Trip July 2016 (around the 20th)
So we finally bought another caravan after many many months of searching eventually settling for the Jayco Starcraft Outback. It is a couple of years old but seemingly hardly used. It had all the features we wanted and represented good value for money. We had done a lot of research on what we wanted in a van so our needs were quite specific, 19 to 20 foot, ensuit which meant a separate shower and toilet, washing machine, large fridge & freezer, cafe style table and seats, full oven and hot plates, queen island bed at the front that could be left fully extended, microwave, reverse cycle air con, rear door, dual wheels, good clearance and a reasonable strong metal frame, and a modern look. An entry door at the rear left which hinged on the left. We got all that and more in the outback and after three days on the road are more than happy. Extra features like the tunnel boot, one touch fridge which switches automatically from electric to gas, single switch to light the hot water, led 12v lighting, solar panel, 1 battery, TV, radio, fly screens and blackout blinds, all go to make this a great van.
I installed some extras, a second battery, and 4 12 volt outlets and now carry a 3200kva generator which has electric and wireless start features. Plan to wire in an inverter to the system so the many power points in the van can be used via a 12 volt feed. Thinking that I’ll just install a 15amp rotary switch (change over switch), that manually switches from 240v, off, and inverter. One solar panel is not a lot of power so you can’t run high powered devices such as microwaves, fridges, hair dryers, kettles, for long if at all, but it’s great for the TV, phone & camera chargers, computer, fan, and lights.
Most of the lights in the van have wireless switches. They work through a 6 channel relay. This means there are no wires going down to the switches so switches can be easily installed anywhere and you have 6 switching options (6 lights or 6 groups of lights). This is all pretty cool but the ensuit is a little strange. Many bathrooms have a centre light and a mirror light which can be switched separately. The van has this but they are on the one switch and it’s quite difficult to change. Anyway more on the van later….
Its inaugural trip is up to Townsville way via the camps at Braemar Park, Texas, and Nindigully Pub Hotel. First time at Nindigully where the camp site is on an expanse of dirt next to the Pub and Moonie River. The river is more like a swamp, billabong, at this time and the pub & hotel are like an old large ranch style house. It has verandas and ground level, across the front and the walking surface is made up of old boards, slightly warped and holey. Matildas (the dog) foot fell through a few holes as we walked around at happy hour. The camp site is free and has outside flushing toilets and showers at the pub.
From Nindigully we made our way to Elphinstone Lake via the free camps at Surate, Virgin Rock, and the Clermount BP roadhouse. The roadhouse had large areas beside it for rigs and allowed use of the hot showers, washing machine ($4) and dryer simply for buying something at the store. They didn’t seem to worry too much if you didn’t buy at the shop, just good old country hospitality, a service which you certainly would not get on the coast.
First time at Lake Elphinstone, a beautiful spot with a large lake often used for skiing, weight boarding, and the Redclaw crayfish, and at this time filled with water.
Not too many Redclaw but lots of bird life, serenity, and good company. We counted over one hundred rigs at this place, most with a couple of bods. There was a hill; well maybe a bit more than a hill, a rocky crag, sandstone, at least a few hundred meters hike and probably 80 meters up cross the road on the other side of the camp. For me it was an invitation to get high and snap a photo, an aerial photo of the camp site. It was also just nice to be on a ledge, quiet moments looking down on the world. At the lake we meet two groups, who were friends of our friends from Coffs, small world as they say.
We moved on to catch up with friends in Townsville, returning to the coast highway and stopping at Home Hill on the way. We had been to Home Hill previously, the town encouraging travellers to stay by offering a free rest area, toilets showers, and washrooms, right in their main street. Last time we opted to go to the showground for $10 a night and we decided to do the same again. The price had risen a bit this time to $15 for a powered site. Last time we were here there was about three vans at the park, now it was packed, probably a hundred plus, and likewise in the main street, full, and rigs were starting to use a piece of land adjacent to the camp sites near the railway line, like an overflow area. Wow its unbelievable how many people are travelling on the road, truly unbelievable. We come from a tourist town that discourages this sort of free camping, money in the wrong pockets I guess, but it seems a shame not to offer this service when such a demand is there.
Townsville is such a pretty town, city. It seems to have plenty of open space, good roads, and a great feel. The Riverways complex, multiple large swimming pools, with walkways adjacent the river, all free to wander about, then entertainment buildings, cartoon gallery and ovals, just excellent areas for the locals and visitors to spend some time. Then there is The Strand along the beach front, endless hard surface walking, riding, scatting and the large rock pool, the area dotted with shops and many people. The town has certainly improved the areas well, making it accessible to all.
It was great to spend some time with Teigan and Daniel and they seemed to be doing pretty well for themselves. They certainly have the knack of getting a job as both had secured a job before moving into the town, certainly a skill I have never had.
Soon to move on to a favourite spot at Babinda, hopefully we can find a spot at that great campsite and looking forward to a croc free swim at The Boulders. Well no swim at the boulders, being a NP so no dog, but nice in the river at Babinda although I jumped in with my sunnies on my head, and in the fast flowing stream that was the last I saw of them.
Great spot around Babinda, Josephine falls, another NP but our camp neighbours insisted in minding Matilda while we went for a look. Adjacent the falls park was the highest mountain in Qld, Barte Frere I forget its name, which required an 8 hour hike to the summit. Very tempting but I wasn’t prepared for a night camping out but I may well include it next time I’m up this way. Great spot great stay with three perfect days. Of then to rifle creek at Mount Molloy, cook town for a time, and a return to Babinda on the way back. Again we hit the bakery, local supermarket, and a great hairdresser, before moving on via the pretty coastal drive from Port Douglass to Cairns. An overnight stop at Rolling Stone, a beautiful spot on a clear running river, then back to Townsville.
Did a couple of walks up Castle hill with Dan, ”the goat track” and another, table tennis with the locals while Bonnie caught up with Teigan and the shops.
On the road again after a few days to head down to Mackay.