Queensland Short Breaks and Holidays

Posts Tagged ‘camping’

Walking the Queensland Trails Queensland offers some of the most picturesque and enjoyable bushwalking experiences in Australia. There is such a diversity of walks to choose in South East Queensland, with wide coastlines, rainforests, waterfalls, mountains and vast plains all within easy driving distance from Brisbane.

Take the drive up to Cairns via Townsville and Rockhampton and you will be on the road to incredible camping grounds and walking tracks that are hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered. The benefit of travelling in a rental car is the freedom to choose when and where you are going to stop and for how long. If you are an avid bush walker, this is one of the best ways to enjoy getting from one park to another in comfort and with plenty of flexibility. Plan a rough itinerary ahead of schedule, with plenty of room to make changes along the way.

Most national parks in Queensland are closer to the coastline and run up and down the east coast of Australia. As the climate is mainly tropical, most times of the year are perfect for heading out and enjoying some of the most beautiful and hidden treasures the sunny state has to offer. Be careful in the middle of summer and bring plenty of water and sunscreen as the temperatures can rise quickly. You will also need to plan ahead if you are camping, with permits required in most national parks.

Queensland’s highest mountain, Mount Bartle Frere, is more for the advanced bushwalker but the views are certainly worthwhile. Located not far from Cairns, you will need to set aside a few days to reach the summit. Further north there are walks covering a few days in the famous Daintree rainforest. You need to plan well for these walks as they take two to three days, but cover some incredible scenery.

Fraser Island and Hinchinbrook Island are both worth visiting for their long walks and spectacular scenery. Both large national park islands, they have walks for all levels of fitness, from one day to five days on Hinchinbrook. Carnarvon Gorge has fantastic walks for the whole family. With a large and well maintained camping ground, you can set off straight from your doorstep to see some of the most breathtaking views and natural rock formations. It takes about nine hours from Brisbane via Roma, but stay at least a week and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of a true oasis in the heart of the outback.

Closer to south east Queensland, there are plenty of national parks in each direction. Mount Barney is popular to locals and tourists especially as it is the highest mountain in South Queensland. Set up camp below and then set of for a day or two to experience a diversity of terrain as you head up the mountain. This is not for beginners, with steep climbing involved in some sections, however the summit is worth the trek for a birds eye view of the surrounding park through to the coastline. We took the family to the lower portals on a day trip, it was still a trek taking close to two hours, but worth the rest at the rock pools.

If you are looking for a lot of walks in one area, Lamington National Park, located closer to the New South Wales border, is one of the best choices as there is so much available for all fitness levels, there is an abundance of birdlife and wildlife, and it covers an extensive rainforest area. There are a number of shorter walks leading to some incredible views, and there are a number of overnight walks for keener bushwalkers.

The Sunshine Coast offers some incredible walks in the Great Sandy National Park. The crystal clear streams running through pristine white sands is something you have to see, and there are a number of amazing camping grounds available, especially in Rainbow Beach and across to Fraser Island. The Cooloola Wilderness Trail is the most popular and from start to finish is a three day walk. It covers some of the best rainforest and freshwater sections of the park and is worth the visit. The Hinterland Great Walk in the Sunshine Hinterland starts in Montville and meanders over some of the most breathtaking mountainous scenery, including the famous Kondalilla Falls, ending in the Mapleton forest. You can enjoy this walk in sections or complete the full seven hour walk over a few days.

This is only a handful of some incredible walking tracks available in Queensland. Maybe choose a few and plan your driving holiday around them. There is nothing better than getting outdoors and enjoying nature at its best in spectacular surroundings, and there is no better time to start planning your bushwalking holiday than now.

Jenny Brewer is a travel agent whose passion is writing. After spending her leisure time writing time writing childrens stories, she now enjoys writing about travel destinations. For more of her articles visit Car Hire Australia

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Bribie Island is located off the coast of Southern Queensland, a mere 65 kilometres north of Brisbane. Easy access by bridge makes this island a popular tourist destination for surfers, fishermen, bird watchers, and those who just like to get away from it all. Bribie Island has various accommodation options ranging from caravan parks, to 4WD camping sites along the ocean. Whether you have a campervan or 4WD campervan, there is certainly going to be somewhere to park your motorhome.
Getting To Bribie Island.

For the driver coming from Brisbane, stay on the Bruce Highway travelling north for approximately 65 kilometers, until you come to the Bribie Island turn off signs. Access to the island is by a bridge.
Camping.

For those who prefer solitude and camping amongst the sand dunes along the ocean front, there is a vast National Park that is 4WD access only. Permits are needed for both the driving and the camping. These can be obtained on Bribie at Bongaree Caravan Park.

No facilities are provided for the 4WD camper; all supplies and water must be brought in yourself.
There are also caravan parks that you are able to stay in if you prefer modern amenities.
There are many restaurants, grocery shops, and even restaurants and hotels on Bribie for the visitor to purchase anything from fuel, bait, provisions, firewood, and alcohol.
Things to see and do on Bribie Island

4WDriving along the beachfront on the eastern side of the island is allowed with a permit.
Fishing. Both the ocean and Pumicestone Passage offer the keen fisherman plenty of spots to throw out a line.

The Pumicestone Passage Marine Park lies between Bribie Island and the mainland. This sheltered strip of water is home to not only fish, prawns, and crabs, but also dolphins and dugongs.
Surfing.

Birdwatching at Buckley’s Hole Conservation Park. This park is located on the southern end of the island and can showcase as many as 190 different wading and water birds.
Bike riding. Bribie Island is covered in bike paths.

Water sports. The ocean and the sheltered Pumicestone Passage are perfect venues for all forms of water sports.

Boating is especially useful for the remote locations that can only be reached by water transport. There are numerous boat ramps all over the island.
Dingoes. Great to photograph, but do not get too close or attempt to feed.
Careful!

Taking some insect repellant is a necessity here.
Read up on dingo safety if you are planning on leaving the Island’s suburbia. 4WDriving on the beach is best done at low tide.

Speeds are enforceable on the island. 50 km/hour is the maximum allowed on the beach. Keep your seat-belt fastened and drive on designated tracks only.
Permits are needed for both 4WDriving and camping in the National Park.
No domestic pets are allowed in the National Park.
Conclusion.

Bribie Island is a great holiday destination for anyone who enjoys water sports. Camping facilities range from caravan parks, perfect for the motorhome, through to 4WD access only camping. Bribie is easily accessible via a bridge and can be as civilised or as remote a camping holiday as you want. Both campervan rentals and 4WD campervans are popular options on this island.

To visit the Bribie Island you can get a campervan hire in Brisbane

Check out http://www.autorentals.com.au for all things relating to camper hire in Australia.

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