Queensland trip Aug/Sep/Oct 2013

[MolongMick]

Well we have finally managed to sit down and plan a trip to North Qld. We will travel through Longreach and Richmond, looking for dinosaur fossils, up to the Undara Volcano NP, and go as far north as Port Douglas then travel down the coast.

As we will be trying to limit cost on sites fees as much as possible, (We want the money for sightseeing adventures for the kids) we will be trying to stay at cheaper caravan parks or free camp if there are some good spots along the way.

Six weeks is what we have given ourselves for this trip as we don't really want to rush things too much. One place we do want to visit is Cape Hillsborough Nature Resort, went there as a kid and have some great memories. The rest of the trip is sort of 'Play it by ear', as we would like to stop at places that look nice, so I don't really want to pre-book too many places. (Might be risky)

Has anyone got any ideas for great places to visit with the family that don't cost too much?

 

[Holden_man]

Hey Mick, Last year did a very similar trip but pre panda. In fact it was that trip and having trouble finding suitable family accommodation that gave us the motivation to get the panda. Can't help much with the free camping but can give you advice on places to visit. The highlight at longreach was the Qantas museum and the 747 and 707. The kids found the stockmans hall of fame a bit boring. Age of dinosaurs and lark quary were brilliant. Kronosaurus corner at Richmond was a very high quality display, Hughendon's display was not that great. Loved undara, Cooktown and the museum were worth the visit. The kids really enjoyed Hartleys croc farm, skyrail and the Kuranda rail. We did rail up sky rail down. Sounds like a great trip mate, you will have a ball..... HM

 

[Xpandafan]

Jeez, you're going to spoil those kids, MM.
Six weeks is ideal. Allows time to tarry when you find your own magical spots or events.
(We once unintentionally arrived in the Callide Valley a few days before the cotton festival/show/rodeo and international beer festival. Stayed a week. Something educational for all the family.)
There's rodeos at Quilpie and Mt Isa, Drovers Festival at Camooweal, and festivals at Winton and Charters Towers during the time you're away. As long as you have a big hat you're made very welcome.

 

[Holden_man]

Jeez, you're going to spoil those kids, MM.
Six weeks is ideal. Allows time to tarry when you find your own magical spots or events.
(We once unintentionally arrived in the Callide Valley a few days before the cotton festival/show/rodeo and international beer festival. Stayed a week. Something educational for all the family.)
There's rodeos at Quilpie and Mt Isa, Drovers Festival at Camooweal, and festivals at Winton and Charters Towers during the time you're away. As long as you have a big hat you're made very welcome.

And a Maroon jersey XF....
Best to leave the blue one at home MM......

 

[chartrock]

And a Maroon jersey XF....
Best to leave the blue one at home MM......

Wear your blue jersey with pride Mick.

 

[ragracing]

There is a place about 30kms before Longreach called Ilfacombe. On the side of the road they have old machinery which my kids loved as you can climb all over it. It goes for about a mile hence the name Machinery Mile.

 

[Brad & Donna]

Mick, your coming up to gods country mate !

agree with all comments above. On your route it looks like you are going from Hughendon to Mt Garnet through the Lynd rd. Have been through there A couple of times and there is about 200 Kms of dirt which is generally not to bad however there is a few low creek crossings on the Mt garnet end which close really easily so if there has been any rain around just check with police.
Between Mt Garnet and Atherton is a little place called Innot hot springs, there is free camping there and quite a good over night stop as there is actuall running hot springs where you swim even in winter.
Another good stop we like is Rollingstone beach big 4 , it's about 60 k north of Townsville, really nice and relaxing.
Also if you get on the Outback qld events web site and have a look there maybe some good festivals and things on your route Which you can work into your adventure.

 

[MolongMick]

Thanks for all of the feedback so far.

Some of these places I never knew of, and I will put them on my list of places to see and stay.

Many thanks.

 

[Geoff]

Hey Mick.
Trip looks great. Coastal areas very busy during that period and would consider calling ahead for these legs.
Geoff