Woody Head Camping Ground Bundjalung National Park {Review}

Woody Head - a great place for exploring the rock pools - only metres away from your pitch.

Woody Head Camping Ground is in the Bundjalung National Park, not far from the small town of Iluka in Northern NSW.  This place is magnificent!  

Those that know this park will happily testify that it is one of their favourites in Australia. We happily agree. This is a place where you can camp right near the water, with stunning water views and also be away from the crowds (well at least during the week), a special piece of paradise.

Ocean views from many of the sites

Our pitch

We were lucky enough to see a school of stingrays on a walk around the craggy rocks, apparantly washed in from a tide but unable to get back out. The day we were leaving was the rescue attempt by the NSW Park and Wildlife.

We also went on a walk through the World Heritage National Park Rainforest walk, hoping to see a rare bird - the Noisy Pitta.  We didnt see it, but it was a good way to see other local wildlife, birds, kangaroos, skinks and the coastal emu - of which only a hundred or so survive.

All sites here are unpowered, but the park does have hot showers (20 cent charge, so bring change!) and flush toilets. The park is generally quiet during the week, but gets busy on the weekends and school holidays.  You can pre book online and even reserve a site though, so do your homework, pick a date and hop online and book. 

View from the beach to G1 - the best site at Woody Head in our opinion

Woody Head camping sites

I looked around the grounds and G1 was my pick of the sites as it is unobstructed views to the water. If you want some privacy and being on the water isn't a must then G9 is tucked away nicely, and has their own fire pit, as well as being reasonably close to the amenities block.

Each site has a levelled, shade-cloth covered pitch area, which makes pitching a breeze.  

This is a fantastic place for families as the water is shallow, lots of exploring the rock pools for kids, and fires at night to toast marshmallows.   Kangaroos feed late in the afternoon, and Plovers build their nests near sites, sitting patiently on their eggs.  You can also spot Goannas here too. 

We will be back here again soon.  This is one of the most magnificent places we have stayed to date.  Leave the window and door flaps open at night, and fall asleep star gazing! 

Woody Head is only a 2 minute drive from Iluka which has a new supermarket, a petrol station, and several shops. It is a nice village on the water with many holiday cottages. It is pleasant just ambling around the shops and taking in all the sea views. A short ferry ride will take you across to the more upmarket Yamba, which is  lively with tourists.  There is a good fisherman's co-op which sells fresh Yamba Prawns and seafood ( try the cooked whiting). 

The Iluka Sunset

We prefer  sleepy Iluka, which hasn't changed at all in 20 years. For a great sunset view, head to the Iluka Hotel on the Waterfront, take a table outside, a drink,  and relax and take in the views.  For dinner we chose the Chinese restaurant at the local Bowls Club - the prawns were fantastic! 

Happy Camping!

Twisty Campfire Bread {Recipe}

Twisty Campfire Bread!

3 cups plain flour
1/8 cup natural sugar
3 tsp sea salt
1 tbls baking powder
4 tbls very soft butter
2 tsp warm water

* Mix all the dry ingredients by hand in a bowl.
* Pour in the water and bring together. It may feel dry, in which case add water drop by drop.
* Cut up the soft butter and mix into the mixture, knead until soft and glossy.
* Split into equal size balls, about the size of a golfball, and roll out between your hands into a snake shape.
* Wind the snake around the green sticks (these must be green wood so that they don’t burn easily).
* You can, at this point, egg wash the bread and then cook over a hot flame until golden.

Source: The Girl with the Wooden Spoon

Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat {Review}

Jindabyne - Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat 

The Snowy Mountains are great to visit all year round, but for those of us who live in the Sunshine State, winter and flurries of snow can make the heart pump a little faster.  

So the posh camping team took a trip to Jindabyne recently, and this is what we discovered.

I love meaningless facts and therefore I am now proud to announce we stayed at Australia's Highest Tourist Park.  We are talking about Kosciuszko Retreat which is actually situated inside the National Park itself.  Close by are the Perisher ski fields (15 minutes drive on sealed roads), Lake Jindabyne and many good bushwalking trails. The park is just 15 minutes drive from the Jindabyne township which has a good selection of restaurants, not to mention one of the most fantastic book stores in the land.

Photo via Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat.  Cosy cabins in winter!

Only the very hardy would brave camping here in winter! 

We chose the option of staying in an Alpine Cabin. The cabin itself was basic but clean, and tidy with full kitchen and bathroom facilities. There were just three in our party but it slept six. 
The view is great - we saw Kangaroos out our window most days and there are good views to the National Park. We cooked most nights and sat around the outdoor fires and reflected over a glass or two of red wine. We loved the ambience of the place.

The skifields are close by, and so with Winter being the busy season. the price goes up for the cabins, although the website offers specials for longer stays. There are a few different types of cabins and camping, and on-site van options are also available.  We are hoping to try the camping option in one of the warmer months, as it does snow here in the park.  The camping areas are private, quiet and shady.  This is definitely a back to nature park, and that is the way we like it! 

This felt like the camping we did as kids - it felt traditional and wholesome, being in the peace of the National Park, with the mountains nearby. This felt like our special place, and whilst there were other people about, there was a overwhelming serenity and earthiness about staying here.

The owners are friendly and willing to help out. You can buy your ice here at the small reception store as well as an ice cream and drinks.  Jindabyne is close in any case and we managed to find a Gloria Jeans for our coffee fix. 

There is a kitchen and dining room that is a good meeting spot for everyone. It has a nice central fire that we all sat around and kept warm by at night.  In the wintery cold, the food and the wine seemed to taste better.

We loved this place. We will be back. 

Handy hint - hire your ski gear in Jindabyne before heading up to your accommodation, it is cheaper and faster than doing it at the slopes!

The fine details:

The Tourist Park is situated inside the Kosciuszko National Park (Fee's apply) and provides a variety of Snowy Mountains  accommodation in self-contained Cabins & Chalets, Caravan sites and Camping facilities.

The unique location is surrounded by the Perisher Valley ski fields, Alpine Lakes, Trout streams, pristine Alpine bushland and wildlife. There 51 bushwalking tracks nearby and we have the benefit of many restaurants and shops just 15 minutes away in Jindabyne.

PMB3 Jindabyne, NSW 2627
Phone: (02) 6456 2224 .. Fax: (02) 6456 1415 

Email: info@kositreat.com.au 

Park Features

Self Contained Accommodation: All of our accommodation is fully self-contained for the convenience of families and those guests who prefer to prepare their own meals. Drive Through Caravan Sites: All powered caravan site are spacious  'Drive-through' set among the snowgums and have their own campfire*. Most sites also have the convenience of a picnic table & bench seats near their site. Campfires: Campfires* are provided to all powered sites and to most of the unpowered camping sites Camp Kitchen:   A large camp kitchen is provided for the enjoyment of all guests. It is fully equipped with a large barbecue, two stoves (with ovens), sink and food preparation area, Fridges, a  large wood fireplace* with lounges, dining table & chairs, a billiard table.  *Bagged fire wood available at office. Bushwalking Tracks: Many of the 58 Alpine Bushwalking in the Kosciuszko National Park start at or nearby Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat. There are picturesque  alpine tracks  to suit all ages and level of fitness. Wildlife: Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat has a family of kangaroos living in the Park. Also in the surrounding bushland there are wallabies, wombats, squirrel gliders, possums and platypus in the nearby streams, and, if you walk quietly enough and remain vigilant you may spot a spotted-tailed quoll or pygmy possum. The pygmy posum is a mouse sized animal that was believed to be extinct until unexpectedly discovered in 1966. Like othe small mammals in the alpine region, the pygmy possum survives the winter under a layer of snow.   Mountain Streams: Running through Kosciuszko Mountain Retreat is 'Sawpit Creek*' which runs into the Thredbo River just a short distance from our park. Also close by is the famous Snowy River. Most of these provide excellent trout fishing spots in a beautiful alpine setting. *Closed to fishing Drying Room: For the benefit of our skiers, we provide a large Drying Room throughout  winter to ensure you have dry boots and Clothes for your next day on the snow.   Playground: A playground is provided to keep our smaller guests entertained with a basketball hoop for the older kids. Kiosk: A modest kiosk is situated in the reception office to provide basic need of our guests. - Milk, bread, ice, sweets, ice-creams, drinks, firelighters, Bagged fire wood  and some basic packet and tined food items. Proximity to Restaurants & Shopping Centre: It is just a 10 minute drive down the mountain to Jindabyne where you will find many excellent restaurants as well as a major shopping centre with a Woolworths Supermarket for your food and personal supplies.

Posh Kids Camping Crafts!

Camping is always a great way to connect with your family and so is craft, so why not combine the two?  We love both in our house.  Camping is such a special time away.  Not only does it allow us to connect with nature but it helps us connect with each other.

Here is a list of 20 fabulous crafts for your kids for your next trip away via U Create

20 Crafts for Kids 

Click here to see them all!

Name Plate Can

Leaf Art

Cane Village Holiday Park Bundaberg Qld {Review}

A few weeks ago we travelled to Bundaberg to catch up with family, and knowing there was a wide range of camping grounds about, we didn't bother to book anywhere.  A small risk as after all is was the weekend.

We had a drive through the numerous beach camping grounds nearby.  Bargara Beach was our favourite. The grounds are close to the coffee/food precinct which has certainly become more upmarket since my last visit here many years ago. The afternoon by the beach was windy, too windy for the small dome tent we had with us, so we found ourselves heading into the safety of Bundaberg itself looking for somewhere to put up our tent where the wind wouldn't blow us around all night.

Photo via Cane Village Holiday Park

We found the peaceful and friendly Cane Village Holiday Park.  Well positioned on a side road but just a few minutes walk to the aptly named Sugarland shopping centre.

We dithered about, deciding if the wind would die down but in the end opted for the safety of a cabin for the night.  There was only a budget cabin left but to us, hot and bothered after a day's sun and wind, it was a little piece of luxury.

It had a seperate room with an overhead fan, but lots of flyscreened windows that let the cool breeze float in. The kitchen was basic, but well set up with utensils, frypans and fridge/freezer.  Master 8 had a set of bunks in the front room which also doubled as a kitchen and living area. There was a flatscreen television which is still a rarity for many holiday parks.

The park itself felt like being on a small tropical island,  palms everywhere around the grounds which also made the grounds seem more peaceful and serene, even though many people were about.

Our cabin had no ensuite but we were just nearby the amenities block which is one of, if not the best I have encountered.  Sixteen individual toilet, shower and handbasin bathrooms, all large, spacious and clean. 

It was 5 pm and we had time to have a swim before our dinner (sausage sizzle). The pool is  a resort style pool and is set away from the accommodation at the front of the park with ample seating, shade and privacy.  We were the only ones here and it was a great pool to cool off in after the day. Near to the pool is a fantastic sheltered cooking and eating area. Modern new facilities, it also has a flatscreen television and is the perfect area for a small group to relax and eat in.

Photo via Cane Village Holiday Park

The park management were very welcoming and friendly. The upkeep and maintenance of grounds was of an exceptional standard. The campsites themselves look very nice and shady. We earmarked a couple of sites for our next visit in December.

The park is just a few minutes away from Bundaberg central but in a quiet street next to a retirement village. In Bundaberg central itself we found an excellent pub on the main street, The Metropolitan, which had a great value lunch menu with a wide selection. 

A couple of minutes walk away from the holiday park is the large Brother's Leagues Club which offers a selection of bars, entertainment and eating options including a well reviewed Chinese restaurant. 

We enjoyed our stay so much, we stayed an extra night and happily sat out on our patio area,  in our camping chairs with fine food and cold beers. 

Posh indeed! 

The stunning sunset at the holiday park, perfect for happy hour! 

The important details:

Hosts:  Dawn and John
Phone: 07 4155 1022
Address: 94 Twyford St, Bundaberg.

The Park has 2 camp kitchens with BBQs, ample seating with all facilities including TVs, microwaves and fridges. You can take a refreshing dip in the inground salt water pool or relax in the pool lounges with your favourite book. A small playground is available for the little ones to enjoy beside our shaded top camp kitchen and BBQ area.

Facilities:

• Pool - Salt Water
• Public Transport Nearby
• Sites
• Lending Library
• Non Smoking Accommodation Available
• Playground
• Toddler Playground – Outdoor
• Tourist Information and/or Bookings
• Van Valet Parking
• Small - Motorhome Friendly Sites (up to 10m wide x 3m high)
• Sporting venues nearby
• Sullage Available on Powered/Ensuite Sites
• Laundries with Washing Machines & Dryers
• Camp Kitchen
• Caravaning
• Clothes line
• BBQ
• BIG4 Club Local Benefits
• Cabins
• Groups Welcome
• Internet – Net4 Wireless
• Large - Motorhome Friendly Sites (over 10m wide x 3m high)
• Cots & High Chair Hire
• Drive Through Sites
• Gas Swap Bottles/ or Refills
• 
  

Noosa Caravan Park {Review}

Noosa Caravan Park

Noosa can be confusing for the first time visitor. There is Noosa Heads, Noosa Junction and  Noosaville, but one need not worry where you end up, as all are an easy few minutes drive from one another, and more importantly the fantastic beach.
As it was, the Posh Camping team found ourselves driving home last weekend to Brisbane, and after looking through the many holiday parks on the way we were tired and a bit disillusioned.   By the time we hit the Noosa turnoff, it was approaching 5 pm and rather than battle the holiday traffic, we turned in and decided a glass of wine and a camping ground may be more appealing.

Shady camping sites (photo via Noosa Caravan Park)

There are a few choices in Noosa, and  we found ourselves at Noosa Caravan Park, which is located not so much in Noosa but in the quieter streets of Tewantin. This suited us perfectly as Tewantin has a main street with a supermarket, a grand old hotel, and a very good RSL club which has good food.  It is also located a very short drive to the ferry to take you across to Noosa Northshore for fishing, bush walking and beach driving!
The holiday park itself was very busy on the first night, but the receptionist happily let us in and gave us a map of the 5 available sites left for us, to look at.  We found a perfect spot at the rear of the grounds that overlooked a small stream. Our tent was up in minutes and we had time to zip into Hastings Street for an ice cream and a Thai dinner along the Noosa River (not in that order!).

We chose one of these lovely sites (photo via Noosa Caravan Park)

One thing we always look out for when judging a camp park is whether the owners/managers are hands on and taking care of the upkeep of the park. Happily in this case, I wasn't disappointed. The manager was seen out and about several times in our two night stay, picking up palm fronds and looking after the grounds.  Grounds are exceptionally tidy and clean and well maintained.Facilities are basic but clean and surprisingly not crowded considering how full the park was on our first night.


The grounds emptied the next day and I cooked up steak and sausages for dinner in the camp kitchen. Nice and clean with a large commercial sized fridge with ample room for large families and all the guests.  You will find hot plates, bbq plates and microwave as well as continuous boiling water on tap.  

Generous Camp Kitchen area (photo via Noosa Caravan Park)

Overall this was a great little spot to stay for a couple of nights, we personally liked the sites at the rear of the park (numbers 115-120).


There is a small store at the reception which sells drinks, newspapers, and small neccessities. I also spied a Ben and Jerry ice cream stand and noted on the weekend there is a pizza night available.  Next to the reception area is a large pool and games from for the kids.

Internet reception is good but the internet is fairly expensive if you are require a decent download limit.  We just used our phones as hotspots whilst here.  

One of our favourite places to visit in Noosa is the Riveread Book Store and Cafe - wonderful selection of new and used books, great coffee and lots of lovely papery gift items. We always leave with a few paper bags full! 

The gorgeous Noosa River

Happy posh camping!


Noosa Caravan Park
143 Moorindil St, Tewantin, 4565
info@noosacaravanpark.com.au

Facilities include:

• Camp Kitchen

• Barbeques

• TV/Lounge Area

• Games/Recreation Room

• Internet Kiosk and Wi-Fi 

• Heated Swimming Pool

• Children's Wading pool

• Children's Playground

• Table Tennis

• Pool Table

• Baby Bath

• Guest Laundry (Washing Machines, Dryers, Iron)

• Convenience Store

• Tourist Information

• Boat Ramp 800m from park

• LPG Refills

• Disabled Facilities