Jess and Andy are part of the emerging trend of people ditching the 9-5 for an adventurous life of travelling, trading and living on the road. Here, they share some unique camping experiences in Queensland.
The couple founded their micro business Round & Round Travelling Coffee in April, 2017. Originally hailing from the coffee mecca that is Melbourne’s inner northern suburb of Brunswick, they were always desperate to escape the rat race. They spent 9 months developing a good business plan, saving, getting advice, purchasing equipment, choosing the best suppliers, finding the perfect coffee chariot and building relationships before hitting the road in January 2018. They have now been travelling for nine months and have never looked back!
Who misses their bath when travelling on the road? WE DO! So when we heard about a place that had a 45 minute complimentary hot artesian bath session included with the campsite fee, we were in!
Julia Creek is located on the Overlanders Way, 650km west of Townsville and 250kms east of Mt Isa. A small town with a population of only approximately 500 people, where an awesome caravan park exists. It’s a council run park with fabulous amenities, seasonal bush dinners, but best of all the bath houses. Each one looks like a water tank, but walk around the front and you’ll find each has 2 comfy deep claw baths with sliding doors to take in the views that Outback Queensland is famous for. My advice is keep the doors open, no one can see in. The open roof is perfect to watch the sun go down or gaze at the night stars, which are epic out there in the Outback!
We love our beer, and are always on the lookout for awesome pubs around Australia. We couldn’t drive past the beautiful family owned Prairie Hotel, located on the Flinders Hwy half way between Hughenden and Torrens Creek. It’s a basic camp area out back, but that’s forgiven by the amazing pub and warm hospitality inside.
Turn up for dinner from 6pm and sit around a table with other fellow travellers and share a meal and travel stories. Be sure to say hello to the friendly buffalo out back named Buffy!
Endeavor River Escape, Cooktown
Located 16kms north of Cooktown, host Terry owns a beautiful property where he grows the most delicious passionfruit in Australia. This sizeable bush camp consists of huge private designated sites each with its own fire pit. There’s hot showers, toilets and a great camp kitchen. There are some great walks to do from the property and some guide books about the indigenous history in the area.
Ringers Rest, Mareeba
Never on this trip have we met someone like host Dave. What a life he’s lived and so many stories to share. This camp is located only 5kms from Mareeba, and is a great base to explore the area. You may even be lucky enough to wake up early and see the hot air balloons take off and land right on or near the property. There’s a communal fire pit and heaps of flat space for camping and big rigs. There are toilets available but no showers.
Wazzas Platypus Bushcamp, Finch Hatton
We’ve stayed here twice on our trip and have become quite good mates with host Wazza. It’s definitely our favorite spot in Queensland. Wazza is such a character! A straight shooter, who says it how it is, which is why we love him so much. A heart of gold, but he’s doing it tough these days with shocking back pain and health problems and after 25 years is actually in the process of trying to sell his beautiful rainforest retreat. Try and check it out and meet the legend while you still can. This property has an amazing swimming hole and separate platypus viewing pool, outdoor rainforest showers, toilets with the occasional friendly frog, and a communal fireplace and cheeky cockatoo “Rocky” who loves to show off to passers by. 2 kms down the road is the amazing Finch Hatton Gorge which is a must do when in the area.
Warrigal Ridge Bush Camp
Just 40 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Noosa, this amazing property is run by friendly host John. A music lover and amazing harmonica player. Two different camping areas are on offer depending on your set up and availability. Each with amazing mountain views, fire pit, showers and toilets. There’s a dam to swim in and even a couple of woodfire baths overlooking the stunning rolling hills of the region.
–Jess and Andy
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