
The plan was to meet up with Paul at Maccas in Innisfail but whilst I could park there he couldn't with the caravan on the back, good job we have the phones. I had seen a camping spot on the Esplanade in WikiCamps but on investigating found that it was only suitable for small vehicles parking on the road in marked parking spots. Never been a fan of WikiCamps and this was another disappointment.
So after some shopping went on to Fred Drew Park on the Bruce Highway at the start of the Palmerston Way. Some conflicting messages here, Camps say 24 hours whilst Wiki says 7 days. We plan to stop here for a few days and will see how that works out. When we got here the place was almost empty but by night it was packed and expect during the day it will empty again.
Some complain about camps being packed but not me it just gives the opportunity to meet fellow travellers. Probably travelling solo might have something to do with my attitude. Being on the highway I expected to have an interrupted night with traffic but that was not so, early morning and it was difficult to sleep in when the highway got busy. Still I am up at 7am anyway so that was no biggie.
Have plans for today, Paul is going to unhitch the van and we are going to explore Innisfail and surroundings during the morning and we plan some cake cooking for the afternoon. Might avoid the chocolate cake after Billeee's comments last time and cook something white. Bought a timing light from Super Cheap and after trying to work out where the marker is and how to use it will return it today.That will do for now sill report on the day later. John
Sol said
11:48 AM Jul 23, 2014
Hey mate, looks like our chat will have to wait til next year huh? All good and I could have done the Timing for you too! Ha ha.
Enjoys your travels.
Cheers
Sol
kandagal said
02:05 PM Jul 23, 2014
John If you're coming to Cairns & need a cuppa or even a good place to park up for a night or two we have just the spot for you. Magic place. Parking fees - well you need to provide the 2nd cuppa!! I'm not sure if you still have a card of ours which has our phone no on it so I will send you a PM with details. Cheers Alice & Keith
ParamountCruiser said
04:25 PM Jul 23, 2014
yeoeleven wrote:
So after some shopping went on to Fred Drew Park on the Bruce Highway at the start of the Palmerston Way. Some conflicting messages here, Camps say 24 hours whilst Wiki says 7 days. We plan to stop here for a few days and will see how that works out. When we got here the place was almost empty but by night it was packed and expect during the day it will empty again.
-- Edited by ParamountCruiser on Wednesday 23rd of July 2014 06:52:20 PM
yeoeleven said
04:07 AM Jul 24, 2014
Thanks for the comments, sorry Sol will catch up next time, Alice have returned your PM and will phone you when I get to Babinda and thanks for the advice ParamountCruiser regarding the allowable camping times in the area. We will be moving on after 2 nights.
So much for the day nothing happened according to the plan, Paul decided not to unhitch the car so the trip around Innisfail didn't happen and it was too windy in the afternoon to do the outside cooking. Have been looking for one of those 3 sided wind shields for some time so it looks like I might have to make one.
I had one of those quiet days sitting in the sun out of the wind and reading, I know it's hard but someone has to do it. John
jules47 said
04:44 PM Jul 24, 2014
Available online - maybe try tentworld or the like. Gees - life is hard isn't it John - we have just come back from a walk on the beach!!!
billeeeeeee said
05:49 PM Jul 24, 2014
ParamountCruiser wrote:
yeoeleven wrote:
So after some shopping went on to Fred Drew Park on the Bruce Highway at the start of the Palmerston Way. Some conflicting messages here, Camps say 24 hours whilst Wiki says 7 days. We plan to stop here for a few days and will see how that works out. When we got here the place was almost empty but by night it was packed and expect during the day it will empty again.
Nup - reasons the limits are there is so that travellers who are looking for a place to overnight, late in the afternoon, are actually ABLE to find a place.
ParamountCruiser said
06:14 PM Jul 24, 2014
billeeeeeee wrote:
ParamountCruiser wrote:
yeoeleven wrote:
So after some shopping went on to Fred Drew Park on the Bruce Highway at the start of the Palmerston Way. Some conflicting messages here, Camps say 24 hours whilst Wiki says 7 days. We plan to stop here for a few days and will see how that works out. When we got here the place was almost empty but by night it was packed and expect during the day it will empty again.
-- Edited by ParamountCruiser on Wednesday 23rd of July 2014 06:52:20 PM
Howdyeeee Nomads, the reason time limits are there , is for us all to ignore them, stay excited Nomads .....A very excited Billeeeeeee
Billeeeeeeeeee you won't have to worry about ignoring the time limits when the camp sites get closed due to people with attitudes like yours.
See if you are excited then
yeoeleven said
07:40 PM Jul 24, 2014
I have yet to find a Grey Nomad with a better attitude than Billeee, he never will cause a problem by overstaying his welcome.
His sense of humour sometimes is a little over the top but that is far better than having a criticizing attitude. John
oldboar said
08:08 PM Jul 24, 2014
Any traveller expecting to get into a free camp along the east coast needs to get there close to lunch or very shortly thereafter. In our experience any later than that they've been filled by the smart campers. Weekend warriors & holiday campers have virtually no chance as they're trying to do big distances in order to reach their destination, therefore arriving late. Old saying& very accurate here is "the early bird catches the worm". There are that many long term or full time travellers, particularly along that coastline, that have learnt the facts of life the hard way that often they're in camp no later than midday. Most camps on that coast are patrolled by rangers to maintain some semblance of compliance with the time limits. Those wishing to whinge about not being able to get access when arriving late should perhaps be satisfied with driving shorter distances each day.
Darrell & Sandra
-- Edited by oldboar on Thursday 24th of July 2014 08:19:45 PM
billeeeeeee said
08:30 PM Jul 24, 2014
Amen Brothers and Sisters, No need to say anymore,,,,,,,stay excited Naughty Nomads,,,,,,,,, a very excited Billeeeeeee....
Good one Darrell - we always try to get to a camp around lunchtime if we can - if that means leaving earlier in the morning, so be it. We have been caught trying to get into some of the really busy places, especially on the East Coast, too late in the day, and have to squeeze in somewhere, only just suitable - have also noticed, a lot of the latecomer leave very early in the morning, possibly endorsing your statement about trying to do too many k's in a day!!! I always thought a holiday was for relaxing.
ParamountCruiser said
09:10 PM Jul 24, 2014
oldboar wrote:
Any traveller expecting to get into a free camp along the east coast needs to get there close to lunch or very shortly thereafter. In our experience any later than that they've been filled by the smart campers.
Filled by the smart stayers or the over stayers ?
Clare46 said
11:07 PM Jul 24, 2014
I'm still trying to work out how 20hrs equates to 2nights
Clare
billeeeeeee said
09:50 AM Jul 25, 2014
Clare46 wrote:
I'm still trying to work out how 20hrs equates to 2nights
Any traveller expecting to get into a free camp along the east coast needs to get there close to lunch or very shortly thereafter. In our experience any later than that they've been filled by the smart campers.
Filled by the smart stayers or the over stayers ?
In our experience over close to 12 months frequently visiting spots along the east coast of Queensland travelling full time almost always the smart stayers. Sorry to burst your poor knowledgeable little bubble. Can't speak about the past 4 months as we've headed west through NT into WA. Freely admit to overstaying at times but only in poorly frequented camps or where advised by the ranger/caretaker.
As for Wendyv's statement, only a complete idiot or total beginner expects to access any popular east coast free camp late in the afternoon. Usually the same fools that if they do get in, think that nobody will mind them using their generator half the night because they're not set up for free camping.
Darrell & Sandra
wendyv said
03:36 PM Jul 25, 2014
I was trying to make the point that overnight rest areas would be more accessible for the purpose they were intended for, if they were not used for extended camping stays. It is true that, as there are more and more of us travellers on the roads, there is more pressure on all sorts of facilities.
The generator issue is a separate one. Like the abuse of rest areas, one can only - politely - point out when acceptable limits have been exceeded. I am no fan of generators, but have to accept the right of other campers to use same, where they are not banned, and not too early in the morning or late at night. They are, of course, more intrusive in crowded areas - but if one chooses to use such places, it is the risk that is taken.
yeoeleven said
08:36 PM Jul 25, 2014
In a previous post I mentioned that I needed a wind shield for outside cooking but not anymore. The item extends to 85cms and is 24cms high and costs $8.82 it is made of aluminium. Slight snag it is coming from China so I have given Atherton P O as the destination address. John
In a previous post I mentioned that I needed a wind shield for outside cooking but not anymore. The item extends to 85cms and is 24cms high and costs $8.82 it is made of aluminium. Slight snag it is coming from China so I have given Atherton P O as the destination address. John
Howdyeeeee old Fella,,, !!Now!!, that you are a excellent cook ,, a three course meal will be in order,,???? Hmmmm,,, stay excited , catch you down at Greens,,,,, Billeeeeeee Ps, not chocolate cake please.... Hehehehe
John - you will never live what that chocolate cake looked like!!!!
That is the one I had seen online as well - cheap as - guy we met in Tassy had one, met him at Franklin. You might get it quicker from China than mail from Melbourne to Karratha- 8 days!
Mezzie said
07:51 AM Aug 20, 2014
billeeeeeee wrote:
yeoeleven wrote:
In a previous post I mentioned that I needed a wind shield for outside cooking but not anymore. The item extends to 85cms and is 24cms high and costs $8.82 it is made of aluminium. Slight snag it is coming from China so I have given Atherton P O as the destination address. John
Howdyeeeee old Fella,,, !!Now!!, that you are a excellent cook ,, a three course meal will be in order,,???? Hmmmm,,, stay excited , catch you down at Greens,,,,, Billeeeeeee Ps, not chocolate cake please.... Hehehehe
Hey Billeeeeeee how am i going to cook my biscuits on the road? I won't have an oven.
http://yeoeleven.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/innisfail-fred-drew-park.html
Easy trip up from Bilyana, gave Tully a miss this year the showgrounds are being used to prepare for the show this weekend. Camped there last year beside the giant Cassowary. Usually drive the round trip to look at Mission Beach but this year went straight on to Innisfail. For the past 2 years have visited Paronella Park and my pass was still current but again kept on going.
The plan was to meet up with Paul at Maccas in Innisfail but whilst I could park there he couldn't with the caravan on the back, good job we have the phones. I had seen a camping spot on the Esplanade in WikiCamps but on investigating found that it was only suitable for small vehicles parking on the road in marked parking spots. Never been a fan of WikiCamps and this was another disappointment.
So after some shopping went on to Fred Drew Park on the Bruce Highway at the start of the Palmerston Way. Some conflicting messages here, Camps say 24 hours whilst Wiki says 7 days. We plan to stop here for a few days and will see how that works out. When we got here the place was almost empty but by night it was packed and expect during the day it will empty again.
Some complain about camps being packed but not me it just gives the opportunity to meet fellow travellers. Probably travelling solo might have something to do with my attitude. Being on the highway I expected to have an interrupted night with traffic but that was not so, early morning and it was difficult to sleep in when the highway got busy. Still I am up at 7am anyway so that was no biggie.
Have plans for today, Paul is going to unhitch the van and we are going to explore Innisfail and surroundings during the morning and we plan some cake cooking for the afternoon. Might avoid the chocolate cake after Billeee's comments last time and cook something white. Bought a timing light from Super Cheap and after trying to work out where the marker is and how to use it will return it today.That will do for now sill report on the day later. John
Enjoys your travels.
Cheers
Sol
Both of the above time limits are incorrect : http://www.innisfailtourism.com.au/rv-parking
-- Edited by ParamountCruiser on Wednesday 23rd of July 2014 06:52:20 PM
Thanks for the comments, sorry Sol will catch up next time, Alice have returned your PM and will phone you when I get to Babinda and thanks for the advice ParamountCruiser regarding the allowable camping times in the area. We will be moving on after 2 nights.
So much for the day nothing happened according to the plan, Paul decided not to unhitch the car so the trip around Innisfail didn't happen and it was too windy in the afternoon to do the outside cooking. Have been looking for one of those 3 sided wind shields for some time so it looks like I might have to make one.
I had one of those quiet days sitting in the sun out of the wind and reading, I know it's hard but someone has to do it. John
Howdyeeee Nomads, the reason time limits are there , is for us all to ignore them, stay excited Nomads .....A
very excited Billeeeeeee
Billeeeeeeeeee you won't have to worry about ignoring the time limits when the camp sites get closed due to people with attitudes like yours.
See if you are excited then
I have yet to find a Grey Nomad with a better attitude than Billeee, he never will cause a problem by overstaying his welcome.
His sense of humour sometimes is a little over the top but that is far better than having a criticizing attitude. John
Any traveller expecting to get into a free camp along the east coast needs to get there close to lunch or very shortly thereafter. In our experience any later than that they've been filled by the smart campers. Weekend warriors & holiday campers have virtually no chance as they're trying to do big distances in order to reach their destination, therefore arriving late. Old saying& very accurate here is "the early bird catches the worm". There are that many long term or full time travellers, particularly along that coastline, that have learnt the facts of life the hard way that often they're in camp no later than midday. Most camps on that coast are patrolled by rangers to maintain some semblance of compliance with the time limits. Those wishing to whinge about not being able to get access when arriving late should perhaps be satisfied with driving shorter distances each day.
Darrell & Sandra
-- Edited by oldboar on Thursday 24th of July 2014 08:19:45 PM
Amen Brothers and Sisters, No need to say anymore,,,,,,,stay excited Naughty Nomads,,,,,,,,, a very excited Billeeeeeee....
Filled by the smart stayers or the over stayers ?
I'm still trying to work out how 20hrs equates to 2nights
Clare
Howdyeeeee Clare46,,,, !!Sharp!! stay excited Billeeeeeee
In our experience over close to 12 months frequently visiting spots along the east coast of Queensland travelling full time almost always the smart stayers. Sorry to burst your poor knowledgeable little bubble. Can't speak about the past 4 months as we've headed west through NT into WA. Freely admit to overstaying at times but only in poorly frequented camps or where advised by the ranger/caretaker.
As for Wendyv's statement, only a complete idiot or total beginner expects to access any popular east coast free camp late in the afternoon. Usually the same fools that if they do get in, think that nobody will mind them using their generator half the night because they're not set up for free camping.
Darrell & Sandra
The generator issue is a separate one. Like the abuse of rest areas, one can only - politely - point out when acceptable limits have been exceeded. I am no fan of generators, but have to accept the right of other campers to use same, where they are not banned, and not too early in the morning or late at night. They are, of course, more intrusive in crowded areas - but if one chooses to use such places, it is the risk that is taken.
In a previous post I mentioned that I needed a wind shield for outside cooking but not anymore. The item extends to 85cms and is 24cms high and costs $8.82 it is made of aluminium. Slight snag it is coming from China so I have given Atherton P O as the destination address. John
Howdyeeeee old Fella,,, !!Now!!, that you are a excellent cook ,, a three course meal will be in order,,???? Hmmmm,,, stay excited , catch you down at Greens,,,,,
Billeeeeeee Ps, not chocolate cake please.... Hehehehe
That is the one I had seen online as well - cheap as - guy we met in Tassy had one, met him at Franklin. You might get it quicker from China than mail from Melbourne to Karratha- 8 days!
Hey Billeeeeeee how am i going to cook my biscuits on the road? I won't have an oven.