Hi from 2 young at heart GNs, Jen and Ian, both new to caravanning and very excited to be launching into this new chapter in our lives. We bought an Olympic Marathon 20.6 van late last year and only have a couple of 10 day trips under our belts so far, towing with a NX Pajero. Were in the early stages of planning a 3 month trip from Melb to FNQ in July and would love to tap into some helpful advise on itinerary suggestions, road conditions and c/park recos, must dos and sees, free camping advise and more.
Leaving mid July and hoping to get up to Cairns / Cooktown in reasonable time, spend at least a month to 6 weeks in FNQ before taking our time heading east via the coast. Looking forward to researching specific forums on here and gaining some valuable tips from some of you. Thanks heaps.
-- Edited by Dougiex2 on Saturday 20th of April 2019 06:15:32 PM
-- Edited by Dougiex2 on Saturday 20th of April 2019 06:21:16 PM
Dougwe said
07:18 AM Apr 21, 2019
Welcome to the gang Jen and Ian, enjoy here and out in the playground.
I head to Townsville from down south each year. I mostly go via Hume, Pacific and Bruce highways. Roadworks don't bother me and are along that way and any other way. I keep telling myself the roads will be great when finished and will be. I usually go direct with one night stands but like Byron Bay so stay there a few days.
I plan where I want to be each night as need to arrive at my daughters on a Wednesday morning around 10.00am due to car problems in her street. I also go through Sydney around mid Sunday morning following the motorway signs to Newcastle. It's a good run at that time through Pennant Hills and stick to middle lane watching for the signs both ways. I try and go through Brisbane the following Sunday around 7-8am via the Gateway Bridge. That's a frightening sight from the north.
Two spots I stay are Gin Gin rest stop just on the north side of town and Waverley Creek rest area about 160km north of Rockhampton. You need to arrive no later than 2pm though. Both one night stands only but good spots. If you want to check out Bundaberg I have stayed at Gin Gin Show Ground and slipped over to Bundy from there. Home Hill rest stop behind shops and along side railway line is another stopping point for me as only about an hour and a bit from Townsville, allowing for my eta.
Drive to conditions and you will enjoy.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Sunday 21st of April 2019 07:27:22 AM
Dougiex2 said
03:50 PM Apr 21, 2019
Thanks for the warm welcome Doug.
Were looking at heading north via an inland route along either the Newell Hway or Kidman Way (coastal route on the way home). Can you or anyone else recommend one over the other? Looking at Tocumwal, Hillston, Bourke, Charleville, Barcaldine, Clermont, Charters Towers then onto Cairns. Wondering if a detour from Bourke via Walgett to Lightening Ridge and Carnarvon Gorge might be worthwhile? We anticipate a 7 to 10 day timeframe as we want to spend a good deal of our time in FNQ but also want to remain flexible so we dont miss it all.
Since were looking to stay in Cairns, Port Douglas, Mossman & Cooktown in late July/Aug, would we need to book camping sites in these areas in advance? Assuming this is a peak time for us southerners to head upwards? Would basing ourselves in Port Douglas for 10 days be reasonable for exploring the Daintree area? Love to hear recommendations on where to stay, what to see, where best to swim, eat, walk, avoid crowds and more! Many thanks.
-- Edited by Dougiex2 on Sunday 21st of April 2019 03:52:49 PM
-- Edited by Dougiex2 on Sunday 21st of April 2019 03:53:12 PM
Cadpete said
11:30 PM Apr 21, 2019
G'day Jen and Ian and welcome to the forum. Don't forget to try the two ongoing games here - 'Who is This' in the 'I Digress' section and 'Pick this Place' in the 'General' Section - a great source to find new places to visit. Sounds like you are getting to know the ropes!
Pete and Marion
Possum3 said
04:37 PM Apr 23, 2019
Get yourself the Wikicamps app on your device to sort out your camp destinations $10 for lifetime membership www.wikicamps.com.au/
Hi from 2 young at heart GNs, Jen and Ian, both new to caravanning and very excited to be launching into this new chapter in our lives. We bought an Olympic Marathon 20.6 van late last year and only have a couple of 10 day trips under our belts so far, towing with a NX Pajero. Were in the early stages of planning a 3 month trip from Melb to FNQ in July and would love to tap into some helpful advise on itinerary suggestions, road conditions and c/park recos, must dos and sees, free camping advise and more.
Leaving mid July and hoping to get up to Cairns / Cooktown in reasonable time, spend at least a month to 6 weeks in FNQ before taking our time heading east via the coast. Looking forward to researching specific forums on here and gaining some valuable tips from some of you. Thanks heaps.
-- Edited by Dougiex2 on Saturday 20th of April 2019 06:15:32 PM
-- Edited by Dougiex2 on Saturday 20th of April 2019 06:21:16 PM
Welcome to the gang Jen and Ian, enjoy here and out in the playground.
I head to Townsville from down south each year. I mostly go via Hume, Pacific and Bruce highways. Roadworks don't bother me and are along that way and any other way. I keep telling myself the roads will be great when finished and will be. I usually go direct with one night stands but like Byron Bay so stay there a few days.
I plan where I want to be each night as need to arrive at my daughters on a Wednesday morning around 10.00am due to car problems in her street. I also go through Sydney around mid Sunday morning following the motorway signs to Newcastle. It's a good run at that time through Pennant Hills and stick to middle lane watching for the signs both ways. I try and go through Brisbane the following Sunday around 7-8am via the Gateway Bridge. That's a frightening sight from the north.
Two spots I stay are Gin Gin rest stop just on the north side of town and Waverley Creek rest area about 160km north of Rockhampton. You need to arrive no later than 2pm though. Both one night stands only but good spots. If you want to check out Bundaberg I have stayed at Gin Gin Show Ground and slipped over to Bundy from there. Home Hill rest stop behind shops and along side railway line is another stopping point for me as only about an hour and a bit from Townsville, allowing for my eta.
Drive to conditions and you will enjoy.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
-- Edited by Dougwe on Sunday 21st of April 2019 07:27:22 AM
Thanks for the warm welcome Doug.
Were looking at heading north via an inland route along either the Newell Hway or Kidman Way (coastal route on the way home). Can you or anyone else recommend one over the other? Looking at Tocumwal, Hillston, Bourke, Charleville, Barcaldine, Clermont, Charters Towers then onto Cairns. Wondering if a detour from Bourke via Walgett to Lightening Ridge and Carnarvon Gorge might be worthwhile?
We anticipate a 7 to 10 day timeframe as we want to spend a good deal of our time in FNQ but also want to remain flexible so we dont miss it all.
Since were looking to stay in Cairns, Port Douglas, Mossman & Cooktown in late July/Aug, would we need to book camping sites in these areas in advance? Assuming this is a peak time for us southerners to head upwards? Would basing ourselves in Port Douglas for 10 days be reasonable for exploring the Daintree area? Love to hear recommendations on where to stay, what to see, where best to swim, eat, walk, avoid crowds and more! Many thanks.
-- Edited by Dougiex2 on Sunday 21st of April 2019 03:52:49 PM
-- Edited by Dougiex2 on Sunday 21st of April 2019 03:53:12 PM
G'day Jen and Ian and welcome to the forum. Don't forget to try the two ongoing games here - 'Who is This' in the 'I Digress' section and 'Pick this Place' in the 'General' Section - a great source to find new places to visit. Sounds like you are getting to know the ropes!
Pete and Marion