We stayed overnight at Benarkin, a free camp at the top of the Blackbutt range. Good facilities, including showers, which were, unfortunately undergoing maintenance when we were there. The camp is in the First Settlement Park and there is a very large flat area to park in. There are two entrances to the Township of Benarkin so if you miss the first one, as I did you dont have to do a U turn and go back. Be advised though there are major roadworks going on on the Blackbutt Range, and by the look of them they will be going on for quite a few more months.
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If there is such a thing as a tourist season.... why cant we shoot them?
Wasn't sure if people were aware that there is LIMITED access to power at the Benarkin Camp Site, I think there are 4 power outlets there available and at no cost I believe. And yes, good facilities with the new ammenities.
The highway up the Blackbutt Range has now been completed and a lot better than it's previous condition.
All those major repairs to the Blackbutt Range have been finished for some time now and the drive up the range is quite pleasant and a lot more easy than before the repairs.
I drove through there today. Unfortunately roadworks are taking place at the moment. I suppose that is always the case as have come across roadworks all the way through over the last week.
Intended staying at Benarkin but they don't allow dogs so stayed at Moore and had my shower at Kumbia when I arrived this afternoon.
Yes, I did see that, I think they were just doing some tree lopping and tidying up along the side of the highway. But I know what you mean, workmen with their stop/go signs are forever on the highways.
But ya gotta admit, the drive up the range is a vast improvement from pre repair status.
just a note to clarify the situation at Benarkin as regards pets. I have stayed here a number of times in the past and as even Wikicamps says no dogs I was determined to get to the bottom of this! I asked at the store, and the lady gave me a card for the local councillor Deb Palmer and suggested I call her for clarification. Deb called me back within minutes and confirmed that the "no animals in the park" sign refers to the playground and picnic area where the power points are (fair enough, I wouldn't want my granddaughter to play on equipment which gets peed on by every dog in the district). However dogs are welcome in the travellers rest area (just clean up please) and in fact she said that they are planning to put in more power outlets (coin operated though) and extend the maximum stay rules!.
So for those of you who have a 4 legged friend with you, Benarkin is a great place to stop. The store sells some yummy home-made stuff and the hot showers are great too
Cheers, Marianna
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Cheers, Marianna.
The more I learn about people, the more I like my dogs (Mark Twain)