52# eussI CHAMBERS
THREDBO
HORSESHOE
GORGE
DIGGINGS
BEND
South Australia
New South Wales
Victoria
A WORD OR TWO FROM
THE EDITOR Matt Bloomfield
I know, I know! We haven’t put out a magazine for a few months and for this I am sorry. We have been so busy working in the background for Live2Camp.com.au we haven’t had a spare moment to put together a magazine. There are two things that we have been flat out with; Firstly, we recently returned from three weeks travelling through the Alpine and Victorian High Country regions, as well as following the Murray River as far as we could. Oh and yes, we popped into the Grampians as well. Filming all the great campgrounds we could find in these areas so you can watch them at home and plan your next epic camping trip. IF you haven’t been to these areas before then you definitely need to keep an eye on our website over the next couple of months. You are going to be inspired and want to get out camping as soon as possible. Secondly, we have been busy planning our very own bush campground.
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That’s right, we are taking all the things we love most from all the campgrounds we have visited, and are putting them all into our very own campground in Northern NSW. It’s a few years off yet but the plans are done and awaiting council approval. As soon as they are approved work will begin and before you know it we will be open for business. As you can imagine this has been keeping us pretty busy and we will keep you updated on the progress. So, in the meantime, sit back and enjoy the 25th Edition of our Live2Camp Australia Magazine. It’s chocka full of great campsites and camping advice. I’m sure you will be roaring to go on your next camping trip once you’ve finished reading it! Happy Camping!
IN THIS ISSUE 04 06
CHAMBERS GORGE Flinders Ranges, South Australia
PLANNING TRIPS AROUND THE SEASONS Seasons of Northern Australia
10
THREDBO DIGGINGS
13
TIP OF THE MONTH
Kosciuszko National Park
Gazebo v annex
14
HORSESHOE BEND
16
WOMAN'S PERSPECTIVE
Cobram Regional Park
Driving the Snowy Rivers Road / Barry Way
18
MATT'S PRODUCT REVIEW The Outdoor Connection's Fiesta Sun Shelter
20
THE PURPLE PUB Normanton Queensland
CHAMBERS GORGE Matthew Bloomfield
I love it when we come across a campground that is a little bit different.
it is literally in the middle of nowhere!
One that isn’t quite as structured as you
We kept an eye out though, and used a
would find in a National Park campground
navigator, and before we knew it we had
for example. A campground that is not
found the sign that pointed down a
only free but set in a beautiful outback
dusty and corrugated track towards the
bush setting. A more natural campground
campground. Perfect, it doesn’t get any
so to speak. Well on a trip through South
better than driving down a good old
Australia last year, we found just such a
fashion outback dirt road to get to a
campground in Chambers Gorge. And we
campground. The actual campground is
could have stayed a week. I have to
absolutely huge!! I guess the best way
admit, the campground was a little
to describe it, is a long dirt road that
difficult to find,
runs
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Click here for the Chambers Gorge Campground video
through a huge rocky gorge with
Unbelievable and it didn’t cost a cent.
campsites running off everywhere.
Ok so I’m not proud of this but I was
That’s right, there are no designated
so excited by this campground that I
campsites or facilities for that matter
left Lize to set up the camper and
however there are large areas with
headed for the highest point I could
great shade under stunning gum trees
find. Well, what can I say! And this is
which you are most likely to have all
where the wild goats were wandering.
to yourself. Oh, and you can forget
I’m not talking about just a couple of
about grass but that’s what I love
goats, I’m talking about hundreds of
about the outback. On arrival into the
goats. They were all through the
campground we were definitely a bit
gorge. With a beer in each pocket and
overawed to start with.
a camera in hand, I walked up the
A CAMPGROUND THAT IS NOT ONLY FREE BUT SET IN A BEAUTIFUL OUTBACK BUSH SETTING So, we decided to drive the full length
steep embankment to a ledge that had
of the dirt road and check out all the
spectacular views back over the gorge
campsites before making a decision on
and our campsite. I settled in took a
which one would be our home for the
few photos and slowly enjoyed the
night. This was a great decision as it
two cold beers I’d taken with me.
turned out, as we found a cracking
Thankfully, when I finally made my
campsite under the shade of a huge
way back down to our campsite I was
gum tree, next to a dry creek bed with
surprised to find that Lize had
endless views of the other side of the
completely finished setting up!! This is
gorge.
certainly one magic campground! LIVE2CAMP 5
Planning your camping trip around the seasons
Time of year is important We were very fortunate recently to have Lize’s Aunt and Uncle visit us from The Netherlands. This was the first time they had been to Australia and took it as a great opportunity to travel as far as they could and see as much of this beautiful country as they could. We spent some time with them and took them on a very quick trip to Fraser Island which was absolutely amazing. 6 LIVE2CAMP
Whilst they were here, they also went to the Northern Territory with visits to Uluru and Kings Canyon as well as drive themselves in a campervan all the way from Cairns to Brisbane. What a fantastic trip and a great experience for them this was, but why am I writing about this? Well, there was one thing that really disappointed me about their trip.
WET and DRY
Unfortunately, they booked it all in the Netherlands and took the word of their local travel agent which meant the entire trip was booked for the month of February!
And, if you know anything about travelling in Australia, February is probably not the best time to be travelling through the Red Centre or Far North Queensland. When they arrived in the Northern Territory, it was
SEASONS OF NORTHERN AUSTRALIA
stinking hot, and I mean the over 50 degrees celsius kind of hot!! I have to give it to the tour guides who took them around, by all accounts, they did a fantastic job of trying to make the trip as comfortable as they could but let’s face it, it’s never comfortable at those kinds of temperatures, especially when you come from a country like the Netherlands.
After conquering the red centre, they headed up to Cairns where they picked up a campervan and planned on making their way slowly down the coast towards Brisbane. Being the wet season, the rains soon came, and boy did they come! It rained for days and days, causing their planned route to flood. With that route blocked, they were forced to make a several large detours to head south and finally meet up with us. LIVE2CAMP 7
When we met up, they assured us that they had had a great time and that it had been a fantastic trip but I’m sure it would have been a much better an experience if they hadn’t baked in scorching temperatures or drowned in flooding waters. When we quizzed them as to why they had travelled to these parts of Australia at that time of year, they told us that no one had explained to them about the different seasons. They had no idea that with Australia being so large, the northern parts of Australia such as Queensland, the Northern Territory and the northern parts of Western Australia do not have the normal four seasons in a year. They have just the ‘wet’ and ‘dry’. If they had known this prior to booking the trip, they would certainly have come at a different time. So, for those of you who were not aware of the different seasons in Australia, if you are planning a trip to the northern parts of Australia make sure you plan your trip for the dry season. Generally, the best time to travel through these parts is between April and September as the days are sunny and cool and the nights are beautiful and cold with very little rain. Otherwise, head to the southern parts of Australia where the temperatures are a little more reserved. If you ever have any questions about when the best time is to travel to certain places, don’t hesitate to send me an email.
Matt Bloomfield 8 LIVE2CAMP
www.outdoorcampingdisorder.com
THREDBO DIGGINGS MATT BLOOMFIELD There are a number of places in Australia that have been at the top of my camping bucket list for as long as I can remember, in fact I would say they are the same places for every person who loves bush camping. I’m talking about places such as Cape York, the Simpson Desert, the Kimberleys and of course the Alpine/High Country region. I have wanted to travel through the Alpine region that borders the Victorian and NSW borders ever since I was a kid and finally at the age of 46, I got to tick it off my bucket list. The whole area is full of great camping spots, but there is one campground that really stood out for me. I know I lot of you will say it’s not the most remote campsite in the area and that it is full of tourists but sometimes it is about the pure camping experience and if you are looking for the quintessential alpine region campground then look no further than the Thredbo Diggings Campground! This campground looked like it was straight out of a camping brochure. As we headed out of Jindabyne and made our way out on the windy bitumen road I started to get really excited. LIVE2CAMP 10
THE QUINTESSENTIAL ALPINE REGION CAMPGROUND I knew I was close to fulfilling my dream and as I paid my fees at the little toll booth at the start of the National Park and the line markings on the road went from white to yellow, I knew I had finally made it. It's only a short drive past the toll booth before we found the turn off sign to the campground and before we knew it we were driving into the picture prefect campground. The campground itself is really quite small and due to it being so popular we found it was very busy but. 11 LIVE2CAMP
we soon found a nice campsite with its own fire pit and shady trees. There was plenty of room between us and the next door neighbours, and it even had views of the surrounding mountains. The facilities are very basic with just drop toilets but that’s not why you go to this campground. I would highly recommend though that you arrive quite early in the day to get a good spot as it filled up very quickly. We started setting up and it wasn’t long
Click here for the Thredbo Diggings Campground video
before we were completely surrounded by the very cheeky and curious ducks. Make sure you watch your food! Once set up, it was time for a short walk down to one of the most beautiful and tranquil creeks I have ever seen. We sat for hours next to the creek watching the crystal clear waters trickle past whilst every so often looking up at the huge mountains that surrounded us. I could have sat there forever. I even took a short walk along the creek right on dust only to spot a huge deer eating on the banks. What a memory. The highlight of this camping experience wasn’t to come until the next morning though, as we woke up to a quite chilly morning, the entire area was covered in a fog. This gave you a true feeling of being in an Alpine region. The fog slowly lifted during the morning to expose the mountain range under the bright sunshine. This made for some amazing photos. I can’t recommend this campground enough and I will definitely be stopping there again the next time I am travelling through the area. 12 LIVE2CAMP
LIVE2CAMP.COM.AU BUSH AND BEACH CAMPING DIRECTORY click on the links:
LIVE2CAMP'S
TIP OF THE MONTH Gazebo v Annex
When setting up camp, my preference is definately for a quick one, especially after a long day of driving. My tip this month is to use a gazebo instead of the camper annex if you want to have a quicker set up. The annex that comes with your camper or caravan is great when you are staying in one place for more than a day or two that's for sure, and they can be fantastic but most annexes do take quite some time and effort to set up, and after a long day driving,
I'd rather be relaxing than spending hours setting up. We bought a gazebo just recently which can be set up by just one person. It's waterproof and comes with sand bags for the poles in case you can't peg into hard ground. It fits nice and snugly against the camper and covers the kitchen and sitting area. I love it and highly recommend it for a quicker and easer set up.
by Lize Bloomfield
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Horseshoe Bend Matt Bloomfield
The Murray River is a massive two and half thousand kilometres long.
The Murray winds its way along the Victorian and NSW border and has been an iconic camping destination for families from both of these states for decades. Personally, I had never had the opportunity to camp there myself but had heard stories as a kid growing up in Melbourne of families making their yearly pilgrimage to this area. So when Lize told me we were going to film campsites along the Murray River on our last trip, I was absolutely wrapped. 14 LIVE2CAMP
I couldn’t wait to finally go and check out this area for myself. The Murray River is a massive two and a half thousand kilometers long and it is absolutely full of great camping spots along its many beaches. Some of them are easier to find then others however, on our last trip we filmed so many of them that I lost count. There was one campsite though that well and truly stuck in my mind.
Click here for the Horshoe Bend Campground video
The Horseshoe Bend campground is located a short distance from Yarrawonga in Victoria and is a fine example of a great camping spot on the mighty Murray. There are absolutely no facilities at this campground, so you need to be selfcontained, but that’s not why you go camping here. It’s the lovely grassed camp spots that are scattered under the big red gums with awesome water views. We were fortunate enough that it was not very busy when we were there, so we were able to tuck ourselves up one end of the campground on a grassed area right next the water. Don’t worry, we made sure we were far enough away from the big branches of the red gums that have a bad habit of ruining your camping experiences by randomly dropping a branch on your head. There was nothing finer that afternoon than sitting at our campsite within a couple of meters from the water whilst we had some cheese and crackers all washed down with a cold beer. We didn’t even go for a walk around the campsite, there was no need. The view was so good, we didn’t need to see anything else. This is a free campground and we found it very tranquil and relaxing which is exactly the kind of campsite we needed after a couple of very busy days filming on the great Murray River. LIVE2CAMP 15
ONE OF AUSTRALIA'S AMAZING DIRT ROADS
A WOMAN'S PERSPECTIVE By Lize Bloomfield
SNOWY RIVER ROAD / BARRY WAY On our last trip down to Victoria, Matt and I took on one of the most spectacular drives I’ve ever experienced anywhere in Australia. It’s a big call I know, but this really was an amazing road. The Snowy River Road / Barry Way drive started out as any other and we had no expectations at all, just a road to get us from one camping area to another but we were so pleasantly surprised at what we discovered. We drove in from the Victorian end, which is called the Snowy River Road at this point, and the road was dirt, narrow and windy. With the road falling away down steep inclines and gorgeous valley views. I was glad Matt was driving so I could take it all in. We had a number of camping areas to film including Suggan Buggan Town Reserve, Willis Camp, Running
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Waters, Pinch River and Jacobs River. Before too long we were at Suggan Buggan where the old school house still stands. There is nothing else here but the old school house which has been restored over time and is well worth a look. After Suggan Buggan, the road remains narrow and winds its way down to the Snowy River. From there the road follows the river in a beautiful meandering way until, after Willis Camp, the Snowy River Road crossed the
Victorian – New South Wales border and becomes Barry Way. It continues on to Jacobs River campground which is definitely my pick for camping along this road. From here, the road leaved the river and starts to climb up out of the valley and slowly makes its way through the mountainous country, eventually ending up in Jindabyne. Amazing! A few things to remember; all the camping areas along the way are free, there are some great lookouts to watch out for including Jack’s Lookout and Wallace Craigie Lookout and although the road is beautiful, it’s very narrow and winding and it’s important to take it slow and easy. This road is probably not suitable for large caravans or for travelling on in the rain but please make sure to drive this road at some stage soon. LIVE2CAMP 17
OUTDOOR CONNECTION'S:
FIESTA SUN SHELTER
A Review by Matt Bloomfield
When our kids were younger, one of our favourite things to do on a weekend was to take the kids down the beach and watch them play in the shallows. Due to living under Australia’s hot summer sun, standing out in this sun for hours was not only hard going but was tough on our skin. I wish all those years ago we had had an Outdoor Connection Fiesta Sun Shelter so 18 LIVE2CAMP
we could have sat for hours on our favourite beach safe from all the dangerous UV rays. The Fiesta Sun Shelter is made from UPF 50+ rated Lycra fabric and come in two sizes. The lycra fabric makes it incredibly quick and easy to set up.
Simply, lay it out on the ground, either peg it down or fill the sand bags with sand, then lift it up with the two center poles. It’s as easy at that, up in seconds. One of the things I love the most about this shelter is just how easy it is to pack up and carry around. The lycra material makes it so easy to pack away into the small carry bag and throw in the back of the car. The Outdoor Connection Sun Shelter would have made a huge difference to our lives all those years ago when the kids were young and what great is that it’s not only good to use on the beach, it’s also great to use in the bush, whilst on a picnic or camping. I can tell you I will be sure to keep one in the camper or car now for all our future beach and bush camping trips. R
OO D T OU ! M W O O R RN EF E L B D OR ILA AVA ING DIS P CAM
click here for the review video
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The Purple Pub
Normanton QLD
Every country pub I visit has personality. Some little quirky thing about it that makes you want to walk in the front door, sit down and have a beer at the bar. Well that’s how I feel about it anyway. And the Purple Pub in Normanton, Qld is no different, standing out like a large purple beacon in the middle of the main street of Normanton, the Purple Pub is one of the pubs you just have to say you’v e been to. Once you get pass the bright purple façade and walk inside, it’s a beautiful country pub. With a great balcony scattered with a few old locals having a 7oz to the comfy bar stools at the main bar. I certainly enjoyed a very cold frost (or two) at this lovely old pub. The Purple Pub not only serves up good cold beer but also does great pub grub and offers accommodation as well. I highly recommend stopping in at the Purple Pub, not only for a beer but a great photo of yourself sitting on balcony of this purple icon to share with your mates. 20 LIVE2CAMP
by James Guerin
92 Landsborough St, Normanton QLD
UPCOMING CAMPING SHOWS May - June 2019 CAIRNS EXPO Dates: 17th - 19th May 2019 Venue: Cairns Showgrounds, Cairns Website: www.cairnsexpo.com.au
HUNTER VALLEY CARAVAN CAMPING 4WD & FISH SHOW
Dates: 24th - 26th May 2019 Venue: Maitland Showground, Blomfield St, Maitland Website: www.ruralscene.com.au
MACKAY EXPO Dates: 24th - 26st May, 2019 Venue: Mackay Showgrounds, Mackay Website: www.mackayexpo.com
QUEENSLAND'S CARAVAN, CAMPING & TOURING SHOW Dates: 5 - 10 june 2019 Venue: Brisbane Showgrounds, 600 Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills, Brisbane Website: www.caravanqld.com.au
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Q U E S T I O N S A N S W E R S QUESTION: Hi, I just saw one of your videos on YouTube for Cedar Grove campsite. Just wondering what you think is nicer, Amamoor Creek campsite or Cedar Grove? And which one has more to do from the campsite (eg mountain biking or walks etc). Thanks, Martina
ANSWER: Hi Martina, Thanks for contacting us. I definitely lean towards Cedar Grove more as a family camping area. There's a great swimming hole, lots of walks & open spaces. If I'm thinking of the right campground, the Amamoor Creek campsite is an area they use for the Gympie Muster. We went there but didn't film it as it was full of buildings that they use during the muster like bars etc. Anyway, I hope this helps. Matt ***Thanks that’s a great help!! I’ve just booked Cedar Grove.***
and messages QUESTION: Hi there I just watched your utube video on Lilydale Free campground on the Clarence river. Thanks so much for the video it looks great. I just was wondering do you know if swimming is ok there and no creepy critters in the water lol. Thanks heaps in advance for any info.
ANSWER: Hi Toni, there is no problem swimming in the beautiful Clarence River. In fact, I do it quite often myself. It is a fresh water river that is full of nothing but fish. It is a great free campground. Hope this helps. Matt
MESSAGE: Matt, Thanks very much for your advice.... great stuff.! You are a legend & will recommend your site to everyone ! Once again, thank you so much for your words of wisdom. It is greatly appreciated !!
Silo art - Rosebery, Victoria
If you have any questions or just want to send us a message, please send them to info@live2camp.com.au
THE MAGAZINE TEAM Editorial: Matt Bloomfield Lize Bloomfield
Authors: Matt Bloomfield James Guerin Lize Bloomfield
Design & Photography: Lize Bloomfield Editorial & Advertising Enquiries info@live2camp.com.au
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