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Trumpeters Corner – A Soldier Settler Story
Trumpeters Corner is a little-known and quite out of the way Point of Interest, located just 18 km west of the small town of Jandowae. The memorial here is dedicated to the 21 returned soldiers who took up a government offer to work the land situated between Jandowae and Warra, in the Western Downs region of Queensland, Australia. They each received their own parcel of land to work via draws in the land ballots. Unfortunately, whilst…
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Tawny Frogmouth – 2025 Australian Bird of the Year
This adorable Tawny Frogmouth (affectionately dubbed Freddo) has been calling our place home for a number of weeks now, generally roosting during the day in a bottle tree which is right by our home. Recently we spotted him perched on the fence not far from his regular tree. He takes off late each afternoon for his nocturnal hunting, then is back very early the next morning. Occasionally, we don’t see him for a few of…
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Camp Oven Date Scones
These easy to prep date scones are delicious. This recipe contains thickened cream, giving a slightly richer flavour. And of course, campfire cooking is guaranteed to enhance the flavour of whatever it is you are cooking. These scones are especially tasty when eaten fresh and warm served with your favourite toppings. The dates give a nice sweetness, so often butter is all that is needed, especially when it softens and melts into the still-warm scones.…
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Myall Park Botanic Garden, Qld
Myall Park Botanic Garden is a fantastic place to camp for a few nights, offering so much more than simply a campsite. You will find Myall Park Botanic Garden close to the town of Glenmorgan in Queensland’s Western Downs, around 87km east of Surat. The Garden comprises around130 hectares of natural bush that conserves a huge number of arid, semi-arid and dry tropical plants, many of which have been sourced from other regions in Australia. …
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Thrushton National Park, Qld
We absolutely loved our few days of remote outback camping here – all that red dirt is so good for the soul! Thrushton National Park is about 102km north-west of St George and 40km north-east of Bollon and has been a gazetted National Park since 1990. Spring wildflowers and golden wattle are abundant here amongst the spinifex and mulga scrub. Located within Thrushton National Park are the remains of the old homestead, including the outhouse. …
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Surat, Queensland
You’ll find the town of Surat on the Great Inland Way, around halfway between Roma and St George. It’s a great little town for a stopover if travelling in the region. There is free camping at Fisherman’s Park on the edge of town and a caravan park in town. We really enjoyed the walking path along the Balonne River, perfect after a day of travel. Surat is one of the oldest towns in Queensland’s south-west.…
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Lake Nuga Nuga, Arcadia Valley Qld
This bush camp in Nuga Nuga National Park hugely exceeded our expectations. We enjoyed a campsite right on the banks of the Lake and appreciated having it all to ourselves. The views directly in front of our camper were consistently stunning – Lake Nuga Nuga and its wildlife, nearby Mount Warrnilla, and to the south (both east and west), the sandstone cliffs of Queensland’s Sandstone Wilderness region. Sunsets over Lake Nuga were spectacular, with the…
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Dawson Mine, Moura Qld
We were in awe of the huge ‘tonka looking’ monster trucks seen from the viewing platform overlooking this mine. This is one huge open-cut metallurgical coal mine! Coal mined from here is railed to the Port of Gladstone for loading and exporting. It is used for steel production amongst other things. The viewing platform is accessible for all vehicles, and there is plenty of room for parking and turning if you are towing your RV.…
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Cracow, Qld…Almost a Ghost Town
A visit to Cracow is certainly worth it if you are in the Theodore-Eidsvold area. We took a drive to this tiny town with its population of around 50 whilst staying in Theodore. Having previously overnighted in Cracow during 2016 we were keen to revisit and take another look around town. Cracow has recently been the topic of a couple of ABC stories – Back Roads Season 11, the episode titled ‘Theodore’ will give…
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Isla Gorge National Park, Qld
We recommend everyone add this Queensland National Park to their bucket list! Our stay was so enjoyable that we did not want to leave. Campers who arrive earlier in the day will possibly even access a cliff edge campsite offering the most spectacular uninterrupted views to the north. Simply set out the camp chairs and take it all in – especially stunning early morning and late afternoon as the rocks change colour with the angle…
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Lake Murphy Conservation Park, Qld
We can highly recommend camping at Lake Murphy Conservation Park for a night or two. This Conservation Park, managed by Queensland National Parks, is accessed via the Leichhardt Highway, turning west about 18km north of the town of Taroom. From here, it’s a further 12.5km in total. The last 10.5km into Lake Murphy camping area is dirt and a little rough in just a few places, but no problem at all when driving to conditions. …
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Cape York to Cairns via Cargo Ship
We took a huge leap of faith during our past adventure to Cape York Peninsula when we loaded both our 4WD vehicle and Jayco camper trailer aboard a cargo ship for the trip from Seisia near ‘The Tip’, south to Cairns in Queensland. This added another adventurous component to our Cape York trip that’s for sure! It was a little heart stopping watching our vehicles swaying in the breeze as they made their way down…
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TradeCoast Central Heritage Park, Brisbane Qld
Located at the site of the old Brisbane Airport in the suburb of Eagle Farm, this centre and surrounds provides a fascinating glimpse into Brisbane’s convict past. This heritage listed site was the location of the Women’s Prison and Factory, where in 1836 there were 40 women imprisoned here. By 1839 the remaining prisoners were sent to Sydney when the penal settlement here was disbanded. Today, there are outdoor displays, an interpretive centre, as…
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St Helena Island, Brisbane Qld
This little island situated in Moreton Bay was the site of Queensland’s first penal settlement. In 1967 it became a high security prison for long-term inmates until the 1920s when it then became a prison farm until it’s closure in 1932. The ruins here provide a fascinating glimpse into history and include warder accommodation, a sugar mill, lime kiln and stone causeway. A guided day tour to the island will give you detailed insight to…
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Our Jayco Hawk’s 12 Changes for the Better
Are you keen for some easy mods for your camper trailer? The list below shows the modifications we have undertaken on our own Jayco Hawk Outback camper trailer. These new additions and upgrades have worked well for us, making life on the road easier and more enjoyable. Here’s our list: Non-slip on Stairs Under Bed Insulation LED Lights Tap Pump Inverter and Outlets Direct 12V Power to Fridge from 4WD + Fridge Thermometer Fiamma Awning…
