I agree jetj. John, you have done it again. You are moving around a bit John, slow down, no hurry.

Jourama Falls in Paluma Range National Park

Leaving Cardwell it is a short drive to Ingham where I had the luxury of going to Maccas for breakfast and catching up with my shopping. 24kms south of Ingham is the turn off to Jourama Falls in the Paluma Range National Park and that is my next destination. There is a track from the day area to the falls classified as moderate, 3kms return, 1 hour so that presents no problems.
It is a typical Qld National Park with good ablutions block and separate shower and plenty of room to park. Camps6 #34 says booking is required but that was not needed, I think that the Government doesnt trust the honesty box system and would rather get the fees up front.

Of all the different types of camping opportunities that are available I prefer the free camp where there are  many campers staying for a couple of days or more. Not the roadside rest area where campers stay overnight and then get on their way. National Parks and State Forests seem to attract a different camper often holiday makers with their young families. Caravan parks apart from being expensive are often filled with groups of people who know each other and sometimes are reluctant to mix with strangers.
So to give examples of the sort of place where I feel most at home. Calliope, St Laurence, Rollingstone, Bluewater Park, Cosy Corner, Lake Elphinstone and Toomulla Beach but there are many others. I will be looking for those types of camp grounds when I start off inland and preferably in walking distance to a town. Sure I will be still looking for the National Park which has particular attractions but in the main seeking the free camp near a town where I can set up for a few days and meet up with like minded travellers.
Similarly there are different types of travellers from the huge 5th wheelers and the large caravans with the mandatory 4WDs, buses, camper trailers, motor homes, tent and campervans. I tend to associate more easily with travellers in similar vehicles to myself so the type of site that is comfortable for me has a variety of types of vehicles and attracts campervans. So where to park in the free camp is important, got to have the sun for the solar panels and preferable close to the type of vehicles I have the best chance of things in common with.
After travelling around Australia and been on the road for over a year I have learned to know what suits me the best and that makes for a more comfortable and happier existence. When I set off I had planned to stay in caravan parks for at least a week at a time and balance out the budget by limiting driving to suit available funds. No way that was not the way to go but I didn't know that then.

I have added this text from the blog in reply to another poster who is just starting out and looking at caravan parks.

John

 

Another lovely stopping place John.

Cheers,

Sheba.

Rollingstone again

Called back into Rollingstone for a few days enroute to Townsville, have some mail to collect from the Townsville P O and want to spend a day on Magnetic Island.

Bill has offered to show me around on a day trip, wanted to take the van across but the price of $178 was a bit over the top for me. So a day trip will have to do not sure which day will suit him but will find out later.
Another of those happy coincidences occurred here at Rollingstone, a couple who I spent time with on my last visit had given my description to their daughter who was in Rollingstone and parked opposite. Had a great time with her and husband also his sister was parked there too. Another couple of great happy hours following on from the one last time.
Was here a few posts ago but have added a couple more photos taken this visit, the swimming pool was just the thing on hot afternoons. Sorry about the dig to our southern cousins who are probably not thinking of swimming outside just now. The camp scavenger's pic was added to give an idea as to it's size next to the chairs.

Hi John, love your pics; where in Rollingstone is that swimming hole? We're in a caravan park in Townsville right now, planning to take a drive up to Jourama Falls tomorrow and we may have a look at Rollingstone too, I see it's not a big place but we could spend half a day looking for that spot and never find it.

Think it is to the left of the toilet block.

Thanks John & Jules, I pulled into Rollingstone today on the way back from Paluma Range NP back to Townsville; and the park was easy to find, it's visible from the main street and the council make no secret that it's there, signs everywhere! Looks very popular, it was only about 2:30 pm, and I couldn't see any spare spots.
Steve